Dining at one of the best restaurants in London
The Island Grill is one of two restaurants attached to the 4 star Lancaster Hotel, the other restaurant is a Thai restaurant called Nipa Thai which is locally owned. I would be quite tempted by the Thai breakfast at a later date. The Island restaurant is literally next to Lancaster Gate tube station. Exit the tube, turn right, 10 seconds walk and you’re at the door.
This hotel takes its sustainability very seriously and has spent 6 million pounds on refurbishments to include an Eco friendly kitchen and much more. There are also 10 beehives on the roof which use Hyde park to pollinate. You can read much more about their environmental initiatives here including there zero landfill policy.
Bees on top of the roof at the Lancaster hotel, London
Image The restaurant has a dark sophisticated feel. It’s on two levels, the lower level have some tables near the window which we were fortunate to sit at. These overlook the main road but very London. The island grill has a restaurant feel however is not massively formal. I think they have struck the balance just right. If you fancied a quick snack mid afternoon or a three course special meal then you would feel comfortable. The service was very attentive and we didn’t have to wait long between meals or Prosecco top ups! On the upper level you can see into the kitchen to see the chefs at work – a very busy affair!
Table at the window of the Island Grill at The Lancaster Hotel
Me sat at the Island Restaurant
Our visit was the same time as Chocolate week and as a result there were several deserts created by Island grill chefs made with Divine chocolate, more on this later. The food served for the three course meal we hadwas excellent. Nicely presented, good use of color and tender meats. The portions were a good size and we left feeling very full. Here are a sample of pictures from the evening.Starters
Starter of Ham Hock and Chicken Terrine
Starter of Smoked Salmon
Main Courses
Gressingham Duck
Lamb Rump
Puddings
Divine Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Almond Divine Chocolate Crunch
These puddings made with Divine Chocolate were particularly good. In fact as we were eating them they were being eyed up by an American couple on their main course that quizzed us once we had finished what they were.
and to finish…………..
Truffles with coffee – the coffee is hidden!
So here are 5 things to today to eat well at one of London’s best hotels.- Book a table and ask for one by the window.
- Take a look at the menu before you arrive so you can have a few pre thoughts and look forward to before you go.
- Take the central line to Lancaster Gate tube station. Navigate the lifts to road surface and take a right.
- For dessert choose the chocolate plate. This is a large selection of chocolate puddings. They are not made by Divine chocolate but really good. The divine selection was only available because it was chocolate week.
- Head towards the lavatories and walk upstairs into the main lounge of the hotel. I didn’t but the bar looked excellent and relaxing. If you book at table for 7.00 then there will time for an after dinner drink.
Thanks for reading.
If you would like me to visit your restaurant then please e-mail [email protected].
David
