I’ve been to a few fantastic restaurants, launches and openings in March, but by far, my favourite was Corrigan’s, Mayfair. I was very excited about being invited and am delighted to say that the experience far exceeded my great expectations.
When we arrived we were greeted by the Bar Manager Daniel, who did a fantastic job of guiding us through the cocktail menu and preparing our aperitifs. I enjoyed hearing about the spirits and their source and his ingenious ways of creating cocktails.
The Bearded One selected a cocktail called ‘The Sting’, he’s a gin lover and this gin was combined with nettle, dandelion and burdock bitters. I was looking for something fruity and enjoyed the Blood Orange fizz. A tremendous mix of cognac, vermouth, blood orange, pimento, almond bitters and Champagne. They were the perfect start to our Corrigan’s journey.
The bar was stylish and sleek and adorned with Statues by Dan Brown from Richard Corrigan’s personal collection.
The staff were very friendly and attentive, we were taken to our table by the manageress and were soon welcomed with green olives and cream cheese in a light batter. They had the look of a small croquette and the combination of the crunch of the batter, the green olive flavour and creaminess of the cheese made for unusual yet sublime little mouthfuls.
We were then treated to a couple of oysters accompanied by a glass of Loimer Loiserberg 2015. The palate was left feeling fresh and clean, almost like the Austrian Alps themselves.
Sommelier Yolanda’s knowledge of the wine was extensive of course, the way she described the flavours took us on a vivid visual journey, a joy to witness.
The Ham hock starter was tender and moist with a variety of textures and flavours, artichoke heart and pickled courgette were accompaniments that ensured the plate was left clean.
While we were waiting for our mains we were wowed by their Sunday Lunch. The decedent silver trolley elegantly rolled into the room carrying a display of succulent beef, an assortment of vegetables and large yet fluffy looking Yorkshire Puddings.
As it was the last day of National Pie week, The Bearded one choose the Chicken and Morel mushroom Pie. It was accompanied by roast potatoes and cauliflower cheese. The pastry was perfect, the chicken was tender, the sauce robust. Some of the cauliflower cheese even made it home with us for dinner.
My delicious main was the Lemon sole. A perfectly sized fillet delicately flavoured and complemented by minuscule cubed shallots which added a little crunch and bursts of onion.
Onto desserts, for The Bearded One, a rich concoction of dark chocolate mousse and roasted banana. The sweetness of the banana complementing the bitterness of the velvety yet light mousse.
Being a fan of peanut butter, I had to experience the peanut butter and jelly parfait with candied popcorn. The flavours were paired exquisitely and the crunchy sweetness of the popcorn left my mouth desiring more. It was divine!
The final touch to our fantastic afternoon was a coffee and a freshly bake madeleine still warm from the baking tray.
Every single detail in this establishment is attended to with an eye for perfection. We were left feeling absolutely spoilt and not wanting for anything.
The Sunday lunch menu is priced at an extraordinary £29 for three courses. Even the beef at an extra £10 supplement would not fail to please.
I can highly recommend Corrigan’s and am looking forward to returning.
Thank you to all the staff for taking care of us last Sunday afternoon, I was smiling for days!
Majella
Restaurant Openings and Reviews Editor, Majella O’Connell