Laurent at Cafe Royal
Passionate about sourcing the finest and most flavoursome cuts, Executive Chef Laurent Tourondel has travelled far and wide to hand select the best of beef and bring it London’s West End. Choose from Scottish Aberdeen Angus, US Creek Stone Farm and Snake River or Japanese Wagyu Kagoshima.
The steaks are cooked on the open flame parrilla grill for an enhanced flavour experience and optimum temperature control to prepare your steak just to your liking.
The legacy of the Café Royal wine cellars
Early in the history of Café Royal in the late 19th century, founder Daniel Nicols sent for his cousin, Eugène Delacoste, from Burgundy. Delacoste had a reputation as an expert in selecting the best appellations and combined his passion with his impeccable palate to handpick each bottle for Café Royal’s wine cellar. This carefully built cellar was, at one point, widely recognised to be the greatest in the world.
Unlike the original wine cellars which made way for what is now Hotel Café Royal’s spa, the ethos of how they select the wines has not much changed since 1865. The list is inspired not only by their rich history but also by the modernity of the hotel, their spaces and the artistry they endeavour in everything they do.
Particular emphasis is given to the ‘regal regions’ of France, paying tribute to their heritage; whilst the forward thinking style of Hotel Café Royal is reflected by references from both the new world as well as emerging producers and regions.
Furthermore the selection is accented by artisanal, smaller production wines that echo their shared belief of discerning individuality. Each wine is selected to tell a story, not only of its origins but also its varietal typicity.
Design
Designed by contemporary Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni, Laurent at Café Royal is at home in Grade II listed spaces on the first floor of Hotel Café Royal, where an extensive refurbishment has created entirely new dining rooms and a cocktail bar, Ziggy’s. Piero sought out a dialogue between the needs of the 21st century Londoner and traveller, and the history of Café Royal, a London icon since 1865.
Contemporary yet classic, the main dining room is decorated in shades of bronze, warm browns and greys with a stunning Italian Murano glass chandelier at the centre overlooking the heart of Hotel Café Royal, the new lobby, whilst the front room overlooks the elegant sweep of Regent Street.
Ziggy’s, the new cocktail bar inspired by one of Café Royal’s most famed patrons David Bowie who laid his alter ego Ziggy Stardust to rest here with a star-studded party in 1973, is lined with intimate photography of the late, great Bowie from the private collection of rock photographer Mick Rock and makes for the perfect spot to settle in for cocktails late into the night.