Kitchen at Holmes

You’ll find the Holmes Hotel London a short walk from Baker Street station but while the hotel takes some inspiration from Sherlock Holmes, it isn’t a tacky tribute act. In fact, the only evidence we could see of the famous detective in the in-house restaurant was a few deerstalker hats by the entrance and a cocktail named after him. Other than that, the dining room is a chic mix of marble-splashed tables, comfy padded seating and a partially open kitchen tucked away in the corner of the room.

The menu is as stylish as the interiors, with fashionable breakfast options including avocado and poached eggs on toasted sourdough, or French toast topped with berries and lashings of maple syrup. Later in the day, you’ll find a globally inspired menu replete with à la mode dishes such as aubergine tempura and shakshuka.

Luxe ingredients are put to good use, with the quality of the produce allowed to shine. Just take the blushing pink slices of succulent Wagyu steak which made for a delicious main course, especially when paired with a portion of golden and crispy ‘proper’ chips.

For dessert, we were impressed by a refreshing bowl of mango sorbet, topped with a snow globe of white chocolate dusted with coconut, which cracked open to reveal a passionfruit filling – a touch of theatre that will awaken any diner’s inner child. For actual children, Kitchen has a dedicated kids’ menu.

Not all of the food is handled so well, however. Our starter of Scottish Black Angus beef carpaccio, foie gras and truffle was a pile up of high-end ingredients that should have created an explosion of richness, but tasted bland and forgettable.

Friendly, efficient service is a plus, while the expansive drinks list covers wines from across the globe, as well as fun cocktails such as a fruity sip poured from a teapot at the table. Dining at Kitchen at Holmes doesn’t come cheap, but prices are on a par with other Marylebone hotel dining rooms, while should you need a lie down after all of that indulgent food, there are 118 rooms to choose from.

This ingredient-led all-dayer within the Holmes Hotel is found on bustling Baker Street and is a self-titled haven for foodies. Kitchen at Holmes serves breakfast through to dinner, and guests can watch the chefs make use of seasonal produce from their seats, thanks to an open kitchen. Those wanting to sit outside will be able to enjoy the restaurant's heated outdoor terrace with parasols to protect from the elements.

Head Chef Stefano Motta has used his travels around the Mediterranean to inspire the carefully thought-out menu with flavourful dishes from the sky, field and sea. The a la carte menu includes the likes of cuttlefish croquettes with tabasco mayo to start, followed by larger plates like asparagus and black truffle with parmesan fondue, poached egg and focaccia crumble and grilled octopus with potato, labneh, smoked paprika, burnt leeks and za’atar.

If you're really in the mood for a hearty meal, though, see the likes of the spiced roast half chicken with confit garlic, lemon and roasting jus, as well as the Lake District Farmers 35 days-aged 200g beef ribeye, which sounds delicious. As for dessert, don't forget about the sweet stuff because Kitchen at Holmes has a sumptuous selection of afters including white chocolate panna cotta with candied kumquat and sesame seeds tuile, as well as bonet with whipped cream, caramel, amaretto and pistachio crumble.

If you make it in time for breakfast, we think you'll be suitably impressed by the selection on offer including maple smoked bacon sandwich with salted butter, courgette and feta fritters with Greek yoghurt and za’atar, as well as all the classics from eggs any way to brioche French toast and vegan pancakes. When the weather's nice, there's also the roof terrace to enjoy, with a lovely view of the nearby buildings and rooftops.