Quaglino’s Restaurant Review: A Bottomless Rose Soul Sunday Lunch Experience

I always find it such a strange experience every time I tuck into a bottomless brunch/lunch. Some of you may or may not know that I used to run a restaurant booking platform which I sadly had to give up, but it’s all I think about when the bottomless wine is flowing! Now I’m on the other side of those brunches and instead of selling them, I’m experiencing them and it’s never felt better. Especially as my latest visit has led me to one of London’s most gorgeous looking restaurants – Quaglino’s in St James’s.

Arriving a little early for our reservation, we took ourselves to the bar first and marvelled at the interiors. It’s been so many years since I last visited Quaglino’s, it felt really good to be back and the decor still gets me every single time. I couldn’t help ordering a cocktail which pays hommage to my favourite TV show, The Absolutely Fabulous. A refreshing blend of gin, chamomile, rose, lemon, basil, raspberry and ginger beer. The cocktail menu is huge and tells the story of its illustrious past. Starting with its foundation by Giovanni Quaglino in 1929, the menu then guides guests on a journey through the glamorous happenings of the bar and its Mayfair neighbourhood.

And if you thought the bar was lovely, wait till you see the main restaurant. A grand cast iron staircase leading down to the main floor with yet another bar at its centre and stage at the far end for the live performances, one of which we were going to enjoy ourselves. Beautiful floral arrangements adorn the room, sumptuous and dramatic interiors, striking artworks and perfectly positioned lighting makes for a very atmospheric dining experience

Saving room for our main course (which we knew was going to be large) we started with a lovely hand chopped hand beef tartare which the team kindly split into two smaller portions for us. The meat was soft and tender, full of flavour and complimented by a nice & smokey rosemary aioli and sea salt crackers for spreading onto, though they tasted a little more cheesy – which I had no complaints about.

The main reason for our bottomless lunch visit was to sample one of the newest additions to the Q Lunch menu. For an additional supplement, based on two people sharing – you can enjoy a gargantuan sharing seafood platter. It’s enormous! Succulent chunks of roasted stone bass en papillote, spicy devilled rock oysters and fresh moules marinière. It’s all accompanied by some excellent hollandaise, aioli, new potatoes and broccoli. Without a doubt the best thing we ate during out lunch and it’s well worth the supplement.

Which finished up on a dessert of Gariguette strawberry eton mess and given just how full we was, it was the perfect way to near the end of the meal. The strawberries were freshly and juicy and the mess was full of crunchy, creamy textures. It also went perfectly with our bottomless rose wine and reminded us that Summer hasn’t quite left us yet.

We finished up with our last glass of delicious rose wine and enjoyed the live music into the early afternoon which really was fantastic. People were getting out of their seats and dancing, the captivating sounds of performer Dee was great and the whole restaurant had such an infectious atmosphere. If you’re looking for a boozy and fun afternoon much like we did then you’ll love Quaglino’s. The Sunday Q Brunch menu is priced at £25 for 2 courses or £29 or 3 courses. The bottomless wine is an extra £20 supplement or if you prefer bubbles it’s £23.

To find out more or to book this fabulous Sunday lunch CLICK HERE.

NB: Our meal was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.