For over a decade, Beaufort House has been one of Chelsea’s well established restaurants located on the King’s Road. So, it was one recent lunchtime that I decided to pay it a visit with a friend who is also a great foodie and occasionally writes for us, to put their celebrated menu from new head chef Alessio Piras to the test.
Born in Sardinia, Alessio was chef at Margot in Covent Garden and Cecconi’s in Mayfair and is well known for his Mediterranean and twists on classic British dishes, which for us meant that Autumn was actually the perfect time to try some of them out.
The menu is easy to navigate and not overbearing which can be the case at some restaurants, so that was a good start. The choice should suit most palates with starters such as Burrata Pugliese, a Miso Glazed Aubergine, Grilled Asparagus with poached egg and truffle hollandaise sauce, Calamari Tempura with Aïoli Mayonnaise and something you don’t see that often, a traditional Steak Tartare. My friend, however, chose the thinly sliced Swordfish Ceviche drizzled with light olive oil which he says gave him a real flavour of the sea. I on the other hand opted for the superb Home Cured Salmon (from Scotland) with Horseradish Cream, Cucumber and Passion Fruit. I should also mention that they do a nice selection of salads such as a Warm Couscous, Smoked Chicken or Quinoa Salad.
The choice of mains includes a fresh Lobster Linguine, a Seabass Fillet with squid ink risotto, a good old Chicken Supreme and a Grilled Rib-Eye. I was drawn to the Beaufort House Beef Burger which looked thick and juicy, but in the end went for their signature dish, which is an organic Wild Boar (originating from Scotland) Ragu Pappardelle with crispy parmesan and light dash of extra virgin rosemary oil. I can happily report that is is everything they say it is and well worth trying. My friend stuck with fish and chose the excellent Fillet of Cod, with a thick Nduja (spicy) Crust, Cauliflower Purée and Saffron Jersey Potatoes which gave a nice balance of spice with the fish.
Vegetarians are also catered for at Beaufort House with the Burrata and Asparagus, as well as the Tagliolini and salads. The Miso Glazed Aubergine is a must try for Vegans and they also have an entirely Vegan set menu.
The international wine list is comprehensive, offering both new and old world wines and is reasonably priced for London, with bottles starting from £30. And if you would rather not buy a whole bottle, there is a choice of five reds and five whites by the glass, which is what we did, opting for a very nice Croix des Champs Sauvignon de Touraine which paired well with our fish starters. I then had a superb Spanish Rioja to go with my Wild Boar Ragu.
The dessert menu looked too tempting to ignore, so we both chose a fabulously tasty Cheesecake with Margo Mousse and Tropical Fruits. The chocoholics will no doubt be drawn to the Chocolate Fondant or White Chocolate Semifreddo, and there is also a Strawberry and Basil Pannacotta. We can also vouch for their coffee, which is very good indeed, no doubt thanks to the fancy looking coffee machine they have behind the bar.
Beaufort House opens at 9:00am and serves a popular breakfast up until midday and an Afternoon Tea for those looking for a mid-afternoon get together. They also cater for families with a special kids menu to keep them hopefully happy and quiet.
A new Sunday roast menu is proving to be popular with locals and includes favourites such as a Beef Sirloin with all the trimmings and a Roast Chicken.
With Christmas just around the corner, Beaufort House have a super looking Christmas Day menu for £60 per person with a choice if two starters, three mains, including a traditional Roast Turkey with all the trimmings and a choice of Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce or a Chocolate Truffle and Mince Pies selection.
I should also give a mention to Albert’s at Beaufort House, which extends over the three upper floors of the townhouse and offers an all-day restaurant and three bars. In addition there is a nightclub and private dining room that can be used for lunches, dinners, events or business meetings.
Albert’s is in fact the only private member’s club of its kind within Kensington and Chelsea and was named after Prince Albert and has its own private entrance to the side of the building on Beaufort Street.
We had a tour of the club, and it most definitely has a quintessential English charm about it with its vibrant wallpapers, sumptuous leather sofas and Art Deco touches.
I’m told that membership to Albert’s gives you access to all club spaces and facilities which includes the bars and restaurants, private hire spaces and their event programming calendar.
The Details
Beaufort House, 354 King’s Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UZ, England.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7352 2828
Website: www.beauforthousechelsea.co.uk
Email: info@beauforthousechelsea.com
Located on the corner of Beaufort Street and the King’s Road in Chelsea, the closest Tube stations are Gloucester Road on the Piccadilly, Circle and District lines and South Kensington on the Circle and District lines, which are between a 10 to 15-minute walk away. The cocktail bar and brasserie is open Monday to Wednesday from 9:00am to 12:30am, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00am to 1:30am and Sunday from 9:00am to 12:30am.
Type of Restaurant: Modern European Brasserie and Bar
Price Band: Medium
Insider Tip: This is the perfect place to meet friends at any time of the day thanks to their all-day menu and relaxed atmosphere.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8/10
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is Editor of Our Man On The Ground, a member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of Beaufort House and by Simon Burrell
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