A recent visit to Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar at The London Marriott Hotel had me enjoying finely crafted cocktails and tucking into an amazingly satisfying mega-steak dinner. Here’s a quick report on what made my meal so noteworthy along with details on how you can dine with a discount if you tell ’em tikichris sent you.
Got gin?
Gillray’s does. In fact the bar here boasts almost 70 different types of gin. It’s not just about the gin though. There’s a particularly fine selection of rum and most other spirits. Of course, just as important as what’s behind the bar is what’s going on back there. Head barman Jaume Beato knows his stuff as I observed while he mixed me The Last Instinct (Ron Zacapa 23, Pimento Dram, honey, orange and freshly squeezed lime juice with a Angostura bitters, served flaming, £12.50). Epic. Starting out with a cocktail (or two … or was it three?) before proceeding to dinner was a great way to kick off my night and catch up with an old friend who was joining me for dinner.
Steak with a view
The restaurant’s selection of Aberdeen Angus steaks sourced from English farms and aged for 35 days is complemented by a range of tasty dishes and a fantastic view of the Thames, Parliament and Big Ben. I loved my starter course of chicory, walnut and Buffalo Blue salad with pickled pears (£7) as much as I admired my lofty look-see on the river. A not-mentioned-on-the-menu complementary treat of massive and moreish Yorkshire pudding with melted Cheddar and horseradish cream wowed.
The list of available sides impressive. I really enjoyed my peas with pancetta. Desserts look great too. Sherry trifle, £8) is the house speciality. And the wine list is well rounded (a bottle of Don Jacobo 2008 was nice), catering to all tastes and budgets.
Obviously, the star of the show at a steakhouse is steak. A one kilogram Bull’s Head steak (butterfly prime rib, £55) provided amble and delicious chow for my compadre and me. Keep it in mind next time you and a mate have something to celebrate with carnivorous feasting.
20% off your bill
When you visit Gillray’s make sure to take advantage of the friendly discount offer that I managed for you while schmoozing it up at the bar. All you have to do is mention the “tikichris special” for 20% off a la cart items in the restaurant. If there’s a look of confusion on your server’s face, requesting the “tikichris/Be My Guest” promotion should do the trick.
More
I could go on. Service is so friendly and warm. The dining room is elegant. I had some doubts before my visit – I’ve found hotel (even fancy hotel) restaurants can sometimes be a bit lacking in atmosphere or offering a tired and boring menu. Not so at Gillray’s. I’m happy to recommend it and can’t wait to head back there for another fine meal.
Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar is located inside The London Marriott Hotel, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB. You can access Gillray’s via the main front entrance to the London Marriott Hotel on Westminster Bridge Road. Alternatively you can use the private entrance via the South Bank (Queen’s Walk) which is located above the London Aquarium. You have a choice of stairs to walk up and Gillray’s is located on the first floor to the right. You can’t miss it!
Go to gillrays.com for more information and to make a reservation.
