The Carvery

Cast aside all preconceptions of anonymous mass catering when visiting the upmarket Carvery at 86 St James, a business & event venue at the intersection of St James’s Street & Pall Mall. Proceedings begin not with a scrum by the heat lamps, but with a selection of starters – perhaps smoked fish or egg mayonnaise, chosen from the hors d’oeuvre trolley. To follow, expect a choice of roasts such as leg of lamb or rib of beef carved to order & served with excellent roast potatoes. Vegetarian & fish options are also available, while apple pie or chocolate torte are nicely traditional puddings – in keeping with both setting & menu. It’s good to see such a smart address open to all at lunch & at such a reasonable price (£25 for three courses with coffee), although it’s hard to forget its function-room alter ego.