Review: Radisson Blu ‘lounge’ menu is pure comfort food

Radisson Blu London – definitely a cut above Travelodge or Premier Inn – has unveiled ‘The Lounges’, a new all-day dining experience showcasing British classics.

The hotel chain has two restaurants, one in Bond Street and at the other in Great Russell Street, off Tottenham Court Road, where I went with my friend. 

What struck me first was the décor. The restaurant is spacious with leather banquettes and fabric covered armchairs, while the lights hung like mini moons from the ceiling.

Perusing the menu, there was much to choose from. The Lounge is an all-day experience from breakfast through to dinner.

The Scotch egg starter was delicious mouthful after delicious mouthful (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

As we were there in the evening, there was soup, prawn cocktail, scotch egg or mushroom and cheese on toast for starters.

Mains dishes included freshly battered fish and chips, chicken tikka masala and a curried cauliflower, spinach and pea pie.

I went for the classic prawn cocktail, which had a real spicy kick that was as unexpected as it was welcome on top of fresh iceberg lettuce strips.

This gooey cheese topped shepherds pie had a perfect balance of spice in its rich comforting wine sauce (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

My friend went for the scotch egg, which smelt divine and gave me a dose of food envy. She really appreciated the piccalilli, mustard sauce and spicy tomato sauce.

For the mains she chose the pan-seared salmon with herb crushed potatoes, sautéed green beans and capers.

I went for the slow-braised lamb and beef shepherds pie with its gooey cheesy potato mash. The serving was huge and I didn’t think I’d finish it but it was pure unadulterated comfort and I’d have licked the bowl clean if I’d been home alone.

Eton Mess with loads of strawberries and meringue (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

There wasn’t much space for pudding but I played eeny meeny miny mo between the sticky toffee pudding and the Eton mess. I went for the latter because there were strawberries and they are healthy.

I used my spoon as a chisel to smash the meringue, mixed it with the cream and sweet raspberry coulis and it was divine.

The cheese board with cheddar, stilton, pears and pickled walnuts (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

My friend went for the cheese board but was too full to finish it so we shared it and took it home.

This is a great place, and should you come at lunch they do a two-course deal for £25 per person.

In such seemingly upmarket surroundings, the menu is a crowd pleaser and what a pleasure it was.