THE IVY MARKET GRILL
1 Henrietta Street
London WC2E 8PS
United Kingdom
44 20 3301 0200, https://theivymarketgrill.com/

By Scott Harrah

LONDON–The Ivy Market Grill is an upmarket institution in the theatre district of London. It’s a great place to stop for a delicious meal and fine cocktails and wine before catching a West End Show.

You will be charmed by British brasserie’s elegant ambiance and eclectic menu. One can choose to sit right outside in Covent Garden overlooking the famous piazza, but it was a typical rainy early June evening in London so we ate indoors in the simple but elegant dining room.

We started with an appetizer that was not on the pre-theatre menu: zucchini fritti, consisting of French-fried, crispy courgette (shoestring zucchini fries as we call them in the States) served with lemon, mint and chili yogurt sauce. We’re used to heavily battered vegetable tempura back in New York, but the version here is lighter, with very light breading, allowing the flavor of the zucchini to be fully enjoyed without overpowering oil.

I chose the steak tartare as a second appetizer. This consisted of hand-chopped rare beef sirloin with a Tabasco mustard dressing, cornichons, shallot, parsley, egg yolk and toasted granary bread and toasted granary bread (an English bread containing both white and whole wheat flour).

For the main course, we both chose the steak, egg and thick-cut chips from the pre-theatre menu. chose the chargrilled minute steak available on the pre-theatre menu. It is described as a “thinly beaten rump steak” with a fried egg. It tasted like a thin sirloin cut of meat, with garlic butter, thick cut chips and watercress for £3.50 supplement. It was perfectly cooked at medium rare as requested, and filling but not too heavy (a plus before heading to the theatre, when one does not want to be too full). This tender steak was great with a glass of bold wine.

For dessert, we chose the strawberry ice cream from the pre-theatre menu. It was scrumptious with pistachios and a unique white chocolate sauce. This went great with a cup of café Americano and a decadently sweet glass of Moscato wine.

The Ivy Market Grill is part of the renowned Ivy Collection of establishments and was one of our favorite pre-theatre restaurants in London. Two courses for pre-theatre dinner is £ 16.50; £ 21 for three.

If you are heading to a West End show, you cannot go wrong with this elegant establishment in the picturesque Covent Garden area of London.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published June 30, 2019
Reviewed on June 11, 2019 in London

Steak tartare (hand-chopped rare beef sirloin with a Tabasco mustard dressing, cornichons, shallot, parsley, egg yolk) at Ivy Market Grill. Photo: Scott Harrah

Zucchini fritti, consisting of French-fried, crispy courgette. served with lemon, mint and chili yogurt sauce at Ivy Market Grill. Photo: Scott Harrah

Chargrilled minute steak, available on the pre-theatre menu at Ivy Market Grill. Photo: Scott Harrah

Ice cream served with fresh strawberries and a white chocolate sauce. Photo: Scott Harrah

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FOXLOW SOHO: Casual interior of the restaurant. Photo: Courtesy of Foxlow Soho

FOXLOW SOHO
8-10 Lower James Street
London, United Kingdom
W1F 9EL
020 7680 2710
www.foxlow.co.uk

By Scott Harrah

We’re huge fans of the Hawksmoor chain of British steakhouses throughout the U.K. so we jumped at the chance to dine at Foxlow Soho, brought to you by Will Beckett and Huw Gott, the two men who founded Hawksmoor. Foxlow Soho claims it serves the same British produce and meats that Hawksmoor does, but has a more relaxed, casual ambience and food that caters a bit more to the health-conscious millennial crowd at a more affordable price (the average cost of dinner for two with drinks is £50 to £70). The décor has a slight American diner vibe as well.

The menu is a bit different than the Hawksmoor restaurants. Yes, you will find steaks and seafood, but also healthier alternatives like chicken burgers and vegan options like spice-roasted cauliflower with chickpeas, wilted spinach and curried aubergine (eggplant) sauce.

Our server suggested the spice-roasted cauliflower as a starter, and it was a great choice, the spice and curried aubergine brought out the flavor of the cauliflower and the chick peas gave it a Middle Eastern touch.

Next we opted for the kale, avocado and fresh herb salad with toasted seeds. This was a delightfully summery concoction, with huge, crunchy kale and the light consistency of the avocado. My dining partner chose the five-pepper Brixham squid with a tangy deviled mayonnaise. He said the squid was tender, not overcooked and the peppers and mayo helped enhance the flavor of the squid.

