(a review)(with poorly taken pictures, apologies)
in the job i do, i sometimes get to be involved in meetings with our external agencies. sometimes i get to tag along to lunch meetings off-site and talk business with the big boys. other times, when i'm really lucky, the big boys take all us girls out and treat us a swanky meal and cocktails in the west end.
that happened this week.
we went to kettners on romilly street, and headed straight to the cocktail bar for a tipple before we were escorted through the gorgeous dining hall, past the pianist playing on the white grand piano, and seated centrally at our reserved table. faaaancy.
from their website: Kettner’s was first opened as a restaurant by Auguste Kettner, (chef to Napoleon III) in 1867. Popular with deliciously colourful characters of the time including Oscar Wilde, Edward VII, Lillie Langtry, Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby, Kettner’s was renowned for hosting incredible parties. sadly that night, i think we were the most famous people there.
whenever someone buys you a meal and insists you have what you want, your instinct is to order the lobster. the lobster wasn't really that enticing sadly, so instead i went with the mustard and hazlenut crusted goats cheese to start, and then the beef bourguingnon for mains. ermerrrghhherrd. i've always thought bourguingnon was just a fancy casserole, and i suppose essentially it is, but it was to die for! slow cooked, perfectly seasoned and melt in your mouth type meat. i could eat it every day.
we were urged to have some pudding, and usually there's no way you can stop me, but i was sooo full from the first two course and the few drinkies we'd already had, that it would have been an absolute shame and a waste of money. not that it was my money, but that probably takes the piss a bit. i am told though, that the warm chocolate brownies are served with clotted ice cream, and are to actual die for. so, next time. and actually, during the week their 'pre and post theatre menu' is a really reasonable price; i think from memory it's around the £19 mark for 3 courses - pretty good!
the service was really great; very attentive and friendly - and there was a pianist playing music right through service! we made a ruckus (what's new), and no-one made a peep. the best bit was the curly stair case and the labrynth to find the toilets - oh and the velour couch in the ladies and huuuuge baroque mirror (great for selfies!) in the reception. best!
the standard of the evening was set fairly high so had nowhere to go but south from there, and lets just say it did. kettners however, was a beautiful, classic, charming restaurant and we had a fantastic time there. the food was delicious, the drinks were fizzy - my fave! i'm told they accept taste card during the week too, which is usually a 50% off discount! you know how i feel about half price food. so, yes it's decided; i will be back.
the standard of the evening was set fairly high so had nowhere to go but south from there, and lets just say it did. kettners however, was a beautiful, classic, charming restaurant and we had a fantastic time there. the food was delicious, the drinks were fizzy - my fave! i'm told they accept taste card during the week too, which is usually a 50% off discount! you know how i feel about half price food. so, yes it's decided; i will be back.
next time i'm having the pork belly.
