The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace

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.

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 English Grill serves all-day menus suited to everything from smart breakfast meetings through to luxurious dinners and relaxed weekend brunches. If you're visiting for breakfast, discover an array of light and heartier breakfast options, from a continental selection through to eggs benedict and French toast. 

Ideal for business lunches, client meetings, and leisurely midday dining, the seasonal lunch menu celebrates classic British cuisine with a modern touch, showcasing carefully sourced ingredients and heritage cuts. Combined with an extensive wine and Champagne list, as well as classic desserts and seasonal specials, lunch at The English Grill is always a special and personal experience. 

The theme continues well into the evening, offering a dining experience defined by classic British cooking, cooked to exacting standards and served in a luxurious setting. Pride of place is given to great British ingredients and producers, with examples including 'London cure' smoked salmon sliced at your table, and halibut with a caviar and butter sauce. While decadent signatures include a centrepiece beef Wellington with lobster sauce. 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.

Dining early? The pre-theatre menu includes three courses for a set price, and is served pre-7pm for those who are catching a show in the area.