What's the draw
Two words for you: Michel and Roux (Jr). Yep, that's right – last year, The Langham, London announced that Chez Roux would be operating all of its restaurants and bars, including the newly relaunched Palm Court. The legendary institution has undergone a significant revamp since it established the tradition of afternoon tea in 1865, with plush, elegant interiors and a menu peppered with Roux's trademark take on classic Anglo-French dishes.
What to drink
Champagne, champagne and more champagne, but if you don't fancy that, there's well-rounded wine list to choose from. Roux's French influence is clear, but don't miss the unusual semillon – it's from Washington – or the Chilean pinot noir. The cocktail list, too, has all the old favourites, but if you feel like something more exciting, we'd suggest a short walk down the corridor to World's 50 Best Bars number one, Artesian.
View on Instagram
What to eat
The menu is filled with classics, done really, really well by executive chef Chris King, so you'll find it hard to make a bad choice here. The infamous Palm Court lobster salad is worth the hype, as is the salade perigourdine, an enormous smoked duck salad that's one of the restaurant's delicacies. When it comes to mains, we particularly enjoyed the tagine – a tender hunk of lamb served alongside a freekeh grain pilaf, with hidden gems of dried fruit that melt in the mouth – but were equally tempted by the wagyu bolognese and the spit-roast coquelet à la bière. And to finish, we'd strongly recommend the profiteroles: a holy trinity of pastry, praline and chocolate.
Dinner and drinks for two, about £90. The Langham, London, 1C Portland Place, W1B 1JA; palm-court.co.uk.
