"Opened in 1828 as one of London’s decadent chess and cigar rooms, Simpson’s is known for its roasts — to this day, wheeled around and carved up on big silver trays — and ‘traditional’ English comfort food. Last July, current owners the Savoy conducted a head-to-toe refurb, to the dismay of some. Gone are some of the more tired menu options, courtesy of new chef William Hemming shaking things up a bit in the kitchen, with more modish inclusions coming to the fore, like smoked egg yolk to accompany a tartare, or fresh cheeses from Tottenham-based producer Wildes. The biggest changes, however, are to the interior, now more ostentatious than austere; think red leather banquettes, a grand piano, and chandeliers." - Tom Ford
Simpson’s in the Strand [official photo]
