What can you tell us about Portland?
It's a joint venture between The Quality Chop House's Will Lander and Daniel Morgenthau, previously at 10 Greek Street. They've joined up with chef Merlin Labron-Johnson for this all-day restaurant with a seasonal menu and an ever-changing wine list. Read our full story here.
Where is it?
It's on Great Portland Street, about halfway (ish) between Oxford Circus and Great Portland Street tube and just round the corner from BBC Broadcasting House. This should very quickly become the lunch venue of choice for all manner of BBC types.
The space that Portland took over used to be a shop - so it's a pleasingly wide room with an open kitchen along the far end, all of which made it look very welcoming on a wintry night.
Where should we meet friends for a drink first?
Squashed between Fitzrovia and Marylebone this area doesn't have that much to choose from (although with a few gems like Picture, Honey & Co and Riding House café dotted around). We think the best nearby bet is a glass of wine on the counter at the nearby Iberica. Or if you're really pushing the boat out, grab a martini at the World's Best Bar, Artesian at the Langham Hotel.
Where should I sit?
It's a small space, so pretty much anywhere is good. However, if you're there for a business get together, the two tables at the back, in front of the kitchen, offer a little more space between you and the neighbours. Ideal if you're discussing the next Sherlock cliffhanger.
We also like the stools by the window if you're popping in for wine and a quick snack and all the tables by the right wall have multiple plug sockets if you want to work on your next script with a coffee in the afternoon.
And the food?
Given the pedigree of the owners, it's not surprising that this is an easy recommendation for the food. Expect an ever changing menu at good prices. The breakfast and brunch menus sound particularly appetising. Of what we had on the dinner menu, standouts were:
- The pigs head croquettes (£4) - becoming a staple of some restaurant menus but done very well here
- Portland duck prosciutto (£4) - meltingly good
- The charred brassicas, smoked egg emulsion, soy and Perigord truffle (£8) - all your greens in one dish with a sauce that begs to be mopped up with their excellent bread
- The game pithivier (£18 pp), which you should never try to pronounce after you've had a few. It's such a lovely looking dish, they display it to the table in one piece before serving up (and the extraordinarily pink cabbage was a perfect pairing).
- Finally, the Dame Blanche (£6) - ice cream, cream and hot chocolate - a great light dessert to end on.
What about the drink?
Much like both 10 Greek Street and the Quality Chop House, a great deal of effort has gone into the evolving wine list. Wines start at a very reasonable £21 with ten under the £30 mark, but there's a "Special" section which heads quickly up to £150 a bottle if you're treating someone (or yourself). So a good mix of affordable and fancy.
There's also a small selection of beers (including our favourite, Kernel) and a few cocktails (Martini, Negroni, Bloody Mary) at the £8 mark.
Overall thoughts
This was our first meal out in 2015 and if things carry on like this, it will be a very good year indeed. A lovely room, great food and wine and just what the area needs. Highly recommended.
Portland is at 113 Great Portland Street, W1W 6QQ.
Hot Dinners ate as guests of Portland. Prices were correct at the time of writing.
