A la Coulthard – 28/50

I was back at 28/50. I have already reviewed this restaurant so I will only say its maintaining its high standards of service and cuisine.

General Manager Ed Newman joined us and we had a good old gossip on the restaurant scene. I spoke of the outstanding greeting of Tabby at the London Edition. Ed said the Berners Tavern restaurant there is  getting rave reviews. I must try it.

It’s a small world. Ed was deputy manager at Hotel du Vin Brighton where Richard Huston was involved. Richard now has the Pig and Ed is managing 28/50, two success stories based on sound service, fair pricing and consistent cuisine . It’s not rocket salad science.

Ed spoke well of Gymkana, an Indian restaurant in Mayfair that is getting good notices. It’s sister Trisnha has a Michelin star.

Ed and I spoke in general terms how the whole profile of London has been raised by chic new hotels and restaurants. I observed that Paris with its traditional brasseries no longer cuts it. I gather outside Paris the serious fooderies are also in decline whilst I have praised some fine restaurants outside the capital.

Nick Jones epitomises the modern hotelier with his Dean Street Town House. The group which has a country house too is doing so well he is taking the brand internationally. It’s a long way from Gideon Bibles, Corby trousers press, hideous patterned carpet and a teas-made.