Tucked away in the heart of Chelsea, Myrtle is the first solo venture from chef Anna Haugh, showcasing Modern European dishes with an Irish influence. The Irish chef comes with some serious experience on her CV, having worked for Gordon Ramsay, Philip Howard, Derry Clarke and Gulatiero Marchesi in her time.
Myrtle looks to showcase Irish food in the wider context of modern European cookery. Diners can choose between a taste or Ireland menu and the a la carte offering. The former comes in the form of a six- or nine-course tasting menu, while the latter allows guests more autonomy over their meal.
Plates on the tasting menu change sequentially with the seasons, but include the likes of Burren smokehouse salmon with baby gem and a gribiche sauce, Clonakilty black pudding with barley, pecan, and apple puree, followed by sirloin of Irish beef with turnip and tarragon. An optional wine pairing is available for both tasting menus, with expertly recommended glasses to match the seasonal produce.
A la carte combinations include oat curated hake with mashed potatoes and a mackerel sauce, slow-cooked beef with black radish and yellowmeal, and a heritage carrot salad with Cáis Na Tíre cheese with toasted hazelnuts and pickled raisins. Careful and creative presentation keeps things interesting, while the sweet staff are always on hand with recommendations. There’s also a pretty reasonably priced set lunch menu available for Tuesdays to Thursday, with daily changing dishes.
The dining room itself is fresh with neutrals and duck egg blue accents that help to create the welcoming ambiance the restaurant strives to achieve. This theme is found in everything at Myrtle, with Anna specifically hiring staff who fit with the relaxed, high-quality experience Myrtle prides itself on.
For more intimate affairs, there’s a private mezzanine which can be hired for dinners, events or meetings. Here you’ll be seated in a panelled space which is flooded by natural light thanks to the overhead windows.