Romano’s at Simpson’s in the Strand offers a moden, cafe-style interpretation of English cooking, served from mid-morning through to the evening. Located within the historic landmark in London’s theatre district, the restaurant provides a lively setting for lunch, dinner and drinks, including comtemporary cocktails and a largely French wine list.
First opened in 1828, Simpson’s in the Strand is one of London’s most historic restaurants, and has remained one of London’s most iconic, enduring restaurants ever since. Located upstairs, Romano's at Simpson's is designed to be a 21st-century answer to an artistic salon. Paying homage to its heritage as a stomping ground for London's artistic set, the restaurant is lined with portraits of 20th-century playwrights, who are placed on high around the walls and overlook the main dining room.
The dining room reflects the building’s heritage, with moulded walls, marble-accented pillars and dark walnut woodwork creating a sense of classic grandeur. Green leather booth seating adds warmth, while a grand arched entrance and tall windows bring natural light into the space.
The kitchen is led by head chefs Sam Samyani and Ed Ross, working under executive chef David Stevens and owner Jeremy King. The team focuses on seasonal British cooking using carefully sourced ingredients, including grass-fed beef, line-caught fish, well-sourced meat and game and a range of seasonal produce.
The a la carte menu features starters such as a Scotch egg with Coronation mayonnaise, a half pint of prawns, and smoked eel with candy beetroot. Main courses range from lighter plates to heartier dishes, with a dedicated 'pies and puddings of the day' list featuring iconic British staples. Think Simpson's signature fish pie, ox cheek and mushroom pudding, and beef and ale pie. Elsewhere, discover haddock goujons with tartare sauce, and pork and herb faggots with buttery mash and ale gravy.
Desserts and cheeses round off the menu, including creme caramel, strawberry and sherry trifle, and 'Simon’s' sticky toffee pudding.
The drinks menu features Martinis, Champagne cocktails and a Regent Punch, alongside a largely French-focused wine list, plus non-alcoholic cocktails, beers, ciders and soft drinks.