The Lady Ottoline is a cosy pub and restaurant in the heart of Bloomsbury serving a local and seasonal menu of great British classics. It’s named after Lady Ottoline Morrell, who was the society hostess and patron of the historical Bloomsbury Group, a clutch of artists, writers, philosophers and intellectuals in the first half of the 20th century. Much like the lady herself, The Lady Ottoline boasts plenty of elegance and charm, with period features and old-school finishes throughout.
Just beyond the entrance lies a traditional wooden bar perfect for perching at with a pint, or perhaps on one of its stool seats while soaking up the buzzy ambience. You can order food here if you like, or venture up a level to the first floor dining room for a slightly more serene dining experience.
The seasonal menus are constantly changing and are designed with the idea of people coming together over a proper, hearty meal. As such, you can expect to find an array of gutsy, substantial plates for both lunch and dinner. Starters might include a half pint of prawns served with dill mayonnaise, and a wild rabbit and chicken terrine with piccalilli and a toasted bloomer. For main course, look out for a grilled bavette steak with confit shallots, beef gravy and beef fat fries, and roasted hake with squid ink potato, cauliflower, kale and lovage pesto. Take care to leave room for dessert, with classic creations such as chocolate brownie with a dark chocolate sauce, chocolate ice cream and toasted almonds guaranteed to tempt and delight.
Naturally, being a pub, The Lady Ottoline places just as much emphasis on the drinks as it does the food. Expect a cracking line-up of classic gins, worldy wines and craft beers to drink just as they are, or enjoy alongside a meal.