Simpson's-in-the-Strand

I came here to celebrate my one year anniversary with my company with a small group of work colleagues on a Friday night before going to see a play at the Savoy Theatre. After having done some research online I became slightly nervous that I had overstepped the mark and that a young ‘un like myself might not be too welcome at this establishment. I had understood the place to have a rather stuffy, old school pretentious aurora and although I wasn’t too far wrong I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. Having being greeted at the door by a friendly doorman and being led to the bar for an aperitif (I arrived a tad early) I was greeted by some traditional, plush sofas that you would expect to find in a estate country home. They felt very much at home with the wood panelling, green lampshades and slightly cobweb ridden corners. The wine list was not as long as I had expected but it was ripe for the picking and a rather tasty but pricey (not the kind of place you would find a Nottage Hill) Spanish red went along with the recommended roast beef and the pallete was cleansed with a rather sticky tart. The meat course was particularly good and I think I would be hard pushed to find another place that could offer such stereotypical, classic British food as this. Although we sat down to eat at 6/6.30 there were a small handful of people eating, generally of a more senior stature than myself, and a piano was being played in the corner. All in all it created a very civil, British Empire, gentleman’s club with a welcoming twist feel. Reading back over that sentence has made me think that I may be of my rocker but I’m sure if you visit you will probably agree. The staff were very welcoming and hospitable throughout and topped of my experience at Simpson’s. I would definitely recommend this place if you were thinking of spoiling an elderly relative or entertaining a foreign business associate. There is the price, but this is London and what else would you expect.