The Savoy. 

Instantly you imagine grandeur, excess, indulgence and of course expense. Luckily, for this foodie, I received lunch for 2 at The Savoy Grill for Christmas. 

When I think of The Savoy I picture an affair similar to that of so many old movies. 50s starlets with cigarette holders dotted along the bar, men in well fitted suits sipping on martinis and a lone pianist in the corner wafting delicate notes through the air. 

This is realise is why most people hate Hollywood as it paints an unrealistic picture. The Savoy however, despite lack of Ingrid Bergman and Clark Gable, was as grad as one would expect. deeply varnished wood panelled walls, huge expanses of mirrors, intimate banquet seating and giant crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling providing a comforting glow throughout the restaurant.

The lunch was arranged in conjunction with my birthday as this years foodie treat. Deciding to be brave my marvellous fiancé, Innscredible, was going to attend with me. This was our first outing of this kind together. We did Ciccetti last year and that was lovely. This was something entirely different.

We arrived promptly, after getting lost on the wrong side of the hotel, fortunately a kindly member of staff let us enter through a back corridor and showed us the way. 

We were seated immediately and provided with our lunch menus. The staff were welcoming and very friendly. It’s definitely old school. Water glasses were not half empty(or full depending on your outlook) before being refilled, The roast of the day was presented on a silver service trolley. Little touches that make you feel important. Even if one is some slightly pretentious blogger no one has ever heard of. The lunch came with complimentary champagne for the two of us however as my partner does not drink his champagne, rather than being simply replaced by a soft drink of his choice was generously donated to me, and graciously received I may add.

The high level of service was not completely welcomed by my dining partner who felt a tad out of place and didn't understand why he was not allowed to pour his own beverage. He calmed eventually when a gentleman entered in a pair of jeans. A saviour in denim.

From the choices offered I chose to start with the Heritage Tomato Salad with Goats Curd and Basil Pesto. Sweet, sharp, creamy and ever so light. Innscredible chose to have the Salt Beef with Mustard and Black Pepper Crispbread. The beef was shredded and tossed in a mustard dressing and served with the peppery breads. Whilst delicious it was a touch too fiery for my companion, and myself. It could have benefitted from something to cool it down a smidge and the accompanying watercress was, again, a peppery flavour. 

For main I chose Pollock with Petit Pois a la Francais whilst my partner chose the Roast of the day; Suckling pig stuffed with Wild Garlic and a Mustard Sauce, Roast Potatoes and sautéed Cabbage. Both dishes were fabulous. I don’t eat pork as a general rule. Not because I don't like it, but almost overtime I do its so dry it turns to the texture of wet cardboard when you eat it. This was so juicy its insane, it didn't even need the sauce but that was also so delicious it was a travesty to waste it. 

The fish was perfectly cooked, though I would have liked my skin a tad crispier, the addition of stolen crackling from the neighbouring plate was a welcome texture. The peas were good enough to have warranted their own meal but complimented the fish well and the addition of buttered new potatoes, help provide some extra girth to the plate. 

Dessert was a far more subdued event with He and I settling on the Cheeseboard and passionfruit mousse and brandy snap respectfully. 4 glorious choices of cheese ranging from strong to mild were presented, one Goat cheese, one Roquefort, one Cheddar and the last escaping me. All served with a range of biscuits, onion marmalade and grapes. The Roquefort was also, I shamefully admit, stolen by me. 

The passionfruit mousse was delicate and sharp which went so well with the sickly almost bitter sugar of the brandy snap. Unfortunately for me there was no where near enough. I know, I know I’m greedy. I apologise. A bit. 

All in all I enjoyed my trip to The Savoy Grill. I think a little bit of extravagance is good for the soul and where better to be extravagant?

Many thanks to my Father, StepMother and sisters for giving me the opportunity to visit a dining institution. 

It was simply marvellous.