The Greenhouse restaurant, Mayfair,
London.
2* Michelin
“A two
Michelin star dining experience begins as you walk down a tree-lined pathway to
reach The Greenhouse. London fades away and calm descends…” A heady prelusion,
yes, but The Greenhouse certainly delivers on simple, elegant food nestled deep
in Mayfair’s leafy residences.
This
boutique French restaurant provides a warm, friendly welcome and we were soon
sat at our table tucking into our canapés and a glass of champagne without a
care in the world. We opted for the
lunch menu, which is a steal at £50 pp for 3 courses, a half bottle of wine,
coffee and petit fours.
The menu
sets out the main and complementary ingredients for each course, no more, no
less. My friend chose Oxtail, I opted for Tomato to start and, as you can see
from the photo, I was served a plate of the highest order. Tomato, basil,
bruschetta and a gazpacho of tomato to finish. It was so fresh that it was as
much a palate cleanser as it was an introduction to the beautiful mind that is
Arnaud Bignon.
For the
main course, Chicken, and what a sight to behold. Not like any chicken I had
ever seen but it was so tender, so moist, so flavoursome that “it tastes like
chicken” just took on a new meaning. My friend made a bold choice and went for
Asparagus. As a dedicated carnivore this was out of character but the menu
calls out to you and, in hindsight, his was an exquisite selection. Even with
my own excellence plate I had food envy.
Dessert –
Strawberry, which chocolate and basil. This was one hell of a way to finish
such a fine meal, all of which was washed down with a half bottle of white and
half bottle of red – both great selections on the advice of the very
knowledgeable sommelier.
If you are
next in London, I highly recommend The Greenhouse. I have been to a number of
2* restaurants, most of which are trying too hard to achieve the treasured 3*.
The Greenhouse doesn’t, and nor should it, it’s within touching distance and it
just needs to keep doing more of the same.
