Caxton Grill — Restaurant in London

Hubby and I eat at a lot of fine dining restaurants. This is one we won't be booking again.

Firstly, the decor was weird and mismatched (stylistically, I'm not sure where this was meant to be going: old-fashioned chandeliers in 'fishtanks' next to modern industrial track lighting next to ugly and equally-mismatched wall sconces...horrible tapestry window dressings and incongruous 'Morrocan/Indian style' wall art...maybe I'm being picky as I'm studying Interior Design?!) which actually led us to comment and hubby remarked that the food had better be better than the decor.

Unfortunately it wasn't and seemed equally confused in parts.

We went for the taster menu - normally a showcase for the chef's best dishes - I've certainly never been disappointed eating this way. However, this menu seemed to be a showcase of how many things chef could put into gelee/crisp tubes (at least 3 dishes out of 5 employed this technique, once is cool, twice is repetitive, but three times...boring). The tubes and gelees didn't even taste of much. Nor did anything we ate.

And some things (artfully 'burned vegetables') were just plain nasty and bitter. I enjoyed the dish more when hubby pointed out I didn't have to eat everything on my plate...but that's not the point of a taster menu! The 'ashed' steak was also a cooking technique which I think ruined a beautiful piece of meat - again, much nicer when I cut the charred outside off. Also the listed 'duck and ricotta ravioli' were actually full of foie gras, which I won't eat, but this wasn't listed on the menu. When I pointed this out to our useless waiter, he argued 'What so you wouldn't have gone for this menu if you'd have known?'. Er, correct, yes. Or asked for a substitute dish.

As we explained later to the more sympathetic Head Waiter (our own waiter didn't seem to care a jot whether we were enjoying our meal or not), there was nothing so 'badly cooked' that we would send it back but nothing 'popped out' as a standout course and nothing made our tastebuds 'sing'. Disappointing for a former Masterchef contestant when all John & Greg bang on about is flavour (and presentation - again, nothing wowed).

The other truly WEIRD thing is we went for the 'paired champagnes' Taster Menu option - but on our second course, we didn't get another glass. I carried on eating, expecting a glass to arrive, but nothing (despite it being listed). Finishing the plate, I asked our waited where the champagne had got to as we'd not had anything paired with that course. He explained that with the following course we were getting THREE glasses of champagne. Now this wasn't laid out on the menu like this nor explained anywhere. I didn't like this 'feast/famine' approach to my drink - I'd like a steady supply throughout my meal and with every course! We cancelled our choice of 'paired' champagnes and switched to just ordering wine by the glass.

The one redemption was that on hearing our feedback, the Head Waiter took the cost of our drinks off the menu, which was very kind of him but to be honest I'd have rather paid full price and been wowed.

As it turns out, we...

Today, I embarked on a culinary adventure with my son and daughter at the esteemed Caxton Grill, nestled within the delightful St Ermin's hotel. The ambience exuded a tranquil and inviting aura, perfectly complemented by the attentive staff, especially the remarkable Mr. Nahid, the manager. His charm, amiability, and vast knowledge shone through as he gracefully guided us through the menu, ensuring that even our gluten-free options were expertly chosen. Not only did he provide recommendations, but he also regaled us with a brief introduction to the hotel and restaurant.

Given the time constraints, we unanimously decided to indulge in the main course only, as my son had to swiftly return to his office after his lunch break. Surprisingly, we all independently gravitated towards the tantalizing Freedown Hill olive-fed Wagyu steak burger, adorned with a delightful tomato relish, crisp gem lettuce, and accompanied by the heavenly aroma of smoked Applewood Cheddar ,steak chips. To add a touch of variety, we also savored some delectable roasted root vegetables.

As my daughter ordered a cocktail to delight her senses, I opted for a glass of Malbec Mendoza from the renowned vineyards of Argentina, which perfectly complemented the flavors of our meals. Despite the slight variation in ingredients due to our gluten-free requirements, the harmony of flavors surpassed our expectations, leaving us thoroughly satisfied. I cannot emphasize enough the exceptional role played by Nahid, whose remarkable service and leadership left an indelible impression on us, both as honored guests and as members of the staff.

Our gratitude knows no bounds for the unforgettable experience and delectable cuisine we savored at Caxton Grill. Rest assured, we shall return to relish more of your culinary delights and even explore the tempting offerings of your afternoon tea. To all those seeking an extraordinary dining experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Caxton Grill....

As I ventured into Caxton Grill, discreetly nestled inside St. Ermin's Hotel, I couldn't help but marvel at the ample space that it offered. The layout, featuring intimate corners, high tables, and of course, the inviting bar, provided the perfect cover for covert meetings.

The intimate areas, well, they held secrets just as well as they held conversations. The high tables, where one could exchange documents without drawing suspicion, were strategically placed. As for the bar, let's just say that its counterintelligence was as impeccable as its cocktails.

Speaking of cocktails, the selection was somewhat limited, but the mixologists had an uncanny ability to concoct anything one desired. A trait that any spy would appreciate; they never blinked an eye, even when my requests grew more complex.

The food, considering the context of a hotel bar, exceeded expectations. It was satisfying, providing the sustenance needed to keep my espionage endeavors on track.

Now, the service – it was truly amazing. The staff operated with such precision and discretion that I couldn't help but wonder if they had been trained in the art of espionage themselves.

And here's the twist – the bar was so good that I couldn't help but think about changing sides, much like the ebb and flow of wartime allegiances. The atmosphere was so inviting that even a seasoned spy could find themselves contemplating a different path.

As I savored my drink, I couldn't help but notice the number of Americans patronizing the establishment. It felt as though there were more of them than secret agents in wartime Berlin. I suppose you could say it was a "friendly invasion," much like our American allies during World War II.

In conclusion, Caxton Grill at St. Ermin's Hotel is a place that could make even a spy consider a change of allegiance, all while enjoying excellent service, intriguing spaces, and, of course, cleverly...