The Admiralty
special offer
Special Offer only available online - please book above
50% off food
Offer Details: ...from the a la carte menu. Includes Vat, excludes service.
Available: Monday to Saturday 18:00 to 20:00
Maximum people: 6
Terms: Expires 2nd August 08
our comments
The approach to The Admiralty makes for one of those classic London moments. One when you forget your unbearable daily struggle with public transport, forget about your council tax rage, forget that you’re constantly hovering on the edge of financial ruin, and just think “****! I live in a cool city.”
Away from the chaos of The Strand and across the courtyard inside Somerset House, The Admiralty is tucked in behind a series of corridors that are half restaurant, half museum. It’s the sort of place that would definitely wow out of town visitors. Although the separate bar of dark wood feels slightly disjointed from the main dining room.
Despite a recent refit, The Admiralty clings firmly to its historical maritime roots. Aquamarine banquette seating is a bold splash of colour in an otherwise classically decorated room. The banquettes slightly spoil the architecture of the floor to ceiling windows by blocking their lower halves, but high ceilings do give this dining room a sense of old school glamour. Delicate chandeliers in the shape of ships complete the watery theme.
The menu is French regional, starring few special guest appearances by some British favourites. A fixed price menu is a nice touch, ensuring no nasty fiscal surprises at the end, with all main courses priced at a very sensible £12.50 - less than many gastropubs offering much less quality.
On a rainy Thursday lunchtime, the small dining room was buzzing with suited office workers, a few glamorous looking couples and one well behaved baby. My guest chose gratin of Bourgogne snails, baby onions and pancetta which he announced as a welcome change from the ubiquitous garlic and butter combo. My tart of rocket, red onion and blue cheese was lovely, the base crumbling in a suitably biscuity fashion. My dainty cod was the perfect lunchtime portion for a gal trying to counteract the calories of cheesy starter. A surprising choose for my male dining companion after his adventurous starter, was the vegetarian goats cheese, aubergine and courgette tian with red pepper coulis, an attractively presented dish, which did the trick despite the cheese being a little overpowering.
Desserts consisted of a rather good passion fruit crème brûlée with one of those perfect cracking tops, and a humble rhubarb crumble for my guest, both delicious in their simplicity. The snappy, unobtrusive service topped off our rainy Thursday lunch. The Admiralty is perfect for when your dining occasion calls for traditional dining in a grand setting.
M.S. - February 2007
your comments review this restaurant and win a bottle of champagne
I went to The Admiralty with three friends for supper and left very disappointed - actually appalled is probably closer to the mark. The food was so bad that I thought it was hillarious.
Our main courses were actually fine, but when dessert came we were served a fruit crumble that had an overwhelming taste of parmesan cheese and was totally inedible. I ordered a white chocolate mousse, which was served on what I was told was a pastry base. The base was not undercooked, it was totally raw! The standard of cooking here was not really funny.
The only thing worse than the food was the service. Our waitress was rude and snide, when we complained about our dishes, she made excuses and basically said that it was not her fault but did not offer a word of apology. The restaurant manager was no better and it resulted in us refusing to pay for the inedible dishes.
However, the restaurant is in a fantastic location.
Comment on this reader review
Overall rating 
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Friday, May 30, 2008
Had "brunch" here on Sunday, having visited a few years ago and had a fabulous dinner (I think Morgan Whatshisname was the head chef then). It was a disgrace. Shocking microwaved rubbish that, in the case of the "Eggs benedictine" was actually inedible. Side orders were all lukewarm. Dreadful, indifferent service made the whole experience thoroughly depressing.
Comment on this reader review
Simon T
Overall rating 
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I had a meal recently and was disappointed with the foie gras starter which was surprisingly very bland, but what disappointed me by far was paying £18.50 for a rib eye steak that i have paid less for and enjoyed more in a far less reputable restaurant. My colleague had a pork fillet that was on the menu with madeira jus, that didn't taste like madeira jus at all. Finally for desert we had chewy sticky toffee pudding. After my secretary saw the review and new menu on the web site of the admiralty restaurant Somerset House she recommended it for me to take a very high profile client to dinner, I ended up feeling totally embarrassed hence will not be returning or recommending it to any one else.
Comment on this reader review
Overall rating 
Food 0 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, December 09, 2007
My first worry about this place was that I could get a table in London on a Saturday night at 8pm when I booked on a Friday. But I'd read the reviews, and they were ok. It's a fantastic setting and it's an Oliver Peyton restaurant, so it can't be that bad right? Wrong.
I don't think I've ever been to a restaurant that is as cold and uninviting as this place. Only the service was colder and less hospitable. The food when it came was alright don't get me wrong, but I've had much better for much less. However, It's a rare occasion that I'll end up with food still on my plate. My three other guests were even less impressed than I was.
