16 Bury Street
Westminster
London, SW1Y 6AJ
Nearest Transport: Green Park
020 7930 6767
This enormous restaurant is one of Conran's earliest contributions to the London eating out scene and serves modern European cuisine. The atmosphere is buzzing and animated and generally full, so booking is advisable. From the bar balcony a large staircase takes you down into the cavernous dining area where one of the army of waiters leads you to your table. Catering for private parties of up to 44 guests is available upon request.
I went to this restaurant for the first time with a group of 8 friends recently and have to say I have mixed feelings about it. The plusses? Good food, an eye-catching setting, and an excellent deal on the set menu (22 for three courses with a glass of champagne). But on the minus side, the service was erratic (my pre-dinner G&T failed to materialise before the champagne was served, and the waiter looked put-out when I cancelled my order), the wine pushed the "bargain" prices up considerably, and that eye-catching space was cavernous (and therefore noisy) and was filled with the overpowering scent of lilies from the huge arrangement in the centre of the room. Personally I could also do without the over-solicitous lady in the toilet who, when I went in simply to wash my hands, insisted on turning on the tap for me, pressing the soap plunger and handing over a (paper) towel, and then obviously expected a tip for her efforts.
As I said though, the food WAS good. I particularly liked the goats cheese and red pepper ravioli. On balance I would probably go again if the same sort of deal was available, but if you're paying their normal prices I think you could find plenty of other places with a more enticing atmosphere and just as good food.
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