I was in the area watching a steam train trundle through the London Underground and taking a wander down to Oxford Street for some shopping remembered the Wallace Collection has a rather grand looking restaurant.
I also vaguely recalled that their temporary exhibition space was hosting some key objects away from the usual clutter, so a quick detour was in order.
I like the Wallace, it retains the atmosphere of being a grand house, and going inside really feels like entering a good old fashioned hotel than an art gallery. However, on this occasion, I darted straight ahead and past the staircase to the main courtyard behind.
This has been refurbished in a manner not unlike the British Museum — with a big glass roof over the old open space, which gives you a huge atrium space to sit in. It’s nice to have large spaces, for sounds can dissipate and there’s something other than other diners to look at.
Again I was too early for lunch — but lunch was ordered, and a coffee delivered to while away the time.
Another day for a salad, and I ordered what sounded like a variation on the classic Waldorf Salad, with Roquefort cheese and a much lighter dressing.
When it arrived, it looked frankly, delicious. Laid out with quality leaves around the edges and the main course in the centre, and a dressing dribbled over the top that added flavour without dominating.
The cheese was a bit much, which is always a risk with that particular one, but I can honestly say it was one of the best salads I have eaten in a long time. Someone took time to lay out out nicely and not just chuck a load of greenery on a plate. It’s only a salad, but it matters when the venue takes as much care over that as they do over the cooked meals.
Sitting in the large courtyard space, a pleasing meal and light surroundings, it was a good lunch. The museum, and the restaurant are not that well known, so quite the hidden gem to show off to a potential significant other should you be nearby and looking for somewhere to eat.
Cost: £11.81 for salad and a coffee
Stars: 4 out of 5
Date: 2nd August 2014
Summary: Delightful salad with good flavours and presentation in one of the less well known of London’s museums.
Yep dead posh that. Forgotten I’d been there, Salad sounds delicious.
Sounds like the perfect place for a quiet, early lunch. I am glad to learn that the salad was not a disappointment.