At Seven Park Place, it’s the little details that sets it apart from similar fine dining establishments. Decked out in the most sumptuous decor and luxurious furnishings, the tiny eatery consists of just 9 tables, making it one of the smallest Michelin-starred eateries in the world.
It also means that where hotel restaurants are typically scaled towards grander proportions, particularly when you consider the dining rooms within its Mayfair vicinity, Seven Park Place, from in terms of both the service and atmosphere, is refreshingly intimate, warm and most importantly – inviting.
Helmed by Executive Head Chef William Drabble, the menu offers contemporary French fare which changes seasonally to reflect the best of local British produce. Expect refined, beautifully plated dishes like luxurious poached lobster tail with lobster butter sauce and decadent desserts, including their classic tarte tartin. Portion sizes are decent, so go easy on the bread basket here.
And finally, before committing to still or sparkling water, be sure to ask for the water menu. This may sound unusual, but Seven Park Place actually offers a separate water menu with detailed tasting notes so you can choose to peruse a water menu if you wish. Just like how the menu offers an approach to suit every dining style from the 2-course a la carte up to a gourmand tasting menu, you can choose a water with a subtle tinge of sweetness or something that’s lightly sparkling if you wish.
I’m definitely not a water ‘connoisseur’, but it’s a little bit of fun going through so many options!
Highlights from the 3 course menu
Not long after we were seated, our amuse bouche arrived consisting of salmon tartare, chicken liver and filled choux pastries. A bread selection soon followed, with several options including one containing raisins and bacon bits – my personal favourite, which was served alongside three butters. Don’t miss the one thats been flavoured with chilli from the Pyrenees which isn’t spicy at all, but adds a rather lovely kick.
Left to right: Pre-first consisting of a crispy prawn, avocado cream and spicy tomato sauce; 1857 cocktail (City of London Gin, Guanabana liqueur, Pineapple-lime juices, Yuzu bitters, Fresh Finger lime)
For my first drink, I wanted something a little lighter as we were doing matched wines, so the signature cocktail, with its crisp citrus notes, was a perfect option. Taking inspiration from 1857 when St James Club opened, the drink recalls the club’s original vision of welcoming travelling diplomats. Featuring ingredients from all the worlds continents, a sip of the cocktail is meant to take one on a journey around the world.
Entree: Poached Native Lobster Tail, Cauliflower Purée, Lobster Butter Sauce.
When it comes to lobster, it’s easy for it to be the star of the show but also equally easy to succumb to the pressure of incredibly high expectations. Without generating too much hype, I’ll keep it simple – it’s a perfectly executed dish that’s well worth the additional £20 supplement. Fresh lobster topped with a luxurious, velvety sauce that’s bursting with umami, this is one of those memorable dishes that you need to order when you’re dining here. Paired with a glass of 2007 Delas Freres Hermitage Blanc Marquise de la Tourette, Franc
If this dish is not in season, it may have been replaced with a variation or something similar so it’s worth asking for a recommendation.
Main course: Best End of Lune Valley Lamb, Braised Onion Boulanger, Braised Turnips and Thyme Jus
I’m more a savoury person myself, but I thoroughly enjoyed the array of ‘desserts’ here to end the evening. From the pre-dessert sorbet, dessert, home made marshmallows and chocolate selection – everything was a treat.
Their signature dish, the tarte tatin of apple, calvados ice cream and rich toffee sauce was divine, not overtly sweet and another must-order, along with their cheese platter. Though if you were tossing up between the two, definitely go for the tarte tartin. A wonderful way to end the meal.
And if you’re wondering what the gold cup is, they always serve Blue Mountain coffee in a gold cup. Because it’s all about the little details.
Seven Park Place
Seven Park Place is located at the ground floor of St James Hotel & Club, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH).
It is also featured in SLH’s latest cookbook, which features hand-picked recipes from over 140 hotels. You can find more details here.
Address:
7-8 Park Place
Mayfair, London SW1A 1LS
Table to Paper dined as a guest in late October 2018. Menus may be subject to change to reflect seasonal ingredients. Opinions are our own.