I decided on the pre-meal tipple – unable to resist the subtle Art Deco allure of their Hutch Club pop-up bar. The cocktail menu includes, among other twists, a chocolate old-fashioned and boozy popcorn. I’d say you don’t have to be too experimental to take the plunge, but as long as you approach it with an open mind, your taste buds won’t be disappointed.

But the main event for me was definitely the plate of West Mersea rock oysters. They came served on ice with shallot vinegar to cut through the cool creaminess of the oyster. With each one, I found the thought of the sticky London underground and annoying tourists just melting away. The flute of chilled champagne that came with it was a nice touch, too.
I’m not the kind to indulge in oysters regularly, but Quaglino’s are currently offering theirs – plus the glass of champagne – at the special price of £19.29 as a way of honour the restaurant’s year of inception – and given their ability to maintain a decadent atmosphere, good quality of the food and drink, and lovely staff after all these years, it’s worth the celebration.  (Words: Roshni Goyate)

For more info, visit: www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk

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“…a little mosey down Bond Street, a little sniff around Gucci, sidle up to Ralph Lauren, pass through Browns and on to Quag’s for a light lunch.”

Patsy’s choice of lunch spot was understandable; in its Nineties heyday, under Sir Terence Conran’s ownership, Quaglino’s was about as fashionable as restaurants got. It will come as no surprise that it was the first place I rushed to eat at when I moved to London in 1994 and loved it.

These days, Quaglino’s is part of the vast D & D London restaurant empire and is, if not exactly unfashionable, unlikely to figure on many a Londoner’s must-go list. This is, I have to say, a terrible shame, as it’s still, well, absolutely fabulous.

…To read the rest, click here to visit Hugh Wright’s blog, Twelvepointfivepercent.com – London Restaurant Reviews Of Real Discretion. 

Follow Hugh on Twitter: @HRWright

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