Last week, PA Life’s feature writer took a trip to a Sherlock Holmes inspired restaurant, Kitchen at Holmes. What is the one thing that for most of us leaves a lasting impression when dining out? Is it the eclectic ambiance or a menu tailored to satisfy your every craving? At The Kitchen at Holmes, you don’t have to choose; it delivers both in style. This swanky corporate hotspot is not one to miss.
The name of Kitchen at Holmes, truly speaks for itself. The kitchen takes complete centre stage, as it breathes in the whole restaurant. But also stunning guests with the most decadent A La Carte menu. Diners can watch the chefs at work, effortlessly crafting dishes with smiles on their faces. Meanwhile the flicker of flames behind the chefs, adds to the restaurant’s inviting, warm atmosphere. Upon arrival you are greeted into an incredibly swanky hotel, with gentle hints to Sherlock Holmes. All this adds to the exclusive, fun experience. My future interior design ideas have been confirmed in this chic dining room, where taupe walls contrast elegantly with black accents, and sleek marble table tops tie the space together perfectly.
The service was brisk, but not rushed by all means. It had the perfect timing to be able to catch up over a glass of Provence, in between each meal. We began the meal with two cocktails recommended by our waiter, ‘Sherlock Pipe’, of which this came out in a large dome, with an iconic Sherlock Holmes hat on top. The waiter gently released the dome and out floated a smoke cloud, and the pipe glass was revealed.
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- Holmes Kitchen, main restaurant
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- Meal and wine
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- The dishes we tried
The A La Carte Menu
We began with the Sumac Roasted Delica Pumpkin, elegantly paired with whipped feta, maple syrup, thyme, and walnuts. At ยฃ11.50, it was worth every pennyโmy guest and I would order it again in a heartbeat. To complement it, we also tried the sweet potato side, which echoed similar flavors, complete with the irresistible whipped feta.
Next came the Pulled Duck “Crispy Tostada” with celeriac and apple remoulade. For me, this was the undeniable star of the show: the tostada delivered the perfect crunchโdangerously addictive, to say the least. I could have easily devoured ten of them.
For the main I tried the Sicilian Red Prawn Linguine, with tomato & basil and my guest had the Braised Lamb Shoulder with Balsamic & red onion jus, rainbow chard & root vegetable casserole. The linguine was so incredibly fresh, cooked al dente. The lamb shoulder melted in each bite, blending perfectly with the casserole and jus. As someone who visits a lot of restaurants in London for leisure and for work, this meal was easily one of the best ones I have ever had. The ambience, the food, the exciting drinks it really had everything you need. The mains were priced around ยฃ28 each, which is on the pricier side but expected when you are dining in the city.
To top off the meal, we tried the Mandarin & Orange Cheesecake. I don’t usually like fruity flavoured deserts but this perfectly designed replica of a mandarin is revealed, so sleek.
The Verdict
The meal at Kitchen at Holmes in the swanky corporate hotspot, Holmes Hotel, was nothing short of remarkable. Guests at the restaurant understand and match the effortlessly chic atmosphere. The atmosphere your confidence, leaving you feeling nourished and well fed. The perfect visit for any occasion, fun cocktails, a coffee date or late drinks, and even on the scale of corporate meetings.
