our review
With St Patrick's Day fast approaching, we celebrated early with a visit to Corrigan's Mayfair - the culinary home of celebrated Irish chef Richard Corrigan. This week the restaurant is celebrating with a lunchtime Market Menu (27 pounds for 3 courses) and daily Irish specials like braised collar of bacon; Irish stew; and Frank Hederman's legendary smoked salmon with blinis and creme fraiche.
While Frank's salmon was tempting, I chose to start with the lobster ravioli - a plump pasta pillow filled with sweet chunks of lobster and topped with buttered leeks. An 'extra' piece of pink-white lobster meat was delicious, if a little tough, but the real star was the rich and buttery sauce Americaine. Made with lobster stock, cayenne pepper and a little cream, amongst other things, it's a classic French sauce that works beautifully with shellfish and here it added an extra layer of decadence to an already exceptional dish. Across the table, my guest was equally happy with his crispy duck egg and had swiped the last slice of soda bread to mop up the perfect golden yolk and tangy mustard hollandaise.
On our Monday evening visit, the lovely long bar was empty but the dining room was almost full with smart suits outnumbering a few elegantly attired ladies. It's a comfortably glamorous space, handsome and understated, with metallic panels, blue banquettes and flattering lighting. It feels masculine, like the menu, and we liked the hunting-themed flourishes like the feathered lamps with little duck feet. There's no music, just the hum of contented diners, and it feels warmer and less formal than expected. You could happily spend hours here.
One of the day's specials, the Irish stew, was presented to me in its little black pot, only to be whipped away again to be plated tableside, one perfect carrot at a time. Traditionally a peasant dish made with mutton, Corrigan's version was a far cry from the murky potato-heavy stew I ate in Belfast last year. The generous hunks of impossibly tender lamb collapsed under the weight of my fork, while the carrots retained their bite and the tiny pearl onions added a welcome sweetness. The broth, though paler than expected, was suitably refined but full of bold, comforting flavours. With a side of chive mash, whipped into buttery submission, it was a portion better suited to someone twice my size, but it was soon defeated with a little help from my guest. (He had already devoured, without help, a beautiful plate of ruby red loin of venison and crispy haunch as well as a creamy potato and celeriac gratin with a delicious crunchy topping.)
We sat back, a little overwhelmed by the richness of it all. There's plenty of butter at work here. When dessert arrived, it was all too much. The textures of chocolate, recommended by our charming waiter, was a work of edible art but needed something to cut through the chocolate intensity - a fruity sorbet or coulis perhaps. The pear and lime pannacotta was better with a refreshingly delicate flavour but served in a Martini glass so that after one spoonful, the previously distinct layers collapsed into an unappealing mess.
After months of checking out the latest 'small plate' hot spots, Corrigan's was a welcome return to the traditional. The menu reflects Richard's passion for gutsy British food and wild, seasonal ingredients; while head chef Chris McGowan and his team ensure each dish is full of flavour; refined but unpretentious. The service, too, was wonderful - attentive but never overbearing - and the sommelier's recommendations, which included an intensely aromatic Albariño to accompany my ravioli, were spot on. Expect a flawless meal with a hefty Park Lane price tag, or go at lunchtime when the set menu offers one of Mayfair's best bargains.
This is excellent, no-nonsense cooking that combines West End finesse with Irish generosity in one of London's smartest postcodes. You won't be disappointed.
KP - March 2011
what the critics say
Foodepedia
Matthew Norman - 9.25/10
your comments review this restaurant and win a bottle of champagne
We visited for lunch in the really delightful Library Room recently. This room has a great feel - very intimate and special. And we could chat to the chef all the way through - we were very spoilt. Probably one of the best meals I've had all year. I wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend Corrigan's.
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s lewis
Overall rating 
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, December 15, 2011
I went for dinner last night with three other people. Excellent food, lovely atmosphere and good waiting staff but the length of time which we had to wait between each course (30 mins+) was unacceptable for a 1 star restaurant charging such prices. They gave us a complimentary glass of wine by way of apology which was appreciated.
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Rick Brown
Overall rating 
Food 9 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Friday, May 06, 2011
My party of seven enjoyed eating here on the whole, though it is eye-wateringly expensive. The stand-out dishes were the rhubarb souffle and the cheese-board. The Bellinis were good too. Disappointments included the native oysters which seemed excessively dry and the collar of bacon which was far too rich.
Service was attentive without being intrusive and courses were well spaced so nothing felt rushed.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
So dissapointing and mediocre, a group of friends went on 29 December as have been waiting to try this out. I am not sure if things not working too well after Christmas - if chef and staff not working but food and service lacklustre. I work very near Corrigans and I won't be back.
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Overall rating 
Food 3 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 3
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Corrigan's Mayfair from start to finish was just sublime. Having dined previously at Lindsay House, I was nervous that this would not meet the same mega high standards - I needn't have worried at all.
Wonderfully attentive Maitre d', with just enough conversation not to be intrusive, superb Sommelier.
Richard Corrigan was there himself that evening as he should be - he has a restaurant to be proud of.
