Kerridge's Bar & Grill

February 2020

Now Tom Kerridge is a bone of contention in our relationship. We thoroughly enjoy his television shows, have several of his books yet only one of us has actually been to his restaurant! Ian has that pleasure albeit it is well over ten years ago and arguably before the chef’s current stardom. We have been trying to get into ‘The Hand and Flowers’ restaurant for quite sometime but it is notoriously difficult. We follow a lot of restaurant press and were very excited to read about, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill opening. We were treated to vouchers as part of Christmas present from someone in our family who was aware of our interest.

It took us over a year to nail down a date for attending. We uncharacteristically chose a Sunday Lunch, which is not normally what we would go for but as Ian had just completed ‘Dry January’ he was desperate to attend the first weekend in February. We live in Hertfordshire with Euston being our station of arrival whenever we get the train into London. We generally tend to get a black cab from the station to wherever we are going and, as the restaurant is in Victoria, it is only 10 minutes away.

The restaurant is within the Corinthia Hotel but with its own entrance. The restaurant is very opulent with high ceilings and is designed to look centuries old. When you enter there is a reception area where you confirm your reservation and are asked whether you wish to have a drink before your meal. We arrived just before 12pm, so did have a drink as the restaurant was not technically open as yet. Ian opted for a cocktail and went with the house special, Kerridge’s club- a variation on the classic ‘clover club’. It was one of those cocktails which, despite attempting to be more refined, especially given the surrounding, you end up drinking in four very long sips.

As we finished our drinks, the receptionist came over and asked if we would like to sit at our table to which we agreed. The bar is set off to the left of the restaurant with the dinning area to the right taking up two thirds of the space. We received our menus and were asked if we would like some water, which we accepted, choosing still as Natalie doesn’t like sparkling. We received our menus and went with the mushroom risotto and salt cod scotch egg for starters, followed by pig’s cheek pie and pork loin (roast) option. Ian loves strong reds but as Natalie doesn’t drink a great deal, the wines by the glass/carafe was what was needed- given that there was a Santa Barbara Syrah, that is what was ordered. As we waited we were given a truly delicious amuse-bouche of a choux bun filled with an amazing cheese filling as well as a beautiful sourdough bread.

We received the carafe of wine and the starters followed shortly afterwards. Ian’s choice of the risotto was very tasty and came with an egg yolk which added to the flavour whilst acting as a sauce. Natalie’s cod scotch egg was very nice and came with a devilled sauce which was equally enjoyed. Our plates were cleared and we had just the right amount of break between the starter and main course. The mains arrived with the Pork Loin coming with some vegetables- this would be our only major gripe with the meal, as this wasn’t pointed out during the order. As a result the gem lettuce side dish which was also ordered, went practically untouched but certainly wouldn’t have been ordered, had we known about the accompanying vegetables. The mains were good, the pork loin was cooked well as was the pie but unfortunately the roast potatoes were not a patch on Ian’s Nan’s- although no chef is yet to surpass that distinction.

Although suitably full, greed takes over and we both go for desserts. A blackberry souffle and peanut butter with white chocolate ‘Paris Brest’ were ordered. The souffle was very light but lacking in blackberry flavour- pleasant but not particularly wow. The ‘Paris Brest’ is a massive dessert but extremely sweet- a challenge for even those with the sweetest of tooth. It is choux pastry with a peanut butter and white chocolate praline, Natalie struggled to finish it and Ian even struggled to polish off- definitely a dessert when you have a little bit more left in the tank. If you need to use the toilet, these are located in the hotel. Now, we normally find it a tad ridiculous that a waiter walks you to the toilet, however here it is needed. Despite the walk, it gives you the opportunity to look at the stunning Corinthia hotel, which is well worth inspection.

We asked for the bill and gave over our voucher- the entire meal came to £187 which as well as the food it included; the wine carafe, two bottles of water, a ginger ale and the cocktail at the start. We both enjoyed the meal but Ian remembers the Hand and Flowers as being an amazing experience and although good, this didn’t quite have the same impact. To be fair, we would like to go back for the full a la carte one evening to try the wider menu.

Food 4/5

Drink 4/5

Service 4/5

Value for Money 3/5