Contemporary British Food by Marcus Wareing @ Marcus – The Berkeley Hotel, London

Ian’s birthday surprise was unveiled at Marcus by Marcus Wareing.  Two Michelin Stars of fine dining at its best !

Having watched the programme ‘Great British Menu’ and seeing Marcus Wareing conjure up spectacular plates of food, Ian had mentioned that he’d like to dine at one his restaurants.  It was a no-brainer but to reserve a table at Marcus by Marcus Wareing located in Knightsbridge.  The restaurant is situated inside The Berkeley Hotel in London.  However, on the day, we did walk past the hotel twice as there wasn’t a sign anywhere indicating that it was The Berkeley until we asked the doorman.

The table was booked for lunch at 1pm  – the restaurant was very quiet at the time with only a couple seated on the other side of the room.  Our coats were taken to the cloakroom and we were taken to a table in the centre of the restaurant.  A great spot for people watching.  The restaurant was very contemporary and bright with the subdued lighting in contrast to the dark wood panelled walls and dark brown banquette seating. The white, crisp neatly ironed table cloths and cream leather seats gave a relaxed feel within the restaurant.

After perusing the tasting and à la carte menus whilst sipping on our mojitos, we finally decided on the à la carte menu.  Before the starters, we were given amuse bouche … little bites of fish cakes with lime mayonnaise.  These little morsels were moorish.

To start, Ian ordered the pheasant with chanterelle, radicchio and grape.  With every mouthful  from Ian, all I could hear was Mmmmmm!  Having tasted the pheasant, I realised why he was making those noises!  The pheasant was divine, the chanterelle, radicchio and grape was an exquisite pairing and the accompanying  sauce was like nectar.  Delicious!  

I chose the crab with prawn, avocado and caviar.  A colourful plate of food, very fresh, fragrant, with different textures popping in the mouth and packed full of flavour.  No doubt I did have slight food envy, however the crab was still delicious.

Next course was the succulent, pink cooked veal rib served with heritage carrot.  Again, this was divine and the sauce was velvety smooth.

Ian opted for the juicy and tender fallow deer with pomme purée, celeriac, pine nuts and hints of sweet blackberry.  Somehow I felt that Ian kept thinking about the pheasant starter although he was ‘Oooohing’ somewhat with each mouthful.  Both dishes were bursting with flavour which was perfect for this wintry day.

Of course, we finished our meals with desserts.  The toffee, hazelnut and milk chocolate nougat was not overly sweet and was scrumptious indeed!  The crisp break as you tap into the tempered chocolate was music to my ears.  The Meadowsweet custard served with  three perfect quenelles of lychee sorbet was smooth, light and refreshing.

Finally, petit fours were served with our mint teas.  Chocolate truffles … yes please!

The service was exceptional and the staff were very helpful with the menu.  Each course provided exquisite, explosions of flavours in the mouth – truly two Michelin starred quality and no doubt we will return.

Price: 3 courses £85 with the à la carte menu (excluding drinks) $$$

Have you been to Marcus or other Marcus Wareing restaurants?

 

 

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