Restaurants – London special
London special
London
Glasnost nosh
Hearty American-style steak dinners meet wintry Russian vodka and salads in a surprisingly tasty case of gastronomic glasnost at Goodman, the first London outpost of this notable Moscow steak restaurant. Known for serving high quality meat at a number of locations in the Russian capital, Goodman has transferred its peerless grill skills to Britain. Expect well-aged, well-fed American and Australian meat, traditional fries and sides, as well as a selection of great Russian-style starters, all delivered by knowledgeable staff in a relaxed, wood-panelled setting.
Goodman, 26 Maddox Street, London W1, +44 (0)20 7499 3776, www.goodmanrestaurants.com
London
Duke box
When it comes to old-school British hotels, Duke’s epitomises classic luxury and gentlemanly charm – no wonder Ian Fleming was a regular. The hotel has just completed its centenary but they’re still keeping those values strong, so head to the recently refurbished bar for a classic cocktail. If you’re lucky, the barman will place all the ingredients on a trolley which is wheeled to your table so that he prepares it before you – it’s practically performance art when it comes to making the dirtiest of martinis.
Dukes Hotel, St James Place, London SW1, +44 (0)20 7491 4840, www.dukeshotel.com
London
Play it again
It used to be a flamboyant Victorian piano restaurant, yet until a year ago, Kettners was languishing in the Pizza Express real-estate portfolio. Thankfully, interior designer Ilse Crawford has been brought in to rescue this Soho institution, restoring the spirit, if not the original furnishings. The refurbishment brings high-end contemporary furniture, as well as wi-fiaccess in the plethora of private rooms on the first and second floors.What we re taken with though is the ground level ‘Pudding Bar’, set aside for breakfast, tea and late-night treats.
29 Romilly Street, London W1, +44 (0)20 7734 6112, www.kettners.com
