Here are our favourite chef's tables in the capital, where diners can watch the culinary theatrics of a top-end kitchen in comfort. Call us for bookings.
Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley
87 Knightbridge, Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL
Maximum table size: eight
Cuisine: French
Chef: Marcus Wareing
Guide price: £840 for lunch, £1000 for dinner for eight (excluding wine)
Marcus Wareing has two Michelin stars and is famed for his intricate French cooking. His chef's table is in an area of the kitchen that's decorated in the same style as the main dining room. Hernan Castro-Vidal, our restaurant expert, says: ‘Diners are close enough to see the creation of every delicate amuse-bouche, yet far enough away from the kitchen to enjoy a private conversation. The service is playful and personal, and the sommelier can even organise a mini wine-tasting competition for diners who want to test their knowledge.' The chef's table menu features dishes such as poached and glazed quail, white onion velouté and fillet of beef with mushrooms and pomme purée. Diners are greeted with champagne and canapés on arrival, then given a tour of the kitchen before being seated.
Corrigan's Mayfair
28 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1K 7EH
Maximum table size: 12
Cuisine: Modern British
Chef: Richard Corrigan
Guide price: Minimum spend of £800 for the room
The private and traditional Club Room at Richard Corrigan's new restaurant is decorated in rich greens and dark woods, with a large window in one of the walls looking into the kitchen. ‘There's complete freedom in this room: it's big enough for diners to move around and socialise, and guests can even bring iPods with their favourite music to accompany the meal.' Diners are taken to the chef's table through the kitchen and then choose dishes from a special selection. Corrigan's changes its seasonal menu frequently, but expect satisfying and flavoursome modern British creations such as game suet pudding, venison and butter poached haddock.
Maze
10-13 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6JP
Maximum table size: 6
Cuisine: Modern European
Chef: Jason Atherton
Guide price: £600 for lunch and £750 for dinner for up to 6 people (drinks excluded)
Gordon Ramsay's Michelin-starred Maze is unconventional, serving tapas-style fine dining. ‘The chef's table menu is created on the day using market-fresh ingredients and guests are seated about four feet away from the kitchen, so they get to experience the buzz of a busy service.' Diners have a champagne and canapés reception at the bar before taking a tour of the kitchen, then feasting on course after course of inventive dishes, such as sea scallops with pork croquette, honey and soy-roasted quail and pork belly with raisin sauce. Head chef Jason Atherton may even ask guests to help cook one of the courses, so be prepared to don an apron.
Members and their guests will receive a complimentary signed copy of Maze: The Cookbook by Jason Atherton when they dine on the chef's table. Call us to book.
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