The Braywood

The Braywood, opening in November 2024, breathes new life into the former Royal Oak at Paley Street, creating a dining destination that blends contemporary elegance with a nod to its heritage. With its striking architecture, light-filled interiors and lush gardens, the restaurant offers a warm and welcoming space for all occasions, from intimate dinners to celebratory gatherings.

Head Chef Sam Brennan’s brasserie-inspired menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and thoughtful sourcing. Starters include Orkney scallops paired with black pudding and squash, a creamy Tunworth tartlet with fig and pickled walnut and a hearty game terrine with port and lemon thyme brioche. For mains, options range from barbecued monkfish served with salt-baked celeriac and curry sauce to slow-cooked Creedy Carver duck accompanied by glazed beetroots and quince. Vegetarian options shine with dishes like malt polenta paired with cauliflower and parmesan. Sides such as beef fat triple-cooked chips and potato dauphinoise provide the perfect accompaniments.

The restaurant’s design reflects its vision of merging the historic and the modern. The original white façade is complemented by glass extensions that house a spacious dining room and cocktail bar. A standout feature is the expansive picture window offering uninterrupted views of the gardens, enhancing the bright, airy atmosphere. Inside, the interiors exude understated luxury, with attention to detail evident in everything from the table settings to the lighting.

Wine lovers will be delighted by a carefully curated list of over 600 selections, spanning Old and New World classics. Highlights include small Champagne growers, Italian indigenous grape varieties, and sweet wines like the English Late Harvest 'Ortega' from Berkshire. Whether you’re indulging in a glass of something special or exploring lesser-known varieties, there’s a wine for every palate.

With an exciting new team, a mouth-watering menu that makes the most of the British Isles and a stunning re-design, The Braywood should officially be on your list of must visit restaurants.