For the main course, we both decided on steak. I had the sirloin, dry-aged for 30 days, while my partner chose the ribeye, also dry-aged for 30 days. When one is used to great American steaks like we are, it is always a risky selection ordering beef abroad. We have had great British steaks at the Hawksmoor and also at many restaurants on the continent. My sirloin, served medium rare as I like it, was bold and nicely marbled, but a bit too tough for what I’m used to. My partner was underwhelmed by his ribeye because he said it was full of gristle. However, we were able to enjoy our steaks regardless with some tasty HP sauce and also tucked into the deliciously salty chips (fries).

One wonders if Foxlow’s other meat mains, including Merrifield Farm chicken breast or Dingley Dell pork ribeye, might be better choices than the beef. Chicken and beef burgers are also available, as well as a set menu.

For dessert, we decided to split one of our favorite British sweets, sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream. Foxlow’s sticky toffee pudding is decadent indeed, and finished off the meal quite nicely with a steaming cup of café Americano.

Foxlow also has a number of innovative cocktails available as well as an extensive wine list. If you are in the Soho area, wanting a quick bite before a West End show that won’t break the budget, Foxlow is a good choice.

Open for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. For bookings, email soho@foxlow.com or please visit https://www.foxlow.co.uk/

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published July 5, 2018
Reviewed on June 23, 2018 in London

SPICE-ROASTED CAULIFLOWER: With chick peas. Photo: Scott Harrah

CHOICE STARTERS: (Top) Five-pepper Brixham squid with a tangy deviled mayonnaise. (Bottom) Kale, avocado & fresh herb salad with toasted seeds. Photo: Scott Harrah

STEAKS & CHIPS: The dry-aged sirloin (front) and ribeye (back) served with mushrooms & great salty chips (fries). Photo: Scott Harrah

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TEA TOTAL
W London Hotel
The Perception at W London
10 Wardour Street
London, United Kingdom
W1D 6QF
www.theperceptionbar.com/

By Scott Harrah

The concept of “tea” as any type of meal is rather exotic to Americans. While “afternoon tea,” “high tea” and “low tea” are served in the British Isles and Commonwealth nations like Canada and Australia, the concept of a light daytime snack of tea, sandwiches, cakes and cookies has never really been part of American culture. So we were excited but a bit unaware of what to expect when we decided to review “Tea Total” at the trendy Perception Bar at the W Hotel in London’s Leicester Square. We were in for a pleasant and luxurious surprise indeed.

Described in a hotel flyer as “a tipsy twist on the afternoon tea,” this “remix” of the traditional daytime break is certainly unique. Yes, there are scones, clotted cream and jam and sandwiches included as well as a pot of English tea, but that’s about the only conventional aspect of afternoon tea at the W. A wide selection of English Garden-inspired sweets are paired with a chilled glass of Prosecco and “crystalized” versions of the hotel’s signature cocktails.

The waiter brought out a sleek, dark box full of drawers and hidden doors. On top of the box was a colorful collection of shot glasses containing various cocktails to be sampled with the various goodies inside.

The first treat is the Spring Planter, a mint-flavored, chocolate mousse-filled pot with “popping candy dirt” and “micro cress herbs,” served with the Banana Republic cocktail (a mixture of Belvedere vodka, apricot liqueur, banana, cinnamon, apricot jam, sage and lime).

Next is the Queen Bee, a white chocolate-covered sponge cake that is layered with lemon thyme, avocado, pistachio, locally sourced honey and covered with pandan icing and bee pollen. This is presented with the Hayfever cocktail (Belvedere vodka, manzana verde liqueur, cucumber, coriander, simple syrup and lemon, topped off with the shell of a pill, like an ad for Valley of the Dolls).

One of the more unusual treats is the Dew Drop, with a clear tomato, rose water and Tonka on a bed of Oreo and coffee soil. The Purple Rain cocktail (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lychee Liqueur, Violette Liqueur, Violette Pearls, elderflower, cranberry, lemon) is served with this creation.

The final surprise is Every Cloud, a layer of carrot and cardamom cake served between two meringue clouds. The Pull The Pin cocktail (Patron Silver Tequila, Aperol, maraschino, strawberry, agave and lime) is served with this.

