The Alfred Tennyson Restaurant Review: A Refurbished Belgravia Institution

A swanky new refurb, fresh new menu and a cocktail list to die for. Just a few things you can expect from and new and improved The Alfred Tennyson in Belgravia. Set over four floors this public house has been beautifully refurbished and the dining room is looking stunning. Fresh and light during the day, or cosy and romantic during the evening. The Alfred Tennyson is part of the Cubitt House group which operates four other pubs across the capital which are in some of London’s most prestigious postcodes.

There’s a shiny new cocktail menu in the dining room and my classic old-fashioned was perfectly prepared. Sweet, sour and a little smokey with a nice citrus streak running through it.

The kitchen here works closely with independent suppliers creating “farm to plate” dining, with an emphasis on keeping things simple without compromising on quality. Think excellent British meats and fresh seasonal vegetables. We started our evening here with a couple of starters. The absolute favourite was the White Park beef croquettes, served with a green peppercorn mayonnaise for dipping. Loads of flavour and very satisfying. The plate of Burrata with San Marzano tomatoes, red onion marmalade, fig and crisp bread was nice enough, but the burrata needs to be replaced. While it had the lovely creamy texture, it lacked in flavour.

Main courses were what makes the Alfred Tennyson really stand out. My piece of White Park beef steak was absolutely stunning. Warm all the way through, but still to my requested medium-rare. The meat had so much flavour to it I can’t stress that enough, feeling nicely aged and with the right amount of fat ratio for succulency. The Guinness onions, fries and creamy béarnaise helped only compliment such a lovely plate of food.

Castlemead chicken with salt-baked celeriac, violet artichokes and almond jus – another absolute stunner. The dish actually reminded me a lot of a rather well-know French restaurant in Marylebone which hails from Paris. It was quite similar, very succulent, rich and satisfying. En extra side of herb salted chips went down well too.

I don’t know who the pastry chef in the kitchen is here, but whoever it is needs some kind of medal because they’re very talented. Dark chocolate & orange cremeux was a rich and sultry pudding which felt more like it should be in a Michelin starred kitchen, while the baked lemon cheesecake was probably the best I’ve had all year. Served with a scoop of excellent raspberry sorbet.

I’ve always loved drinking in The Alfred Tennyson but never had I really given it any time as a restaurant. Though that won’t be happening again. Good quality locally sourced food, a lovely dining room and excellent desserts. There are many things to like about this Belgravia institution and I’d happily return, next time for both food and drink.