UK Cigar Scene Magazine February Issue 2 | Page 26

Holborn Dining room
Located neatly between the West End and the City, the almighty building which
now hosts the Holborn dining room was once the banking hall of Pearl Assurance
Bank and an imposing room it most certainly is with high ceilings and huge
marble columns. Outside is a delightfully discreet cigar terrace in a peaceful
courtyard surrounded by the opulence of the rest of the beautiful Edwardian
Grade II-listed building which now houses a hotel.
The restaurant is relaxed and buzzing with
efficient and attentive staff. I had expected to
find a room full of suits on a Monday evening;
instead I found a nice mix of families, couples and
some business types all nestled in the red leather
booths.
The menu offers everything you could possibly
want with a wide range of price points.
There are excellent grazing and pre theatre options
if you arrive early and need something before
you focus on your cigar. If you want to stick to a
starter, burger, beer, dessert and Short Churchill
you can get out for under £50 per head (plus
service) but it’s also a place where you can relax
and enjoy some really wonderful food if you are
looking to push the boat out.
We started with a special creation called a
Madagascan Daiquiri. Based on Havana Club
Especial rum which has been infused for 24 hours
with a Cuban cigar, it has a wonderful fresh vanilla
twang and starts the evening off at a gallop.
I had devilled kidneys, which were just perfect and
my wife enjoyed an excellent platter of wild boar
salami. She followed this with a beautiful Club
cut Rib eye steak which was declared extremely
tasty and tender. I had a stunning haddock with
25

poached egg and mustard sauce. The house white
wine was crisp and perfect with the fish.
For dessert my wife had the gypsy pie with a
beautiful glass of sauternes and I enjoyed a pot of
Yorkshire rhubarb jelly topped with cream and
ginger bread.
Without service our meal came to around £70 per
head. I’ve paid twice as much in other restaurants
and not enjoyed the food half as much. Coffee was
just perfect and I enjoyed a Cohiba Siglo IV on the
terrace. It’s not the warmest terrace in London but
that’s in hand with major development planned in
the next month or so.
I can’t remember enjoying a more relaxed meal. I
love restaurants where you have such a difficulty
choosing from such a tasty range of options. We
will most certainly be back and I commend you to
try this restaurant and the terrace, whatever your
budget.

Contact
Website: www.holborndiningroom.com
Phone: [phone]