Harden's says
In the Sofitel in Pall Mall, chef Anthony Demetre has converted the former bar of his restaurant Wild Honey into a 'little sister' venue inspired by the 'bistronomy' movement in Paris. The early evening offer of a glass of wine and a croquette for £9 (5–7pm) sets the tone for casual drinking and snacking; there are also cheese and charcuterie plates, and a tight menu of more substantial dishes.
Harden's survey result
Summary
Anthony Demetre’s “combination of balance, tastes and textures” inspires fans of this “grand hotel dining room” off Trafalgar Square (“a far cry from his original restaurant of this name” in Mayfair). It’s most nominated for a “solid business lunch” although “the tasting menu is lovely” and also wins recommendations for it as a foodie destination in its own right. A setting that’s “classy” to supporters, though, can – to critics – seem “a little soulless”; and service doesn’t always live up to the occasion. Top Tip – “the set lunch and early evening menus offer excellent value”.
Summary
“Perfect, joyous French cooking with pitch-perfect flavours” inspires fans of Anthony Demetre’s well-regarded venture, which he moved here from Mayfair pre-Covid. The very “spacious” and “tasteful” dining room and its superb position – just off Trafalgar Square, but away from the madding crowds – makes it an excellent business choice (or pre/post-theatre). In terms of value, many diners tip any set options here over the à la carte.
Summary
“Refined, classic cuisine is well-presented and served with grace” at Anthony Demetre’s “classy” hotel dining room, near Trafalgar Square (to which he shifted from Mayfair a couple of years ago). Even fans can find the experience rather “expensive” in its new quarters, but – especially for a hotel – it’s “a beautiful venue” and one that’s very conveniently situated for business or pre-theatre.
Summary
Anthony Demetre upped sticks and re-located his well-liked Mayfair establishment into the Sofitel, just off Trafalgar Square, taking over the attractive space that was formerly Balcon (RIP). It opened in August 2019, too late for survey feedback, but he’s a deft and very accomplished chef, and his presence at this very handily situated venue seems likely to deepen its longstanding appeal as a quality rendezvous just away from the bustle of the West End. Fay Maschler’s early days review was rapturous.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Wild Honey St James?
Sofitel, 8 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5NG
Restaurant details
Wild Honey St James Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Typical hotel restaurant food. Good cheese, otherwise nothing special. Who serves cold leeks and thinks that’s a good thing. Zero ambience and terrible background music."
"Not sure it is worth a Michelin star.... I did ask for a signed menu but kept being fobbed off "Oh come back tomorrow afternoon..... " "
"Good lunch in attractive surroundings"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £45.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £95.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £33.00 | £44.00 | £15.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £29.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Sofitel, 8 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5NG
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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