London restaurant suggestion - with a twist
Discussion
Hi folks - was wondering if I could bend some ears over this.
I am in dire need of delivering a large apology to a young lady, and have offered to do so by way of a meal on Sunday late afternoon/evening.
My normal MO for this would be to simply take the lady in question off to a swanky West End restaurant, and wine/dine her (Maze, Claridge's, and Dorchester have all performed admirably in the past).
However, this girl is a bit different (part of the attraction, I guess). While appreciating good food and wine, she absolutely hates the "stuffy" atmosphere of "posh" restaurants (her words).
So, dearest FD&R, what I am looking for is somewhere which can perform the following, on a Sunday late afternoon/early evening:
- Ideally Zone 1 (London), although I will consider slightly further afield
- Not traditionally "stuffy", or "posh" (No silver service, or over-refined environments)
- Excellent food (and I mean top-drawer)
- Plenty of choice of wines
- Must somehow have the "wow" factor. (This can't really be quantified - It's more the feeling that the place gives. Be it a stunning view/location, or the juxtaposition of great food and relaxed atmosphere)
- Budget is unimportant
I've had a couple of ideas, but I don't want to prejudice any suggestions. Any help you can give will be sincerely appreciated.
I am in dire need of delivering a large apology to a young lady, and have offered to do so by way of a meal on Sunday late afternoon/evening.
My normal MO for this would be to simply take the lady in question off to a swanky West End restaurant, and wine/dine her (Maze, Claridge's, and Dorchester have all performed admirably in the past).
However, this girl is a bit different (part of the attraction, I guess). While appreciating good food and wine, she absolutely hates the "stuffy" atmosphere of "posh" restaurants (her words).
So, dearest FD&R, what I am looking for is somewhere which can perform the following, on a Sunday late afternoon/early evening:
- Ideally Zone 1 (London), although I will consider slightly further afield
- Not traditionally "stuffy", or "posh" (No silver service, or over-refined environments)
- Excellent food (and I mean top-drawer)
- Plenty of choice of wines
- Must somehow have the "wow" factor. (This can't really be quantified - It's more the feeling that the place gives. Be it a stunning view/location, or the juxtaposition of great food and relaxed atmosphere)
- Budget is unimportant
I've had a couple of ideas, but I don't want to prejudice any suggestions. Any help you can give will be sincerely appreciated.
Edited by Dave200 on Wednesday 14th July 15:48
shirt said:
if it were me i'd go for sunday lunch at that old pub (name escapes me) on hampstead heath. if you feel the need to flash the cash, go for drinks afterwards.
Drinks afterwards is a done deal already, and I already have somewhere in mind (with the "wow" factor) for it - which is why I'm eating relatively early, and centrally.It's not necessarily about 'flashing the cash' as such.
Dave200 said:
shirt said:
if it were me i'd go for sunday lunch at that old pub (name escapes me) on hampstead heath. if you feel the need to flash the cash, go for drinks afterwards.
Drinks afterwards is a done deal already, and I already have somewhere in mind (with the "wow" factor) for it - which is why I'm eating relatively early, and centrally.It's not necessarily about 'flashing the cash' as such.
shirt said:
Dave200 said:
shirt said:
if it were me i'd go for sunday lunch at that old pub (name escapes me) on hampstead heath. if you feel the need to flash the cash, go for drinks afterwards.
Drinks afterwards is a done deal already, and I already have somewhere in mind (with the "wow" factor) for it - which is why I'm eating relatively early, and centrally.It's not necessarily about 'flashing the cash' as such.
A platonic apology would have involved a text message.
garyhun said:
If it's sunny why not an outside table at the Roof Gardens in Kensington High Street. I've had some lovely Montrachet and Mersualt up there.... lovely.
A top idea, and one I had considered (along with the roof of Shoreditch House). However, I don't want it to be weather-dependent, as it can so often throw a spanner into the works...Dave200 said:
shirt said:
Dave200 said:
shirt said:
if it were me i'd go for sunday lunch at that old pub (name escapes me) on hampstead heath. if you feel the need to flash the cash, go for drinks afterwards.
Drinks afterwards is a done deal already, and I already have somewhere in mind (with the "wow" factor) for it - which is why I'm eating relatively early, and centrally.It's not necessarily about 'flashing the cash' as such.
A platonic apology would have involved a text message.
I'm not a London boy Dave but I did venture into the big smoke to visit the theatre a while back. Pre-show we enjoyed the tasting menu at Tamarai on Drury Lane... it really was fabulous.
It's quite a funky venue which whilst relaxed with superb, attentive service early in the evening, then changes into a bit of a late night venue later on.
Not sure if it's the vibe you're after but we enjoyed it.
http://www.tamarai.co.uk/
It's quite a funky venue which whilst relaxed with superb, attentive service early in the evening, then changes into a bit of a late night venue later on.
Not sure if it's the vibe you're after but we enjoyed it.
http://www.tamarai.co.uk/
shirt said:
Dave200 said:
shirt said:
Dave200 said:
shirt said:
if it were me i'd go for sunday lunch at that old pub (name escapes me) on hampstead heath. if you feel the need to flash the cash, go for drinks afterwards.
Drinks afterwards is a done deal already, and I already have somewhere in mind (with the "wow" factor) for it - which is why I'm eating relatively early, and centrally.It's not necessarily about 'flashing the cash' as such.
A platonic apology would have involved a text message.
As for the picnic, with the way the weather has been this week, I don't really want to leave anything to chance. The success of Sunday will dictate whether I am able to salvage anything from some serious neglect.
Peter Gordon has long been one of my favourite chefs and consequently I'm a great fan of The Providores. (Don't go nearly enough.)
The fusion of Asian / Mediterranean flavours sounds odd, but these work. For inventive and memorable food in an informal and relaxed setting, go there.
The fusion of Asian / Mediterranean flavours sounds odd, but these work. For inventive and memorable food in an informal and relaxed setting, go there.
http://www.thezetter.com/en/Restaurant
Excellent food, and for anyone who knows Bruno, will vouch for that. Not stuffy!
Excellent food, and for anyone who knows Bruno, will vouch for that. Not stuffy!
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