One of my chums from Ferrandi, Daisy, has recently moved across La Manche and settled here in the big smoke. Its been almost 2 years since I last saw her so a catch up over dinner was waaaaayyyyy overdue :)
Whilst we were exchanging emails on when and where to meet, she handed me the rather difficult task on finding some place nice for food. My first thoughts were, "this is going to be a challenge", partly due to the fact that some of the better casual restos here in the big smoke that do not require booking are soooo popular that you need to turn up at around 5pm to get a spot (read: Barrafina or Spuntino) or places that are good often get booked up weeks in advance? Luckily for us, I finally had a brain wave and had the good fortune to get a reservation at the resto in St John Hotel.
This newish opening is tucked away on a side street off Leicester Square and on the fringe of Chinatown. Its pretty small - once you enter the front door, you are already met by reception and the resto is a door to the side. The resto is pretty small (Daisy said it reminded her of Paris......not as small as some we came across) with an open kitchen on one side of the dining room. The food, like the original St John is pretty good so a good choice all in all (however, if I had the choice, I would still opt for the original). The resto was packed by the end of our meal which made service a little slower and it was pretty noisy too but we were happy......here's to more foodie trips with Daisy! :)
Whilst we were exchanging emails on when and where to meet, she handed me the rather difficult task on finding some place nice for food. My first thoughts were, "this is going to be a challenge", partly due to the fact that some of the better casual restos here in the big smoke that do not require booking are soooo popular that you need to turn up at around 5pm to get a spot (read: Barrafina or Spuntino) or places that are good often get booked up weeks in advance? Luckily for us, I finally had a brain wave and had the good fortune to get a reservation at the resto in St John Hotel.
This newish opening is tucked away on a side street off Leicester Square and on the fringe of Chinatown. Its pretty small - once you enter the front door, you are already met by reception and the resto is a door to the side. The resto is pretty small (Daisy said it reminded her of Paris......not as small as some we came across) with an open kitchen on one side of the dining room. The food, like the original St John is pretty good so a good choice all in all (however, if I had the choice, I would still opt for the original). The resto was packed by the end of our meal which made service a little slower and it was pretty noisy too but we were happy......here's to more foodie trips with Daisy! :)
Starter of snails, pigs cheek and lovage - very tasty with lots of juice to mop up with bread!
Main of pigeon, borlotti beans and anchovy - we also ordered a side of jersey royals, sorry no pic but you cannot beat a fresh spud! :)
Pudding of strawberry trifle - looks very simple but bursting with flavour! Who would've thought that strawberries and violets would go so well??!!
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