DURING Christmas season, The Savoy transforms into a scene straight from a West End set – golden and snow-dusted tree branches sprawl across the grand lobby and towering Christmas trees shine on every corner – a true testament to statement “more is more”. Amid this festive magic, the corridor of golden lights guides me to Gallery, The Savoy’s newly opened dining destination.
With a stained-glass dome, warm golden lighting, and burnt-orange sofas, the space has a buzzing and inviting aura, reminiscent of the couples dancing in this very room in the 1900s. While slightly more relaxed than The Savoy’s other dining restaurants, Gallery maintains the hotel’s signature luxury, blending effortlessly glamour with approachability.
Gallery Interior
Open for all-day dining and afternoon tea, Gallery aims to cater to every kind of guest – from tourists seeking a quick bite to diners indulging in a three-course meal. True to the ethos of a quintessential hotel restaurant, its menu is diverse but inclusive, offering something for everyone. Think traditional British staples, inventive seafood dishes, and, most importantly, exceptional steaks.
Divided into three sections – light grazing bites, shareable dishes, and hearty plates – the menu encourages exploration and sharing. Fortunately, portion sizes are generous, easing the fears of those disheartened by the rise of the worryingly small plates.
Highlights include Irish oysters, beef carpaccio with parmesan crisps, artichokes, and rocket for a bold flavour punch, grilled Cornish tuna tataki with yuzu soy on top of creamy avocado; and duck en croûte with grape jelly and fig relish, a beautiful harmony of savoury and sweet notes complimented by the buttery and flakey pastry.
Starters
For the main event, options range from a classic Club Sandwich or heart-warming chicken tikka pie, but the undisputed showstopper is the Tomahawk steak – served on the bone, accompanied by confit mushrooms and generous serving of peppercorn sauce. The steak’s juicy, tender meat delivers a burst of rich, savoury flavour, perfectly complemented by sides of crispy truffle fries and broccoli coated in a delicate layer of almond butter. It’s a dish that for me epitomises indulgence and comfort.
Chicken tikka pie
One look at the Gallery’s dessert menu showers me with an aura of nostalgia. Whether it’s an apple crumble, a mille-feuille layered with vanilla cream and salted caramel, or the old-school classic ice cream sundae, the guests are in for a sweet treat.
The sundae comes with customisable toppings like chocolate, crushed cookies, frozen berries, and even crystallised yuzu, and is a playful way to end the meal whilst indulging in an avalanche of childhood memories.
For those extending their evening with a drink, the Gallery’s cocktail menu does not disappoint. It features a mix of timeless classics, such as the Martini, alongside inventive twists: the pickled cranberry Cosmo and the sorrel Daiquiri, which incorporates sorrel cordial and lime maraschino. With many spirits from British distilleries such as Hepple Gin and Somerset Brandy the commitment to local sourcing is clear and guests can sample the best of British labels.
Bar at Gallery
Alongside Gallery, The Savoy has also introduced a scone shop Scoff, where scones are elevated to an art form – almost too beautiful to eat. Filled with inventive flavours ranging from tiramisu to exotic fruit punch, the creativity is endless. To keep things fresh, the staff teases limited-edition seasonal recipes, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to look out for.
Scoff scones
In every detail, Gallery captures the essence of The Savoy’s charm while bringing a new style of dining and its unique identity to the hotel. It’s grand but welcoming, luxurious yet unpretentious. With attentive staff happy to share a laugh as well as advice on the best wine pairing; Gallery is set to become a new among The Savoy’s classics.
by Olga Petrusewicz
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The Savoy, The Strand, WC2R 0EZ London