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Simpson's-in-the-Strand, The Grand Divan

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Simpson's-in-the-Strand, The Grand Divan Summary

  • Cuisine(s): British
  • Opening Times:
    Mon - Fri: 07:15 - 10:30 12:15 - 14:30 17:30 - 22:45
    Sat: 12:30 - 14:30 17.30 - 22.45
    Sun: 12:30 - 14:30 18:00 - 21:00
  • Avg Price: £56.00
 

(Avg Price is the average cost per person for a full meal, drinks/wine and service/tip.)

Simpson's-in-the-Strand, The Grand Divan Description

simpsons strand grand divanThis bastion of Englishness since the early 19th century continues to wend its way seamlessly through the modern age of changing tastes in London restaurants and particularly the style of food that they offer.

A world apart from nouvelle cuisine and fusion food, Simpson's is still finding there are new generations that appreciate their qualities of stability and reliability in serving genuine, fine English food; its original aim which it continues to espouse with quiet confidence and infinite élan.

Throughout a long and illustrious past, the building housing Simpson's has undergone a series of transformations, adapting to changing tastes and styles. It began life in 1828 as a coffee house, The Grand Cigar Divan, introduced chess with the coffee, and finally evolved into a restaurant in 1848 when John Simpson joined the company.

It was acquired by the Savoy Group in 1898, though it wasn't until May 1904 that the current building re-opened, following extensive rebuilding due to the widening of the Strand. The Grand Divan is the ground floor eating area, with a classically British décor that is uniquely its own. Should anyone be looking for an expression of 'Britishness' let them seek no further.

As a result, for many The Grand Divan will always be home. Now with newly cleaned crystal chandeliers and French-polished panelled walls, the restaurant has serenely passed into another phase of its faultless existence, continuing to offer its ever-popular roasts carved from the trolley - don't forget to tip the carver - with daily, changing specials. The most requested menu items remain potted shrimps, lobster soup and their renowned steak and kidney pudding, which is now served every day, not just Tuesdays as used to be the case.

It is probably one of the few restaurants in London that serves really good game, in the traditional English way, like grouse, in season of course, with game chips and bread sauce; while everyone's dessert favourite seems to be their famous treacle sponge pudding. It would be extremely odd if Welsh rarebit was not served as a savoury. Amongst their signature dishes look for the beautifully smoked Scottish salmon or roast rib of 28-day aged Scottish beef surrounded by roast potatoes, Savoy cabbage, Yorkshire pudding and horseradish.

Its range has even been extended more recently to breakfast, which many find the most tempting and interesting in London, as well as representing rather better value that in most major London hotels. The Ten Deadly Sins menu leaves nothing to chance except the possibility of being able to deal in a seemly manner with lunch.

The wine list pays due homage to France, with a selection of ten classic champagnes, followed in all the major classifications by other Europeans, then rest of the world.

Possibly the most significant concession made by Simpsons to the passage of time is in their pricing, which to be fair used to be rather breathtaking. Let's just say that prices now are competitive both in the glass and on the plate. And the wonderful atmosphere is absolutely free.

Preferred dress code is smart casual. More information, including sample menus, is available on their Website.

Fixed Dinner

  • £27.50 (3 courses), pre 6.45 pm

Your Reviews of Simpson's-in-the-Strand, The Grand Divan

Bob Oberti (17 March 2008)

I took my best friend to Simpson’s for lunch and although the bill came to £145.00 for the two of us, it was worth it. We started with an aperitif in the Divan bar upstairs and a glass of Laurent-Perrier at the table. The service was very good and the food was excellent. I was tempted to go for one of their signature roasts but in the end opted for the grilled calves’ liver which was preceded by the Shropshire blue stilton with rocket. Georgina had brioche with mushroom and garlic followed by pan fried trout. For dessert we both shared a little selection of English desserts of sweet tapas followed by Pinot Grigio. I will certainly go back.

E Stackhouise (17 February 2008)

This was my first visit to Simpson's and I will certainly return. The service was attentive without being obsequious and we never had an empty wine or water glass. The steak and kidney pudding has earned its reputation as the best and the treacle sponge was outstanding. The portions were more than ample and my partner and I both left full.

See more reviews of Simpson's-in-the-Strand, The Grand Divan

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Additional Info for Simpson's-in-the-Strand, The Grand Divan

  • Yes Children welcome
  • No Groups allowed
  • Yes Air conditioning
  • No Outside seating
  • Yes Reservations
  • No Cover Charge
  • House red: £24.00
  • House white: £24.00
  • Service charge: 12.5% (optional)
 
  • American Express
  • Delta
  • Diners Club
  • JCB
  • Mastercard
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