Eleanor’s bar located in the five-star Charing Cross Hotel takes its name from the statue outside. The statue which can be viewed from the windows marks the place that Queen Eleanor’s (wife of King Edward I) funeral procession stopped. The bar has recently been refurbished, part of the works which have taken place throughout the hotel. Right boring facts out the way now onto the good stuff – food and booze!
Our Sunday evening experience kick started with two day aged Sangria made with brandy. The Sangria is the bars signature drink, served in a large jam jar with enough juice for two people. Cocktails are served with a selection of nuts and olives and should one wish there is also bar food on offer. Note: This is the kind of place “Should one wish” is acceptable.
To start we grazed on the Devon Brown Crab Sliders which went down a treat. Small servings of fresh crab gathered together in small cakes only without the breadcrumbs or batter to detract from the taste. Sticking with the fish theme we opted for the battered Cod and Chips. The meaty, flaky fish was presented in a metal basket over a generous batch of hot, soft chips with a side of homemade crushed peas and tartar sauce. We have a feeling the Queen would be proud.
We couldn’t muster a desert but were persuaded to try an Espresso Martini which was smooth and slick. Given the bar is located within a five-star hotel the prices aren’t bad – £15 for a main and £10 a cocktail. We’d suggest going after dark when the bar is filled with candles, and go all out, take a date.
Charing Cross Hotel, The Strand, WC2N