Of all the treats, the first three were the best. We especially enjoyed the Queen Bee cake and Dew Drop (who knew a tomato could go so well with crushed Oreos?) We wished the last surprise would have been something more exciting than meringue, but we know the egg-white concoction is popular in Europe. The Pull The Pin cocktail was a bit overpowering with the tequila but certainly different.

The scones were particularly tasty, as were the little sandwiches, including the roast beef with Dijon mayo on onion bread, smoked salmon with cream cheese on cranberry bread, and egg mayo with watercress on hazelnut and apricot sourdough bread.

Granted, Tea Total at the W is rather boozy for an afternoon tea, especially if one opts to also have the Prosecco, but so what? It is certainly an innovative way to spend an afternoon in London if one doesn’t have a West End matinee to see and one is too tired to shop or sightsee. While enjoying the cocktails, tea and treats, it’s fun gazing at the unique décor of the bar, complete with a collection of dishes featuring British celebrities, all arranged in the shape of the Union Jack. You’re in for lots of fun guessing who the celebrities are on the plates while savoring your tea, cocktails and goodies.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published July 2, 2018
Reviewed on June 22, 2018 in London

Served from 1pm to 5pm daily. Bookings: theperception@whotels.com
0207 758 1060. £37 per person
 or £42 per person with a glass of Prosecco.

BRITISH SUMMERTIME BLISS: (left to right) Spring Planter, Queen Bee & the Dew Drop at W Hotel’s afternoon tea. Photo: Courtesy of W London.

TEA TIME SHOTS: Assortment of colorful cocktail shots. Photo: Courtesy of W London

SEASONAL DELIGHTS: Queen Bee, Every Cloud, Dew Drop & Prosecco at W London for afternoon tea. Photo: Courtesy of W London

TEA TIME COCKTAILS (left to right) Purple Rain, Pull the Pin, Hayfever & Banana Republic shots. Photo: Courtesy of W London

COOL BRITTANIA: Plates featuring British celebrities, arranged on shelves representing the Union Jack. Photo: Scott Harrah

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J. Sheekey Atlantic Bar: Seafood institution near West End theatres. Photo: Paul Winch-Furness HR

J. SHEEKEY ATLANTIC BAR
33-35 St Martin’s Court
London, United Kingdom
WC2N 4AL
(020 7420 9865)
https://www.jsheekeyatlanticbar.co.uk/

By Scott Harrah

Seafood is not the first thing that comes to mind when dining out in London, but J. Sheekey Atlantic Bar, located between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, is a great place for fresh prawns, oysters, seared octopus, scallops and more before or after a West End show. In fact, J. Sheekey has a rich history of serving seafood to theatre-loving Londoners since the late 19^th century.

J. Sheekey Atlantic Bar, a more relaxed sister restaurant to the venerable J. Sheekey restaurant next door (in business since 1896), celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year and has become a staple for pre- and post-theatre dining with its wide selection of fish, shellfish, salads and more. The older J. Sheekey started serving seafood in St. Martin’s Court in the late 1800s under the condition that dinner must be served to Prime Minister Lord Salisbury and his friends. The Atlantic Bar restaurant offers both indoor dining and a comfortable outdoor terrace for al fresco dining during warm summer nights.

During our recent visit to the British capital to review West End shows, we stopped by for a pre-theatre bite. We opted to mostly enjoy the prawns available and started with the Crab, Prawn and Avocado Salad, served with grated Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons and a spiced cocktail sauce. This was a great summery starter and much like a Caesar salad with a twist. Next up was a half pint of Atlantic Prawns, served with the deliciously tangy Marie Rose Sauce (a savory blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and cognac). The sauce really brought out the freshness of the prawns and did not overpower the taste too much. The prawns (or “shrimp” as we call them in many parts of the USA) come with the shell still intact, so eating them requires some work, but it’s well worth it. A fine wine list compliments the menu.

For the main course, we split two entrees: Seared Tiger Prawns with “bang bang roasted peanut sauce,” and the succulent Prawn Tempura served with spicy chili jam. The Prawn Tempura was among the best we’ve ever had: lightly battered, helping enhance the flavor of the giant prawns without being overbearing. We also indulged in a side of chips (fries), so hot and salty and one of the best we’ve had in Europe.

