In London, The Savoy is an iconic hotel, opened in 1889 as London’s first true luxury hotel. It has played host to royalty, world leaders and stars alike. Gastronomy, too, has always been at the heart of The Savoy.
After a spectacular renovation in 2010, which put the legendary The Savoy back on the map of London’s top hotels, the hotel continues its rejuvenation with the long-awaited opening of the new Kaspar restaurant.
London’s gastronomic scene is in the midst of a revolution, with drastic changes to cater for an educated and demanding palate. In recent years, this has led to a proliferation of new venues, some of them extraordinary, and the extinction of others. An iconic hotel like The Savoy cannot be content with a legendary reputation. This exceptional establishment, built in 1889 and commissioned by the great Auguste Escoffier, continues to rejuvenate. The latest major project is the new Kaspar restaurant, which radically replaces the former River Side restaurant.
A trendy, tasty place with a breathtaking view over the city, which is sure to become a fixture on the gourmet itinerary of London foodistas and those just passing through.
For Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill, the Chef has designed a simple, accessible menu that we were able to try out to the delight of our taste buds. As its name suggests, Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill is primarily a fish and seafood restaurant, although its menu includes a few must-tries to satisfy die-hard carnivores and all palates.
On the counter of the Oyster Bar, in the center of the restaurant, a beautiful display of seafood and smoked fish should whet appetites. Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill is positioned as a chic & trendy brasserie, aimed at a diverse clientele, young and old, couples, friends, family or even individuals, business and leisure customers, pre-show and post-show diners. A social, hedonistic and gourmet clientele.
Excerpts from the menu
. Starters include: duo of eel and smoked prawns – celery and pecorino soup – yellowfin tuna, halibut confit on a bed of beet… roast oxtail consommé (priced between £7 and £22).
. Among the main courses: Sole with caper butter – smoked salmon sausage & apple sauerkraut with horseradish cream – grilled lamb chops & rosemary sauce… green chicken curry – grilled sea bream & its bouillabaisse… (priced between £18 and approx. £25).
. Fast single-course options include: Indian prawn salad with coriander & sesame sauce – the classic burger – or the lobster version of the Club Sandwich…
. Desserts include Tarte Tatin and the famous Peach Melba from Auguste Escoffier’s recipe. (price approx. £8).
Here is our tasting:
Several dishes on the menu are available as starters or main courses.
Of course, the menu also offers dishes based on the day’s market, and is updated with the chef’s latest creations.
A fine collection of wines from around the world, served by the glass, carafe or bottle. Special mention to Jacques Alden, excellent sommelier.
A children’s menu is available.
Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill operates 7 days a week
from 7am to 11:30pm Monday to Saturday
and from 7:30am to 11:30pm on Sundays.
Gone are the solemn, overly formal codes of some aging gourmet restaurants. The new Kaspar restaurant retains the glamour that is the hotel’s hallmark, but in an ultra-fresh, more relaxed and contemporary spirit.
Already Chef of The River Side restaurant for the past 3 years, James Pare continues to manage Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill. A fishing enthusiast since childhood in his native Vancouver, he now combines his talent with his passion. James Pare has over 13 years’ experience in Fairmont Group hotels. He began his career at the Fairmont Château Whistler, before being appointed Chef at the Fairmont Olympic (Seattle), before joining The Savoy in London.
Why Kaspar’s?
Kaspar is the name of a cat carved in one piece from solid wood in 1926 by an artist (a hotel guest) in the Art Deco style and painted in lacquered black. The statuette measures almost a metre. The story goes that Kaspar has long served, and still serves, as the 14th guest at tables of 13, to ward off superstition. With his napkin around his neck, Kaspar attended many prestigious dinners, including several presided over by Winston Churchill, who adored him. Now over a hundred years old, Kaspar remains the restaurant’s mascot. A very British wink.
The setting
The interior design firm Robert Angell Design Studio (ref Lime Wood, The Connaught…) is responsible for decorating the Kaspar restaurant. The aim was to create a relaxed, chic and lively atmosphere in a stylish, comfortable setting. He drew his inspiration from the Art Deco style of the 20’s and 30’s.
The restaurant already boasts exceptional panoramic views over the Thames and several London landmarks. Prominently positioned, a Bar immediately adds a certain theatricality with its shell counter, Murano glass columns and bespoke chandeliers. Sparkling brass, mirrors and silver-leaf lined ceilings add to the elegance and luminosity of the space. The marble floor is warmed by a circular carpet with patterns reminiscent of the swirling Thames.
We can’t resist taking you for a stroll around the Savoy.
Kaspar’s, The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R OEU
Bookings at Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill:
by phone on + 44 (0)20 7420 2111, by email at [email protected]
or on fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/kaspars
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