Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill

Restaurants

Oyster bars

St James's

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Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill Michelle Grant

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Tue Oct 16 2012

A deep reverence for heritage, combined with unsurpassed culinary credentials, has meant that chef-patron Richard Corrigan’s 2005 overhaul of this 1916 grand dame has been an indisputable success. The art deco windows, grand wooden panelling, oak flooring and well-turned-out regulars all nod to the Bentley’s of times past, while a reinvigorated menu and spruced-up decor bring the restaurant firmly up to date.

Upstairs is the formal Grill restaurant, but we prefer the more relaxed ground-floor oyster bar. Here, scallop-shaped lamps, framed fish illustrations and the original marble oyster bar lined with red-leather chairs create a buzzing, sophisticated space.

Corrigan’s renowned soda bread (made with black treacle and buttermilk) makes for a delicious start. And while it would be rude not to order oysters (in season and supremely fresh), the menu offers such a tempting range of dishes – from scallop ceviche to classic fish pie – that it’s almost impossible not to over-indulge. Specials of sea bass and caponata, and wild sea trout with samphire and verjus, were two outstanding seafood plates, the expertly balanced flavours and textures indicating world-class talent in the kitchen.

Desserts of chocolate mousse and lemon steamed pudding with crème anglais were sensational, and the wine list doesn’t disappoint. What’s more, the formally dressed staff are fastidious, yet ready for a chat when time allows. Breakfasts are more kindly priced, and the pre-theatre set menus are excellent value too.

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Address:
Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill 11-15 Swallow Street
London
W1B 4DG

Venue phone:
020 7734 4756
Venue website:
www.bentleys.org
Opening hours:
Oyster Bar Meals served noon-midnight Mon-Sat; noon-10.30pm Sun. Main courses £8.50-£50. Restaurant Lunch served noon-2.45pm Mon-Fri. Dinner served 5.30-10.45pm Mon-Sat.
Transport:
Tube: Piccadilly Circus tube
Price:
Main courses £19-£38. Set dinner (5.30-6.45pm Mon-Fri) £26 2 courses, £29 3 courses. Cover £2
Map
1. Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill
  - 11-15 Swallow Street
    London
    W1B 4DG
  - 020 7734 4756
  - www.bentleys.org
  - 51.509409,-0.137726

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Comments & ratings

(5 ratings)

I was in Swallow St today just bimbling around London and decided to have lunch in the Oyster bar at Bentleys. The welcome as I entered was warm and friendly and I was shown to my seat at the bar...which I chose as I was on my own. After that things went a little sour!! The drinks and food menu were nearly thrown down in front of me by a waiter (Daniel I think thry called him) who remained surely and stone faced throughout the remainder of the service. He took no time to explain the specials menu to me and took my order without passing a word or even breaking into a smile.....other staff around me seemed much happier and prepared to talk to the customers with a smile. I ordered the Mackrel with mustard, potatoe and bacon for starters and the Pork Belly with Scallops as main with a half litre carafe of Muscadet. The food was all I had expected and hoped it would be. The Scallops were tasty and succulent whilst the pork belly melted in your mouth and there was nothng that could be found wanting. However the presence of Daniel loitering to clear (or should I say snatch) my plates even before I had finished made me feel that I wasn't even welcome and was being hurried into collecting my coat. Maybe I caught him on a bad day...who knows. It did however taint what was a beautiful meal....and he certainly needed to take a happy pill today!! Maybe it was me...I had just come in from the streets, had jeans on and maybe wasn't the sort of customer he would like to see in there...who knows!!! I suppose the big question is 'Would I go back?' Most certainly. 'Would I sit at the bar gain?'.....Not if Daniel is anywhere near it....and wouldn't go back if I thought he may serve me else where in there...!! Don't let this detract from the restauant itself though. The food was wonderful and the rest of the staff polite, pleasant and cheerful. Well worth a visit.

Paul Wed Mar 17 2010
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Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill

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