For dessert, we tried the honeycomb ice cream with chocolate sauce. The ice cream had a smooth, honey-infused texture, topped with decadent chocolate sauce and with several crunchy biscuits. We also indulged in a coffee with the raspberry parfait with buttermilk crunch, a perfect end to a light pre-theatre meal.

The staff at J. Sheekey Atlantic Bar is also noteworthy, from the people greeting one at the door to our friendly waiter who explained everything on the menu in great detail.

Although seafood is not often what one thinks of when dining in London, Britain is, after all, an island, and J. Sheekey has some of the best seafood we’ve had in this part of Europe. From seared octopus to crab cakes, oysters and salmon to the famous Sheekey’s Fish Pie (a favorite among theatregoers, served post-theatre with a glass of house wine for £19.75), J. Sheekey should not be missed on your next visit to London.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published June 30, 2018
Reviewed on June 21, 2018 in London

Atlantic prawns: Absolutely superb, with the great Marie Rose sauce. Photo: Scott Harrah

Seared Tiger prawns with bang bang peanut sauce. Photo: Scott Harrah

Prawn Tempura with chili jam. Photo: Scott Harrah

Honeycomb ice cream with chocolate sauce. Photo:: Scott Harrah

Outdoor dining at J. Sheekey Atlantic Bar in London. Photo: Paul Winch-Furness HR

Fish Pie: A standard at J. Sheekey Atlantic Bar. Photo: Courtesy of J. Sheekey’s Atlantic Bar.

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HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET: Great steak & seafood, among the best in London and the U.K. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET
5 Air Street
Piccadilly, Mayfair
London W1J 0AD
United Kingdom
44 20 7406 3980, http://thehawksmoor.com/locations/airstreet/

By Scott Harrah

LONDON–Hawksmoor Air Street, like all the Hawksmoor locations in London, has some of the best steak in the U.K. Two years ago we visited the Hawksmoor Seven Dials and were completely overwhelmed by the high quality of steak and seafood and the superlative service. We were anxious to try another Hawksmoor location to see if it lived up to the glories of the Seven Dials restaurant, and we were not disappointed.

Take some extra time to find the restaurant since the entrance is on a short stretch of Air Street between Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. It is definitely worth seeking out this hidden-away Central London gem. Dining at Hawksmoor Air Street is a glorious experience from the moment one walks through the door and is greeted by the cheerful hostesses. As soon as one heads upstairs, expect to be instantly transported to a world of old-school elegance, from mirrored walls to stained-glass windows, polished veneer and banquettes. While the Seven Dials location has a pub feel, Hawksmoor Air Street is more Art Deco and a bit on the posh side, but still casual and hardly stuffy.

The menu, of course, is the star attraction at any Hawksmoor location, and Hawksmoor Air Street does not disappoint with its wide selection of seafood, juicy steaks and remarkable side dishes. There is an extensive wine list and what the British call “pre-prandials” (cocktails), from Champagne Charlie (Gin, lemon, seasonal fruit syrup and Champagne) for £12.50 to Messenger’s Tonic (Gin, Lillet Blanc, Sherry and tonic cocktail) for £10 to the Hawksmoor Collins (Gin, lemon, Campari, bitters and soda) for £9.75.

Roast scallops, with white port & garlic is a great starter. Photo: Scott Harrah

For starters, choose from roast scallops with white port and garlic, potted smoked mackerel, smoked salmon, Half Dartmouth lobster (£5.00/100h). Old Spot belly ribs, potted beef with bacon and Yorkshires, filet carpaccio with porcini, Parmesan and scallops, Evesham asparagus, buttered or hollandaise; Kohlrabi salad with celery hearts and spenwood cheese; and Doddington Caesar.

Steaks are the main reason to come to the Hawksmoor Air Street. From Chateaubriand (£13.00/100g) to Porterhouse (£9.25/100g); T-bone (£8.25/100g); bone-in prime rib (£8.25/100g) to filet (300g) for £35.00; sirloin (400g) for £29.50; Rib-eye (400g) for £31.50; rump (300g) for £19.50. Plus, sides such as maple bacon for £4.25; two fried eggs for £3.00; grilled bone marrow for £4.50. and a half Dartmouth lobster for £5.00/100g. Steaks all come with a fabulous choice of sauces: Peppercorn, bone marrow gravy, Anchovy hollandaise or Stichelton hollandaise.

