Simpsons. In-The-Strand

Founded in 1828, and rebranded into Simpsons 20 years later, this famous restaurant has made its mark in history time and time again hosting the famous from Winston Churchill and Charles Dickens, Simspons is full of stories and memories. With its closure in 2020, Simpsons has now recently reopened, bringing back something that was missed.

Simpsons reopening was not about being reinvented, but as Jeremy King said, “Its reopening is about protecting it, to help people feel what they always have, calm”.

I experienced this homely sense of calm and welcoming sense of nostalgia while visiting recently for dinner, an experience quite different to many of London’s restaurants.

Opening with a Vogue and a GQ Bafta’s afterparty, this instant acknowledgement and likeness has been a warm reassurance to all, that Simpson’s has not been lost or diluted in its long period of closure, but perhaps just a time to pause, refresh and continue with even more character striving forward.

A house, in the 19^th century, a centre for the best chess players in the world, where people would come and sit for hours on end, now gives what can only be described as a private members club dining spot feel. With many areas to enjoy the evening, all so glamorous and sophisticated, you truly feel like you're home, even if this is your first time visiting.

During my visit I dined in the Romano's restaurant, one of the two restaurants and two bars the venue has. Romanos is prehaps the more 'all-day dining' feel, compared to the more formal restaurant Grand Divan, where the focus is more on that table-side theatre.

The cuisine at Simpsons is a nod to British cooking, in touch with the seasons, rooted with a homely comforting soul. From warming cheese souffles and Mushroom Vol-au-Vent, hearty classics brought back into fashion. Certainly capturing a moment in time of British food.

And when it comes to gueridon trolley service, Simpsons embraces this with flare, from cake trolleys with large glass domes, to meat carving bringing back a tradition of Britians' diners, making the service just that little more engaging.

The chess soul that runs deep in Simpson's past, is tucked away in almost every subtle detail, even the smallest. From the checkered linen napkins, light shades and flooring, chess shaped figures carved into the architecture, and chess boards on display, it is bringing its past with it.

For the most perfect after dinner drinks, head downstairs to the underground Nellies Tavern, a bar tucked away, serving some serious style. With old photographs hanging up and dark woodpanneling the bar somehow feels refreshed and modern even though its certainly taking you back in time.

With the other bar ('Simpsons bar') more for those pre dinner drinks and Nellies Tavern bar better suited for those 'later in the evening drinks', you can really extend the evening without having to go venue hopping.

Book now at: https://www.simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk