116 at the Athenaeum — Restaurant in London

We were gifted a 3 course meal as a gift for a Christmas present, and we waited until August to use the voucher as it has been the first time we have been able to do so. When we got to the restaurant, we were greeted by a lady called Claire who showed us to our table and took our coats. She took the time to chat with us and make us feel comfortable in our surroundings. Asked if we wanted our complimentary glass of bubbles , where she allowed me to change mine to a glass of lager. She also asked if we wanted water, be it tap or bottled. We then met Johnny our waiter, who was from Romania, but had spent some time living in Prague, so my partner had a great chat with him as she also previously lived in Prague for 10 years. We then looked through the set menu that was included in the voucher, but could have chosen anything from the a la carte menu at an additional charge. The set menu choice of starters were as follows... Tomatoes, cottage cheese and olives. Whippded cod roe Chicken and vegetable broth. The main course choices were as follows... A mushroom pasta dish Pork belly with mash and vegetables Sea bream. Dessert choices were as follows... Dark chocolate mousse c/w coffee icecream Strawberry cheesecake Cheese of the day with grapes, etc. We gave our choices to Johnny and enjoyed each others company whilst we waited for our starters that arrived in a reasonable time. For starters, my partner chose the cod roe and I had the broth. Both were enjoyable and quantiful without being too little or too much. We were then introduced to Barry who asked if we wanted any wine with dinner. We started chatting and found that he had been to Moravia to visit a vineyard, and therefore we reminisced about our visit to the same vineyard a few years ago too. Again, we felt that he wasnt rushed, and took the time to chat with us. We asked for his wine recommendation for dinner, and we agreed on a Chardonnay that was chilled to perfection, giving that nice crisp, slight oak taste on the tongue that complimented both main courses to perfection. Not the cheapest, but would you really expect anything different from a Michelin starred restaurant in central London For mains, my partner had the pasta and I had the pork. Again, both dishes were perfect, and there was plenty of the pasta dish to the point my partner did not eat it all. For dessert, my partner had the mousse and I chose the cheese. Again, both were great, the mousse beautifully presented in a dark chocolate parcel that cracked delightfully with a little pressure from a fork. My cheese, along with grapes, celery and cheese biscuits, were just great, especially as I chose to accompany this with a glass of port.

The food was pleasant, the surrounds were comfortable, the service was excellent, and the staff made it a...

I dined at Galvin at the Athenaeum last week with my wife. It was a fantastic evening from start to finish.

Our waiter was informative and chatty, but also efficient. Our drinks order was taken and we set about perusing the menu.

My wife and I both had the same starter – lasagne of Dorset crab with Nantais butter sauce. It was a wonderful light dish. The sauce had a hint of tarragon, which normally my wife isn't a fan of, but she loved it. Perhaps she is converted.

For my main I had Cassoulet of Gressingham duck and Gloucester old spot sausage. It was wonderful. I was expecting more of a stew, but I was pleasantly surprised. Pink duck and sausages full of flavour. My wife had haunch of Cartmel Valley venison, quince and celeriac; the mouthful I managed to steal was fantastic!

We were so full after our two courses, but we shared a dessert – milk chocolate jivara baba with dark chocolate guanaja and rum. I didn't know what half the words were, but I can describe it as a sort of chocolate-filled brioche bun in a chocolate sauce, which did not last long!

The Athenaeum is a private members' club, which only began admitting women in 2002. That makes it sound like a stuffy, pretentious and out-dated establishment – all these things Galvin is absolutely not. It certainly had an air of prestige, but without the pomposity – it was a relaxed environment with warm staff and fantastic food. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and will...

April 2023.

We all have different experiences at restaurants and mine was good here for a dinner out. The restaurant manager and our waitress were delightful and attentive. Treat them with humour and courtesy and you get the same in return.

We had the 3 course set meal for £33 which for a central London restaurant is bloody good. 3 choices per course including a vegan option. Starters - Carbonara for her and leak and potato soup for me - were very filling and both slightly over salted.

For the main course we both had the salmon with giant couscous and samphire which was very tasty. The salmon would be improved if the skin was crispy.

We were unsure of picking a Horsemonden wine from Sussex so our waitress brought us a taste to try. We chose it and it was very elderflower in taste but light and good with the salmon.

For dessert we chose chocolate cake with mango and passion fruit puree. The chocolate sides to this were incredible.

The restaurant itself is nice but not stunning (it doubles as the hotel's breakfast room). Lighting was a good level and no music playing. Tables are far enough apart not to hear your neighbour's conversation but they do need to sort out the wobbly ones. Food was delivered promptly and water and wine kept topped up. It looks like the menu is changed regularly and a lot of "local" ingredients are used.

Worth a visit if you are at the Hyde Park end of Picadilly and want something better than the...