Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

Parisian designer Pierre Yovanovitch has brought a more colourful, contemporary look to this intimate dining room. Almost everything is custom-made, emphasising the levels of care you can expect to find in every element of a visit here. Light oak panelling and colourful, comfortable seating in enticing shades of blush pink, along with exposed wooden tables and blue blown-glass chandeliers bring a warmer, more welcoming ambience. Service is polished and engaging, and menus change seasonally. The precise, classic French cooking makes the very best of fantastic British produce, and the wine list is superb, with amazing depth and a great range by the glass. This is stunning cooking and a meal here is sure to count as one of the significant events of your culinary life. Menu descriptions are terse but there’s always an explanation on hand should one be needed. To start perhaps Phil Trebilcock’s Cornish lobster, tandoori spices, carrot, citrus and coriander, followed by pigeon, parsnip, Madjool dates and ras el hanout, or Lake District lamb, celtuse, shiso and fermented pepper. For dessert you might choose the intriguingly described Yorkshire rhubarb and hay, or Hélène’s signature dessert of Armagnac rum baba, citrus fruit and thyme.

Awards, accolades & Welcome Schemes

5 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence

AA Notable Wine List