Covent Garden Hotel,
10 Monmouth Street,
London WC2H 9HB
020 3589 3963
The story
Brasserie Max is an all-day bar and restaurant in Covent Garden owned by Tim and Kit Kemp’s Firmdale Group, which also runs Ham Yard and a bevy of fashionable hotels in central London. Apparently it is called Max simply because it used to be opposite a coffee bar called Min.
The reality
Boutique and upbeat, the interior is predictably theatrical but not overpoweringly so. The traditional design of the main drawing room has been lightened up considerably with quirky furniture and bright modern soft furnishings, while in the Brasserie itself you could act out your very own period drama.
The damage
£161 for two people eating a two-course lunch, including service and a little drink or two.
Signature dishes
Prosciutto, grilled peach, wild rocket, vine tomato and chilli salsa; roasted quail with puy lentils, fig and anchovies; Dover sole with warm potato and grain mustard salad and, if you can be tempted, dessert featuring delicious caramel and hazelnut semifreddo with gooseberry compote to finish.
Dining experience ****
Great for a business breakfast (extensive menu), formal lunch or early evening cocktails. I like the quiet ambience in the restaurant, the staff are just the right level of attentive and they are always accommodating on the gluten-free options.
Chance of getting a last-minute booking ****
Never had a problem.
Client wow factor ****
A haven of discreet glamour.
Overall ****
This is a great place to take just about anyone – be they a client, an overseas visitor or a teenage daughter.
Reviewed by Amanda Pierce, UK CEO, Burson-Marsteller
