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The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace

Brasserie, British, Fish, Halal, Hotel Bars, Steak, Vegan, Vegetarian·
££££
·
Bronze Award
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SquareMeal Review of The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace

Bronze Award

Lodged inside the fittingly esteemed Rubens hotel, mere moments away from Buckingham Palace, this luxurious retro-British dining room offers a no-expenses-spared approach to dining. We imagine this is designed to make diners feel like royalty, in ode to the hotel’s location and legacy (it was once a part of the palace’s grounds), and we certainly received the royal treatment.

Skilled, suit-clad staff play a starring role in this curated experience, our quick-handed bartender pouring our cocktail - a Royal Margarita - from a height with accomplished aplomb. This was our first encounter of tableside theatre at the grill, and not the last. Theatrics continue throughout dinner, our waiter slicing long, thin sheets of smoked salmon before our eyes, before pairing it with various pickled and vinegary accompaniments.

The menu leans towards classic, rich British dishes created by talented head chef Ben Kelliher. Another strong entry, a voluptuous pulled beef croquette was encased in a thick, fried breadcrumb casing and sprinkled with sweet pickled onions. Indeed, meat and fish do dominate the menu, with a lengthy section dedicated to josper grill dishes. Nevertheless, a plate of crisp gnocchi served with a rich pumpkin puree, buttery pine nuts and sweet fried courgettes proved that vegetarians are by no means an afterthought. To finish, rib-sticking desserts all lean towards the indulgent, including a large slice of brownie cake, swimming in hot chocolate sauce and served with peanut ice cream.

Prices do vary wildly, and lean towards the very expensive. That smoked salmon, for example, was just under £30, as was the gnocchi, while one of its steaks fetched over £70. We expect these are the sorts of prices residents expect to pay though, and all those theatrical touches make it a great place for special occasions. One final tip: make sure to grab a drink in the New York Bar before you dine for the full experience.

Good to know

Spend SquareMeal Smart Vouchers
Average Price
££££ - Over £80
Cuisines
Brasserie, British, Fish, Halal, Hotel Bars, Steak, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ambience
Cosy, Fine dining, Glamorous, Lively, Luxury, Quiet conversation, Romantic, Traditional, Unique, Widely spaced tables
Food Occasions
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Dog friendly, Gluten-free options, Live music or dancing, Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions

About

If you're looking for a luxury dining destination in Central London, look no further than The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace - a refined, stylish fine dining restaurant, housed within one of London's most prestigious hotels. Right from the get go the surroundings are impressive - Murano glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling, tables are adorned with starched white tablecloths, and smart leather-bound banquettes provide something comfortable to sink into. A glass wall overlooking the kitchen pass allows guests a no-holds-barred view into the kitchen.

The menu is all about British classics, cooked to exacting standards. Pride of place is given to great British ingredients and producers. Starters include London burrata with smoked heritage beetroots, truffled honey and charred leek, and a luxurious glazed lobster omelette with thermidor sauce. In the kitchen, a josper grill allows for a selection of steaks - fillet, ribeye and a whole chateaubriand for two, for example - which are grilled over coals and served with a choice of classic sauces, as well as sides like triple cooked chips, creamed spinach and brussel sprouts with bacon & chestnuts. 

Also on the menu are hearty, comforting main plates such as grilled butternut squash with tenderstem broccoli, barbequed wild mushroom, pumpkin seeds and coconut dressing, and seared venison saddle with roast garlic potato puree, braised leeks, blackberries and dark chocolate jus, and a Billingsgate Market fish of the day offering a variety of species throughout the year. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options for those with dietary requirements. 

For a bit of extra theatre, many dishes are prepared and served tableside too. The Crepes Suzette, for example, is flambeed in front of your eyes just before being served. Little touches like this are what makes The English Grill a great choice for special occasions and celebrations, and the low-lighting and generous service is particularly well-suited to romantic dinners.

Menu Highlights

Main Courses
Set Lunch Menu - £29.00

 Indulge in a selection of seasonal dishes, meticulously prepared with fresh ingredients. Enjoy elegant flavours in a charming setting, ideal for a memorable midday meal. Our lunch set menu is available from Tuesday to Friday. Price: £29 for two-courses, £35 for three-courses Special Offer: Guests receive a complimentary glass of wine when enjoying Lunch - available for parties of up to 8 people until the 22nd November 2024. 

