IOD Restaurant

David K. ( Over 60, Male, London )

This was a lovely example of how to overcome and put right a problem. I had booked online some time ago, on the IOD website. When we arrived at the restaurant they had no record of our booking and the restaurant was very busy. I have noted here that diners tend to eat earlier and by 7:30/8:00 it was almost empty. The Maitre'd quickly had a table prepared for us. It was rather large for 3 diners but very comfortable in a corner. A complimentary bottle of Champagne then arrived by way of apology. Totally unexpected but very much appreciated.

We had very good service during the meal. The wine list is very good and we enjoyed a bottle of 2005 Gevrey Chambertin that was quite reasonably priced. There is currently a menu price of £28 for 2 courses and £31 for 3 courses. A very reasonable price when you consider the location and the splendour of the venue.

My warm asparagas salad with mushrooms and poached egg was absolutely delicious. Fellow diners had prawns with noodles and duck and mango salad. Very positive feedback from them.

For mains I chose the fillet of beef, for which there is an extra charge of £4.50. It was superb. Cooked exactly how I like it. Very flavoursome and just melted in the mouth. One of my fellow diners made the same choice and we both agreed that it was one of the best we had ever eaten. My third diner had the beetroot tart with melting goats cheese and I gather that, too, was very enjoyable. The accompanying selection of vegetables were well cooked and well presented.

I choose not to have desert. My fellow diners had rhubard parfait with ginger jelly and lemon posset. I am told it was excellent and it certainly was beautifully presented.

We had a small error on the bill but that was very quickly corrected. It was such a good meal that I have already booked the next meal there in a couple of weeks. Whether you are a member of the IOD or not this restaurant comes highly recommended.