The Northall
Spring was definitely in the air as we made our way to The Northall restaurant within The Corinthia Hotel on Whitehall, for what promised to be an evening of fine dining. The Corinthia provides a stylish backdrop for the restaurant, housed in a grand Victorian building, with the finest collection of lighting I think I have ever admired. The Northall itself is light and airy with the ambience of a sophisticated country manor. Comfortable, and relaxed, it also provides the perfect spot for a bit of people watching; looking onto the bustling street outside with the River Thames beyond.
The Northall is arranged across four distinct areas, offering a private dining room for intimate dinners, and a secluded gallery dining area on the mezzanine level that overlooks the buzz of the main restaurant. What better way to celebrate the season than with a glass or three of champagne to begin one’s meal? Well, not quite three, but is a wonderfully original idea of The Northall’s to offer a trio of Champagnes for you to sample served in three small glasses known as a Champagne Flight. There is the ‘Taste of Brut-trio’ at £17.50, or the ‘Taste of Rose’ at £22.50. I enjoyed the former, and it provided the perfect accompaniment to my chosen starter Loch Var Smoked Salmon with capers and lemon.
The menu showcases the very best of British cuisine with a focus on seasonal produce from artisanal suppliers who provide the restaurant with ingredients from around the British Isles. A nice little feature of the menu is the detailing of the exact location from where the ingredients of that dish were sourced. The restaurant is overseen by Executive Chef Garry Hollihead, and his menu incorporates dishes such as Herdwick Lamb Rump and Barbecued Ribs, the classic Grilled Dover Sole, and Nettle and Artichoke Risotto. There is also a Grill menu for steak lovers offering various cuts of 28-day dry-aged native Angus grass-fed beef. Prices range from £17 to £41 for main courses.
My husband enjoyed Grilled Half of Native Lobster to start, sourced from St Ives, Cornwall. Succulent and meaty - I think he would have been happy to have eaten this for the entire duration of the meal! I would have been happy to join him, as it was absolutely delicious. For the main course I opted for Roast Belly of Pork with Sea Scallops, Monmouthshire ham and golden raisin and caper purée. I particularly enjoyed the pairing of the tender pork with the scallops, and the subtle sweetness delivered by the raisin purée. I chose a side of green beans and shallots to accompany the dish. Being a fish lover, my husband selected the Roast Fillet of Lemon Sole Tartare, with a side of triple cut chips. Simple, yet delicious, his “Posh Fish and Chips” did not disappoint.
When it comes to desserts I believe myself to be a true connoisseur, although in truth my only qualification is a profound love of all things sweet and especially chocolatey. However, I made my selection and the end result proved to be a real tour de force! Described as Dark Chocolate and Coconut Sphere, Ginger infused Pineapple, Rum and Raisin Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce, I can only say that the explosion of flavours and contrasting textures were heavenly. Not a morsel was spared. My husband chose the Malted Milk Choc Ice, Stout Chocolate Cake, Caramelised Puffed Wheat in an echo to his childhood memories of choc ices and puffed wheat cereal. He raved about the choc-ice, but I have to admit to being completely distracted by my own enjoyment. Desserts are priced at £8.
The Northall lived up to my expectations of an evening of fine dining, and in many ways surpassed them. If you hanker after the taste of true British Cuisine, or simply wish to sample what Britain has to offer to the culinary world, then look no further.
10 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AE
Telephone: 020 7321 3100
Website: The Northall
