2-for-1 Lunch at Strand Palace

The irony of enjoying a 2-for-1 lunch deal whilst dining alone is not lost on me. For not only am I without my companion, who has forgotten to show up, but I am the only diner in the brasserie of the Strand Palace Hotel.

It’s not particularly surprising either way as my friend is notoriously unreliable and you would not expect lunchtime to be the busiest time in a place where the main draw is theatre.

I am pretty certain that most of the restaurant’s business will come from those stopping off for a bite to eat before attending whichever Andrew Lloyd Webber number or theatrical adaptation of a movie is proving to be popular.

The restaurant itself is pleasant enough, a little lacking in distinctive character but not without a certain charm. I started off with the timbale of smoked salmon, roast peppers and prawns. The composition of the dish was very good and the accompanying dressing made for an excellent compliment.

Unfortunately, the promising start was rather spoiled by the main course of breaded chicken with chips and assorted vegetables. I found it to be rather a pedestrian dish for an establishment like Strand Palace and it was not elevated in terms of its quality beyond what might be expected. The presence of gristle and bones together with the limpness of the meat made for a very disappointing course. Without wishing to seem too harsh, it was rather similar to the produce one might expect of a High Street fast food outlet titled X Fried Chicken where ‘X’ is the name of any mid-west American state.

But if the main course deserves a few stern words then the dessert of orange and ginger pudding together with rum and raisin ice cream merits an express commendation for the high standard achieved. The mixture of the citrus and ginger along with the smoothness of the rum made for a splendid end to the meal.

Diners are able to choose from having two courses (£12) or three (£14) but at 2-for-1 the restaurant does offer substantial value for money. The Strand Palace has some illustrious neighbours such as the Savoy and Simpsons but it might just find a niche for itself as a cheap place to eat for those taking in a show.

This offer is valid every day between 12 noon and 5pm until 30 November, 2009. 

To reap the benefits of this offer email:  ‘2 FOR ONE + Londonword.com’ to: f&b@strandpalacehotel.co.uk.

On return you will receive a voucher which you will need to bring with you and give to your waiter at the time of ordering. The lowest price meal is free and subject availability.

For further information on the hotel please visit: www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk .

Strand Palace Hotel
372 Strand
Covent Garden
WC2R 0JJ

Monday – Sunday 12  to 10pm.