Restaurant review: Brasserie Zédel

20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED

You’d never even know it was there… the expansive, high-ceilinged restaurant, bar and cabaret, hidden underground behind an unassuming façade on Sherwood Street. This was the location I chose for this month’s team meeting, and as on previous occasions, it was a huge success.

Brasserie Zédel was recommended to me by my flatmate as well as 4-5 separate Tweets, with rave reviews. As always, I perused the menu online and checked some Tripadvisor reviews. These quickly convinced me, and I made the booking shortly after.

We made our way down the seemingly endless stairs and gasped as they opened out into a large, elaborately decorated room. The atmosphere was comfortable and elegant, albeit a little warm on a hot day. I was lost for choice with the menu – should I get the salmon? The plaice? The steak? I finally settled on duck, as it is something I never cook for myself and I figured a French place must do it well. I was not disappointed… one of my colleagues ordered the same and when the plate was practically licked clean, he exclaimed ‘I would come back just for the duck’. The cherry sauce perfectly complemented the succulent and tender meat, and the green salad I ordered on the side was lovely and simple, with an unusual yet tasty addition of pink peppercorns.

Considering the superb quality of the food, the almost pompous décor and the well-dressed waiters, the prices were incredibly reasonable. The portions were just the right size, and the only complaint I have is that their tea selection is limited – as a tea snob, I would have liked more than 3 options. However, three of my colleagues ordered the café gourmand, which was beautifully served and tasted excellent (I was told!).

Verdict: Enjoy the atmosphere, stay for the duck and come back for the prices.

EDIT: ‘That’ duck has now been taken off the menu 😦 But the steak hache remains as glorious as ever!