Sunday lunch at the Lanesborough Grill, London

Nothing says British Sunday as much as a ‘Sunday roast’ does. Home-cooked, gastro pub. And why not, fine dining, the english capital is not lacking in options. And if you opt for fine dining, then why not make it properly special and choose a place that will stick in your memory for years to come? For example, a quintessential British establishment, 5* the Lanesborough Hotel.

REGENCY SPIRIT, CONTEMPORARY GLAMOUR

Such a stunning hotel

Until a few months ago, despite having lived in London for decades, I had not realised the period, creamy white elegant building overlooking wellington arch and Hyde park was actually a hotel. And in a way, this is part of the Lanesborough charme.

Rather than ostentatious, in your face glitter and gold, it has an aura of properly understated elegance. In fact, when I stumbled upon a TV show with Monica Galetti a few months ago which was filmed on site, I had to google the hotel to figure out where in London it was!

My first visit for in the summer to experience their Bridgerton themed afternoon tea (which I reviewed for Food & Wine Italia); with the risk of becoming accustomed to dining here, when we were invited to try out their Sunday Roast at the onsite Grill restaurant, I obviously could not refuse and made it a date lunch with the husband.

Special welcome

We avoided the pre festivities crowds and picked a sunday in January, which happened to be very rainy and very grey. We even came over on the scooter, as it’s the quickest way to get here from our house. Once welcomed inside by liveried door staff, you’re escorted to your destination of choice, be it the bar area, the lounge or the stunning stuccoed conservatory of the Grill. The latter is where we had a table booked to experience their Sunday lunch offering recently revamped menu by chef Shay Cooper. 

Despite the depressive darkness of the day and the rain silently tapping the glass dome, the room was resplendent with its crystal chandeliers and warm lights. Busy but perfectly comfortable ambience, easy to talk and enjoy a glass of champagne while we perused the menu. A pianist was playing at the back and further down the room a tiny newborn was looking around in his dad’s arms, and we barely noticed him. Ah, such a gorgeous change from those busy, loud, unbearable noisy dining rooms. 

The Sunday offering is a 3 course meal for £70 which, given the location and the choice of ingredients, is excellent value. A salad of artichokes and mushrooms with vinaigrette was a great opener, with perfectly trimmed, blanched veggies and a crunchy topping, acidity bottom. 

We picked two different mains. A vegetarian gnocchi with Delica pumpkin and crones, packed full of wintry flavours, and delicate root vegetables. A sirloin of Hereford beef was sliced table side, and accompanies by the most beautiful plate of roasties (potatoes, heritage carrots, purple cabbage). Cooked to perfection, tender. 

Room for dessert?

Of course. A lemon tart with candied citrus was beautifully laminated with Italian merengue and shards of citruses, not too sweet but not too tart either, well balanced and with an expertly prepared pastry case. The brioche with burnt orange was another beautiful dish, mooreish. 

The excellent service makes you really feel at ease, and despite the setting, a sunday lunch here is possibly unexpectedly – a relaxed affairs. It’s family friendly and the hotel is also dog friendly. The pairing of the wines is on offer too and being served a glass of choice from the quirky wine trolley makes for a talking point. 

Visiting London? Then treat yourself to Sunday lunch at the Lanesborough. You want’ be disappointed.

^{We dined as guests of The Lanesborough; I was not asked to write this blog post, opinions are my own.}