What’s a well-cooked meal in a central London restaurant worth these days?
Try £19 for two courses with views over Vincent Square, or £27 for a seven course tasting menu in a fine dining setting. By central London price standards, that’s quite a bargain. And such a bargain exists over at The Vincent Rooms.
The Vincent Rooms at Westminster Kingsway College is staffed, both in the kitchen and front of house, by second and third year students training in cooking and catering at Westminster Kingsway College – leading British chefs Jamie Oliver and Ainsley Harriot are just two notable alumni of the college.
The Vincent Rooms, a ‘working restaurant’, comprise The Escoffier Room, where haute cuisine is served and formal dining observed, and the less formal Brasserie. Guests can sample an array of modern dishes in the venue overlooking Vincent Square, and feel they are getting real value for money – and a tasty meal.
Eating here is not about being a guinea pig for student chefs. The food (and very reasonably priced wine) is generally of a high standard. Save the odd flaw or thinner-than-it-should-be sauce, it’s a treat to dine here and encourage these hard-working students in mastering their crafts before they formally step into professional jobs.
The Brasserie champions seasonality with its food menu, which changes on a daily basis. For central London and for food of this standard, the prices are incredibly low. Come lunchtime, the Brasserie will be busy with men and women from nearby businesses, treating their clients to a bite to eat. It’s also popular with people in search of heartening food and friendly service – and you can always rely on the service to be friendly.
The Escoffier Room, named after the culinary maestro himself, is altogether a more formal affair; a working restaurant where the lofty heights of Michelin-starred cooking are almost achieved. The menu is simple yet sophisticated, seasonal produce is served, and there are interesting vegetarian options.
Despite Time Out London including The Vincent Rooms on its ‘best cheap eats’ list for consecutive years, it’s still something of a dining destination secret. In fact, James, the newly-appointed Director of Property Management at Andrew Reeves, recently found that the restaurant holds another secret: artisan breads and luxury chocolates produced by the students in their baking and confectionery classes are regularly offered for sale in the foyer – also at bargain prices.
So we recommend you try The Vincent Rooms, whether you’re in the mood for the Brasserie experience, wish to explore the tasting menu at The Escoffier Room or are passing and fancy a cut-price sourdough loaf for tomorrow’s breakfast. If it’s value for money and exceptionally friendly and attentive service you’re after, this is the place.
At Andrew Reeves we take an active interest in local dining establishments as well as all-things property. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, let or rent property in Westminster, Pimlico or Belgravia, get in touch with us today.
