On Thursday 16th September Whitcomb’s, the signature restaurant at the heart of the new The Londoner Hotel, will be opening its doors, bringing a new all-day dining experience to Leicester Square.
Menus created by Executive Head Chef Shailesh Deshmukh, previously of The Leela Palaces Mumbai, will be led by quality and seasonality, showcasing the best of French cuisines.
Set in the heart of the English capital in this new landmark hotel, guests welcomed at Whitcomb’s will enjoy the simple yet elegant French cuisine throughout the day, in a contemporary setting. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, Whitcomb’s features warm tones, a grand marble table at its centre and seating designed for lunches that turn into dinner and beyond, whilst a whimsical metal sculpture by artist Shida Salehi adorns the ceiling, floating above Whitcomb’s guests as they dine. A street-level terrace allows for year-round alfresco dining on London’s iconic Leicester Square.
Early risers at Whitcomb’s will observe the familiar bustle of a hotel in the early hours, whilst enjoying dishes from the Whitcomb’s breakfast menu, which includes a boulangerie and viennoiserie selection; omelette au crabe royal, with Burford Brown eggs, Alaskan king crab and crème fraîche; and Grand Marnier French toast with clementine confit and black pepper toffee butter; alongside a selection of breakfast cocktails, juices, teas and coffees.
Available for lunch and dinner, Whitcomb’s a la carte menu will feature a selection of plates made up of French classics as well as modern interpretations of much-loved dishes. Small plates, perfect for a drawn-out lunch on the terrace, include tuna tartare with confit egg yolk and Oscietra caviar; Whitcomb’s take on the classic escargots with white wine, garlic, and n’duja lemon butter; and Carpaccio de poisson, of yellowtail with Côte d’Azur lemon, olive oil and black sea salt.
Larger dishes on the a la carte include fresh pastas, such as rigatoni au homard, with seared lobster and Scotch bonnet labneh crème; and agnolotti au fromage et beurre, with a rich cheese béchamel and crispy sage butter. Heading up the menu are Whitcomb’s signature plates, which include filet de sole with citrus garlic butter; and lobster Thermidor, to be enjoyed with frites and warm artisan French baguette. To finish, desserts include mille-feuille and tarte au citron.
To accompany, Whitcomb’s sommeliers, twins Augusto and Alberto Gherardi, have created a reserve wine list with The Londoner team that explores a coveted collection of wineries from across the world, as well as a wider list made up from new and old territories, paying special homage to France’s inimitable terroirs, once again transporting guests to the French Mediterranean. Entry-level wines include the Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie from Loire Valley at £40. ‘My brother Alberto and I are so thrilled to be involved with the exciting opening of The Londoner and Whitcomb’s. The wines found and created in France have long excited diners and inspired other wine makers, so we’re thrilled to be exploring these interpretations with the list at Whitcomb’s. Whitcomb’s wine list will feature cuvees for every occasion, exploring some easy drinking, accessible options, as well as some more luxurious bottles’ says Augusto.
Whitcomb’s will open on Thursday 16th September. Bookings and menu information can be found at whitcombs.co.uk.
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