The Gilbert Scott, The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London!

Photo by Miss Windsor - The grand entrance to the St.Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London!

Hello, darlings!
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During a delightfully showery summers eve, Miss Windsor gathered together her eccentric (Oh pardon me darlings, one means ‘eclectic’!) assemblage of her favoured peers, to dine and carouse within the sumptuous surroundings of The Gilbert Scott restaurant.

In fact, this exquisite establishment forms part of the stupendously glorious and famed Victorian Gothic construction – The St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel. Also known during its glory years as the Midland Grand Hotel, which was built in 1873 by the illustrious architect - Sir George Gilbert Scott - who was chiefly devoted to the English Gothic revival - Oh, how spiffing! 

Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery London - Sir George Gilbert Scott – by John & Charles Watkins – albumen print, 1860’s – NPG Ax7340.

​Sadly, darlings, this striking erection - Oh, I say! closed it's doors to hospitality in 1935, but thankfully re-opened years later - in March 2011. Thus, the original entrance hall and coffee parlour became the residence of The Gilbert Scott restaurant - Oh yes, just another culinary venture of the rather notable - Mr Marcus Wareing! 

​Well, I say, following my jolly good 'knees-up', I feel compelled to inflame your palate with a ‘smitch’ or two of the Gilbert Scott’s culinary highlights.

We were shown to our table by the incredibly debonair and rather handsome ‘garcon’ – Christophe – Ooh la la! He was certainly very pleasing to the eye, and with much passion, he oozed the ‘je ne sais quoi’ of fine dining etiquette.

Then following my brief 'amour', I gently plonked my royal derriere upon the plush, leather, burgundy upholstery – Oh, how thrilling! And before one could say, ‘Bob’s your uncle and Fanny’s your aunt!’ I was instantly struck by the stark, white, flawless, presumingly starched tablecloths that festooned every table with a ginormous touch of class. 

​Also darlings, with of course, Miss Windsor’s delectation in mind the serviettes appeared to be pressed with a razor sharp finish, and presented neatly folded ready for one’s use - Ta very much! 

​However, upon closer inspection of the silverware, Miss Windsor ‘shrieked’ with utter dismay! As shockingly, what had sparkled brightly beneath the soft lighting of the elegant chandeliers, such implements were in fact made from a material one has become quite averse to – the frightfully unappealing and rather ghastly ‘stainless steel’!

But, you’ll be pleased to know, on this occasion I had no time to dwell upon such a fine dining misdemeanour, and will, of course, flurry Gilbert Scott with a profusion of forgiveness - How generous! 

Moving swiftly on - I thoroughly enjoyed my four-course dining experience with considerable gusto! The starter dish of Salt Baked Beetroot (with labneh, walnut, and basil) was extremely satisfying. 
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The regular, deep, crimson ‘blooded’ beetroot tasted a trifle pickled, and a tad salty. However, it perfectly complemented the unique, raspberry rippled effect, sweet yet mild, crunchy fleshed, decorative member of the ‘heirloom’ family – the rather frabjous Chioggia Beet!
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Accompanied by a few dollops of smooth yet velvety labneh yoghurt, on a lightly whipped, resplendent, cerise coloured ‘loch’, laced with a zing of salad cream – one presumes? Then nicely garnished with a few sprigs of basil – just perfect!

Darlings, one must pause for a scanty moment, while I recall a fond memory from yesteryear.

Every year Grandpa Larry produced a prized harvest of organic beetroot from his allotment in North Somerset, England; which Grandmother Josie would boil until cooked using a huge aluminium pan from the 1950's!

Then once cooled and sliced, she'd gently lay the beetroot upon a soft bouncy bed of freshly baked, white, doorstep slices of bread. Smothered with a plenteous amount of West-Country butter, and adorned with tender, yet meaty slices of locally sourced ‘ham on the bone’ – the very best of British fayre!

My dears, now it’s time to leave memory lane and return our focus to The Gilbert Scott! But before we say our goodbyes, Miss Windsor feels compelled to share some mouth-watering features regarding her dessert – Chocolate Cremeux, which was accompanied by a generous scoop of tangy Orange Sherbet Sorbet.

This dessert certainly gushed lashings of ‘sex appeal’! Moist, lustrous and creamy in texture – Oooooh! such a gratifying experience for Miss Windsor – Now, what more could a girl want!
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Darlings, I must retire now to the comfort of my chaise lounge with a gargantuan glass of Pinot Noir! In the meantime, one highly recommends this superb establishment – The Gilbert Scott Restaurant.

Of course, Miss Windsor shall return soon to sample Marcus Wareing’s delectable spin on Mrs Beeton’s Snow Eggs, or for a spot of afternoon tea! 
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Until next time, 

​PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISS WINDSOR