Will be back to try the £27.00 three-course midweek lunch
Comment on this reader review
Overall rating 
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, December 10, 2010
My wife booked a lunch for my birthday and when making the booking asked if we could have one of the better tables for 2. This didn't materialise and we were shown to a table between 2 groups of loud businessmen, despite more suitable corner tables being available. When booking, she also asked for 2 glasses of champagne to come to our table once we arrived. This didn't happen and she had to ask for these. The waiter came with bread and menus, followed by a request as to whether we would like water. There was no sign of the wine list, which we had to subsequently ask for.
Once our orders were taken, a waitress soon laid the appropriate cutlery. As my wife ordered the Cornish crab cocktail, they laid a small fork at her setting. Despite the aid of the cutlery indicating who ordered what starter, the waitress proceeded to give me the crab cocktail and my wife the sausages. I quickly pointed out their error but in the brief melee, the fork was whipped away, leaving my wife to use a larger fork. On a positive note the sausages were excellent.
For our mains, we both ordered the fillet of beef. I ordered mine medium and my wife medium well. I thought they had made another mistake with the orders when I saw how well mine had been cooked but my wife's beef was clearly more well done than mine. The beef was massively overpriced at £38 and the accoutrements added very little to the dish.
For dessert I ordered the souffle and my wife the carrot cake. The waiter warned me of the length of time that the souffle would take and further came to tell me that there would be an additional delay as the first attempt had collapsed. This was not a problem and once it did arrive, was well worth waiting for. My wife's carrot cake however, was minuscule to say the least and again overpriced. We finished our meal with tea for two, at least that's what we ordered. The tasteful teapot contained 1 Twining's English Breakfast tea bag! Not what you would expect from a high end Mayfair restaurant. In other similar establishments I have been given tea leaves so was naturally expecting similar.
At no time during service were we asked how things were, which I would expect would have been the courteous thing to do. As previous negative reviews have stated, the £2 per head 'cover charge' coupled with the 12.5% service charge is excessive and to my mind smacks of a focus on profit above all else. This is further backed up by cutting of corners and a lack of attention to detail by the kitchen and waiting staff. My wife and I were very much looking forward to eating here and left with a feeling of great disappointment. Only later did my wife tell me that when making the reservation she asked for a small cake and a plate with happy birthday written on it. Yet another small detail where they failed to deliver!
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Gerald Daley
Overall rating 
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 3
Monday, October 11, 2010
Lunch on a quiet Sunday was thoroughly enjoyable. Welcoming staff, classic Corrigan tasty dishes and excellent value at £27 for three courses. How refeshing not to have to fork out £5.00 for each of your vegetable sides too!
The evidence for the early awards that have come their way was definitely on show and we'll look forward to returning for dinner in the near future. Excellent.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Went here last night as a friend had said they had eaten well here recently and my goodness it was better than I had expected.
Extremely plush room, very friendly welcome, with a smart bar.
Agree with previous reviewer about the feel of the place, plenty of space between the tables and my starter of red mullet a la grecque - marinated red mullet lightly cooked was absolutely delicious then sea bass in a bouillabaise again perfect
ffinished off with a coconut panacotta..
Perfect service,
When in need of a luxe meal in these beautiful surroundings I wouldnt hesitate
-if they keep up the standards.
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alan fowle
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, April 02, 2010
My wife and i went for a birthday dinner and having enjoyed a sumptuous meal, I am quite surpirsed at a few of the negative comments I have read on here.
It was a busy saturday night and we were running late, but it was never a problem. Called to let them know and from the moment we arrived they were polite and accomodating. Although there was a stated table return time (admittedly a practice I dislike) we were never rushed and in fact did not leave until a hour past said time. All waiting staff were attentive and courteous.
The dining room is beautifully presented - and with the waiting staff in their white jackets the whole thing reminded us of a cruise liner from an episode of Poirot - and I am sucker for Art Deco stuff!
And the food? Well, first came two lovely Martinis and yummy nibbles and bread. But then everything just got better. Lobster risotto and Cornish red mullet were both tasty and amply sized. Main courses of venison and steak and kidney pie (accompanied by a small loin of beef) were deliciously accompanied by curly kale and goose fat chips. But for dessert, we both had a rhubarb souffle and ginger ice cream that would rank in top 3 desserts either of us have ever had!!!
It was a fantastic meal, in a lively venue (can't stand austere Michelin star restaurants that are too stuffy to relax in), great wine list and charming staff.
If that doesn't deserve a top rating, nothing ever will
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James C, London
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, March 01, 2010
Had dinner for 2 on Saturday 20th - good start with a drink at the bar, tasty deep fried olives and parmesan crisps, table was available exactly when booked. Dining room was well appointed, we sat at a table on the edge rather too near the two couples either side- this arrangement also meant that 4 times during the evening I was presented with a waiter's posterier in my face as he/she served the other tables.
Food itself was desperately disapointing. Lobster risotto tasted of anything but lobster and was verging on unpleasant, crab jelly had 3 bits of shell in and the jelly part of the starter was again horrible (added nothing to the dish - why do it?)
Mains were dover sole which was very tasty, and veal liver which was cooked in a single lump which just meant that the texture was wrong - tough on the outside and jelly-like in the middle - if it had been cooked in the traditional manner (sliced thinly and flash fried) it could have been delicious.
Prices were outrageous- 12.5% service charge based on a bill that already included a £4 "cover charge."
Pound for pound, the worst value for money I've ever had - I could have eaten at Le Gavroche for the same money.
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JD
- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 0
Monday, February 22, 2010
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