One very British dinner in London?

[RandyB]

I haven't been to London in 25+ years, although I frequently visit Paris. On our way from Paris to Prague this April, my wife and I are detouring for one night (and a day at the Tates) in London.

I'd like to take my wife to some thoroughly British restaurant, like Simpson's. She loves good beef and I adore mutton. I also know what properly made Yorkshire pudding is like, but that's optional. I have no idea if Simpson's is any good these days. It is about as pricey (or more) than we'd like.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. (Also for a great fish & chips shop for lunch near either Tate.)

[Gavin Jones]

I think this is what you're looking for.

[Jon Tseng]

Also think about Gary Rhodes new place in Tower 42 in the City

great views, mutton steaming pudding and other goodies

http://www.rhodes24.co.uk/

cheerio

J

[jackal10]

I'd stay with Simpsons..but only for the beef

[Scott]

wiltons.

[tony h]

a day at the Tates

Tate Modern is a must but Tate Britain has the dreariest permanent collection on show just now. However, the El Greco exhibition opens that the National this week - I've heard its astonishing so I'd do that instead if your are time limited.

[PoppySeedBagel]

I'd go to Wilton's on Jermyn Street - lovely, refined food - as I find St John is a bit too 'hair shirt'. I disapprove of Simpson's as it does Bird's custard with puds, not eggy, proper, custard.

[RandyB]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.

[oenomania]

I would second the vote for St John - either St John. Incidentally a new edition of Henderson's Nose to Tail Eating is coming out in the US in April so you might be able to book-up on the flight.

[Winot]

I would second the vote for St John - either St John.

Or alternatively Anchor & Hope in The Cut -- a short walk from Tate Modern. Very similar to St John but gastropub style. I had a great braised ox cheek and celeriac mash there on Saturday.

[Andy Lynes]

The Anchor and Hope got an absolutely storming review from Giles Coren in The Times on Saturday. The review is very funny and worth reading even if you aren't intending to visit the place.

[Suzi Edwards]

i love that review. i really have to go now. don't think i can put this off for much longer.

[Winot]

Tarka - better go quickly as word is getting around. On Friday night we went pre-theatre and it was full by 6.45pm (with names being taken for tables from about 6.30pm). When we left at 7.15pm we (almost literally) had to fight our way out through the pub side.

Still, the cassoulet for two made it all worthwhile.

[curlywurlyfi]

i love that review. i really have to go now. don't think i can put this off for much longer.

I'm in, if you + Jack need a dining companion. We could do early doors one night - or lunch?

[Suzi Edwards]

yes yes yes! i'll email you to sort a date.

[rshorens]

Has anyone mentioned Rules near Covent Garden? Jeffrey Steingarten wrote in this months's Vogue that he had very good woodcock there- that sounds pretty traditional to me

Roz

[Sandra Levine]

St. John is wonderful, and maybe essential during a London visit nowadays, but its food is a fantasy of what traditional British food was, or should have been. Wilton's food is probably more authentically traditional, and the setting is certainly more comfortable. It's like dining in someone's stately home.

[Bapi]

Rules and J Sheekey would get my vote in this category.

[balex]

I just went to Rules for the first time, and it was fine but Wilton's is very much better --but a fair bit more expensive of course. The people watching is great at Wilton's too -- you can learn a lot about traditional English tailoring by having dinner there.

[chengb02]

I would second Rules as the quintessential, British meal (at least in the eyes of this American).