Trailblazer Review - The Ned, London
The Ned, London
Before COVID turned the world upside down your biggest worry when dining out was whether your steak was a little too far towards the rare side rather than the medium rare you’d asked for. However and understandably there are greater concerns at present, which begs the question - where do you go?
We ventured into the heart of London to visit The Ned, a stone’s throw from St. Paul’s Cathedral and London Bridge. Even before entering you have to take a step back to admire this iconic building. The former Midland Bank is a Grade I beauty that dates back to 1924 and was designed by famous British architect Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens. The Ned is part of the famous Soho Group and at the building's core is a magnificent food-hall featuring various restaurants and bars. The remainder of the complex comprises 250 hotel rooms, a gymnasium, spa and rooftop terrace and pool area, the latter of which are only available to Ned Club members and guests staying at the hotel.
After careful consideration we dined at Cecconi’s, the Venetian brasserie with sister venues in the likes of Berlin, Barcelona and Miami.
We understand that the phrase ‘food hall’ may conjure up images of local food markets but rest assured this is like no food-hall you’ve experienced before. Think less canteen and more palace, now you can imagine why we came. The area is well-spaced and the plush furnishings make for a relaxed atmosphere, which during these times are incredibly welcome.
It’s all very well admiring the 92 towering verdite columns and endless rows of Grade I listed walnut banking counters but all of these mean nothing if the food doesn't match the grandeur in which you sit, so did it?
After perusing the menu for some time we couldn't decide so asked our attentive manager, Mariano, for his recommendation. After assessing our tastes we went for zucchini fritti with lemon aioli to start and the salmon for our main course and would make a decision on dessert afterwards.
For the uninitiated, zucchini translates to courgette and although this dish didn’t initially spring to mind, Mariano assured it would deliver maximum taste without taking up much room for the main event and he was correct. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a light starter alternative.
A knife really wasn’t necessary for the main course. The salmon was cooked to perfection and well complemented by the tender broccolini with Sicillian green olives.
Decision time, although well fed we didn’t feel like the party was over and Mariano insisted we tried the assortment of ice creams and sorbets. Yet again it didn't disappoint, each spoonful packed its own punch of unique flavour and rounded things off nicely.
You’d be forgiven for assuming the bill would be as high as the columns here but no, in fact it was very reasonable. Whether a business lunch or celebration, The Ned will ensure you’re well looked after on all fronts.
The roof terrace at The Ned, London
If you really can’t keep away then there’s a variety of membership options available. After dinner we were kindly shown around the incredible roof terrace which offers magnificent unencumbered views of the London skyline and is only accessible to hotel guests and members. A truly special venue that won’t leave you disappointed.
27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