Admiral Codrington

I was excited to be invited to review their Spring fare last month; they have just been awarded a Rosette for culinary excellence from the AA recognising their outstanding menu and the work of their Head Chef.

About two or three years ago, when the burger scene exploded in London, The Admiral Codrington was famed for their burgers.  There was an avalanche of reviews and
tweets about it but I never quite got to taste them.  They still have a Tuesday night burger  special. I must go back for that!

The Ad Cod as known by the locals, is situated in the affluent area of  Sloane Square and South Kensington. It offers an aspiring array of well-crafted dishes at a higher culinary level than the old pub staple.

There is a bar at the front of the property, and nice airy dining room at the back, with wooden floor, a few booths, and a partially retractable ceiling.  The lighting was flooding in when we arrived at 6.30pm (it’s Spring) ; it was the last of the sun on that evening.  As you enter through the pub bar area, there’s a buzz about the place, as you move on to the restaurant area the ambiance is a bit more low-key. However, when almost all the tables were occupied around 8.30pm, it was lively.

The excellent wine list with prices starting at £19/bottle and with an average price of £35/bottle, with a section called The Cellar offering some unique wines priced from£60-£450.  They serve cocktails at average cost £9/each. There’s something for every occasion and pocket.

The food menu is comprehensive and divided in Nibbles and share, Small Plates, Salads, Big Plates, sides, desserts and digestives.  There’s something for everybody’s taste and diet requirements.  The ingredients and produce are English and locally sourced as much as possible.

Looking at the menu and making choices at The Admiral Codrington was quite a task! Everything sounds amazing. I don’t know about you, but I look discreetly around other tables to see what people are eating before I make my decision.  In this case, all plates in the vicinity look great! Quite generous portions too! Eventually, we made our decisions…

Our meal at Admiral Codrington

The service was attentive and polite. Very helpful having the dishes explained to us. That made easy for us to decide on the order.  My dish of scallops was divine, perfectly cooked, full of textures! Excellent.  The bloody Mary cold soup was perfectly seasoned, with a bit of a kick – another good choice!

The main course was a succulent beef fillet, shin Wellington, mushroom purée, pickled Girolles and a remarkable stout reduction – I usually don’t like many pickled things, but the Girolles were perfect in the dish.  I want the recipe!

After much debate and with our bellies happily full, dessert was a refreshing single scoop ice-cream and for me,  for the purpose of this review chose a chocolate fondant and more ice cream!  We had a great a time munching over delectable dishes. Perfect ending to a hectic Wednesday.

Starters

hand dive scallops, cod mousse, glazed pork belly & wild garlic purée

 

cold blood- Mary soup

Main 

Beef fillet, shin Wellington, mushroom purée, pickled Girolles and stout reduction

 

Desserts

refreshing ice cream

 

Chocolate fondant chocolate soil, mascarpone, coconut sorbet

Disclosure:  I was a guest of Admiral Codrington. All views are my own.