Shepherd’s is back on the scene. The iconic and favourite haunt of politicos, lobbyists, policy wonks and journalists nestles close to the Westminster Village in Marsham Street, an area that has been curiously short of quality eateries.
So highly regarded was Shepherd’s that, when it closed its doors for business last year, it prompted an outpouring of grief from no less a giant of a man than Adam Boulton, a dedicated vegetarian no less. He bemoaned it a “sad day” indeed “for the best restaurant near Parliament”, and its closure did not escape London’s oldest magazine, the Spectator, adding tearfully “the end of an era for Westminster lunchers.”
Back with a bang
Now, the “Westminster institution”, as dubbed by Harden’s, is back with a bang and better than ever under the watchful stewardship of Lionel Zetter.
Not resting on its laurels Shepherd’s has put together a veritable ensemble of A listers right on top of their game.
Head chef is the hugely talented Paul Crosdale, fresh from the upmarket Berners Tavern, and he is joined by sous chef Owen Williams, formerly of the two Michelin starred restaurant, Michael Wignall at The Latymer.
The bar is overseen by Goran, ex head barman from the Ivy and Brasserie Zedel who will be working his magic behind the famous Shepherd’s Bar.
Overseeing the entire restaurant is General Manager, Phillipe Lhermitte whose most recent experience has been the launch and subsequent running of the phenomenally successful Grain Store in Kings Cross.
Tradition is being respected
The menu unashamedly boasts all your British favourites but done like you have never tasted before.
For starters you can plump for a fresh and zingy English Beetroot Salad or you can savour the mouth wateringly succulent and altogether hypnotic Roast Scottish Scallops. For mains you have the light and delicious Suckling Pork Belly, or you can go all out and order the melt-in-mouth Chateaubriand. And then there’s the signature dish – Shepherd’s Pie – which needs no introduction.
This is a menu that does not ignore the vegetarians who can delight in the Pearl Barley Wild British Mushrooms or Chargrilled Artichokes.
Like the menu the decor of this haunt screams tradition and Britishness, but with a mischievous twist. The restaurant has 60 covers with an extensive bar area and two private dining rooms. The colours match perfectly with House of Commons style green leather banquettes and discreet British racing green wallpaper.
The bar adds a homely charm with burnt orange chairs and low-level tables. No matter what your favourite tipple happens to be, you can rest assured it will be stocked here. The wine list is comprehensive and has a broad mix of fine wines and more affordable fare to suit every possible fancy.
In bringing back Shepherd’s Lionel Zetter said he wanted to bring it “back to its best: superb food, great service, an elegant ambience and a discreet environment.”
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