So we’ve finally embarked on the road out of Lockdown. It’s been a long time coming since Christmas was cancelled on December 20th. On April 12 (so that’s nearly four months of not being able to do anything except go to the supermarket or go for a walk) non-essential shops and restaurants opened up. But you can only eat outside, not ideal in England in April. As luck would have it, this April has been one of the driest I’ve ever experienced in London. Seriously, I can’t remember when it last rained.
I was quick out of the blocks (of course) and soon had meals booked out. Unfortunately my first three experiences really weren’t great. Shoddy service and average food at inflated prices. After all the anticipation it was such a disappointment. What I should have known was to make Covent Garden my first restaurant destination. When I did eventually head there, a week later, I had the most fantastic lunch at Cora Pearl.
And it was so exciting to be back! All the streets leading off the central Piazza have been pedestrianised and the result is a giant outdoor dining area that includes 35 restaurants with extensive screened-off seating areas with umbrellas and heaters. One of these is Henrietta Street, home to several restaurants including the aforementioned Cora Pearl.
I’ve visited here before in the early days when it first opened, a few years back. The restaurant is named for Cora Pearl, a nineteenth century courtesan who is said to have started her career in Covent Garden. She was famed for her wit and sensuality and apparently had herself presented at dinner parties on a huge silver platter with parsley covering her bits. None of that today thankfully but a real feast of tasty dishes most charmingly served. Covent Garden is back with a bang!
We started off with a snack selection while we sipped on a glass of bubbles. Beautifully glossy salted almonds, plump salty olives and a mini house soda bread with butter. Great start.
It’s that asparagus time of year and how’s this for a plate of asparagus. Served with a Grebiche sauce which is made using chopped hard boiled eggs mixed with herbs and mustard. So utterly delicious with the asparagus which was incredibly fresh and flavourful. I could eat this every day. Seriously.
This beautifully dainty ham and cheese toastie was packed with pulled ham and plenty of cheesiness and served with chutney.
And then for a risotto. Using another of my favourite ingredients that’s in season – wild garlic. I don’t often order a risotto as I sometimes find them a bit too heavy for my taste. Not today. This was so beautifully fresh and light and doesn’t it look stunning too in all its greenness.
The plump Cora Pearl burger was served in a brioche bun with all the trimmings. And we ordered a serving of chips because I remember the chips from last time. Yes, three years ago. These are some incredible and memorable chips. A must-eat on any visit here.
Sitting under the umbrella with the warmth of the overhead heater radiating down on us it felt like all was right in the world. And while this still may be far from the truth, my lunch at Cora Pearl was one big step back to happiness.
Today’s price point
Our food, which included snacks and a starter and main for two people came to £65.
We also enjoyed a lovely bottle of Picpoul de Pinet at £33.
Coral Pearl is at 30 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden.
