I have written several times about the Harwood Arms, so please read my previous review for the background and the wine list. This latest meal began with the signature venison Scotch egg, which single-handedly redefined the Scotch egg in London, and is the reason why you now see it so often on restaurant menus. It is a thing of beauty (17/20).
Chicken liver parfait was a special of the day, served with thyme-flavoured hob nob biscuits and onion and Balsamic vinegar jam. This was very enjoyable, the texture smooth and silky, the biscuits having good texture. The liver flavour could perhaps have been a little deeper, but this was a very well-made dish (14/20). Gin-cured salmon was presented differently to the last time that I tried it, with the blinis separate, but this was also a good dish, the blinis having very good texture, the salmon having pleasant flavour (14/20).
A pre-ordered special was venison Wellington. Beef Wellington was created notionally in celebration of the military victories of The Duke of Wellington, though its true origins are obscure. The first recipe reference in print appears in the early 20th century, though the French had been cooking filet de beef en croute a long time before that. The Harwood Arms substitutes more flavourful fallow deer for the traditional beef fillet, and also separates the pastry from the meat and mushroom duxelle layers with a juniper pancake and also spinach to protect the pastry from contact with the meat juices, which can make the puff pastry soggy. There is a double egg wash to glaze the outside, and the only short-cut here is the use of bought-in puff pastry (from Wild Harvest in Dagenham). Otherwise this is a very classic recipe. Most importantly, it was beautifully executed, the venison tender and lightly cooked, the pastry avoiding sogginess and the duxelle excellent. I was particularly taken by the quality of the broccoli served on the side, which was superbly cooked; it is not easy for a chef to make broccoli really shine, but this had fabulous texture. The cooking juices were made into a rich sauce and served in a jug alongside. This was a terrific dish (18/20).
Lemon doughnuts have long been a feature of the menu here, and were light with just enough acidity to cut through the richness of the beignets. This was definitely a doughnut of which Homer Simpson would approve (15/20). Coffee was Nespresso. Service was very capable, with a charming German waitress who had good dish knowledge. The bill with some good wine came to £135 per person, of which the food element was mere £49.95 each. The Harwood Arms seems invisible to the Instagram crowd yet serves some very fine food indeed, and thoroughly deserves its Michelin star.
Further reviews: 06th Mar 2023 | 08th Aug 2022 | 16th Feb 2022 | 09th Jan 2020 | 19th Feb 2018 | 01st Sep 2016 | 10th Mar 2016 | 19th Oct 2015 | 07th Jun 2012
Peter Auburn
20/10/21 I ate 3 courses at £55 and my wife 2 at £42. Starters we had were a Berkswell cheese tart flavoured with black truffle and a chilled Courgette gazpacho style soup containing white crabmeat and shaved courgettes. The latter came with a warm doughnut filled with brown crabmeat and was very good indeed. We had pre-ordered a haunch of venison, which was served with a sweet carrot, braised chicory and a pork faggot, in a lingonberry jus. Again very nicely balanced with a delicately flavoured venison. Pudding was a pear trifle, with toasted hazelnuts, a base of butterscotch and Laphroaig ice cream. It was a delicious mixture of textures and taste. The wine list is fairly comprehensive and the soda bread and homemade butter equally good. Service was very friendly, attentive and prompt. One of the best 1* establishments in the country, particularly given the price.
alan fowle
your review prompted us to ensure our passports were up to date and make the treck from hampstead. very glad we did , immediately on entry a relaxed and friendly welcome , the place had a laid back feel . The venison scotch egg for me followed by the gin and citrus salmon ( mistake the scotch egg was quite filling !), the salmon as light as air then the fallow deer- perfect , ending with the lemon doughnuts - lighter than you might imagine them to be sharp and sweet, my wife had the crab royale and the pheasant , both faultless . had a very good gavi with this. we both really enjoyed the experience here , staff all keen that you liked the food- safe with the knowledge of its high standards . A most likeable place
Epicurushongkong
I kept telling people how great Harwood Arms is to people in Hong Kong, as a Modern gastropub, and how it was related to Ledbury which I also love. Provided if they bother to check both the Bar and Restaurant menus.. But I agree not many come here or find it Instagrammable, although a few people in HK are starting to know it!