Old Hollywood Glamour with the ‘Savoy Starlets’ lunch at the Savoy Grill

Fortunately for me, I didn’t have to imagine, as I was seated at the exact table Marilyn favoured…already the perfect start to the ‘Savoy Starlets’ lunch.

For fans of Hollywood’s golden age there’s nothing quite like lunch at the Savoy Grill, and their current offering is inspired by the legacy of Old Hollywood’s famous leading ladies and their favourite food indulgences.

Looking at the menu, it’s clear these ladies had very good taste indeed.

Champagne to start…

Arriving early for lunch meant we had our pick of the tables. Our wonderful server kindly suggested the ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ booth, situated further to the back of the restaurant, close to the private dining room. Apparently, Elizabeth preferred this table as it was discreet and away from prying eyes which would have been important for a big Hollywood star of her day.

I then spotted the famous table once adored by Marylin Monroe which caught the light perfectly – just right for photos, I thought.

The ‘Savoy Starlets’ menu kicks off with a glass of bubbly – beautifully fitting for any wannabe starlet. The Champagne of choice is the Perrier-Jouet Blason Rose with its divine pink hue, with those gorgeous, sweet notes of berry – strawberry particularly prominent – and with a clean and refreshing citrus finish.

The starters…

Hasselback Potatoes

A tray of three beautifully tempting starters arrived on a pristine silver platter. The first course to catch my eye were the Hasselback Potatoes adorned with creme fraiche, chives and a scattering of shimmering Oscietra caviar.

These sumptuously presented potatoes are a nod to Elizabeth Taylor’s favourite culinary treat. She famously called them her “grey babies” such was her love of really good caviar.

This dish is a must and if you haven’t yet tasted a ‘Hasselback’ potato, you’re going to love them. They’re prepared by slicing them thinly at the top so when baked they’re rendered soft and temptingly crispy.

Angus Beef Sliders

In all the years I’ve been coming to The Savoy I’ve yet to try a burger which seems like a culinary crime in my opinion, but it was certainly worth the wait as the Angus Beef Sliders were firmly in our dish of the day.

These mini burgers, juicy and flavourful with the perfect level of char, sandwiched in a pillow-soft brioche bun were little bites of heaven. The extras were minimal (my preferred choice) with a restrained dab of mayonnaise and the perfect level of crunch from the lettuce and freshly sliced tomato. Cue plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from our table. The flavours all work in perfect harmony, to make the perfect burger bite.

This dish was a particular favourite of the star, Grace Kelly. I imagine she would have adored the brioche bun component which is a relatively new culinary offering.

Black Pudding Croquettes

A crispy breaded outer crumb and a smooth, fluffy filling make the perfect croquette in my opinion. These moreish, deep-fried patties are generously filled with a rich and meaty black pudding filling, which contrasts perfectly with an aromatic and creamy watercress mayonnaise, with a touch of sweetness from the Datterini tomatoes.

One of the main stars of this dish is the accompaniment of a divinely smoky Chorizo jam. It’s sweet, sticky, and full of texture from the moreish chewy, chorizo pieces. I could have eaten this jam alone with a spoon!

The main event…

Lobster Benedict

The classic ‘benedict’ brunch dish is given a film star worthy makeover with the addition of butter-poached lobster. I’m more used to the classic version made with ham (as most of us will be familiar with) yet I’m now firmly in the category of “lobster is best”.

The first thing you notice is the oodles of warm hollandaise over a perfectly fudgy egg, with sliced creamy avocado. What I loved about the combination was the sweetness of the lobster and the richness of the buttery hollandaise, made even more decadent with the golden yolk of a perfect cooked St. Ewe’s egg.

Steak and Eggs

The ultimate protein fix and a known favourite of Hollywood’s leading ladies who were keen to avoid carbs, a plate of Steak and Eggs would satisfy on all counts: delicious and filling!

What makes this dish a cut above the rest (no pun intended) is that the rump cap is such a great choice here; it’s savoury, juicy and buttery in its tenderness. It also had the perfect sear which only added to the flavour. I asked for the steak to be cooked medium rare which is always my preferred level of ‘doneness’. 

You also have two perfectly fried eggs, which when poked, ran all over the steak creating its very own sauce.

The sweet finish…

Chocolate Fudge Sundae

Luckily, there was a perfect pause between courses in readiness for the final ‘sweet’ courses. It was perfectly fitting – considering the table we had chosen – that we would have the dessert favoured by the divine Marilyn Monroe.

She adored a Chocolate Fudge Sundae, and I dare say many a sweet tooth (me included) would always opt for this perennially fun dessert. Served in an ice-cold frosted glass, you find generously scooped vanilla soft serve, fudge and strawberry sauce along with some decadently fudgy chocolate brownie pieces.

It’s cold, creamy, chocolatey with plenty of delicious texture from the brownie pieces…there was also not a morsel left.

French Toast

I thought I was far too full for the final dessert plate but as soon as I clapped eyes on the dish, it was too good to pass up. Who can resist a plate of buttery French Toast?

What truly makes this dish is the warm quenelle of cinnamon butter which melts into the toast, bringing that perfect balance between sweet, buttery and salty. The warming cinnamon just adds to the comfort.

And of course, lashing of maple syrup with sweet, fresh fruit makes this a classic for a reason.

Where to find the Savoy Grill?

The Savoy Hotel
110 Strand
London
WC2R 0EZ

Website: https://www.thesavoylondon.com/restaurants-and-bars/savoy-grill

Nearest station:

Charing Cross