Island Restaurant & Bar

Pick up a menu at Island & it’s a surprise to be greeted with a familiar choice of grills, meaty mains & lighter pasta dishes. With its contemporary interior design – all clean lines & mauve banquettes – you might expect cooking that is more ambitious than traditional hotel fare. But don’t be deceived. Fillet of trout from the grill may sound conservative, but the watercress puree & sorrel chantilly accompaniments made it a truly special dish. And although the pan-fried mullet was overcooked, the shellfish risotto served with it was outstanding. There’s a good-value lunch deal – one course with a glass of wine or beer for £12.50 – & a decent choice of wines by the glass. Ask for a table in the upper part of the restaurant where you can see the open kitchen in action & great views of Hyde Park. The L-shaped lower level, in contrast, feels a bit like eating in a corridor.