So today we’ve entered into official Nationwide Lockdown 3. Though we’ve been at Tier 4 for over two weeks anyway which isn’t that much different. Covid news is dire, especially in London and now we have to stay at home for seven weeks. I’m guessing this is probably a minimum time period. It seems like a long time but at least we have vaccinations on the horizon with the Oxford one being given from yesterday.
I was going to wait until there was a possibility of restaurant openings before sharing any of my pre-lockdown experiences with you. But today I need cheering up and I’m sure you could do with some delicious dishes to salivate over. And a restaurant to put on your London must-do list once this madness is over. Harry’s Bar is most certainly one of those.
It’s in beautiful, buzzy St Christopher’s place just off Oxford Street. We visited just before Christmas and coincidentally the day before restaurants closed again. And we had such a great celebration with a delicious lunch followed by a wonderful wander through the sparkle of London’s Christmas lights. Truly a day to savour and remember.
What’s on the menu
Harry’s Bar is quite simply oozing in class and style with its beautiful wood panels and feeling of opulence. And the menu is packed with Italian classics making ordering a serious decision-making process.
Having decided I was going to order a pasta dish for mains I carefully chose a light starter. And what a good choice it was. Thinly sliced raw yellowfin tuna with ruby grapefruit, white crab, avocado, ginger dressing and basil. Quite simply an astounding combination of flavours with the freshest of tuna. And doesn’t it look so beautiful.
The calamari starter was potentially the best I’ve ever had. Calamari fritti coated with polenta and crispy fried and served with lemon and roasted garlic aioli. Fabulous.
Fabulous main courses
There’s a swathe of mouth-watering pasta dishes. Like Harry’s spaghetti seafood. A magnificent collection of prawns, squid, clams and mussels in a sauce made from the sweetest tomatoes, garlic, chilli and parsley.
This is Harry’s veal Parmesan. A tasty veal escalope Milanese-style baked with buffalo Mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil on top. Sprinkled with Parmesan and served with a traditional side of spaghetti and tomato sauce. An all-time favourite
My choice, after much pondering – the tagliolini di granchio. Delicate, extra-thin egg pasta served with picked white crab meat and spinach, a shellfish bisque, parsley, tomatoes and amalfi lemon. Such beautiful flavours – and I love the uber-thin pasta. Oh and the design of the bowls.
Knowing that it could be some time before we stepped foot in a restaurant again, we took our time over lunch. Of course everyone else had the same idea to go out, so we had to vacate our table. No problem, head to the bar for dessert and coffee and brandies.
Time at the bar
I’d like to spend several more hours at that bar in the future. We ordered a tiramisu to share. A huge portion of coffee deliciousness.
And the smoothest of brandies with my macchiato. I couldn’t resist adding my festive mask to the picture – capturing the full spirit of our year of Corona.
Not being able to go out to eat does make every experience seem extra special. Though I do think Harry’s Bar is an extra special place anyway. Watching the skilled bartenders mixing cocktails behind their Covid screens made me vow to return when the rules allow. You should put it on your list too…go on, start making that list now.
Harry’s Bar is at 30-34 James Street, London W1
Today’s price point
Today, between the three of us, we ate two starters, a main course each and shared a pudding.
The price for the food came to a reasonable £103.
The menu offers all Italian wines which start from £21 a bottle.
Oh and here’s a Christmassy shot of St Christopher’s place – one of my favourite London spots. Take me back there soon.
