Inside London’s Golden Grill: Where Tradition Meets Modern Elegance

Shot by James Mcdonald – Lighter photos

If the gilded walls of Café Royal Grill could talk, they would surely have some wild stories to tell. Over the last 160 years, Hotel Café Royal has welcomed an array of distinguished guests, from royalty and members of high society to celebrities and Hollywood stars including Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Brigitte Bardot, Princess Diana and Virginia Woolf. This French brasserie-inspired restaurant pays homage to its rich history with the revival of its iconic dining space. Once famed for its acclaimed afternoon tea, Café Royal Grill has reclaimed its status as one of London’s most exclusive eateries, now offering both lunch and dinner menus.

Upon stepping inside, the restaurant’s rich history is immediately palpable. Situated within the hotel, the space is adorned with opulent interiors: mirrored walls, gold detailing, an ornate hand-painted ceiling and live music. Paired with a nostalgic menu inspired by the brasseries of Paris, the setting creates an elegant atmosphere that complements classic dining.

At the heart of the restaurant is esteemed chef Kevin Gratton, a renowned figure in British cuisine with over 25 years of experience at prestigious establishments including Scott’s and Le Caprice. A natural fit for the Hotel Café Royal team, Gratton has collaborated to design a specialised, seasonal menu that reflects both heritage and innovation. 

Among the restaurant’s sustainably sourced produce are prized salt-aged beef from Glenarm Estate in Northern Ireland; Keltic Seafare Scottish shellfish, delivered daily on the night train to Euston; Abernethy hand-rolled butter, crafted in Northern Ireland and six hand-selected varieties of English asparagus from Spillman Farm, along with many other freshly sourced ingredients from farms across the United Kingdom. 

Shot by Laurence Cannings
Jan 2025

These exceptional ingredients form the foundation of the seasonal menu, which is refreshed every four weeks to showcase the finest produce of the moment. Honouring its storied past while embracing modern influences, Café Royal Grill offers a menu centred on expertly grilled meats and fish, with signature dishes such as steak tartare, lobster bisque and the house speciality: chicken and bacon pie ‘Café Royal’. This cherished recipe has been passed down from chef to chef since the restaurant’s inception and is now reimagined by chef Gratton.

Complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring rare vintages as well as signature cocktails from the original 1937 Café Royal Cocktail Book, such as the Grill Martini and the Café Royal Appetizer, the dining experience at Café Royal Grill seamlessly blends tradition with modern sophistication. To experience the elegance of Café Royal Grill, see here. Enjoy the pre-theatre menu Monday to Friday from 5 to 7 pm. Two courses for £35, three courses for £40. 

Seating times: Lunch from 12 to 2 pm, Afternoon Tea from 4 to 6 pm, and Dinner from 5 to 10 pm (last seating at 10 pm).