Number Twelve

Like a well-regarded family accountant, Number Twelve is eminently trustworthy but not desperately exciting – in other words, a typically corporate hotel dining room. That said, the smart space ticks plenty of business-friendly boxes, with a cocktail lounge out front and a handy location close to Euston station. The kitchen works to an appealing, Italian-inspired menu that makes the most of our native produce – think spaghetti with Devon crab, chilli and vine tomatoes, wild sea bass with salsa verde or Parmesan-crusted rack of lamb with minted cannellini beans and thyme jus. Steaks cooked on hot lava stones are a new thrill, while desserts might bring tiramisu or almond and peach tart with clotted-cream ice cream.  “Ridiculous” prices seem to be the only bugbear: “I’m glad I didn’t order wine, as I would have had to sell my first-born”, confessed one reader.

Number Twelve is a modern Italian restaurant housed in the Ambassadors Hotel Bloomsbury. The hotel’s location means that the restaurant is easily accessible from anywhere in London, just a five-minute walk from King’s Cross and Euston. The restaurant offers carefully prepared dishes using the finest locally-sourced seasonal produce. Well-equipped to cater to all group sizes, this is a great place for a catch up over a drink or throw a party. There are lighter bites available, and the restaurant is open late too.

Diners can start off their meal with sumptuous starters like Devonshire crab arancini with spiced apple fennel, or a hearty braised beef rib minestrone soup. Those craving meat will be well-cared for thanks to the grill, which turns out cuts including ribeye, sirloin, corn-fed chicken, maple glazed pork belly, organic Scottish salmon or a mixed selection.

Aside from the grill, there are some more global mains such as black squid ink risotto with chorizo, king prawns and octopus, and slow braised lamb shank with cream of Montgomery cheese, purée potatoes and red wine jus.

To end the meal, there is a selection of decadent desserts including a banana tart with butterscotch sauce and rum and raisin ice cream. Those seeking a more savoury finish to the meal can opt for the cheese selection with organic honey truffle, featuring Montgomery cheddar, taleggio, stilton, caprino and gorgonzola.

The wine list at Number Twelve is global, featuring a range of old and new wines, available by the glass or bottle. There are sparkling options for special occasions including Bottega, Mercier, Moet and Veuve Clicquot, and cellar reserves like a Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Number Twelve also offers afternoon tea and private dining for ten to 200 guests, which you can find out more about below.