Sometimes the best things are those on your doorstep, so with that in mind I decided to call in at the Brompton Bar and Grill which I regularly find myself strolling past on my way home from the office.
A Cypriot/Greek restaurant since 1945, The Brompton Grill was renamed The Brasserie St Quentin in 1980 when it changed hands to its new owners Hugh O’Neil and renowned restaurant critic Quentin Crewe. Thanks in part to its celebrated French chef, Charles Plumex, and maitre’d, Didier Garnier, The Brasserie soon became widely regarded as one of the best French restaurants in London. Despite leaving the family in the 1990s, Hugh’s son Francois O’Neill took over the business in 2008, where he renamed it the Brompton Bar and Grill (BB&G) in return to its former heritage. Thanks to some careful consideration, the venue has now be tastefully re-energized with a tasteful Parisian-come-Manhattan brasserie interior, and a new menu which puts a contemporary European/British twist on its otherwise classic French bistro cuisine.
Upon my experience, some non-intentional eavesdropping revealed a mix of well-heeled professional clientele, spanning a 30-something author, to a retiring fund-manager. The ambience had a suitably lively yet sophisticated air, characterised by the intimately lit dining room and soundtrack of traditional French Jazz music.
The interior itself was as functional as it was stylish, with a large feature zinc bar running the length of the venue and diners comfortably sat along the opposing wall. An eclectic assortment of artworks including tongue-in-cheek French cartoon sketches and vintage beverage advertisements adjourn much of the wall space.
The menu as a whole was well thought out and inspiring enough to warrant at least a few return visits, but in my personal experience is was the starters and live Jazz music that did it for me. Having dined with my fairer half, for starters I opted for the Raw Tuna – Chilli, Ginger & Coriander (£9.50), whilst my partner went for Dressed Dorset Crab – Mayonnaise & Lemon Sourdough Toast (£15.50). Although admittedly a tad biased in our fondness of seafood, both starters were so divine and mesmerizingly fresh that unfortunately this meant neither our mains or desserts came close. My main of Marinated Salmon – Fennel Remoulade & Soft Boiled Quail Eggs was without doubt an inspired creation yet much like my partners Lamb dish, it just was not memorable and our Autumn Fruit Crumble with Vanilla Custard (£6.90) desserts hit just the spot, but not original enough to commend a restaurant upon.
All in all, the courteous French waiters were all immaculately dressed and attentive enough to always be close on hand, it is indeed a noteworthy local restaurant with a great atmosphere and one that I shall certainly be returning to.
For those of you visiting the V&A Museum or perhaps returning from a spot of shopping at Harrods or Harvey Nichols, BB&G is conveniently located between all three landmarks and definitely one to visit.
Reviewed by Sam Bryan-Merrett
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243 BROMPTON ROAD
LONDON
SW3 2EP
Tel 020 7589 8005
reservations@bromptonbarandgrill.com
www.bromptonbarandgrill.com[/one_half]
[one_half_last]Mon – Fri Lunch: 12pm – 3pm
Sat – Sun Lunch: 12pm – 3.30pm
Mon – Sat Dinner: 6pm – 10.30pm
(Sunday ‘til 10pm)
Open all Bank Holidays
Closed Christmas Day only[/one_half_last]
