For his latest venture, Holborn Dining Room, restaurateur Des McDonald (he of Fish and Chip Shop and Q Grill) has created something just a wee bit special. Located at the stunning Rosewood Hotel, HDR is a suitably beautiful space, all glimmering marble columns, red leather banquettes and dark wood panels. If Berners Tavern won the Best Looking Restaurant award in 2013, then Holborn Dining Room is already a good bet for 2014.
So far, so good but what about the grub? With one of those menus where you just want to order EVERYTHING, deciding what to eat here is no easy task. From the British charcuterie section we went for some amazing wild boar salami, served with chutney and wafer-thin slices of toast. Next up was chicken livers, black pudding and a fried duck egg – every bit as rich and delicious as it sounds – and beautifully fresh dressed Cornish crab.
From the mains we’d recommend the shrimp burger with jalapeño tartare, although the whole grilled lobster with samphire and chips was bang on too. Desserts bought an undisputed winner in the form of a decadent Valhrona chocolate pot served in a tea cup with a dollop of sweet cream. The lemon posset with shortbread was good but just could not compete with that choccy pot.
With a beautiful setting, top-notch cooking, and a menu that deserves to be tried in its entirety, Holborn Dining Room is the real deal. We’re already planning our next visit.
Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN
www.holborndiningroom.com