The Wolseley (Modern European) – London, England (9/10)
Dec 7th, 2007 by admin
[UPDATE - October 2009: I have been back to The Wolseley a few times since writing this review. The most recent dinner was two weeks ago, when I had the Grilled Fish of the Day - hake, which was simple but delicious. I also started with an artichoke salad, which I thought rather overpriced. My friend and I shared the summer pudding, which was good - light, not stodgy. I used to recommend The Wolseley to all my friends and visitors to London, but despite the impressive dining area and efficient service, I now think that there are other places in London far more worthy of a visit. The food has always been consistent and I might still return for breakfast one day, but the reservations people annoyed me on my last visit and I left feeling quite put out and had to register my complaint by email.]
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I had only been to The Wolseley once before today (read previous review here), but it instantly became a top favourite of mine. So when a fellow foodie friend from Tokyo arrived in London and wanted to go somewhere nice, I thought a return to The Wolseley might be a good idea, seeing as I had written that visitors to London would love it. This also seems to be my week for revisiting favourites (I went back to Barrafina on Monday and Yauatcha on Tuesday).
Having only booked a few days before, I was very impressed with the table to which we were shown, after only a few minutes’ wait. The restaurant was packed and yet we were shown to a table with banquette seating to the side and back of the room, where it was quiet and yet we had a perfect view of the entire restaurant. I was so relieved we weren’t stuck in the middle of the room, where it looked far too noisy for a conversation. And as before, the service was terrific – friendly, genuine, professional.
What we ordered:
Having been told that the Seasonal Game special was partridge with truffle shavings and cavalo nero and chestnuts (£19.50) and given that Christmas was upon us, we both decided to try it. The 25 minute wait (about which we were told when we ordered) was well worth it. A creamy side of mash complemented the partridge, which was perfectly cooked – succulent meat and not too ‘gamey’. The little thighs were a little fiddly to eat, but these were the most delicious bits.
We were actually feeling really full, but couldn’t resist ordering a dessert to share. My friend wanted something ‘English’, so I chose the cranberry and apple English crumble (£6.75). An excellent choice, even if I do say so myself! It was a substantial portion, which neither of us would have managed on our own. The freshly made custard was sublime, not too thick, not too runny and it definitely had no lumps in it. The crumble itself was heavenly, with large pieces of fruit, not too overcooked, with a lovely crunchy topping, again not too soft. It was probably the best crumble I’ve ever had (although my husband’s express recipe is pretty decent too).
The verdict?
With two glasses of wine, water and one coffee, the total bill came to £83.00. Another well executed meal at The Wolseley, with great service in a wonderful environment. Just book in advance, whether you’re going for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, as it’s always packed here (not surprisingly, it takes over £10 million a year).
You might like some of my other favourite London restaurants.
10 – Perfection, 9.5 – Sensational, 9 – Outstanding, 8.5 – Superb,
8 – Excellent, 7.5 – Very Good, 7 - Good, 6.5 - Above Average, 6 – Average
All the London restaurant reviews on World Foodie Guide
Contact Details:
The Wolseley
160 Piccadilly
London W1J 9EB
Tel: 020 7499 6996
www.thewolseley.com
Helen Yuet Ling Pang @ World Foodie Guide
Having heard Helen enthuse about this place for months, I decided to take two Canadian friends last Sunday who had just arrived hours before.
I was a bit concerned that it would either be pompous or pretentious, and I have to say it was neither. Despite there being a dearth of options available to me as a mostly vegetarian, I did go for the halibut on Helen’s recommendation.
The dish was excellent, the carrots in thyme were fantastic (and something that I will make at home) and the service friendly and relaxed, even though we overstayed our 2 hour slot by about 45 minutes.
Both Canadians were impressed enough to ponder taking breakfast there the next morning rather than in the hotel where they were staying, a short walk up the road in Piccadilly.
Definitely worth a revist.