The Savoy Grill
Discussion
So, the Savoy grill, part of Gordon Ramsay group, re-opened today. Luckily it was also my Wedding anniversary and MrsB managed to get us a table (I have no idea how).
Firstly, I need to say the renovated Savoy is a spectacular Hotel, we arrived early and so went to the American Bar which is the oldest Cocktail bar in the UK. MrsB had a Champagne and I had a Moonwalk cocktail, a drink invented by the head barman Joe Gilmore in 1969 and the first drink the Apollo11 crew had when they returned to Earth. Moonwalk
The Grill is just off the entrance lobby.
The venue is elegant but buzzy, speaking the the restaurant manager, they are going for this vibe as more of a brasserie feel than a formal dining room. Tables are well spaced and our afforded us an excellent view of all the other guests and their coming and goings.
We were greeted and our coats taken. Whilst waiting the few seconds to be taken to our table I was aware of a figure in white waiting to pass, I turned to face Gordon Ramsay, who graciously said the 'you are more important than I' and waited whilst we were taken to our table. I'd like to say I had a witty riposte, but I was just a bit overwhelmed. I do like to try to spot a celeb at such places and we scored a good one this time. MrsB did the classic 'Don't look, but' line and then said that looks like the actor from Jurassic Park and the Fly. I of course turned round to see Nicholas Cage...
Starting with a celebratory glass of Vintage, Pol Roger was a delightful (but expensive) start to proceedings with bread delivered promptly.
For starters MrsB opted for the Smoked Mackerel with Horseradish, which was just about perfect. A light smoky flavour over some delightfully flavoured fish and with just a hint of the spice of the horseradish. I had the Snails with parsley root purée,
shallot sauce and brioche crumbs, which again were excellent and not smothered in garlic as is usual with snails. Soft and tender and exactly how snails should be served.
Main course was the Monday choice of Roasted sirloin of beef. This was melt in the mouth tender with a crispy skin, pink to bloody in the middle 2/3rds with a delicate sauce/gravy potatoes and cabbage. MrsB went for fish again with the Monk-fish in cured ham with another helping of parsnip purée. I didn't get much of a tasting look in here, but what I did have was again, a sensation. We ordered two sides, hand-cut chips and spinach. Both were a disappointment, the chips looked liked McCains best efforts but tasted fine and the Spinach was too salty.
I'm not a massive dessert fan but opted in for this lunch. A Crème brûlée was a good example of it's type but nothing exceptional. My Mandarin Baked Alaska flambé was brilliant in both the looks and the taste. Accompanied by an English dessert wine from Somerset this finished the meal off very well.
Overall the experience was a positive one. I've mentioned the over salty greens and I should mention that I had to remind the staff for both my Champagne and my glass of red for my main course. Service should improve with time and I am prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt as it was opening service. So would I go back? for lunch, yes definitely. For a special evening meal, no, I think I would like something a little more special and formal than the Savoy grill.
For lunch 8/10 - Pricing was good for a high end place, even with 3 courses, wine with my mains, dessert wine, tip and the 2 glasses of fizz the total was under £200.
Firstly, I need to say the renovated Savoy is a spectacular Hotel, we arrived early and so went to the American Bar which is the oldest Cocktail bar in the UK. MrsB had a Champagne and I had a Moonwalk cocktail, a drink invented by the head barman Joe Gilmore in 1969 and the first drink the Apollo11 crew had when they returned to Earth. Moonwalk
The Grill is just off the entrance lobby.
The venue is elegant but buzzy, speaking the the restaurant manager, they are going for this vibe as more of a brasserie feel than a formal dining room. Tables are well spaced and our afforded us an excellent view of all the other guests and their coming and goings.
We were greeted and our coats taken. Whilst waiting the few seconds to be taken to our table I was aware of a figure in white waiting to pass, I turned to face Gordon Ramsay, who graciously said the 'you are more important than I' and waited whilst we were taken to our table. I'd like to say I had a witty riposte, but I was just a bit overwhelmed. I do like to try to spot a celeb at such places and we scored a good one this time. MrsB did the classic 'Don't look, but' line and then said that looks like the actor from Jurassic Park and the Fly. I of course turned round to see Nicholas Cage...
