It’s official – Spring is finally here and after the godawful Winter we’ve had to endure, which of us wouldn’t appreciate the chance to wander in one of London’s green and leafy spots, marvelling at the tulips and daffodils and the fact that we don't need a coat, scarf and gloves?
Bulb fanciers need sustenance though, and with that in mind, we’ve come up with five London restaurants near to some of London’s loveliest parks. We can heartily recommend any of these for a good lunch which you can then walk off in the park afterwards.
Seven Park Place - Park Place, SW1
William Drabble moved here after earning a Michelin star at Aubergine and now heads up his own kitchen for the first time, serving up serious gastronomic fare in this ornate dining room. He picked up a Michelin star here in January for his troubles. It’s rich, artery-busting stuff, so either fit in a stroll in the park before dinner, or plump for the two course lunch for £24.50.
Nearby park: Green Park.
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Quilon - St James's
This Michelin-starred Indian restaurant is headed up by chef Sriram Aylur who offers up progressive cooking inspired by Western India to discerning diners. Try the five course beer-matching menu with the baked black cod. As long as you don’t go mad with the popadums, it’s an easy five minute walk to the park in time to see the pelicans being fed on Duck Island.
Nearest park: St James's Park.
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Nobu - Park Lane
Although it’s been slightly eclipsed by its glitzier sibling Nobu Berkeley, the original London Nobu is still a fabulous place for lunch at any time – particularly if you manage to swing it on someone else’s expenses. The stunning views over Hyde Park are as beautifully presented as the food. Or if you simply must be outdoors, get the £45 Nobu Bento Box to go, which includes the signature black cod with miso.
Nearest park: Hyde Park
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York and Albany - Camden Parkway
Gordon Ramsay Holdings' boutique hotel and restaurant, set up by, but no longer run by Angela Hartnett, has been a boon for Camden food lovers who are particularly pleased that such a beautiful building has been given a new lease of life. The three-course set lunch is a bargain at £21 and is on offer all day on Sunday. Wander round the Avenue Gardens in Regent’s Park admiring the spring bulbs before popping in for lunch.
Nearest park: Regent's Park
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The Goring - Victoria
London’s oldest five hotel still in private hands, The Goring boasts an astonishingly large garden of its own for this part of town – larger than the centre court at Wimbledon. The hotel, which is set to play centre stage at this year's royal wedding if, as rumoured, Kate Middleton spends her last night as a commoner here, focuses on traditional food. Our top tip – go for the beef wellington which is carved at your table before a gentle postprandial stroll in St James’s Park.
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If you want to know where else to enjoy the best of British food, view our full list of London restaurant reviews.
And for more on London's parks, visit the Royal Parks website
