You Are In

Home London Central London Covent Garden & Theatreland Simpson's-in-the-Strand, The Grand Divan

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

Featured Restaurant  

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
  • Party Planner: Group bookings & Party planner
 

(Avg Price is the average cost per person for two courses, coffee, half a bottle of house wine and tip/service)

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 with Madagascan vanilla custard. 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 the 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 more 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

Lorraine Murchie (1 March 2009)

We took our daughter there to celebrate her 20th birthday last July. It was expensive but worth it. We had a wonderful time with brilliant service and lovely food. She was even presented with a yummy miniature sponge pudding with a candle, which was free, and the pianist even played Happy Birthday!

Fergus McClure (24 October 2008)

This is not the first time I have taken my family there for lunch. Each time the food and service have been outstanding. The roast beef from the trolley with trimmings simply cannot be beaten. They are expensive, but certainly excellent.

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

Write A Review For Simpson's-in-the-Strand, The Grand Divan

Have you eaten at Simpson's-in-the-Strand, The Grand Divan? Then why not write a review for Simpson's-in-the-Strand, The Grand Divan! It only takes a few moments, no registration is required.

Not sure what to write? Have a look through all of our restaurant reviews for inspiration!

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
  • Switch
  • Solo
  • Visa

Edit this listing Make changes to this listing | Print this page | Send to a friend Send to a friend

Other Restaurants You May Like

Albannach Restaurant
Scottish, British in Covent Garden & Theatreland
Porters English Restaurant
English, Modern British, British in Covent Garden & Theatreland
Pitcher & Piano - Holborn
Modern, Bar, British in Covent Garden & Theatreland
Great Queen Street
British in Covent Garden & Theatreland
12 Temple Place Restaurant
Modern British, British in Covent Garden & Theatreland
Mauve Lounge at Swissotel The Howard
British in Covent Garden & Theatreland
 
 

Featured Group Restaurant

  • Nando's - Covent GardenNando's - Covent Garden With quality food, friendly staff, quick service and excellent value for money, Nando's is a great place to eat. Don't expect identikit, pre-fab restaurant interiors which are usually a staple of the larger chains; each restaurant is tailored to its local surroundings and customers, offering up a unique restaurant experience to go with the equally unique taste of legendary, Portuguese, Peri-Peri chicken.
 
 

Special
Offers

Afternoon Tea
£10 or Less Meal Deals
Lunch Deals
£30 or More Meal Deals
Bertorelli's - Covent Garden (Covent Garden & Theatreland)
Christmas Menu Three courses, coffee + chocolates £39.95
12 Temple Place Restaurant (Covent Garden & Theatreland)
Express Lunch menu. Prices from £14
Indigo Restaurant (Covent Garden & Theatreland)
4 course fixed price menu (Christmas Day Lunch), including a glass of Lallier Grand Cru Champagne for £80
Christopher's - Covent Garden (Covent Garden & Theatreland)
Pre and Post Theatre Menu - 2 courses £15.75, 3 courses £19.50
 

Selected
Restaurant

Browns Bar & Brasserie - Covent Garden
(Covent Garden & Theatreland)

 

Browns St Martins Lane is situated in the heart of London's West End and theatre-land and just a stone's throw from the renowned shopping district of Covent Garden. A dozen theatres, cinemas and ...

 

Featured
Restaurants

Porterhouse, The
(Covent Garden & Theatreland)
Porters English Restaurant
(Covent Garden & Theatreland)
Belgo Centraal
(Covent Garden & Theatreland)
Belgo Kingsway
(Covent Garden & Theatreland)
Palm Court Brasserie
(Covent Garden & Theatreland)
Covent Garden Grill
(Covent Garden & Theatreland)