Pavyllon, The Four Seasons Hotel in Hamilton Place, London W1, offers a range of starters priced at £19-£69, mains priced at £28-£179, desserts priced at £18, wines starting from £38, a lunch menu priced at £55.50, and a tasting menu priced at £148. Despite the difficulties in making a reservation, the experience at Pavyllon is worth it. The restaurant is the latest venture of renowned chef Yannick Alléno, who holds 15 Michelin stars across 17 restaurants worldwide.
The £55.50 five-course lunch menu at Pavyllon is a culinary delight, perfectly combining exceptional ingredients and technique with the aim of satisfying the palate. The dishes are presented in a fanciful and delicious manner, showcasing the chef’s expertise and creativity. The quality of the food is what one would expect from a chef of Yannick Alléno’s caliber.
The dining experience begins with a dish of beautifully cooked baby beetroot dressed with a cacao vinaigrette, combining the flavors of chocolate and salad dressing in a surprising and delightful way. This is followed by breaded and deep-fried oysters in a set beurre blanc sauce, accompanied by trout roe and chopped chives. The meal continues with a steamed cheese soufflé served in a celeriac broth dusted with nutmeg.
The main course features a perfectly cooked skin-on chicken breast with a rich jus, girolles, and a side of French butter-boosted pommes purée. For dessert, there is a roasted apricot in caramelized puff pastry with lavender ice cream and honey.
The à la carte menu is divided into sections such as “our meat,” “our fish,” and “our creative vegetables.” The dishes are skillfully prepared and come with creative descriptions, such as potatoes glazed with lovage mayonnaise, kombu broth, seaweed, and cucumber. The prices of the dishes on the à la carte menu are quite high, but the quality of the ingredients and the culinary experience make it worth it. For example, the smoked salmon starter costs £25 and comes with blinis, horseradish cream, and beetroot.
Despite the difficulties in making a reservation and the high prices, the dining experience at Pavyllon is worth it. The attentive service, comfortable setting, and delicious food make for a memorable gastronomic experience.