A recent opportunity to sit in on a tasting of the Christmas 2013 menu at basement bistro Bedford & Strand also served as a chance to sample the creations of new Head Chef Joseph Dean. Thumbs up to Dean for taking the same-old-same-old standards and adding just a touch enough pizzazz to enliven what otherwise might have come across and yawn-worthy stodge.
Here’s a look at Bedford & Strand’s Christmas menu, which is available now at £35 per person for choice of one starter, main and dessert.
Starters
Smoked salmon, pickled beetroot, horseradish & capers
Ham hock & black pudding terrine, apple puree & soused vegetables
Celeriac & truffle soup, toasted hazelnuts & crème fraiche
Chicory, pear, raisin, candied walnut& blue cheese salad
Mains
Roast turkey, cranberry & chestnut stuffing, creamed cabbage & bacon, Vichy carrots
Seared fillet of hake, salsify, leeks, saffron potatoes & light curry cream
Herb potato dumplings, baked butternut squash, goats curd & watercress
Braised beef cheek, curly kale, parsnips, red wine & mushroom jus
(All served with roast potatoes, spiced red cabbage, roast sprouts & chestnuts)
Dessert and cheese
Iced Christmas pudding parfait, brandy cream & fresh orange salad
Warm mulled pear, pistachios, honey sorbet & thyme syrup
Dark chocolate terrine, boozy cherries & praline ice cream
Cheddar and Stilton
(Americano coffee and mince pies for a £4 supplement)
I liked all the dishes I tried very much and especially enjoyed the truffle soup, beef cheek and iced Christmas pudding parfait.
This was my first visit to Bedford & Strand, and I found this restaurant and bar with a Victorian vibe to be a cosy spot to keep in mind, whether for a full-on feast or a smart drink (I loved the particularly seasonal and zingy Gingerbread Flip cocktail I sipped during my dine) alongside some charcuterie or other nibbles from the deli-counter.
Conveniently central yet somehow managing to exude a removed from the fray feel about it, Bedford & Strand is located in the basement of 1A Bedford Street, WC2E 9HH (at the corner with The Strand). Given its easy address, commendable bar and most importantly its good food at good value, I think Bedford & Strand would make a smart choice for office Christmas party bookings and such. I certainly would be chuffed to receive an invitation for another Yuletine dine there again.
For more information and to make a booking go to bedford-strand.com.
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