As part of our Lifestyle by Apple Apartments Gold Membership experience, we enjoyed dinner at one of our favourite London restaurants, Smith & Wollensky London which is located in the historic Grade II-listed Adelphi Building off the Strand. This is the boutique steakhouse’s first opening outside of the US, with locations in cities such as New York and Miami, bringing the restaurant’s same brand of warm American hospitality to a London audience that has made it America’s favourite steakhouse.
Set against a handsome backdrop of mahogany panelling, buttery green leathers and vibrant pops of red, Smith & Wollensky has been designed by interiors superstar Martin Brudnizki. From the glamorous reception through to the 1920s-inspired artworks on the walls, the restaurant evokes all the elegance and timeless appeal of Smith & Wollensky’s rich heritage across the pond while capturing the essence of London’s current dining scene.
The restaurant has both a dry ageing room and a butchery on-site for true field to fork traceability. The USDA Prime beef is selected from the top 2% of beef in the US for its rich and even marbling. The meat is dry-aged for no less than 28 days to increase tenderness and intensify flavour for the very best steaks in London. We began our dining experience with cocktails chosen from the 30 classic cocktails on the drinks menu served with a contemporary twist… and in our case a delightful amuse bouche.
Followed by half dozen of the freshest Carlingford Oysters in town for two…
I also enjoyed the Seared Chilli & Garlic Shrimp…
My dining companion went for Hand-Dived Scottish Scallops with Garlic & Parsley Butter…
Moving onto mains, my carnivorous dining companion was not disappointed with her 400g Rib-Eye hand selected by John Stone Beef and served with an “enhancement” of Lobster Tail.
Taking a fancy for a fish dish, I enjoyed the Seared Black Bream served with braised fennel and lobster fume.
We took the opportunity to enjoy another round of cocktails from the extensive cocktail list which is helpful divided into sections based on the principal spirit such as Gin, Vodka, Rum, Whisk(e)y and so on.
We couldn’t resist ordering a side of Jumbo Lump Crabmeat – the seafood choices at Smith & Wollensky London are just as good as their excellent steaks.
After such as wonderful feast, there was just enough room for a couple of “excuses to linger” as S&W title their dessert menu. My dining companion chose the Sticky Toffee Pudding – one of her favourite desserts…
Being a gentleman who enjoys a challenge, I ordered the Gigantic Chocolate Cake – moist chocolate cake brushed with Baileys Irish Cream, layered with chocolate mousse and covered with dark chocolate ganache. Serving 2 or 4 smaller appetites, this is their signature dessert which comes with a cow-shaped chocolate cookie.
To end the meal, I ordered the S&W Irish Coffee made with Jameson Whiskey & Fresh Cream.
Even if you are not staying at the nearby Apple Apartments – The Strand, Smith & Wollensky London is the perfect dining destination for Londoners and visitors alike who are in search of true American hospitality and an authentic steakhouse ambiance.
Smith & Wollensky
Adelphi Building, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT
www.smithandwollensky.co.uk
020 7321 6007