Apsleys – a Heinz Beck Restaurant at The Lanesborough

One (actually 3!) of the best food experience i have ever head. The truffle menu was a pleasure for the senses…the souffle' the best i ever had. Attention to details and great service. I will go back as soon as I can…absolutely,the best italian restaurant in London
After saying that we came back recently with some guests and the chef offered to prepare a “special menu” for us. No caviar or truffle, just very good raw fish…for £290 each excluding drinks!!! It was a real shame!

Well with a new chef at the helm of Apsley's a place which I've always enjoyed, I thought I should rush back to check it out. A summer of rumours regarding Heinz Becks arrival has kept me on my toes and I'm very happy to say I was not disappointed. Physically there seems to be no difference in the style or look of the restaurant, which in my opinion was great anyway – all that natural light and little bit of chic opulence. The menu has obviously had quite a big change so I decided to go for the a la carte instead of the menu del giorno ( I've read so many reviews with people dining from the set menu it should perhaps be renamed “Menu del Journo…” no?…ok I'll get my coat.)

Anyway for starter I chose the Sea bass “Connolo” with celery and melon – very tasty and light flavours from the celery and melon complimenting the sea bass very well. Next a mid course of pasta and we went for the Carbonara fagotelli – one of Mr Beck's signature dishes. It was without doubt superb, very light parcels filled with a light and fluffy carbonara sauce – it tasted exquisite. Onto the mains and I opted for Slow braised veal cheek on apple puree and salsify – perfectly tender and juicy. We finished off with a chocolate soufflé with ice cream – simple but perfectly executed. Presentation was very good almost to the point where you didn't want to spoil the dishes by tucking in.

Service as as previous was excellent – very professional and knowledgeable. All in all a very pleasant lunch, Mr Beck has obviously been brought in to put Apsley's on the map as a… More

Apsleys looks fabulous after its refurb, with three enormous chandeliers hanging from the central glass atrium and plush seating all around. Tables are well spaced and discreet, whilst the raised outer parts of the restaurant provide good people watching.

I was disappointed by the rather plain menu, but then Italian ones often are. I felt the surroundings justified a more creative Michelin-style extravagent menu. As it happened my desired dishes were on their remarkably good value £24 three course dinner menu. We both plumped for that and loved it. My starter of poached egg and parmesan over an asparagus salad was delicious, although my main of gnocchi was a little plain. This was more than made up for by an excellent chocolate mousse with coffee sorbet.

Service was superb throughout and the staff looked great in their rather cool uniforms. The only clanger was the ultimate sin-of-sins…..My credit card was brought to me to sign, which seemed odd in these days of PINs. The reason being that they were leaving a prominent space for me to insert a tip, after been charged a full 15% already. Naughty boys.