Pantechnicon — Restaurant in London

Went here on Saturday to celebrate our engagement as we'd gone back in 2021 and had a wonderful time. What a bitter disappointment.

Despite highlighting the reason for visiting in the booking (requesting a decent table for such a celebration) and calling in advance, the only table available inside was right next to the entrance, so instead we were initially seated outside, next to a loud a raucous group. We asked to move, which the waiter obliged and we ordered our food... only to tell us that the table we'd been sat at was reserved. We were moved again to sit next to the toilets, which was far from ideal but we thought we'd make the most of it.

We ordered oysters to start, followed by 4 starters including bread. The oysters arrived at the same time as three starters, but no bread. We tried for 15 mins to get a waiter's attention to ask about the bread, by which time we'd finished the starters.

Another 15 mins later the bread eventually arrives, but we were done. Celebration ruined. In fairness, the manager was lovely about the whole thing and put everything on the house (this is the reason for 2 stars and not 1). I understand the challenges of understaffing but it was a huge disappointment on such a special celebration.

On the food we did eat, the oysters were delicious. The other dishes (scallops, beetroot salad + mushroom dish) were not very exciting, it was a disappointment following what we'd had in the past. Less Nordic, much more fusion and less interesting/refined than we remembered.

This is probably best suited to casual dining rather than celebrations, but we were both...

One of the most satisfying meals I have eaten in a while. Starting with a glass of Cherry & Honey, one of their recommended cocktails, I then ordered a Beetroot for starter followed by a Cod side-dishing with a Kohlrabi.

"Well begin is half done". I couldn't be more agreed. The akvavit-based cocktail was a perfect aperitif. A hint of bitterness (I guess it's from the fermented cherry pips) opened to the distinct flavors of herbs and spices of the akvavit. The cocktail took me through all the sounded flavors then dipped my palates in a sweet after taste (from mead?). It reminds me of a lovely Negroni, but I'd prefer the Cherry & Honey to be entirely honest.

The Beetroot (Salad) was simple, but all the flavors from sweetness (beetroot), sour (sea beet), and buttery (macadamia) can be found in this dish. The buttery-rich-macadamia, with its creamy texture, leveled the dish's flavor to a new definition. I like the freshness of beetroot, and it's my favorite way to start a meal.

I always try Cod everywhere I go. So, at Eldr, there is no difference. The texture of the fish was on point, not too dry or uncooked. Yet, the smoked cream sauce was the star of the show. It was a little bit salty when I tried it on its own, but it pairs well with the fish, and the umami from the mushroom. I found it interesting that the sourness tasted from the sea vegetable (if I'm not mistaken) sprinkled on top of the fish. It was well-complimented with the robust and salty sauce and the umami mushroom. The balance was perfectly drawn.

Kudos to Eldr team and chef Joni. I would definitely come back and try...

Having seen a couple of negative reviews posted recently on here, I wondered whether the restaurant would live up to their high standard reputation. I ate here with some friends for a dinner service and my experience (and those I observed around me) as a whole completely contradicted the negative reviews. We started the night with the bread (which was some of the best pre meal bread I have tasted) and a bottle of the sap wine - which I highly recommend. The servers were very attentive and clearly knew when to approach without being beckoned. The food arrived together and on time, and the taste lived up to the mouth watering pictures I had seen before coming. I would strongly recommend the scallops when you visit. The setting on the rooftop is very pretty - you don't feel cramped and the heaters provide a nice warmth to the end of the evening. We had arrived earlier in the day to taste test the cafe and walk around the shop. I would happily go out of my way for lunch everyday in order to eat their sandwiches. The whiskey shop is so interesting and the gentleman in there clearly knew his history as he walked us through the choices. The courtyard out back was ideal to sit in, with the sun shining (only for a few minutes as is the way with english weather) and felt buzzy. Overall, I cannot give Eldr restaurant higher praise. It's food is incredible, staff cater well given the circumstances, and the smaller shops and cafes in the stunning pantechnicon building add so much diversity making the experience even more. Please add this to your list. It will be...