Holborn Dining Room
London’s restaurant scene constantly changes and evolves, which means there’s always a new crop of culinary spots to check out. Here’s a rundown of our latest favorites.
Describing itself as “a grand British brasserie,” Holborn Dining Room opened recently with a real local flavor. It starts with the classic décor (polished marble floors, plush tweed upholstery and dark oak furniture, as well as a copper-topped bar), continues with the menu (home to Londoner favorites such as lamb chops with bubble and squeak — a fried vegetable hash — and corned beef hash with a fried duck egg, not to mention the extremely boozy desserts) and finishes with the suitably impeccable service. It is housed within the luxurious Rosewood London hotel, just above Lincoln’s Inn Fields, so it’s in a grand London location, too.
What to order: Tuck into the three-course Sunday roast menu. We suggest combining the eggs Benedict, rib-eye with Yorkshire pudding and roasted potatoes, and sherry trifle.
London House
February saw the debut of the latest restaurant in Gordon Ramsay’s empire, London House. Headed by Irish-born chef Anna Haugh-Kelly, the menu has a smorgasbord of influences from Britain, Europe and beyond. The main courses include Norfolk chicken with butter-roasted sweet potato and fried polenta; agnolotti of mushrooms, porcini and parsley pesto; and baked haddock with squid ink and lemon-shellfish dressing. The wine list is extensive and the cocktails unique (try the Hundred Years’ Fizz with Ketel One vodka, pure sea buckthorn juice, English sparkling wine, honey and ginger). Add in the relaxed, lounge-style interior and unfussy service, and it is a very welcome addition to the capital.
What to order: Plump for the pumpkin and pecan soup, Cumbrian beef filet, and the passion fruit posset (a hot sweetened, spiced milk drink curdled with wine).
It isn’t brand new, but Trishna has recently reopened its doors after a long renovation — and it is back with a bang. The renowned restaurant is now all whitewashed walls, wood and glass, and its doors open onto the street, giving it an airy feel. Trishna is an Indian eatery, but serves the lesser-known coastal cuisine of Southwest India, alongside other international influences. Dishes include duck seekh kebab with green chili, onion and pineapple chutney; guinea fowl tikka with masoor lentils, star anise and fennel; and Tulsi scallops with basil and chickpea chutney.
What to order: Choose the full seven-course menu, featuring wild tiger prawns, brown crab and baked yogurt.
Photos Courtesy of Holborn Dining Room and London House