Starting with a celebratory glass of Vintage, Pol Roger was a delightful (but expensive) start to proceedings with bread delivered promptly.
For starters MrsB opted for the Smoked Mackerel with Horseradish, which was just about perfect. A light smoky flavour over some delightfully flavoured fish and with just a hint of the spice of the horseradish. I had the Snails with parsley root purée,
shallot sauce and brioche crumbs, which again were excellent and not smothered in garlic as is usual with snails. Soft and tender and exactly how snails should be served.
Main course was the Monday choice of Roasted sirloin of beef. This was melt in the mouth tender with a crispy skin, pink to bloody in the middle 2/3rds with a delicate sauce/gravy potatoes and cabbage. MrsB went for fish again with the Monk-fish in cured ham with another helping of parsnip purée. I didn't get much of a tasting look in here, but what I did have was again, a sensation. We ordered two sides, hand-cut chips and spinach. Both were a disappointment, the chips looked liked McCains best efforts but tasted fine and the Spinach was too salty.
I'm not a massive dessert fan but opted in for this lunch. A Crème brûlée was a good example of it's type but nothing exceptional. My Mandarin Baked Alaska flambé was brilliant in both the looks and the taste. Accompanied by an English dessert wine from Somerset this finished the meal off very well.
Overall the experience was a positive one. I've mentioned the over salty greens and I should mention that I had to remind the staff for both my Champagne and my glass of red for my main course. Service should improve with time and I am prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt as it was opening service. So would I go back? for lunch, yes definitely. For a special evening meal, no, I think I would like something a little more special and formal than the Savoy grill.
For lunch 8/10 - Pricing was good for a high end place, even with 3 courses, wine with my mains, dessert wine, tip and the 2 glasses of fizz the total was under £200.
Bullett said:
We were greeted and our coats taken. Whilst waiting the few seconds to be taken to our table I was aware of a figure in white waiting to pass, I turned to face Gordon Ramsay, who graciously said the 'you are more important than I' and waited whilst we were taken to our table.
Sounds good. It's nice to hear that he does practice what he preaches and places the customer above himself. We've been to Foxtrot Oscar for lunch, and was very impressed with it. Maze Grill next for us.
Martin Keene said:
Bullett said:
We were greeted and our coats taken. Whilst waiting the few seconds to be taken to our table I was aware of a figure in white waiting to pass, I turned to face Gordon Ramsay, who graciously said the 'you are more important than I' and waited whilst we were taken to our table.
Sounds good. It's nice to hear that he does practice what he preaches and places the customer above himself. We've been to Foxtrot Oscar for lunch, and was very impressed with it. Maze Grill next for us.
We are booked into Royal Hospital Road in March for my 40th, very excited now.
Martin Keene said:
Bullett said:
We are booked into Royal Hospital Road in March for my 40th, very excited now.
Oh, be interested to hear what you think of that. My 40th is a few years away, but a similar thought has crossed my mind...HereBeMonsters said:
We paid over £230 for dinner at Maze a few weeks ago. Say what you like about Ramsay (and I love him) but that guy can really cook.
Something about the way he combines ingredients to make them more than the sum of their parts. Amazing. If you'll pardon the pun.
He can cook or the people around him and undernathe him can cook Something about the way he combines ingredients to make them more than the sum of their parts. Amazing. If you'll pardon the pun.
auditt said:
HereBeMonsters said:
We paid over £230 for dinner at Maze a few weeks ago. Say what you like about Ramsay (and I love him) but that guy can really cook.
Something about the way he combines ingredients to make them more than the sum of their parts. Amazing. If you'll pardon the pun.
He can cook or the people around him and undernathe him can cook Something about the way he combines ingredients to make them more than the sum of their parts. Amazing. If you'll pardon the pun.
k. You don't say?Bullett said:
Getting quite excited. Table for GR Royal Hospital Road is 7:30pm this Friday.
Can't wait...
If you can do the tasting - it is one of the best I have ever had. Brilliant experience although we were 6 or 7 and had the only large round table so 'created' our own atmosphere slightly... Can't wait...
Not sure what the other guests thought but we were the last to leave by some way and had to be moved into the tiny bar to prep for evening.Great place and 100% recommend it
Enjoy
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