Scarfes is situated in the five star Rosewood London, in High Holborn in London, both have been completely and sympathetically restored. The building dates from 1914, it was designed in a flamboyant Edwardian style, subsequent transformation of this historic building from Imperial-era offices into a London luxury hotel was carried out under the guidance of
English Heritage, which lists the principal facades, as well as the interiors of the former East and West Banking Halls (now Holborn Dining Room and the Bar, respectively) and the Grand Staircase as the hotel’s significant heritage features.
English Heritage, which lists the principal facades, as well as the interiors of the former East and West Banking Halls (now Holborn Dining Room and the Bar, respectively) and the Grand Staircase as the hotel’s significant heritage features.
‘ Scarfes takes it’s name from
Gerald Scarfe, renowned British artist and caricaturist who lent his
name and artistic vision to Scarfes Bar where his completed artwork has
now been revealed. Gerald’s collection of amusing and
conversation-provoking paintings, highlighting his best work, adorn the
marble walls turning Scarfes Bar into a living canvas, described by
Gerald as “my personal art gallery, where you can see my life on walls”.
Gerald’s collection of original and one-off paintings, now a permanent
feature in the bar, add a unique twist and depict well-known historical
and famous faces recounting the colourful history of the United Kingdom
in Gerald’s witty and satirical way.’
Gerald Scarfe, renowned British artist and caricaturist who lent his
name and artistic vision to Scarfes Bar where his completed artwork has
now been revealed. Gerald’s collection of amusing and
conversation-provoking paintings, highlighting his best work, adorn the
marble walls turning Scarfes Bar into a living canvas, described by
Gerald as “my personal art gallery, where you can see my life on walls”.
Gerald’s collection of original and one-off paintings, now a permanent
feature in the bar, add a unique twist and depict well-known historical
and famous faces recounting the colourful history of the United Kingdom
in Gerald’s witty and satirical way.’
The deco at Scarfes
Once you pass the grand gate and turn right into Scarfes you already feel the grandeur as you go through its doors. There’s a refined and elegant male vibe to the deco. The ambiance is divided in bar with beautifully displayed bottles and high chairs with blue leather seats, drawing room with a imposing fireplace is furnished with big sofas and immense lacquered wood coffee table, armchairs and soft furnishings are all in high quality velvet and a bookcase with over 1,000 handpicked antique books. Every detail has been carefully orchestrated to include Gerald Scarfe’s collection of original and one-off paintings, now a permanent feature in the bar, add a unique twist and depict well-known historical and famous faces recounting the colourful history of the United Kingdom in Gerald’s witty and satirical way.
Service at Scarfes
Faultless, friendly, knowledgeable, special mentions to Keisha and Giovanni Spezziga, the bar manager, the staff knows their product and customer service is first class.
welcome cocktail:
Bubble & Shrubs – floral, fruit and not too sweet
Sipsmith Gin, St. Germain Elderflower, Home-made Berry Shrubs,
dashes of Orange Bitters and splashed with English bubbles
Thyme Out – gin based with citrus background,
Bombay Dry Gin, Chartreuse Yellow, Lemon Juice and Thyme dashed
with Orange Bitters and shaken hard, served in a beautiful glass tea pot
second cocktail
Lord Chancellor’s :Christian Drouin Sélection Calvados and Crème de Pêche
with a Sugar Cube soaked in Parisienne Absinthe.
Finished with NV Nyetimber Demi-Sec.
Winston’s Crusta :Frapin V.S.O.P. Cognac and Christian Drouin Sélection Calvados
are set against a backdrop of Maraschino Liqueur,
House Pomegranate Syrup, Lemon and Grapefruit Juices
then dashed with Peychaud’s Bitters.
amuse bouche
Crudités, Citrus – Cumin Dip and toasted sourdough
a light hors d’œuvre to start the proceedings
fresh and crisp vegetables served with a light and slightly spiced cumin dip
very tasty toasted sourdough.
Starters
Chicken Tikka, Grilled Asparagus, mango coulis, mint chutney and Poached Egg – succulent morsels of boneless chicken cooked in spices, each bite was a discovery, started very mild spice and then slowly the spices worked their way out, fantastic!
Jerusalem Artichokes, Goat’s Cheese, Olives, pickled onion and capers, I liked the artichokes and very creamy subtle goats cheese, the onions were a bit too much on the vinegar side, it was quite unpleasant, love the caper berries!
Crispy Soft Shell Crab, Chorizo Oil with pomegranates, lovely crisp and flavoursome crabs – delicious!
 |
| above the starters |
Next the mains:
Hyderabadi Lamb Korma, it was pretty decorated with a edible silver leaf , my least favourite dish of the mains, but then I am not a lamb fan.
Hyderabadi Lamb Korma, it was pretty decorated with a edible silver leaf , my least favourite dish of the mains, but then I am not a lamb fan.
Aloo Mattar – lightly spiced lentil in tomato based sauce – love it!
King Prawns, Garlic, Parsley cassarole this dish reminded me of South France, Provençal dishes – very nice a bit on the salty side, with a side of saffron and turmeric mayo.
sea breem curry – was heaven, light and perfect balance spiced.
sweet tomato chutney
Naan bread – lightest naan bread I ever had.
Indian rice – it was very good too, only had a spoonful as by now I was very full.
 |
| King Prawns in Provençal style sauce – delicious! |
 |
| after dinner cocktails at Scarfes bar |
These cocktails are from the special ‘world cup’ menu called Fairplay Cocktails
Samba Rum : dark glass, Brazilian
Fair rum, Punt e Mes, Fig Liquer, Orange bitters
It was the perfect after dinner cocktail. It was fruity, slightly bitter, with a touch of sweetness, with a smoky finish
Tea and Busquets : orange cocktail glass, English
Fair rum, dry Curacao, Lime juice, Marmalade, Don’s Spices
Desserts
Strawberries Romanoff, Grand Marnier – delicious and sweet strawberries soaked in Grand Marnier and topped with cream and frieze dried strawberries
Berries and Spiced Almond Ice Cream – good quality produce spoke volumes in this dish, perfect ripe sweet berries with a lightly spiced and creamy almond ice cream
 |
|||
| a complex and fresh sweet dessert wine, peach and apricots, with honey and figs on the palate – elegant finish to our meal. You can read more about the food by my companion Andrew and the drinks Spitoon |
This fine establishment is excellent for meetings during the day, light lunch and after work drinks in the Holborn area. It’s not for everyone’s pocket. If you are minding the pennies then it’s a place for special occasions, first dates and celebrations with colleagues. A bit on the pricey side, but worth every single penny!
cocktails : average £14
starters: average £9
mains: average £20
dessert: £6/each
wine by the glass from £9
Prices: June 2014
Disclosure: I was a guest of Scarfes, I received no further remuneration to write this post. All opinions are my own.
Updating myself with the blog posts, what a delight and the photos are amazing
Beautiful food, beautiful drinks, beautiful photos… thanks for sharing!
What a stunning hotel. Never knew it was there. Stunning pics.
Cheers Debbs, Mollie and May, it helps the place and the food was very inspiring.