By Annette Kellow
There are fewer things in life more satisfying than cheese and bread. Add a few pickles with a little sauce and I would go as far as to say it’s near heaven in the edible stakes.
Bread and cheese is an ancient food that has been enjoyed for many centuries in different cultures. So when thinking about National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, which is celebrated on the annual date of 12th April, it is no surprise that this comfort food is top of the tastebuds. And when it comes to celebrating, cheese extraordinaire The Colony Grill at The Beaumont is the perfect place to indulge. Luckily they serve their cheese sandwich all year round so I didn’t have to wait until April the 12th to try mine.
On entering The Colony Grill you feel as if you are transported to 1920’s New York with decadent lighting, spacious booths and beautiful art. If you don’t know The Colony Grill you should make it your thing to do this year- mainly because there is something quite seamless about the whole affair which is reminiscent of days gone by. For starters, they always remember your name! Can you imagine entering an establishment where they call you by your name? Then they always execute obtaining your favourite table with no stress and plenty of finesse (number 43 is the perfect position for people snooping in case you were wondering). And lastly, they are constantly aware of your needs, giving you enough time to settle and choose whilst being at your side in a second should you need them. Who is training the staff? I want to know as a few more establishments could do with being brought up to pace!
Of course, I chose my new favourite the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, which I hasten to add I have already eaten a mere five times. The Colony Grill’s is done in the classic American way, toasted with lashings of butter and arriving with pickles on top which I found myself inhaling in under a couple of minutes. As it was the evening we also decided to try their steak with spinach and fries as accompaniments. I also thought it would be rude not to finish with their Peanut butter tart (which I was supposed to share but that didn’t really happen).
Now if your cuisine preference is foams, sprays and sprigs of minuscule meat and sauce, you are most definitely in the wrong joint. The Colony Grill is hearty, old school, well-presented lunches and dinners that will definitely leave your clothes feeling a little tighter on leaving. They do classics such as Chicken Potpie and shepherds pie (my favourite over the Christmas period) and steaks, Cajun fish and even a New York hotdog if you want to go down the full road of authenticity.
Walk out to The American bar afterwards if you want to feel a little more film noir and order an Old Fashioned- you will feel discreet with their low lighting, classic cocktails and wall to wall black and white photographs whilst the friendly barman never minds when I ask for a specific glass (fussy, moi?) It has just the right hint of nostalgia and is polished enough to remove the rough edges of the good old days.
But do not think that this is a typical American eat house! The food has exceptional taste as is the décor, of which Corbin and King (also the mastermind behind The Ivy, Wolseley and The Delaunay) exemplify perfectly. Think old-school glamour with a dash of dark wood, add in a few classic one-liners such as ‘What a relief to know your no better than I am,’ and your sure to find yourself in vintage heaven.
The Grilled Cheese Sandwich is now available at The Colony Grill at The Beaumont Hotel
To book 020 7499 9499 or email info@colonygrillroom.com
