Corrigan's Mayfair

My husband's Christmas present to myself & my Mum (booked for lunch 30th December 08) was a complete surprise until we actually reached our destination - Corrigan's Mayfair - and what a wonderful surprise it was too! We had eaten at Lindsay House back in March and couldn't wait to try more of Richard Corrigan's and his chef's delights and we weren't disappointed. In fact, I had the smoked eel risotto for my starter which I have to say was the best dish I have ever eaten. All three of us really enjoyed the whole dining experience. The staff were attentive but not overbearing - just right for lunchtime dining.

Our one complaint were the chips done in goosefat. If they're not crispy, i.e. fried at least twice, don't serve them! Luckily they were an extra to our meal and we'll pretend that we didn't have them!!

All in all I can't wait for our next opportunity to go back and try something else on the menu.
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Sarah
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, January 05, 2009

Walked in for lunch yesterday and the average age of diners plummeted (and I'm in my mid-30s!). Thankfully as lunchtime wore on, the place filled up with a slightly more mixed clientele.

But frankly, forget the other punters and focus on the food. As it was a special occasion, we forsook the good value set menu (two courses for £19.50, with a choice of two dishes for each course), and hit the a la carte.

My game soup with livers on toast was a meal in itself - crammed full of what I presume was diced venison and vegetables, the soup itself was deliciously velvety and hearty. My companion had a set lunch salad, which looked insubtantial but she claimed was a lot more robust than it appeared.

Main course of roast partridge for me, with a sort of bread sauce mousse. Was good - perfectly cooked partridge - but not mind-blowing. Unlike the other main course. The saddle of hare was an astonishing plate of taste and texture sensations. Having sneaked a couple of forkfuls I could see why it was eliciting such praise. One of, if not the best of such things I've tasted in 2008 - including at the chef's table at Maze, which I figured would be hard to beat for meat.

Dessert: macerated plums, madeleines, and spiced ice cream was a gorgeous Christmassy way to mop up the last of the bottle of burgundy. The wine list is worth a mention - it's one of the better value lists I've seen in a while at a restaurant of this standing.

Service was friendly, a little slow at times but not to the detriment of our enjoyment of the meal.

As a long-time fan of Richard Corrigan, my expectations were high and I was delighted that it wasn't a let down. A perfect start to Christmas - bring on the roast wild venison I've got to cook for my parents on Christmas Day!
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Jonathan - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Thursday, December 18, 2008

There is no doubt that many British restaurant reviewers will swoon over this place,with effusive praise being the order of the day.But this is more a reflection of the fact that these reviewers are awaiting a Messiah of British cuisine.Not a Brit who can cook non-Brit food as there are plenty who have done that successfully like the great Marco Pierre White.But a Brit who can cook British food,from British ingredients.So every time a place like Hix;Corrigan's et al opens,the reviewers give it a good review in the hopes that this is "THE ONE".Alas,in every case ,it turns out that these places are not very good,in spite of the reviewer praise.Mr.C is a large affable Irish gentleman who has several eateries in London.Most opened to great fanfare and great reviews,but did not live up to the hype.This latest place is in the same vein.Excruciatingly expensive,with the added insult of a cover charge of £1.50 for nothing that you don't get in any other place in London.The food and service are uneven.Some bits good,but not worth the price....some bits bad and the person responsible should be shot for foisting it on us at these prices.Corrigan strays into Italianish territory with a pasta dish cooked in red wine,with lumpy bits.No Italian would ever produce such a disaster.And for an Irishman to do so,demonstrates a definite lack of brains.I would like to see him actually eat this dish.The meat dishes are hit and miss.The prep slightly off or the cut too tough.At these prices,the experience should not be so hit-and-miss.Go to the Gavroche a 5 minute walk away for a similarly priced meal,and see what true professionalism means.At Corrigans,you have basically gastro-pub food at Michelin star prices.This is not a good combo.

So,sorry,you will have to wait longer for "the one" to arrive.
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C.Elder
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Monday, December 15, 2008

While I wanted to love Corrigan's Mayfair, the dining experience was a disappointment.

On the good side: the ambiance, decor, and style of the restaurant was great. Rich, comfortable and beautiful in a masculine way.

What went wrong: First, the food was quite a disappointment. I had the lamb - which tasted like wild bear. I LIKE strong tasting foods such as liver, pate, and wild game - but this was nearly inedible. My partner had venison - which was OK, but definitely not great. However, the sides and desserts were excellent. Then, while the wait staff and other servers were eager to please, they we inexperienced. I truly felt as if none of them had ever worked in a restaurant before and just didn't know what to do. Their awkwardness made me feel uncomfortable. The "sommelier" could do little more than point to an entire page on the wine list when I asked for a recommendation.

A final annoyance, but admittedly a small one, was the surprise of a £1.50 "cover charge" for each person -- this was on top of a £150 total dinner bill for 2 people. I politely mentioned this to the servicer, who replied that "it is customary in Italy". What could I say to that - I paid and left. I won't go back.

Like I said, I wanted to like it, but i won't go back.
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Brian OBrien
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 6
Friday, November 28, 2008