The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace

Lodged inside the fittingly esteemed Rubens hotel, mere moments away from Buckingham Palace, this luxurious retro-British dining room offers a no-expenses-spared approach to dining. We imagine this is designed to make diners feel like royalty, in ode to the hotel’s location and legacy (it was once a part of the palace’s grounds), and we certainly received the royal treatment.

Skilled, suit-clad staff play a starring role in this curated experience, our quick-handed bartender pouring our cocktail - a Royal Margarita - from a height with accomplished aplomb. This was our first encounter of tableside theatre at the grill, and not the last. Theatrics continue throughout dinner, our waiter slicing long, thin sheets of smoked salmon before our eyes, before pairing it with various pickled and vinegary accompaniments.

The menu leans towards classic, rich British dishes created by talented head chef Ben Kelliher. Another strong entry, a voluptuous pulled beef croquette was encased in a thick, fried breadcrumb casing and sprinkled with sweet pickled onions. Indeed, meat and fish do dominate the menu, with a lengthy section dedicated to josper grill dishes. Nevertheless, a plate of crisp gnocchi served with a rich pumpkin puree, buttery pine nuts and sweet fried courgettes proved that vegetarians are by no means an afterthought. To finish, rib-sticking desserts all lean towards the indulgent, including a large slice of brownie cake, swimming in hot chocolate sauce and served with peanut ice cream.

Prices do vary wildly, and lean towards the very expensive. That smoked salmon, for example, was just under £30, as was the gnocchi, while one of its steaks fetched over £70. We expect these are the sorts of prices residents expect to pay though, and all those theatrical touches make it a great place for special occasions. One final tip: make sure to grab a drink in the New York Bar before you dine for the full experience.

If you're looking for a luxury dining destination in Central London, look no further than The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace - a refined, stylish fine dining restaurant, housed within one of London's most prestigious hotels. Right from the get go the surroundings are impressive - Murano glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling, tables are adorned with starched white tablecloths, and smart leather-bound banquettes provide something comfortable to sink into. A glass wall overlooking the kitchen pass allows guests a no-holds-barred view into the kitchen.

The menu is all about British classics, cooked to exacting standards. Pride of place is given to great British ingredients and producers. Starters include London burrata with smoked heritage beetroots, truffled honey and charred leek, and a luxurious glazed lobster omelette with thermidor sauce. In the kitchen, a josper grill allows for a selection of steaks - fillet, ribeye and a whole chateaubriand for two, for example - which are grilled over coals and served with a choice of classic sauces, as well as sides like triple cooked chips, creamed spinach and brussel sprouts with bacon & chestnuts. 

Also on the menu are hearty, comforting main plates such as grilled butternut squash with tenderstem broccoli, barbequed wild mushroom, pumpkin seeds and coconut dressing, and seared venison saddle with roast garlic potato puree, braised leeks, blackberries and dark chocolate jus, and a Billingsgate Market fish of the day offering a variety of species throughout the year. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options for those with dietary requirements. 

For a bit of extra theatre, many dishes are prepared and served tableside too. The Crepes Suzette, for example, is flambeed in front of your eyes just before being served. Little touches like this are what makes The English Grill a great choice for special occasions and celebrations, and the low-lighting and generous service is particularly well-suited to romantic dinners.