The Harcourt

There’s something for everyone at the Harcourt – almost too much. The venue is a restaurant, pub and private dining space whose décor takes in Georgian English and Nordic influences. Meanwhile, the food is Scandinavian with a modern European twist. A little more focus, particularly on the culinary front would be welcome, but the Harcourt clearly must be doing something right. It is packing in the punters, with every space occupied on our evening visit. If diners want to go full-force Scandinavian then there are the likes of gravadlax to kick things off and reindeer to follow. Options such as soup and burgers are available for the less adventurous. Puddings play to the traditional – think Bakewell tart and tiramisu. Presentation is superb, but some dishes could do with spicing up: a shrimp on toast starter was severely uninteresting, as was a chicken breast main. Reindeer was redeeming – lean and tender, paired superbly with swede and wild mushrooms. The Nordics are not renowned for offering value, and The Harcourt isn’t cheap, but it’s worth a visit for its attractive cocktails and well-constructed wine list.

Found among the backstreets of Marylebone village and set within a Georgian townhouse, The Harcourt is a cosy pub and restaurant serving a menu that takes influence from Scandinavia.

The Harcourt is divided up between a casual pub and a slightly more formal dining room. The pub is a traditional, oak-panelled space complete with studded leather banquette seating, eye-catching portraits lining the walls and natural light streaming in through latticed windows. Here, you can stop by for a drink after work and take your pick from The Harcourt’s strong selection of wines, beers (both bottled and draught) and cocktails, as well a selection of formidable bar snacks.

For a proper sit down meal though, head to The Harcourt’s Garden Room, which is a light and airy space found just behind the pub. The menu here is an a la carte offering that changes seasonally and draws influence from Scandinavian cuisine. To kick things off, tuck into starting dishes such as spiced and roasted cauliflower soup or salmon gravlax with pickled cucumber, Swedish mustard and potato salad. For your main course, choose from a list of more substantial dishes, which might include the likes of pan-fried halibut, with kale and an Alsace bacon sauce or Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, brandy sauce and lingonberry jam.

There are a few options available from The Harcourt’s charcoal grill, such as rabbit leg with confit rabbit potato cake and chestnut mushrooms or a 1kg porterhouse steak to share between two, served with triple-cooked chips and bearnaise sauce. There is always the option to pad out your meal with side orders too, such as mashed potatoes or honey-glazed carrots.

To finish up, tuck into sweet treats including rum and raisin cheesecake or go down the savoury route with a cheeseboard, accompanied by rye bread and chutney.