There are few legendary television shows these days that haven’t been given the ‘reboot’ treatment, and it seems this trend for nostalgia has made its way into the restaurant industry. The Connaught Grill, which was one of the capital’s most celebrated restaurants during its original tenure from 1955 to 2000, has been rebirthed at the high-end Connaught hotel in Mayfair.
This time around, the kitchen is headed up by renowned French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who already operates an eponymous restaurant at the hotel. The Connaught Grill features an open kitchen complete with a wood-burning grill and rotisserie, while provenance is taken seriously.
On the menu, you’ll find ingredients ranging from langoustines and Dover sole to British game and vegetable dishes which are dictated by the seasons. There’s also a ‘Daily Special’ menu, while the wine list comes direct from The Connaught’s wine cellar and showcases varieties from across the globe.
When it comes to the look and feel of the restaurant, you can expect a more contemporary dining room designed under the direction of interiors architect John Heah, including tables and chairs which are entirely bespoke.
Speaking about the return of The Connaught Grill, co-owner Paddy McKillen said: “Ever since we started the project of restoring The Connaught way back in 2008, I have dreamt of breathing life back into The Connaught Grill, a mythical restaurant that somehow captures a special place in guests’ hearts.”
“We are bringing The Grill back to be discovered by a new generation, a Connaught Grill of today not yesterday, using craftsmen and chefs of today, but with the spirit and old-school charm of the legendary Connaught Grill.”
The revived Connaught Grill finds itself in good company, not only joining the existing Jean-Georges restaurant, but also being a neighbour to Hélène Darroze’s two Michelin-starred restaurant Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and the award-winning Connaught Bar.