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| The Grill at The Dorchester |
When in Britain, having a roast lunch or roast dinner is one thing that should not be missed. It is one of the longstanding British traditions. My latest Sunday Roast took place in the recently refurbished ‘The Grill’, located in the opulent and iconic Dorchester Hotel, part of The Dorchester Collection.
About Sunday Roast
The classic Sunday lunch that is still practiced in Britain today has an extensive history and people have different versions of how it initially started. The British are known for their penchant for beef, especially when eaten for lunch on a Sunday. This practice is not something new, as even historical accounts of the island can prove it has been practiced since the early centuries.
The Sunday roast that is popular in Britain today is believed to have started in 1485, during the reign of King Henry the VII. The royal guards, who are known as the Yeomen Warders, are often seen enjoying roasted beef right after church every Sunday. They are known as Beefeaters. This ritual has continued through the years. During the Industrial Age, the tradition became more prevalent, and it is now considered part of the religious Sunday ritual of going to church. People will typically leave a slab of meat in the oven as they go to church and would eat it for lunch right after mass. The roast lunch on a Sunday became very popular and has been looked forward by many people, not only because of the food, but also because of the company.
During the early centuries, the consumption of at least 6 pounds of meat was recommended every week, which is exactly why people tend to eat more during their Sunday lunch than during any other day of the week. The main attraction of the meal is the roasted meat, which can be lamb, chicken, pork, or beef. It is usually accompanied by crisp roast potatoes, steamed vegetables, roast parsnips, Yorkshire pudding, and of course, lots of gravy. While it is called a Sunday roast, it can be eaten on any day of the week. It is also not exclusive to lunch, as you can even eat it for dinner if preferred.
The Grill at The Dorchester
The Grill at the Dorchester serves a fantastic hearty and comforting Sunday Roast. The Grill, first opened in 1931, re-opened at the end of last year after being redesigned by Bruno Moinard. Over the years, The Grill has famously been the home of culinary greats and the meeting place of celebrated personalities, world business leaders, and royalty. The Grill serves produce sourced from within the United Kingdom.
The Grill at The Dorchester – timeless elegance
The Starters at The Grill at the Dorchester
Hansen & Lydersen smoked salmon and cream cheese pate served with Nyetimber the finest English sparkling wine, one of my favourites
Beautiful seasonal vegetables in black truffle dressing, Lemon sole ‘goujonnettes & chips’ tartare sauce – modern and playful take on fish & chips beautiful fine shards of potato decorated this dish, Chicken Caesar salad on crunch cos lettuce and crisp bacon. I also tasted a very interesting rustic Stilton bread.
The Mains at The Grill at the Dorchester, Sunday Roast
The silver trolley
The silver trolley: juicy and tender Organic Aberdeen Angus roast beef is carved to order and impeccable service, the sommelier matched the wines accordingly. There are other choices for non-red meat eaters.
The silver trolley at The grill at The Dorchester
Black leg free-range chicken, cooked on the rotisserie
Scottish salmon steak, bearnaise sauce
The Grill at The Dorchester, Sunday Roast
Roast dinner with all the trimmings at The Grill, the fluffy Yorkshire pudding and gravy was rich and mouth-watering.
Desserts : Modern take on British classics:simply delicious.
| Modern take on British classics: the contemporary lemon tart was a revelation, Pastry Chef Ludovic Cuny’s cheesecake was delectable, bread and butter pudding topped with plump sweet currants was delightful, ‘Essentially chocolate’ from Alain Ducasse made in Paris was outstanding it was accompanied by a stunningly strong coffee granita. ice creams: cheesecake and lemon – simply delicious. |
Pastry Chef Ludovic Cuny’s cheesecake was delectable, bread and butter pudding topped with plump sweet currants was delightful, ‘Essentially chocolate’ from Alain Ducasse made in Paris was outstanding it was accompanied by a stunningly strong coffee granita. ice creams: cheesecake and lemon – simply delicious
Our meal ended with a lovely double espresso. The coffee comes from Café Musetti, which is an Italian blend unique to the restaurant.
The Sunday Roast menu at The Dorchester
Priced at £48/person (excl. wine) which is very good value for the quality and the huge amount of food served, available from 12.30 – 2.30pm.
Reservation is advisable :
Disclosure: I was a guest at the press tasting of The Grill at The Dorchester. All views are my own.
