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Pictured: Kettners staff (from left) Chef Houssaine Ouarzane,
Manager Mario Faria and watiress Yuliya Nichyporenko |
Getting bubbly in the heart of Theatreland
POSITIONED in the middle of Theatreland, it is a charming
place amongst the many restaurants in the area. There is so
much to choose from in Soho.
Kettners became the flagship of the chain Pizza Express
whilst keeping its own identity.
The founder of Pizza Express, Peter Boizot, made it his headquarters
until his recent
retirement.
Kettners have preserved the building’s original features
such as the impressive staircase leading to the private function
rooms and toilets on the first and second floors. The entrance
to the ladies room with lovely mirrors is one of the nicest
I have seen.
The function rooms are very popular and they can accommodate
from seven people to a drinks reception for 150.
Although the chef can create any menu to specification, they
offer a wide range of fixed priced menus: from Canapés
(£15 per person – selection of hot assorted pizzatines,
cold saucisson and smoked salmon, tuna barquette and Sushi),
Buffet (£25 per person – salads and cold meat selection),
the Oscar Menu (£29 for a three course with coffee) to
the Napoleon Menu (£37 per person).
On arrival you have the choice of the Champagne Bar on the left
hand side or the Bar and Restaurant on the right. The atmosphere
of the Champagne Bar is special – there is something bubbly
about it. So if you want to spend most of your evening there
or have a pre or after theatre bite you can order a selection
of eight pizzeline or a variety of sandwiches (£6.95).
If you opt for the Bar then you will enjoy background piano
music with their resident pianist. I wish more places made it
a habit of having live entertainment. It adds to the atmosphere
of the place especially in theatre land.
The a la carte menu features five starters (they call them ‘Overtures’),
charcoal grilled dishes, salads, pasta, fish dishes, pizzas,
all day breakfast (£9.15 – £13.40) and desserts.
As we arrived late after the theatre, we just had their Burger
special which was served with chips and salad (£9.90)
and the grilled lamb Cutlets (£15.95) with vegetables
and potatoes. Both very good. Complimentary bread and butter.
Their wine and champagne lists are extensive with wines from
Spain, Australia, NZ, South Africa, Chile and Argentina.
My favourite Chateauneuf du Pape 2000 is there at £35.50
and 2003 Sancerre Rose at £26.50. We ordered a bottle
of Bardolino Classico DOC (£17.15) which was excellent.
A good selection too of wines served by the glass such as: Pinot
Grigio, Vigneto Cantarelle Le Vigne (£4.25 l75 ml £16
bottle), Soave Classico Fontanella 2003 Le Vigne (£3.95/£14.75),
Voignier la Place 2003 (£ 4.80/£ 17.50), Valpolicella
Classico 2003 (£3.95/£14.75) and Merlot La Place
2002/3 (£4.70/£18).
Kettners
29 Romilly Street, W1
020 7734 6112 |
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