Any restaurant that’s been going since 1828 deserves some respect – in a city when the restaurant landscape changes constantly and fashions come and go, that’s some impressive staying power. Simpson’s in the Strand is one of London’s most famous restaurants (it features in a couple of Sherlock Holmes books) but like anything that’s been around all that time, a little spruce up every now and again is a good idea. In 2017 they had a big refurb to bring it bang up to date…but not too up to date.
Yes this place is it all about classic, elegant style from the beautiful dining room to the roast carving trolleys that are available every day – any place that offers us roast dinner seven days a week is alright by us. We actually went by to check it out on a Sunday and as soon as we saw those trolleys rolling by with big joints of meat, we didn’t even need to see a menu. We began with a couple of ‘lighter’ dishes however; potted shrimps and Yorkshire fishcakes with smoked eel.
Then it was our turn for the roast beef trolley, carved table side by Master Carver (yes that is a real job) Manzil Diniz who’s been at Simpson’s for 15 years. The beautiful pink slices of beef came with dripping potatoes, Yorkshire puds, gravy and veg. Perhaps even better though was another Simpson’s classic, the beef wellington, served with potato fondant and peppercorn sauce – it was probably one of the best we’ve had in London.
[easy-image-collage id=108107]You’re unlikely to find anything new or ground breaking at Simpson’s and that’s the whole point. It’s a place to go and celebrate and enjoy classic food in historical surroundings, a step back in time to London’s glamorous past. We can all do with a bit of escapism every now and again and there’s no better way than through a nice lunch.
100 Strand, London, WC2R 0EW
simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk