Step back in time at this institution loved by Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill.
What is excellent service to you? Is it passionate, prompt and unpretentious? Well, at Savoy Grill at The Savoy Hotel it's all of that and more. The iconic restaurant has been open since 1889, and served celebrities, royalty and visitors. Over that time, it offered a masterclass in service and created not just a fine dining restaurant but a fine dining experience.
Savoy Grill is an institution. Boasting an old-world charm, it is filled with Art Déco features, and it feels like you are stepping back in time. The swanky space includes grand chandeliers, soft sofas, white tablecloths, and waiters in velvet jackets. When we enter at 7pm, it's already buzzing with diners, from business meetings to birthday meals—one guest has just arrived from a garden party at Buckingham Palace, no less.
Savoy Grill is bursting with the kind of history that could fill books – there's even an archivist at the hotel. Nicknamed the Second House of Lords, Winston Churchill was a regular guest. The dining guests sound like a Hollywood who's who, and includes Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland and Elizabeth Taylor. Thierry Tomasin, Restaurant Director, smiles: "This was the place to see and be seen. So, you're in Grace Kelly's favourite seat".
In 2003, Gordon Ramsay brought his culinary charm to Savoy Grill. The menu showcases British and French cuisine. Drawing inspiration from classic dishes, he has given them a classy and contemporary upgrade—there are even dishes from the 1914 menu, after all. If you want the greatest hits, opt for the six-course Taste of Savoy menu. Diners can also choose between a pre- and post-theatre menu.
Savoy Grill's à la carte menu spans starters, mains, sharing, charcoal grill, sides and desserts, and each dish was served on white plates with gold logos. We started off in style with Champagne and Poached Louet Fiesser Oysters, which were topped with rhubarb, blood orange and mignonette. The Arnold Bennett Souffle has been on the menu since 1920 and brings together subtle smoked haddock with strong Montgomery cheddar sauce. Sitting in a rich sauce, the souffle is light, airy and topped with herbs.
The star of the show was the signature Beef Wellington, which comes in at £65. This was one of the best beef Wellingtons we have ever eaten. Wrapped in a delicate duck and puff pastry, the beef is oh-so soft and soaks up the sauce. Plus, it is served with a glazed shiitake mushroom.
The dessert menu might read like school dinners, from the Apple Tart to Strawberry Tart, but it is superbly sophisticated. The Sticky Toffee Pudding was warm and wonderful and served with honey ice cream.
Savoy Grill's drinks menu spans signature cocktails, fine wines and spirits. The cocktails range from the Savoy Grill, which is a take on the Singapore Sling, to the Blue Screen, which is a nod to the actress Ava Gardner. Make the most of the skilled sommeliers – there are four female sommeliers – who paired the dishes perfectly.
Every staff member at Savoy Grill was charismatic. We were charmed by our waitress and the restaurant director, who were not only knowledgeable about today's menu but also the original 100-year-old menu. The team knew about the dishes in detail and tantalising trivia about the hotel and restaurant.
Let them entertain you.
GO: Visit www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com for more information.