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

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!

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.

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.

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.

Simpson’s Restaurant is wonderfully decorated, and without doubt, offers excellent service. I must be honest that the side portions are small. The roast beef, and saddle of lamb are outstanding, but not hot. I feel they should offer proper roast potatoes. The wine and service charge increase the price and the deal does not offer good value for money. To finish, some tables are far too close to each other and there is more room at Mc Donalds. I would go back again.

Simpson's-in-the-Strand is now a parody of a once great institution. The worst of all worlds, it combines high prices with poor food: the oysters were virtually frozen and the beef so over cooked there was not even a shade of pink. The steak and kidney pie was worse than at the most modest of pubs. Service slapdash and hit and miss (bread never arrived) and none of the staff had the remotest command of English. Routine supermarket level wines were offered at ridiculous prices. Overall, it must represent the worst value for money in London.

We had never thought that we could enjoy a British roast so much. Perfect service in a lovely room. Delicious foie and roast (specially beef, but also lamb). Fabulous champagne and port and wonderful dessert. And excellent value for around 180 GBP (dinner for a couple). A place to visit again and again during our next trips to London. We have to try a pre-theatre, and I hope it will be soon.

Visited after seeing a show just before Christmas. A truly English dining experience; the joints of meat are carved at the table and the Grand Divan has been beautifully refurbished. I would recommend the Aberdeen Angus aged for 28 days on the bone - it just melts in the mouth. For a special night out in London and a very traditional British meal you can't beat Simpson’s.