However, seafood lovers will not be disappointed. Choose from turbot (grilled over charcoal) for £13.00 for 100g or royal bream, baked in paper with garlic, rosemary, and chili, for just £20. Dover sole, grilled over charcoal or Meuniere, is £36. Monkfish, grilled over charcoal, is £24 to £48.

Juicy and tender Chateaubriand served with a side of mashed potatoes & gravy. Photo: Scott Harrah

Being a carnivore who loves good steak, I asked our pleasant and helpful waiter Jordan to recommend the best steak,and he suggested the Chateaubriand, served medium rare, with the savory peppercorn sauce. He also insisted I try the roast scallops with white port and garlic and a side of beef dripping fries and mashed potatoes and gravy for my main course. I ordered a glass of lovely Malbec that went great with everything. The scallops were fresh and succulent, and the Chateaubriand was outstanding—a tender chunk of thick, lean but slightly marbled Nirvana.

Hawksmoor smoked salmon as a starter. Photo: Scott Harrah

My dining partner was feeling a bit under the weather and was not in the mood for a heavy steak, so Jordan suggested the sea bream with Jersey Royal potatoes. He enjoyed the sea bream and found it light fare for a hot British summer night. For a starter, he chose the light and flavorful Hawksmoor smoked salmon.

The Hawksmoor Air Street includes an Express Menu (Pre-Theatre) with two courses for £25 and three courses for £28 . Starters include potted smoked mackerel, potted beef and bacon with Yorkshires or Kohlrabi salad with celery hearts and spenwood cheese. Main courses include Royal bream with garlic, rosemary and and chili, or ash-baked root vegetables with spelt (known as hulled wheat in the USA) and curd’s cow. Choose from one of the following sides: Triple-cooked chips; baked sweet potato, creamed spinach or lettuce and herb salad. For dessert (puddings), try peanut butter shortbread, sticky toffee pudding or passion-fruit cheesecake.

Sides are also something one simply cannot miss at Hawksmoor Air Street, from the beef dripping fries (£4.50) to triple-cooked chips (£4.50); mashed potatoes and gravy (£4.50); Jersey Royals (£5) to baked sweet potato (£4). Also look for macaroni and cheese (£5.50); creamed spinach (£5.50); spinach, lemon and garlic (£5.25); roasted field mushrooms (£4). plus a selection of salads for £4.

We loved the beef dripping fries and the mashed potatoes and gravy, as well as the Jersey Royals (we couldn’t decide which we liked best as they were all superb). This reviewer is proud to be of Irish-American extraction, so I will eat and relish potatoes of any type, shape or form.

Sticky toffee pudding with warm clotted cream. Nobody does it better than Hawksmoor. Photo: Scott Harrah

For dessert, we both split an order of the Hawksmoor’s famous sticky toffee pudding with warm, sinful clotted cream. Just like at the Seven Dials location, the Hawksmoor Air Street’s sticky toffee pudding is among the best you will find in London, if not all of England. The dessert is not well known in America but it is a British staple, consisting of a rich sponge cake filled with chopped dates and sultanas, topped with either ice cream or warm clotted cream. The Hawksmoor’s version is served with the latter and it is decadently divine. It goes exquisitely with a cup of American coffee or espresso.

Now that we’ve enjoyed two different Hawksmoor locations in London, we’re convinced nobody does steak and upmarket British comfort food quite like the Hawksmoor. They truly have some of the best steak and service of anywhere in the U.K. If you visit London this summer or autumn, be sure to try one of the Hawksmoor restaurants. Hawksmoor is great for both pre-theatre dinner or a long, leisurely meal out in the British capital.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published July 4, 2017
Reviewed on June 23, 2017 in London

HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET: Grass-fed, bone-in prime rib. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET: Cocktails. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET: Great fish dishes. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET: Stained glassed windows in a gorgeous Art Deco setting in the Piccadilly/Mayfair area of London. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET: Bar with great pre-theatre cocktails. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET: Cozy yet upmarket atmosphere. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

FABULOUS STEAK & SEAFOOD: Some offerings at Hawksmoor Air Street. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET: Conveniently located near all the theatres in Piccadilly Circus/Mayfair. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET: The interior. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

HAWKSMOOR AIR STREET: Interior with stained glass windows. Photo: Courtesy of Hawksmoor Air Street

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