Athenaeum

I had heard some very good things about Athenaeum…about their toilets, so I had no idea what to expect about the food.

Food

We started with some really gorgeous champagne, which put us in the mood for their 3 course seasonal menu. We feasted on the generous basket of Sun-Dried Tomato, Brown and White Bread while we waited for the stragglers to arrive and while we tried to attract the waiter’s attention.

For starters, all the girls decided to go for the Smoked Lamb Salad. I have to say, it was indeed very smoky, so smoky in fact it didn’t really taste that much like lamb. All the boys went for the Deep Fried Cornish Brie with Raspberry Dressing, typical, but it was not as heavy as I thought it would be. The brie taste was not that strong.

I didn’t go for the sea bass for main like the rest of the girls, instead opting for the Pork Belly of Confit with Spring Vegetables and Potato Hash. The pork was a little salty, but the texture was melt in the mouth. The vegetables tasted fresh but did not really go with the pork. The boys were unanimous again and had the Char Grilled Medallions of Venison, Wild Mushroom Rosti, Creamed Spinach and Port Sauce, which was definitely my favourite dish. Melt in the mouth venison, very unlike the fillets you are used to. The rosti was perfect. The creamed spinach was a bit of an oversight, but who cares when everything else was so good.

Desserts…. Treacle Tart with Devonshire Clotted Cream, I thought the clotted cream tasted off, but supposedly it was because it was churned with the top layer…not really do my taste. The Selection of British Cheeses with Celery, Grapes, Crackers, Breads and Date and Onion Chutney was definitely very nice, with the brie and blue the standouts. They were quite generous, so we couldn’t finish the plate. I went for the Peppermint Tea as they were known for their excellent high teas, but besides the very cute and nice teacup and saucer, this was your ordinary tea. Slokky’s Cappuccino was not bad. I’ve had much worst, including at two Michelin star restaurants. This was quite standard and pleasant really. I really didn’t need the Bitter Chocolate Truffles but good chocolate just can’t go to waste.

Rating - 7.5

Atmosphere

It’s all very art-deco in there, with high back, scallop like chairs, mosaics on the walls, glittery mirror. All very old time glam. Not that busy on Wednesday night, I guess not many people knew about the deal they are running. The bathrooms were cool, but not as grand as I had imagine. So they have a powder room with nice chairs and mirrors, some lovely old time wallpaper, the usual hand lotion, and also individual bottles of mouthwash. I think what was more impressive was definitely the expensive bottles of champagne you walk pass on the way to the dining room 

Rating - 2.5

Service

The waiters were all very nice, it’s just too bad they didn’t perform well, but I think they did try to rectify their mistakes, so it least they didn’t sour the experience. It was definitely difficult to attract the attention of the wait staff, even though we were seated very centrally – I blame those columns they have in the dining room that obstructs the view. It took us ages before we could flag one down to order. Two people did not want champagne and the waiter offered orange juice substitute, however this was not delivered. When we finally attracted their attention to tell them that, they fixed it up quickly and were very apologetic. The same thing happened with the bill, it took us so so long before we could attract anyone’s attention! But when we finally did get the bill, they sorted out our convoluted cash + credit card + tip arrangement well, and sent us off with very warm farewells.

Rating - 3

C-factor

The toptable deal at Athenaeum was generous. We had 3 courses, champagne, coffee and chocolate for £23…and they don’t have a compulsory service charge, but of course we gave them a tip.

Rating - 1.5

Brownie Points - 14.5

Info

116 Piccadilly
London
W1J 7BJ
Phone +44 (0) 20 7499 3464
Website