Early Evening Set Menu/ Pre-Theatre Menu - £49.00

With some of London's most celebrated shows on our doorstep - including Hamilton and Wicked - enjoy a set menu dinner at The English Grill. Peruse our menu of delightful light bites, main courses, and desserts to make your evening one to remember. Our evening set menu is available all evening from Tuesday to Saturday. Price: £49 for two-courses, £55 for three-courses

Thanksgiving Lunch and Dinner - £70.00

This November, we're bringing Thanksgiving to London with a festive feast of holiday classics. Celebrate this special time with us and contact our dedicated events team to learn about our private dining options. Time: 12 pm - 2.30 pm and 5.30 to 9.30pm  Price: £70 per person

Gourmet Chef Experience: The Rubens Pastry Kitchen - £600.00

Enjoy an interactive pastry experience curated by Chef Sarah Houghting at The Rubens.Choose between a morning experience paired with a Royal Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge or anafternoon experience paired with Dinner in the English Grill. £600 pp For more details view our menus or visit https://rubenshotel.com/dining-and-drinks/the-english-grill


FAQs

Can you book?

Absolutely yes - check availability on its profile page or visit https://rubenshotel.com/dining-and-drinks/the-english-grill

Helpful? 0

What is the ambience like?

Truly refined and stylish, The English Grill is set in opulently designed surroundings, serving the finest English produce and suppliers that serve the Queen’s kitchen. Murano chandeliers and a live-action kitchen make for a truly unique experience.

Helpful? 0

What is the dress code?

Smart casual. Guests are asked to refrain from wearing sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts. Guest not adhering to the dress code policy will not be permitted entry into our restaurants and bars.

Helpful? 0

What is the menu like?

The menu offers signatures classics, including salads, steaks, desserts and dishes from Founder and President, Mrs Beatrice Tollman, and all meats are grilled to perfection in our charcoal-fired Josper Grill.

Helpful? 0

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Table theatre at The English Grill

Events

FreeChristmas Eve Dinner
Christmas events
Christmas Eve Dinner

24 Dec 2024

Join us on Christmas Eve and enjoy our phenomenal à la carte menu featuring our signature fish of the day.

 

Guests dine a la carte 

Time: 5.30 to 9.30pm 

More Details
£287Christmas Day Dining at The Rubens Hotel
Christmas events
Christmas Day Dining at The Rubens Hotel

25 Dec 2024

Join your loved ones and celebrate Christmas Day with a delectable seven-course meal sure to delight the taste buds.

Time: 1 to 7pm (last seating)

Price: £287 per person, £143.50 children under 12

 

For full menu details please visit https://rubenshotel.com/festive 

Private Dining options are available - a member of the experience events team would be happy to discuss your requirements

More Details
FreeBoxing Day Dinner
Christmas events
Boxing Day Dinner

26 Dec 2024

Join us for a relaxed meal this Boxing Day and enjoy our à la carte menu, including Beef Wellington, freshly sliced at your table from our Beef Wellington trolley.

Time: 5.30 to 9.30pm

More Details
FreeNew Year's Eve Dinner
New Year's Eve parties and events
New Year's Eve Dinner

31 Dec 2024

Celebrate New Year's Eve in style in The English Grill. Savour gourmet delights from our à la carte menu and welcome the new year surrounded by the luxury of this iconic London establishment.

Time: 5.30 to 9.30pm

More Details
£82Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea
Dining Experience
Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea

01 Jan 2025

Expect a scrumptious feast of seasonal flavours that pay tribute to the English tradition of Afternoon Tea, including a glass of mulled wine.

Time: 12 to 5pm

Prices: £82 per adult with a glass of mulled wine, £102 with a glass of mulled wine and a glass of champagne, £125 bottomless champagne, £35 children under 12

More Details
£179Rubens Dinner Series: Burn's Night Dinner
Special Dinner
Rubens Dinner Series: Burn's Night Dinner

25 Jan 2025

The Rubens Dinner Series: Burn's Night 2025

The evening will commence at 6:30 pm with Canapés, Champagne and Cocktails in The Palace Lounge and The Leopard Room.

This will be followed by a luxurious six-course dinner served in The English Grill.

Entertainment includes a live performance throughout the evening by our Resident Bagpiper

£179 per person + 15% service charge 

Tickets are limited - bookings are now open 

More Details

Location

39 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, London, SW1W 0PS

020 7834 6600 020 7834 6600

Website

Opening Times

Breakfast
Mon 06:30-10:30
Tue 06:30-10:30
Wed 06:30-10:30
Thu 06:30-10:30
Fri 06:30-10:30
Sat 07:00-11:30
Sun 07:00-11:30
Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue 12:00-14:30
Wed 12:00-14:30
Thu 12:00-14:30
Fri 12:00-14:30
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon 17:30-21:30
Tue 17:30-21:30
Wed 17:30-21:30
Thu 17:30-21:30
Fri 17:30-21:30
Sat 18:30-21:30
Sun 18:30-21:30

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Call The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace to make a booking on:

020 7834 6600 020 7834 6600

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