The Wolesley, Piccadilly, London

It was almost Christmas and as if there isn’t going to be enough eating and drinking, Gipsy Spread and I also had a wedding anniversary to celebrate. Whilst we don’t normally head out for dinner on Valentine’s day, the day of forced romance, we do like to head out on the 4^th December. So, it started with a kiss (of course), followed by a glass or two of wine at the exquisite 1707 Wine Bar at Fortnum and Masons, where we wiled away our time waiting for our table at the wonderfully decadent and over the top art deco space that is the Wolseley.

 

I have been here many times before, but usually only for afternoon tea or some variation of this topic and each time we discussed that we should return for dinner. So, wedding anniversary number three was the night for our reappearance.

 

We wafted through the heavy curtain that sits behind the door and were immediately assaulted by all the clinking and clanging that resonates through the high ceilinged venue. The lights bedazzled and the mirrors twinkled with gilt around the dining hall. We were expertly shown to our table and provided with menus. The good news is that there is a very extensive separate vegetarian menu. The bad news however, is that I had far too much choice and spent far too long deliberating.
 

 

I ordered a half bottle of the Pommery Brut Champagne, we were celebrating after all. We received a glass each and sipped slowly enjoying the tiny bubble and fresh crispness of the vintage. We then proceeded to order. Gipsy Spread chose the classic steak tartare with the egg yolk atop. I after much deliberation went for the aubergine and gruyere schnitzel out of curiosity.

It was whilst we were waiting for the arrival of our mains that the waiter asked us if we wanted the wine list. We both looked at each other curiously as two glasses of Champagne does not constitute half a bottle. We enquired and the order had been taken for two glasses, SO we given these on the house and an additional half bottle of Pommery was brought forth.


Our mains arrived and whilst Gipsy Spread thoroughly enjoyed his meal, I did not get was I was expecting and didn't find the meal particularly mind blowing, but rather average. This of course did not dampen our moods after a lovely time at 1707, and enjoying the Champagne and classic ambience of the current environs.

The service was second to none and as if by magic, we were brought some fantastic macaroons with a marzipan sign wishing us a happy anniversary. These were as good as I've had in France and an unexpected treat.

I shall most definitely return for dinner, however, I think I will steer clear of the schnitzel. I think I thought it was some kind of sausage!? The Wolseley is definitely one of the better places to visit if you wish to dine in central London. Its prices are more reasonable than the Savoy, however the service is comparably good.

1707 Wine Bar, Fortnum and Masons, Piccadilly, London

It was our three year wedding anniversary and as if we needed any excuse; we stepped out arm in arm for some fancy drinks and food in central London. Now, where else to go for that Christmas feeling than Piccadilly and Fortnum and Masons in particular. Fortnum and Masons is not just a fantastic food hall at Christmas, but also a fantastic venue to visit for some food, afternoon tea or even just simply some drinks. With this in mind we headed to the 1707 Wine Bar to sample from their extensive and exquisite wine list. The bar had generously allowed us to reserve a table for a drink before we headed off to our equally fancy dinner.
 

The bar itself is bijou with cosy wood panels and mirrors to add depth and height. It is surprisingly serene compared to the chaos as you enter the store at this time of year.

 

I, of course, am a red wine girl, whilst Gipsy Spread is a white wine boy. We both perused the menus and that's where I actually spotted my favourite Sancerre rose. Gipsy Spread also opted for one his favourite wines the Pouilly fume.  As you would expect, from the menu and the prices (let’s not forget), we both had considerably enjoyed our choices.

 

The glasses are small, but perfectly formed and if you are in this part of Town and want to take yourself away from the hubbub of the City, this is a wonderful recluse to head to and unwind in the knowledge that the world is a whirling dervish outside whilst you are in a sea of serenity.

Our additional gifting on this visit was the nibbles, as the olives we'd ordered with the wines didn't arrived and so the house treated us these along with a bowl of pistachios. Perfect before heading on for dinner on this cold December evening. This tiny wine bar really is a hidden gem worth exploring.

 

The Albion, Bankside, London

It is that time of year again, when restaurants force you to have a set menu of too much food at a price that is hugely inflated compared to the rest of the year. So this year my team took a stand. No Christmas set menu for us, just really delicious good food that we can get at all times of the year. With this in mind, we booked and decamped to The Albion in Southwark for a really wholesome and hearty seasonal menu.

 

We arrived and were promptly shown to our table for 10. We sat down and weren’t slow to order, having all keenly perused the menu on line for days in advance. We were informed of the specials which were Christmas dinner witht he works and the roast pork with crackling. This almost threw some of the party of kilter after having already decided on their meal. However, they mostly stood fast. In fact the array of dishes around the table was truly astounding. There was a traditional turkey dinner, a chicken roast, as well fish and chips, a game stew with dumplings and a shoulder of lamb.

 

The slightly less conventional all day breakfast was ordered by not one, but two of our group and I opted for the sweet potato, spinach and pumpkin seed bake with a side of green salad. I did not insist on taking photos of all the dishes as we were all ravenous at the time of our late lunch.

 

I can only really comment on my dish, but I can report that everyone around the table mmmmm-ed and ahhhh-ed that they thoroughly enjoyed their meal. For my part, my bake was very satisfying. I had though, not been prepared for the sneaky taste of some kind of blue cheese in there, which would have stopped me ordering it in the first place if known. However, it was cooked through the bake and I could not see the blue and I was therefore truly happy with my dish, which was a tad more interesting vegetarian dish than others I have come across.

So, we were all extremely thankful to the Albion for not forcing a Christmas set menu on us and for delivering excellent food and service ensuring we had a truly good and festive time together. Their parting gift to us was also a 20% off discount when dining there in January, which we have decided we will most definitely be doing to sample January’s seasonal fare.

Tas, Southbank, London

My time in my current office is coming to an end and with this little gem just around the corner, the team felt we needed just another outing (as if there aren’t enough in December!) to celebrate our time together. This lovely little family run Anatolian restaurant also does a fantastic set menu which is excellent value.

 

We booked a table, fearing the onslaught of christmas parties would make walking in unfeasible. However, we did not need to worry; they had tables of parties, simple lunchers and walk-ins alike.

 

I had had a late breakfast of toast from the canteen which is highly irregular for me so could face the set menu which did look delicious. I instead nibbled on the amuse bouche of bread, dip and yoghurt olives that was presented. Others chose the Greek salad, hummus and baked mushrooms. Each was generous in portion and looked and I am informed tasted fresh and flavoursome.

We did all in unison opt for the Turkish pizza known as pide. I, for my life couldn’t understand how I have not had this before? I am seasoned mezze muncher and holidayed in Turkey last year? Truly scandalous. Regardless, I opted for a simple sundried tomatoes and cheese pizza which was delicious. The bread was crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The classic combo of cheese and tomatoes was gooey and tangy.

Others had mince, but meat free pide, great for non-cheese lovers (I know, there is apparently such a thing!?) and aubergine varieties, which they reported were delicious. Once again, we were all extremely happy with our meal.

 

For those that had the set menu, and in fact some it was having the dainty little stuffed apricots to finish that informed their menu choice. I was lucky enough to share the portion delivered to a colleague. These sun dried apricots and fresh, slightly chewy and sweet, filled with cream honey and nuts. The perfect way to finish this meal.

 

So whether you work in the area or are just visiting as a tourist, this is a fantastic value eaterie in the high priced Borough area. I shall be returning.