Restaurateur Des McDonald is set to shake up the London dining scene with his latest venture, Holborn Dining Room& Delicatessen. Opening for previews on Tuesday 18 February, ahead of its official opening on Monday 24 February at Rosewood London, the eagerly anticipated brasserie and delicatessen will offer classic British cuisine in a refined, historic setting.
Previously the East Banking Hall of Pearl Assurance, Holborn Dining Room & Delicatessen forms part of the newly opened Rosewood London, which has been meticulously restored from a 1914 Edwardian Belle Epoque building. Situated on the ground floor of the hotel, with direct access from High Holborn, Holborn Dining Room & Delicatessen will bring a fun, vibrant atmosphere to the traditional heritage of the property.
Des McDonald said: “I am delighted to be opening Holborn Dining Room & Delicatessen. It is a truly exciting project – an amazing room set in midtown London, featuring a menu of classic dishes with a few modern twists, using the best of British ingredients.”
The Team
Holborn Dining Room & Delicatessen will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. The kitchen is overseen by Executive Chef Lee Bull, former Head Chef of Le Caprice and Scott’s, with David Burke, previously Executive Chef of Le Pont De La Tour. Paul McKenna is the General Manager, whilst legendary Jon Spiteri, formerly of Quo Vadis and St John, has the role of Head Maître d‘. The bar is run by Goran Mulabdic, former Bar Manager at Brasserie Zédel and The Ivy.
8 section menu
The lunch and dinner menu, comprising traditional British dishes made from the finest locally sourced ingredients, is divided into eight sections: Cured Meats, Cold Counter, Hot Counter, Crustacea, Hot Kitchen, Sides, Sandwiches and Afters. Starters include; Pressed Ham Hock and Goats Cheese & Red Onion Tart from the Hot and Cold Counters, whilst main courses such as Dorset Rock and the Royal Seafood Platter can be selected from the Crustacea section.
The Hot Kitchen section offers additional main course options including; Hereford Sirloin Steak, Wild Halibut and the HDR beef burger. Sides include a generous selection of vegetables and salads. Desserts feature retro favourites such as Steamed Jam Sponge and Banana with Custard. A High Tea menu with delectable Fish Finger Sandwiches with Tartare Sauce, Welsh Rabbit and cake of the day will also be on offer.
Holborn Delicatessen
Adjoining the brasserie is Holborn Delicatessen, which opens directly onto High Holborn, and will sell a range of coffees, teas, sandwiches, soups and salads for those on the move. Guests will also be able to choose from an array of hand-picked British products including bread, charcuterie, marmalades, clotted cream and locally produced cheeses.
Interior design
The restaurant’s interior, designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, mirrors the cuisine’s traditional British style. With impressive chandeliers, reclaimed oak furnishings, antique mirrors and leather upholstery, the 184 cover restaurant will offer a relaxed atmosphere, coupled with sophistication and glamour.
The dining room includes a bar and a dining counter (seating 35), each topped with aged copper and patina brass and leads to The Terrace (seating 50) in the hotel’s peaceful inner courtyard, where guests can dine alfresco, or enjoy a fine cigar.
Holborn Dining Room & Delicatessen
Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN
0203 747 8633
About Rosewood London
Rosewood London, located in High Holborn and housed in the original headquarters of the Pearl Assurance Company, opened in October 2013 after a sensitive renovation of the 1914 Edwardian, Grade II-listed building. Combining English heritage with contemporary sophistication, it retains Belle Époque architectural features including the original carriageway entrance to the grand courtyard and a spectacular Pavonazzo marble staircase which rises over seven storeys.
The hotel has the feel of a stylish London residence and offers 262 guestrooms and 44 suites including the Grand Manor House Wing, an exclusive six-bedroom suite with its own postcode. Designed by Tony Chi and Associates, who also created the interiors of the public areas including the 11 event spaces and the Mirror Room, the hotel’s elegantly social dining room. Rosewood London features a Sense® spa, Rosewood’s signature spa brand, a fitness suite and the Manor Club.
The Martin Brudnizki designed Holborn Dining Room, with outdoor terrace, and the warmly welcoming bar, have their own entrance onto High Holborn.