TUCKED away down a discreet side street just a few short steps from Piccadilly lies Seven Park Place – a super elegant fine dining spot run by Chef William Drabble. The recently relaunched Michelin-starred restaurant, which was awarded a Michelin star for the tenth time in 2019, resides within the equally luxurious St. James’s Hotel and Club, a prestigious five-star property that is quietly glamorous yet utterly confident in ambiance.
Stunning dishes at the Michelin-starred Seven Park
Arriving on a recent Saturday night to sample the newly transformed space, designed by award-winning Rusell Sage Studio, along with a revised menu, we were greeted by charming front of house staff and quickly seated within the intimate dining room. It’s certainly a stylish spot, akin to a large-scale living room with smart seating and striking artwork, and this helps to create a wonderfully cosy and exclusive ambiance. We started with champagne and a taster from the unique spirits list. Try the truffle gin made in Cambridge – it’s an exciting and unexpected option.
Seven Park Place specialises in modern French dishes that are made using the finest quality seasonal produce. We began the evening with some fine Scottish scallops dressed in oyster velouté followed by a stunning langoustine ravioli. The flavours of this seafood pairing were truly impressive, with the ingredients allowed space to speak for themselves. The main dishes on the menu revolved around fresh and firm turbot poached in champagne – a wonderful combination – and beef accompanied by salt-baked celeriac.
Elegant interiors at Seven Park Place
Although portion sizes are relatively dainty, as is common on a tasting menu, there is certainly enough to eat – the number of courses are generous and pleasing, and well-spaced out. The pre-dessert cheese (Baron Bigod – sweet and creamy) worked wonderfully with the apple jelly, which was itself one of the highlights of the dinner. Dessert, though, really stole the limelight: an exquisite passion fruit soufflé that came to the table looking majestic. Top marks for the innovative flavour choice – a welcome break from the common chocolate soufflé offering.
Passion Fruit Soufflé with Dark Chocolate Sauce
Dining at Seven Park Place is a classy and thoroughly enjoyable affair, with faultless service and even more perfect dishes. Fine dining can sometimes be stuffy, but the atmosphere here is cheery, low-key and comfortable. Make sure that you make a reservation here for your next “special occasion” dinner. Mother’s Day is coming up – perfect excuse.
By Derby Jones
Seven Park Place, 7 – 8 Park Place, London SW1A 1LS
Tel: 0207 316 1621
Follow Seven Park Place on Instagram