Jay Rayner's review of Lindsay House (The Observer)
Richard Corrigan at Lindsay House reviews
Food was good; however, I expected more. I have been to several good restaurants across the globe. As this was a celebrity chef restaurant, I was expecting 'the best'; however, it was only a normal 'good' meal at any other 'fine dining' restaurant. I was quite disappointed, as I was hoping for something more special. I could have got as nice a meal - and for a lot less money - elsewhere, unfortunately.
by tamara_rara (2 reviews), 03 Jan 2008
by tamara_rara (2 reviews), 03 Jan 2008
Both my visits to this Michelin-starred restaurant have been unforgettable, and I never cease to recommend it to friends as a true gastronomic experience.
Located in an elegant 1740s four storey townhouse in the heart of Soho, you ring the doorbell and are then escorted into the intimate dining-room, which resembles someone's private home more than a restaurant. There are actually two dining-rooms, one on the ground floor and one on the first, but I have only eaten on the ground floor. There are also various private dining rooms in the building for larger parties. On both occasions, the service was effortless and polite, the atmosphere refined and the diners thankfully respected each others' privacy in the cosy dining space.
It is expensive to eat here, and the wines are pricey, but for a special occasion, it really is worth it. There is the set lunch menu (3 courses at £29.00), as well as the Pre-Theatre menu at the same price, which provide a good opportunity to sample Corrigan's cooking without breaking the bank. Then there are the a la carte menus for lunch and dinner (dinner is 3 courses at £52.00), and the six course tasting menu at £64.00 (there is also the vegetarian Garden tasting menu).
The menus change quite regularly, but I do remember all my meat being very tender and perfectly cooked (medium-rare). Each dish is immaculately presented, with little amuse-bouches in between. The Irish cheeses at the end of the meal were particularly delicious! Be prepared to part with at least £150-200 for a meal for two, depending on your selection of alcohol. Lindsay House's wine list resembles a phone book and their selection of rare Irish whiskies, brought to you on a trolley at the end of the meal, are irresistible...
by bobbypants "top london reviewer" (54 reviews), 15 Jun 2007
Located in an elegant 1740s four storey townhouse in the heart of Soho, you ring the doorbell and are then escorted into the intimate dining-room, which resembles someone's private home more than a restaurant. There are actually two dining-rooms, one on the ground floor and one on the first, but I have only eaten on the ground floor. There are also various private dining rooms in the building for larger parties. On both occasions, the service was effortless and polite, the atmosphere refined and the diners thankfully respected each others' privacy in the cosy dining space.
It is expensive to eat here, and the wines are pricey, but for a special occasion, it really is worth it. There is the set lunch menu (3 courses at £29.00), as well as the Pre-Theatre menu at the same price, which provide a good opportunity to sample Corrigan's cooking without breaking the bank. Then there are the a la carte menus for lunch and dinner (dinner is 3 courses at £52.00), and the six course tasting menu at £64.00 (there is also the vegetarian Garden tasting menu).
The menus change quite regularly, but I do remember all my meat being very tender and perfectly cooked (medium-rare). Each dish is immaculately presented, with little amuse-bouches in between. The Irish cheeses at the end of the meal were particularly delicious! Be prepared to part with at least £150-200 for a meal for two, depending on your selection of alcohol. Lindsay House's wine list resembles a phone book and their selection of rare Irish whiskies, brought to you on a trolley at the end of the meal, are irresistible...
by bobbypants "top london reviewer" (54 reviews), 15 Jun 2007
Superb restaurant, Richard Corrigan is a great cook who respects his ingredients. Fabulous service too and I suspect our table was quite trying for them.
by w7 (5 reviews), 10 Jan 2006
by w7 (5 reviews), 10 Jan 2006
The food was great and staff were so polite. I had my 2 year old son in and I asked for some mashed potatoes and they gave it to me with some lovely gravy. I would give this restaurant a 10 out of 10.
by Anonymous, 14 Sep 2005
by Anonymous, 14 Sep 2005
I must say that this is one of the greatest culinary experiences I have ever had in regards to food and location. Food is so well prepared and simply exquisite. It's also quite refreshing to go to a restaurant that has old-world charm and individuality (rather than cream and brown drab 90s interiors). Such a surprising and interesting location for this calibre of establishment (Brilliant!!)
Although the service was polite and friendly, it was however very slow. My companion and I wait at least 30 minutes before we were given the menu or wine list, and every time we wanted something had to gesticulate to the waiters for assistance.
The service seemed to be a general problem as we were not the only diners to mention this particular shortfall to the maitre d'.
I think however this can be overlooked when the standard of food is so high.
Great!
by happydiner, 07 Sep 2005
Although the service was polite and friendly, it was however very slow. My companion and I wait at least 30 minutes before we were given the menu or wine list, and every time we wanted something had to gesticulate to the waiters for assistance.
The service seemed to be a general problem as we were not the only diners to mention this particular shortfall to the maitre d'.
I think however this can be overlooked when the standard of food is so high.
Great!
by happydiner, 07 Sep 2005
The restaurant is based in what must have been the front parlour of this old townhouse, and has a permanently hovering maitre 'd - all in all making this a slightly claustrophobic dining experience.
I was also disappointed with the food. None of it pressed any buttons for me, as the flavour combinations of the starter and main course just didn't work. The nicest thing was the blackcurrant souffle as it was light but sharp. And the final nail was the 'posh' french waiter - he managed to drop nearly everything he had in his hands - comical but incompetent!
by Lexi (9 reviews), 26 Aug 2005
I was also disappointed with the food. None of it pressed any buttons for me, as the flavour combinations of the starter and main course just didn't work. The nicest thing was the blackcurrant souffle as it was light but sharp. And the final nail was the 'posh' french waiter - he managed to drop nearly everything he had in his hands - comical but incompetent!
by Lexi (9 reviews), 26 Aug 2005
Amazing food, brilliant service. Would recommend the experience to anyone. A must.
by Anonymous, 29 Jan 2005
by Anonymous, 29 Jan 2005
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Photograph © Richard Corrigan at Lindsay House
