Further along the polished parquet flooring of the London Marriott Hotel County Hall is Gillray’s Steakhouse + Bar. The corridors of this building echo times past, however step into Gillray’s and it’s like stepping forward: a cosmopolitan setting with views framing Westminster – this restaurant’s iconic composition is ideal for anyone seeking a real sense of place.
The menu orbits its 35 day aged Aberdeen Angus steaks, sourced primarily from farms in Kent and Essex and is straight forward but satisfying. Celebrating the British larder – Gillray’s pays homage to British food and has been created by Head Chef Jamie Welch who’s been with Marriott Hotels for almost 15 years and is a member of the European Culinary Advisory Board for the UK & London. Produce is sourced from the legendary eighth generation O’Shea’s Butchers, who supply the restaurant’s prized Aberdeen Angus beef whilst fish options are brought in daily from London’s Billingsgate Fish Market.
Prime cuts of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and are responsibly sourced and are treated with respect and cooked to order. A cooking chart allows even the most precise to enjoy their steak just how they like it: from blue to medium and even up to well done, all are served with a choice of generous side dishes and complementing sauces as well as a sleek selection of steak knives to select from, a brilliant USP for any steak aficionado.
Gillray’s may predominantly be a destination steak restaurant however; a close relationship with London’s Billingsgate Fish Market therefore factors in seafood. Dishes from the sea include seared cod with confit celeriac, broad beans, sorrel and a razor clam sauce. Not to overlook desserts that too celebrate UK at its finest – Head Chef Jamie Welch has carefully sourced a selection of English cheeses which includes an award-winning Yorkshire Blue.
Having spent our evening at a large, round wooden, table filled with fine-dining delights – one side of me does find it hard to believe that we are simply above the London Aquarium. However I am gently reminded with the surrounding groups of tourists who have found their way up to Gillray’s… although – with a setting like this it’s practically designed for them. Next door, The Library delivers another dose of English heritage each day (for tourists and Londoners alike) with afternoon tea that is served between two and five. A space that was once dedicated to delegates at the Greater London Council, guests can indulge in clotted cream and hot teas served in bone china accompanied by the busts of Milton, Shakespeare, Agrippa and Plato.
A restaurant named after 18th century political caricaturist James Gillray; Gillray’s combines and celebrates classic British tradition with modern finesse. Glamorous touches worth dressing up for include statement chandeliers and marble tables within the combined grand bar and dining space.
Gillray’s Steakhouse + Bar: London Marriott Hotel County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB, gillrays-steakhouse-bar.business.site