It was a real disappointment.
Comment on this reader review
HungryBoy - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 
Food 5 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 2
Monday, November 12, 2007
After reading some of the reviews I was cautious about making a group booking for 30 of our most senior associates from the UK and Europe. It became apparent very quickly that I did not need to worry. Right from making the first enquiry to the dinner itself the level of service that I received from the restaurant, namely Marielle was superb, nothing was too much trouble and all of our requirements were met and exceeded.
We had the Balsamic Glazed Beetroot Tarte Tatin followed by the Gnocchi, Wild Mushrooms, Quail Eggs and Baby Veg (v) or Scottish Beef Fillet followed by the Passion Fruit Crème Brulee. My boss described the food as:-
The beef was to die for, the service was first class and the pudding....well what can I say! I don’t think that you can ask for more than that!
Even when 2 people said that they were vegetarian and their meals had not been pre-ordered the restaurant handled this effortlessly and to me this is a true sign of a professionally run establishment.
Overall the whole evening was excellent and we would definitely go back!
Comment on this reader review
Michelle
Overall rating 
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Excellent lunch. Relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Service a little slow but otherwise good. Interesting decor and history. Would certainly return.
Comment on this reader review
Cliff Williams
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Another enjoyable meal at The Admiralty. Although my gratin of Cornish crab was unexceptional, the main course of pot roasted pork belly with celeriac mash and roast pumpkin was delicious. My mother had equally good things to say about her pea soup starter and sea bass main course.
My pudding of chocolate fondant with marscapone was as rich and sinful as it should be - I was glad I made that choice. However, although my mother's passion fruit crème brûlée tasted good, it did look a little ordinary.
It was an early dinner, so the restaurant was quite empty. This ensured attentive and friendly service. I've been to The Admiralty quite a few times now and will keep returning as long as the experience remains this good (and they keep offering good value meal deals).
Comment on this reader review
dawnage - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Monday, July 09, 2007
A tragedy of errors from start. This restaurant experience was similar to the Dante's description of his descent through the circles of hell. Having strolled across the fine courtyard of Somerset House, it was rather disappointing to be shown into a a dining-room which seemed to have been plucked from a motorway service station or cross-channel ferry. The drab décor shouted 'Canteen' and the food would be served from hatch. We ordered champagne, which took 30mins to arrive after much prompting from us. It took another 30mins to order our food, half of which was not available. The starters had an 'Iceland' quality, disappointing as simple starters become 'star-starters' with quality ingredients and just a little care. Our mass order of steak showed up over cooked. After several attempts by the kitchen to get it right, we accepted what was put in front of us. Despite being weakened by our wait and ravenous, what lay before us did not look tempting. Complementary wine was brought to the table…it was off. One ray of light in Tsunami of failure, was the rhubarb crumble, which was yum. When we contested the bill, the manager - surprisingly unused to criticism - seemed confused as to what we were complaining about. The scene quickly descended into a parody of Fawlty Towers as the manager began to take our complaint very personally. Something obviously went horribly wrong behind the scenes that day, but the staff did not have the sense/training to manage the situation and the customer's expectations. The place has potential, but it is by no means recognised. Approach with caution!
Comment on this reader review
Jonathan Christian
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Friday, April 20, 2007
Definitely one of the better dining experiences in London right now. It seems from the review below the restaurant had a batch run last year, but right now, especially using the lunch deal, it's a great example of how you CAN eat out in London and get good food at good prices.
Went for Sunday lunch on the £15 3-course lunch deal. Starters were small but perfectly formed - salmon and scallop terrine for me, duck and orange salad for her (the former the winner). Nicely cooked beef and a pleasant (if unremarkable) Salmon for mains followed by a pleasant roast figs and excellent passion fruit creme brulee. Wine was not the cheapest but very good. Waiting staff were plentiful, pleasant and non-intrusive - for once the kind of occasion where I don't feel annoyed at the obligatory 'optional' service charge...
Comment on this reader review
John S
Overall rating 
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Had lunch in this beautifully appointed room on Good Friday. I booked it on the basis of reviews on this site and also the 'special offer ' of 3 courses for 15.50. What an offer! the food was light and quantities just right for lunchtime. The service was excellent (although only about 6 tables occupied) the staff friendly and professional and the atmosphere conjusive to a relaxing holiday feel ). A bottle of Pinot Grigio was 19.50 and service at 12.5% added 6.31 to our bill. Total #56.81. What a deal. next time in London I SHALL be back.
Comment on this reader review
Rita
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Monday, April 09, 2007
