Simpson's-In-The-Strand: A British Classic

When brainstorming a list of places to visit for dinner in London, "Simpson's-In-The-Strand" was at the top of my list. Why, you ask? Because it was featured on my favorite food show, The Supersizers (actually Edwardian Supersize Me) and ever since seeing in on that show, I have been dying to visit this establishment!)

Rather then regurgitate information or quote the website or quote Wikipedia, I have posted a picture that I took at the restaurant, that recounts the history of Simpson's-In-The-Strand. I've made the picture as large as possible, so hopefully you can read it.

The dining room, or Grand Divan, is very classic. Sort of dark, wood furniture, giant tapestry --- the sort of thing you'd expect from a traditional English restaurant. The electric chandeliers are lit, so the dining room is illuminated, but the heavy wood paneling and dark color scheme does bring you back to Victorian times.

I'll be honest with you, I was really nervous about coming to Simpson's. I was so paranoid and feared that the food would be awful and this was a giant tourist trap. Man, was I WRONG. As my dad put it so eloquently, it is rare that a restaurant gets it all right. Food, service, ambience, charm…I have nothing negative to say about Simpson's. In fact, I cannot recommend this restaurant enough! If you find yourself in London and you want a traditional British experience, definitely go to Simpson's In The Strand (100 Strand). You won't regret it.

The dinner menu

The dessert menu

My parents and I ordered an array of starters to try, but I assure you, it was a tough decision. Everything looked so good! As a rabbit fan, I ordered the potted rabbit with prune relish, and it was quite tasty. The rabbit was nicely seasoned and shredded, with what I think was a thick layer of fat on top. Wasn't crazy about the layer of fat, but the rabbit was great!

My mother ordered a Simpson's (and British) specialty, potted shrimp. This was gelatin encased chopped up shrimp, basically. It may not sound nice, but I thought it was tasty --- very shrimpy and not to over the top. I think my father ordered the best appetizer, with the roast wood pigeon breast. You don't see wood pigeon on the menu in the USA, but we learned that it is somewhat of a delicacy in the UK. We've been seeing it on all of the menus, and I now know why. Wood pigeon is delicious! So succulent and tender, but not too too gamey. I love wood pigeon!

Potted Rabbit with Toast and Chutney

Potted Shrimps with Salad and Toast

Roast Wood Pigeon Breast

One of the charms of Simpson's is the table side carving. If you order the roast rib of Scottish beef OR the roast saddle of lamb, two chefs come to your table, giant meat trolley in tow, and carve your dinner right at the table! It is very fun, theatrical, and a Simpson's specialty. Apparently, the trolleys that they use are the original trolleys that were used when Simpson's first opening in the 19th century!

Some diners ordered the Scottish beef

Now, ordering the beef or lamb doesn't just mean that you are simply served protein. Oh no. In addition to the meat, you are served some cabbage and a GINORMOUS Yorkshire pudding. Since both my father and I ordered the lamb, we were also given red current jelly and the most delicious mint sauce I have ever eaten in my entire life! I was practically licking my plate. (You should know that I hate mint jelly/sauce and I usually NEVER eat it with my lamb.) 

Huge leg of roasted lamb

My dinner of lamb (with mint sauce and red currant jelly), Yorkshire pudding, and cooked cabbage

My mother opted for something a bit different, but still quintessentially British --- Beef Wellington. I love Beef Wellington and I like to think that I make a pretty tasty Wellington. That said, I think  Simpson's makes a much tastier Wellington. I'll have to learn their secret! This dish was so moist and succulent, perfectly seasoned, but most importantly, IT WAS NOT HEAVY! It is rare to eat a Wellington that isn't heavy, in my opinion, so this was really a treat! Also, the pastry was beautifully baked. 

Classic Beef Wellington

Dessert was equally fantastic. Dad and I were incredibly indecisive and opted for the "Pudding sampler." Everything looked so delicious, so why settle for just one?! My god, such an excellent decision. The sampler consisted of: treacle sponge, fruit crumble, creme brûlée, and a strawberry tart. Yum yum yum! My mother was VERY EXCITED to taste the summer fruit pudding. It was a little sweet for my taste, but overall, also quite delicious. 

A selection of delicious Simpson's desserts

Summerfruit Pudding with Clotted Cream and Fruit

I don't think I can think of a single bad thing to say about Simpson's-in-the-Strand. The food was delicious, the service was superb, and the ambience was really homey. A real British treat. If you want to experience a bit of traditional Britain, this is definitely the place to visit! If you find yourself in London, I highly recommend you visit Simpson's for dinner! (For more information, please click here).