Wild Honey
St James’s, London
*Anthony Demetre is launching a casual, all-day bistro called the Bistrot at Wild Honey, adjacent to the main restaurant. Expect a menu of classic bourgeois French food alongside some of Demetre's greatest hits. Opening 27 April 2024."
As dining rooms go there can be few more striking than this dramatic double-height space on the ground floor of the Sofitel St James Hotel. It's very grand, in a famous Parisian brasserie kind of way – a smart, polished environment that caters for a well-heeled crowd. Anthony Demetre remains a hands-on presence and a key part in the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back for more. His kitchen continues to turn out a mix of French classics with gentle modern touches and a fierce adherence to the seasons. Wild mushroom tart served with a fricassée of wild mushrooms and hazelnut sabayon, or crispy chicken with hand-cut macaroni and black winter truffles, typify the fresh, lively flavours that could be followed, perhaps, by fallow deer and slow-cooked celeriac with walnut and cocoa, kumquat marmalade and a grand veneur sauce. Readers have also praised the Isle of Gigha halibut with white asparagus, tempura of monk's beard, mussel and grapefruit relish. Finish with the signature wild-honey ice cream served with Bermondsey raw honeycomb, warm honey and lemon madeleine, though for some reporters, the sweet comfort of a classic custard tart can’t be beaten. The set lunch and pre-theatre menu is splendid value. There’s a serious dedication to drinks, too, with well-tailored cocktails and a wine list that leads with quality glasses from £6 before undertaking a sweeping global shuffle, lingering longest in France.
Dining Information:
Accommodation, Private dining room, Separate bar, Counter seating, Wheelchair access, Family friendly, Credit card required, Deposit required
Sofitel St James, 8 Pall Mall, St James’s SW1Y 5NG
020 7968 7820
