The Savoy Grill, London WC1

The evening I spent recently at the Savoy Hotel and the Gordon Ramsay restaurant at the Savoy Grill was one of the most enjoyable I can remember for quite some time.

The Savoy Hotel reopened about 18 months ago after a total refurbishment which cost many millions. And judging by the stunning public areas it was worth every penny and I’m sure the bedrooms are of a similar high standard. The hotel foyer has deep sofas and comfortable armchairs, with wood fires burning at each end and huge vases of fresh flowers everywhere – hydrangeas, hyacinths and trees of orchids that particular day. In the lower lobby there is a “bower” where tea and drinks are served and there are interesting artefacts such as tall Chinese vases, beautiful portraits and silver pieces everywhere. The hotel staff are young, attractive and competent and make every single person feel special – a most pleasant experience.

But now to the restaurant which was also a great success. The dining room is a visual delight with Art Deco glass columns, lights and paintings. The room is very large but not at all noisy and the tables are well spaced with comfortable chairs and banquettes.

We were there for a pre-theatre dinner for which there was a specially priced menu available and there were obviously a lot of people taking advantage of it. I was there with two friends and the starters were beetroot tart, buttersquash soup and ham hock pate, followed by poached salmon with aoli, flank steak with young vegetables and bacon and potato pie in a crisp buttery pastry, all of which were delicious. As dessert we all had prune and armagnac tart.

The price of the pre- theatre dinner was £26 for two courses and £29 for three, and was excellent value.

I unreservedly recommend the whole experience which was really memorable.