Found Bar & Restaurant – St Paul's

This newcomer to the City’s ever-growing foodie scene opened aiming to bring a sense of mystery and wonder to the capital. Found is part of Lost Property – the latest addition to Hilton’s boutique-style Curio Collection – but has a separate entrance to the main hotel, where we arrive to smiling hosts and a scattering of drinkers already in position around the glossy bar. The restaurant area is quieter but still comfortable, with warm lighting and tinkling piano music creating an inviting atmosphere as we take our seats.

First up, we scan the colourful cocktail menu and are advised to try their signature sip, the Lost Unicorn, which is revealed to us in a theatrical fashion via a glow-in-the- dark laser pen. It’s good, but perhaps a little too sweet to team with a three-course meal, so we survey the generous wine list instead and opt for a dry chablis that hits the spot.

Onto the food menu, and it’s a delightful concoction of hearty best-of-British classics – think Tiger Prawn Cocktail, Beef Bourguignon, and Knickerbocker Glory, to name just a few. Our highlight was the Oak Smoked Salmon, served on a bed of cre`me fraiche, shallots and crispy capers, an ideal light and tasty start to our meal. For mains, there’s plenty of meat and seafood to choose from, with the rich 8oz Rib-eye steak certainly not disappointing. Vegetarians may find the menu slightly limited, but we tried the Ratatouille Provenc¸ale and would highly recommend.

While the food at Found is good, it was the slick service and quirky touches to the de´cor and menu that impressed most, with the team attentive and confident in their recommendations. The prices are what you would expect for a hotel restaurant in Central London, and we predict that once word gets out it will become a popular destination for business diners and date nighters alike.

Found is a restaurant where French flavours blend with a British twist, complemented by imaginative drinks from some pretty inventive mixologists. At Found, you can prepare for an unparalleled dining experience near to the busy St Paul’s, where this sophisticated establishment presents guests with a wonderful selection of French inspired dishes set against a backdrop of elegance – with luxurious furnishings and a marble adorned bar. The diverse menu contains both traditional French fare and unique culinary creations, better yet, the chefs carefully source the freshest ingredients to ensure that each dish is a masterpiece and as fresh as can be. So, whether it’s a romantic evening or a gathering with friends, Found promises you a special time like no other.

If you like brunch, try the traditional full English on your visit, made with eggs cooked your way, baked beans, a grilled tomato, Portobello mushroom, hash brown, Cumberland sausage, and bacon, served with a basket of toast. But, if you prefer to order something more adventurous, try the lobster on brioche served with poached eggs, Bearnaise sauce and French fries. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the pancakes topped with seasonal fruits, roasted hazelnuts and strawberry coulis, or the crepes topped with toasted almond flakes and chocolate sauce.

For your main meal, start with the plate of créme fraiche, shallots, crispy lil capers and potato cake, before trying the indulgent honey roasted duck breast with braised lentils, heritage baby carrots and madeira jus. On the side, order the French fries topped with truffle salsa and comte on the side, and dust things off with a caramelised pear tarte tatin dessert with brandy creme anglaise.