In the heart of St James’s Market lies a swish contemporary restaurant actually making good on its commitment to “creative cooking, sustainable thinking”. William Murray and Jack Croft, two former Heston Blumenthal chefs, have curated an award-winning menu like no other and there’s no doubt a Michelin star is on its way. From the mushroom parfait and plant burger to the middle white pork and fallow dear, there’s a little something for everyone in the Sunday lunch special – and don’t forget to try the famous corn ribs while you’re at it.
Anyone who finds themselves getting overwhelmed by choice should feel right at home at one of Blacklock’s four restaurants dotted around the city, where the only option available is chops. Pork chops, lamb chops or beef chops, that is. Don’t be fooled though, this is a quality over quantity situation. Ingredients are sourced from all over the UK, particularly Devon and Cornwall, and sides include duck-fat roast potatoes, seasonable vegetables and an “unsparing” amount of Blacklock’s special gravy. We recommended going for the “all in” sharing option for the ultimate Sunday lunch experience.
The Ivy needs no introduction but their brasseries are promising to take the Easter season to a whole new level. With spring woodland interior and an Easter-themed cocktail menu (that includes a chocolate negroni), it’s ideal for anyone wanting to celebrate in style. The main attraction is crushed pea & herb purée with slow cooked lamb shoulder, asparagus, baby courgette, sun-blushed tomatoes and a red wine & olive sauce. But if you have the room, the birds nest dessert, comprising of dark and white chocolate mousse, Kataifi pastry, chocolate sponge and lemon balm, is simply to die for – in true Easter fashion.
Keen to diverge from a traditional roast? Try decadent French cuisine at the Michelin-starred Orrery. Nestled in the midst of Marylebone, and with scenic views offered through the grand semi-circular windows, an Easter special menu has been curated by resident chef Igor Tymchyshyn. It features such dishes like seafood ravioli for starters, tournedos Rossini for main course and rhubarb pannacotta in Champagne jelly for dessert, to name a few. There’s even specially tailored wine pairings to wash it all down.
Within the book shelf-lined walls of the grade II listed former Westminster Library, is what many consider “the original modern Indian restaurant in London”. Cinnamon Club is somewhat of an institution among food lovers and now they’re offering a five-course Easter menu at an impressively reasonable price. Highlights include: fried aubergine with pumpkin chutney and peanut crumble; Kokum-crusted halibut on the bone in a shallot and tamarind sauce, and Vesavara spiced free-range chicken breast with a Malabar style chicken leg stew and Easter egg chaat. Book early to avoid disappointment!
If you’re in search of a traditional Sunday lunch with an elevated touch then look no further than The Coach in Clerkenwell. Since the takeover by chef-restaurateur Henry Harris, this European gastropub has garnered quite the reputation in east London for its sensationally curated menu. The grand panel windows light up the simple space but we recommend dining in The Garden Room out the back to make the most of spring temperatures. Sunday lunch changes weekly but you can almost guarantee classics, like pork belly and apple sauce, will make an appearance, and there’s often a few surprises along the way – look out for the truffle leak and puy lentil pithivier.
Another favourite in the world of upscale Indian is the Michelin-starred Gymkhana, situated in Mayfair. Inspired by the elite clubs of Indian high society, this two floor (recently remodelled) extravagance is frequented by A-listers and foodies alike and you’ll be hard pressed to snag a booking. For those fortunate enough to do so, this Sunday you can indulge in a special tasting menu carefully curated by executive chef Sid Ahuja. With staples like Goan Cafreal Salmon Tikka, Achari Paneer Tikka and Kasoori Chicken Tikka and sommelier-selected wines, it’s truly a dining experience like no other.
At the more budget-friendly end of our Easter lunch offerings is the famous MEATliquor. Born out of a carpark in Peckham, the burger chain now has 12 restaurants scattered across the city. With American diner interior and mouth-watering burgers - vegetarians and vegans need not sweat either as the restaurants have almost as many meat-free options, including their notorious mushroom halloumi burger – it’s an ideal spot if you’re celebrating with friends/avoiding family this weekend. If you want to make the most of bank holiday Monday, then head on down to the W1 branch, it’s open till 3am!
