Review of 'Roux at Parliament Square'

You would be forgiven to miss this wonderful restaurant located as it is surrounded by private clubs and government buildings very close to the Houses of Parliament and, of course, Parliament Square. Indeed our waiter indicated he missed it when he first came for his interview! But, it is worth seeking out. Entering the nondescript door off of the street you are welcomed into what looks like someone's front landing and it is this feeling that is throughout - as if you are eating in someone's house as an honoured guest. A number of small rooms contain a small number of tables nicely spaced throughout with very comfortable seats. The walls are covered with small pictures of modern art and keepsakes from the illustrious career of Michel Roux. The carpet also means that it is quite quiet even when busy. A relaxing and very enjoyable experience for sure. The food? Well, it was very very good indeed.

We were lucky enough to visit this new restaurant from Michel Roux during the London Restaurant Festival where we were able to sample three courses for £25. Our first booking was cancelled but they very helpfully rescheduled us for a different day. We were very glad to have come.

I started with “beef cheek and beetroot” which was delicate and very pleasantly presented. My companion had a “salmon fish roulade” (the first roulade she has ever had) which she found to be amazing with small pieces of fish arranged in rings on the top of the roulade beneath. My main was “corn-fed chicken” which was also quite delicate but displayed in a rather quirky manner with cones of carrot placed evenly between the other components of the dish. My better half had the “broiled cod with champagne sauce, leaks, and gnocchi” which she found to be delightfully crunchy on the top and the sauce was velvety smooth but not overly sweet. For pudding, I had the “crumble with burnt butter ice cream” which was very adult in flavour - a slight harshness which I very much enjoyed. Opposite me at the table the “peach soufflé with gingerbread ice cream” was ordered which was truly incredible to look at puffed as it was out of the ramekin that held it in a wonderful column. It was fluffy and very light - Very fresh as well (with the heat of the peach at the bottom perhaps a bit too hot as she almost burnt herself). The whole meal was full of wonderfully delicate flavours and each dish was beautiful to look at. The sauces were pure and provided in just the right quantity - full of strong flavours in small splashes on the plate.

The waiting staff were very friendly and relaxed - Willing to chat about pretty much anything. They are also very knowledgeable and treated us very well. They made us feel very comfortable. We will be back, for sure, to try their normal menu which, surprisingly, is not as expensive as you might think with starts between £10-£15 and mains between £20-£30.

Rating: “I have absolutely no complaints”

Review Date: 2011-10-10

Cuisine: French

Address: RICS, Parliament Square London, ENGLAND SW1P 3AD

Public Transport: Westminster

Location: London (England) - Westminster

Map:

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7334 3737

URL: http://www.rouxatparliamentsquare.co.uk/