James' review of Helene Darroze at The Connaught

There was an unprecedented hype about the opening of The Connaughts new restaurant with internationally renowned chef Helene Darroze taking the helm, and unfortunately my experience did not live up to expectations.

Myself and three colleagues went for lunch, and found the dishes to be rather bland, and dishes were not executed with the same culinary flair as other notable restaurants in the capital.

Service was not poor, but too over attentive, with waiting staff seeming to out number patrons. A request for some more bread and butter was dismissed by the waiter who decided my starter should be given my undivided attention, this theme continued throughout the meal including a decision that we had finished eating and swift clearing of the table while two colleagues were still eating.

Despite the much publicised refurbishment, the dining room felt dated and stuffy. The atmosphere stale and stade.

Value for money. Average. There are far more restuarants in London, where for the same price you can experience far superior innovative and inspiring cooking.