Have you spent all day stomping up and down Oxford Street in search of the perfect ’70s flares? Exhausting, isn’t it? Well, you’ve earned yourself a few drinks and a good dinner at Hunter 486.
Tucked away behind Marble Arch is The Arch Hotel, a huge Georgian townhouse converted into a luxury, art-filled home from home. The hotel alone is known as one of London’s best-kept secrets, and for good reason. It is hidden on a quiet residential street but once inside you’ll find a beautifully designed modern interior filled with one-off pieces of British art. It is also the perfect setting for a great bit of British grub…
Inside The Arch lives Hunter 486, which has just launched its new menu, ‘The Best Of British’. Developed by head chef Gary Durrant and award-winning food writer Henrietta Green, who is a huge advocate of the local food movement. Hence the focus on British cuisine; dishes such as peppered loin of venison with beetroot purée, turnip and potato gratin or sticky toffee pudding with caramelised banana ice cream make for good, hearty meals when you’re in need of a tasty refuel.
The new menu includes plates, pots, boards and bowls for one or to share, and include homemade crisps with sage, lemon and sea salt made freshly every day. The fish board comes loaded with potted shrimps, cured salmon, mackerel paté, smoked eel and prawns; and the cheeseboard has British farmhouse cheeses, quince jelly and homemade oatcakes. Perfect for enjoying at the bar over a cocktail (the Bellini list is second to none!), or in the restaurant as a starter or main course.
The use of a huge stone oven in the kitchen means Hunter 486 offers amazing seasonal pies, a roast rack of lamb or whole sea bass. And if you’re in the mood for a proper British roast, go for the whole roast chicken with all the trimmings to share.
You can head here for just a cocktail, a few nibbles or go the whole hog and stay for a meal – the staff are so unbelievably friendly that you won’t ever feel pressured to move on. It really is the perfect spot for some time out from the craziness of Central London.
The restaurant’s beautiful, dark and luxurious furnishing transports you away from the buzz of the city into a little world of your own. Whether you need a good meal, or just a quick break before hitting the shops again, keep Hunter 486 on your list of secret places to escape to. And don’t go telling everyone, ya hear?
The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD For reservations, please call: 020 7724 4700 or see www.thearchlondon.com