I’m back at my favorite London department store. Harrods, of course! This iconic British department store can become a tourist trap at times, but that’s part of its charm and what gives it that infectious atmosphere and desire to be seen shopping in. The green bag, the chance to Instagram every hallway and that important selfie with a glass of Champagne at the bar. There are countless restaurants and bars here meaning you really could spend a whole day shopping, eating and drinking till your drop. Which is exactly what we got up to a couple of weeks back.
With our dinner reservation at The Grill not for another hour, we started our evening with a cheeky cocktail in one of the latest drinking spots here – The Baccarat Bar. This lower ground floor hideaway is accessible from the street and is arguably the most dazzling and seductive bar in Knightsbridge right now. Fusing Harrods glamour with Baccarat’s legendary craftsmanship, this world-class bar and French crystal expert’s signature glasses are sure to wow just about anyone.
The cocktail menu here is so exciting and with some truly beautiful glasses to sip them from. I won’t spoil the experience with too much detail, but I will say that ordering the “Beyond the Grind” might be your best decision yet. Just don’t drop the glass!
In case you don’t already know, Harrods went through a 2-year transformation and the whole place, especially this Dining Hall is looking absolutely stunning. You feel like you’ve stepped back in time to how Harrods once was all those years ago. Expect wall-to-wall tiles, sumptuous decor, perfectly placed lighting and lots of exciting people watching to be enjoyed.
To kick off our meal and in the usual fashion, we tucked into a couple of cocktails. My favorite being the deliciously prepared Manhattan. Perfectly crafted, heady (just the way I like my drink) and elegant. Especially against the backdrop of the Dining Hall.
Whilst we got to know the menu and settled into our surroundings over a tipple (or three), the chef kindly surprised us with some glorious bread. A thick round of focaccia roasted in the Josper oven, then smothered in garlic & herb butter and sprinkled with shavings of aged pecorino. This is bread heaven at its best.
My favourite of their starters has to be the good old classic, prawn cocktail. Fresh juicy prawns, shredded lettuce and an excellent Marie rose sauce. Top tip: you’ll want to keep some of that bread back to mop up all the prawn and Marie rose juices leftover at the end.
I’ve made my way around many of the dining venues here at Harrods in the past, but I think this meal and particularly this steak is my most memorable yet. All native-bred and dry-aged for no fewer than 35 days in a Himalayan salt room, the steaks are cooked over charcoal in the Josper oven. Mine was a generous 300g of USA Prime ribeye which was cooked to absolute perfection, as soft as butter to cut through and seasoned just right – all with a nice smokiness running through it.
My dining companion tucked into a thick slice of British fillet, though sadly I wasn’t even offered even a single bite, so I’ll just have to take their word as to how enjoyable it was as it looked every bit as good as my ribeye.
To finish, a beautiful tiramisu which if you love this dessert as much as I do, you’ll be praising about it for weeks after. If memory serves me well, you can pick one (or many) up in the adjacent food hall too. Rich, indulgent, creamy and very delicious. In true Harrods style – it’s embellished with a chocolate Harrods logo stamp. Paired with a fine espresso Martini – this is the perfect way to end your Harrods experience.
Harrods really is becoming a foodie destination in London, putting itself not on the map for just this great Dining Hall – but for quality food in some rather luxurious settings. If you’re looking for an excellent steak and a few too many cocktails, I’d get down to Harrods now because The Grill is already hard to get a seat at and so come early. Would we come back? Absolutely!
