A few months ago, we brought you the news that Patrick Powell had left The Midland Grand (and we now know what he's up to next). The St Pancras restaurant initially carried on with a similar menu, but now they've brought in a big name to take over - Victor Garvey from Michelin-starred SOLA.
Garvey is teaming up with Harry Handelsman, the man behind both The Midland Grand and Chiltern Firehouse, for the relaunch which seems to be dropping "Dining Room" from the title. The cooking will retain a French influence as before, but they're calling it "Old World, New Ideas" which they say will "honour the foundations of classical French cuisine while embracing modernity". In practice, that will mean dishes like:
- L’Homard – Butter-poached lobster, finished tableside with a pressed lobster jus
- Tauzin Guinea Fowl “Demi-Deuil” – Guinea fowl stuffed under the skin with truffled leg mousse
It also sounds like there will be a fair bit of tableside theatre, finishing off dishes in front of diners - something that's already been established at SOLA in Soho. Hopefully we'll see a bit of flambée action here too. There will continue to be an a la carte and set menu, but they're also adding a seven-course tasting menu and even a 14-course degustation menu. With those tasting menus, we do have to wonder if there's a desire for some Michelin recognition in the future.
In addition to the restaurant the equally impressive bar will also have snacks from Garvey. Jack Porter will continue to be the bar manager here and we've always been impressed by their Martinis, which they have ready-to-serve in bespoke bottles. Porter will be introducing a new drinks menu to go with the relaunch that also takes France as its inspiration.
Don't expect too many changes to the rooms themselves though. Both the restaurant and bar are among the most beautiful dining and drinking spaces in London, so they're not going to be changing that. As Garvey himself says "A dining room of this stature deserves a menu that matches its grandeur". Handelsman, as is to be expected, agrees "This is one of the most important buildings in the country and one of the most spectacular dining rooms in London. It demands an experience that lives up to that."
More about The Midland Grand
Where is it? St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Rd., London NW1 2AR
When? The new menu launches on 25 February 2025
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @midlandgrand.
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