Grilled specialities dominate the menu at the Three Cranes, where diners can step inside and enjoy some exquisite pub food. Jade Burke heads to the restaurant to check out its offering
Despite its exterior, the Three Cranes isn’t your usual London pub. The historic site can be found down Garlick Hill just outside of Mansion House tube station, where diners can expect something a little different from a traditional pub menu.
It’s a Friday night and the bar downstairs is teeming with revellers enjoying after-work drinks. It’s quite different to the relaxed atmosphere two floors up where an intimate restaurant, known as the Grill Room, is located. Leather booth seats line the room and wooden chairs adorn the centre, while rows of wine bottles fill the shelves on one wall.
I notice the large windows along the back of the wall that open out onto the street below. I can’t wait to visit here in the summer to enjoy the warm evenings with a glass of wine.
After being shown to our seat we check out the menu, which I am told is ever-changing with new dishes and cuts of steak. Today the menu offers rib-eye, rump and onglet cuts of steak, as well as a pair of lamb chops.
Let’s not get ahead off ourselves though, first we pick a starter. I choose the prawn cocktail, while my guest is treated to some croquettes (something that the chef in particular wanted us to try). Both were absolutely delicious – however I was a little anxious that the prawn cocktail would be messy to eat as it was presented in a tall-stemmed glass.
“Having opened in December last year, the Three Cranes certainly has established itself as an exciting restaurant that champions grilled specialities.”
Moving on to our main course, the waiter tells us that the rib-eye isn’t available, so my guest and I opt for the rump steak. I was a little disappointed that there was no peppercorn sauce on the menu to accompany my meal, instead the restaurant boasts an extensive array of butters. Despite this, the anchovy and rosemary butter is a great partner for the cut of beef. The side dishes are also included with the meal, so diners can enjoy some pomme frites and salad without having to add any extra pennies to the bill.
Above us a separate dining room is also available to be hired out. Up to 30 guests can fit in this room where a range of events including business breakfasts or canapé receptions can be held. In addition, the Three Cranes can also offer diners a place to rest their head thanks to its serviced apartments in Bank.
Moving on to something sweet I choose the apple sorbet with lashings of Calvados, while my guest picks the chocolate mousse. After a heavy meal the temptation of sorbet was perfect to round off our meal. Devoured in minutes, my guest has nothing but praise for the chocolate dish.
Having opened last December, the Three Cranes certainly has established itself as an exciting restaurant that champions grilled specialities, all for a reasonable price in the heart of London, while catering to all sorts of party sizes and events.
What we ate:
Prawn cocktail: £8.50
10z rump steak: £24
Chocolate mousse: £7
Apple sorbet with a shot of Calvados £8.50
Good for…
Intimate dinners
Private functions
Steak lovers
Overnight accommodation
Contact: 020 3455 7437
