“Wow! Look, look!” –my daughter’s excitement as we entered The Winter Garden Restaurant at The Landmark perfectly captured the sense of awe and delight that defined the entire experience. From the moment we stepped into this stunning, light-filled atrium, we were transported to a world where refined luxury meets comforting familiarity, a rare balance that The Winter Garden Restaurant achieves with seemingly minimal effort.

First Impressions and Setting

Nestled within the heart of the five-star hotel The Landmark London, The Winter Garden Restaurant is a breathtaking sight to behold. The restaurant is situated in the hotel’s grand central atrium, which is crowned by a vast glass roof that floods the space with natural light. Towering palm trees and cascading greenery epitomise the ‘winter garden’ experience—one couldn’t help but feel they are entering into a hidden oasis. The thoughtful combination of natural elements and refined decor creates a peaceful yet sophisticated ambience—despite its impressive scale, the setting retained a sense of intimacy, striking that rare balance between grandeur and comfort.

The interplay of sunlight filtering through the glass roof and the lush greenery created the feeling of stepping into a tranquil Mediterranean retreat. Despite the spaciousness of the room, the clever layout of tables and the gentle hum of conversation made the atmosphere feel intimate rather than cavernous. This balance between openness and warmth makes The Winter Garden Restaurant an ideal setting for any occasion—be it a romantic date, a business lunch, or, as in our case, a relaxed family meal.

Warm Welcome and Thoughtful Service

The exceptional service at The Winter Garden Restaurant was apparent from the moment we arrived. A high chair had already been set up at our table, a subtle but significant indication of the staff’s attentiveness. Without needing to ask, a friendly waitress promptly provided a colouring set for my daughter, providing a welcome distraction and allowing us a moment to enjoy our cold, crisp champagne. This level of anticipation and care demonstrated that The Winter Garden Restaurant is not just welcoming to families—it actively ensures that even the youngest diners feel at ease.

Before our starters arrived, we were presented with a selection of warm bread served with two rich, spreadable butter—a simple yet indulgent touch. The bread was perfectly baked, with a crisp crust and fluffy interior, while the butter (one salted, one infused with fennel) melted effortlessly into the bread. It was a small but delightful prelude to what was to come, setting the tone for a meal defined by thoughtful details and refined simplicity.

The Menu and Dining Experience

At £47 per person for a three-course set lunch, The Winter Garden Restaurant offers remarkable value considering the quality of both the food and the setting. New Head Chef, Brian Hennessy, formerly Sous Chef at the Michelin-starred Ritz London, brings a refined modern European approach to the kitchen, introducing a menu that is a carefully curated reflection of British seasonal produce, and demonstrating both creativity and restraint—each dish thoughtfully balanced without overcomplication. It was immediately clear that the kitchen’s approach is one of quiet confidence rather than showy complexity. Importantly, the menu includes numerous vegan options, ensuring that all guests, regardless of dietary preference, feel equally catered for.

Each dish was beautifully presented, seamlessly weaving the ‘winter garden’ theme throughout the menu. Delicate leaves, edible flowers and fresh seasonal produce were integral to the entire meal. The crisp salted cod croquette as a starter paired beautifully with the richness of the poached egg, while the chive butter sauce added a smooth, creamy depth. The char-grilled baby chicken, accompanied by perfectly in-season purple-sprouting broccoli, was tender and juicy, with a smoky depth from the grill and just the right level of heat offered by the accompanying nduja sauce.

However, the highlight of the meal, without a doubt, was the slow-cooked short rib of beef—a dish that embodied everything you’d hope for from a luxury dining experience. The beef was cooked to perfection, falling apart at the mere suggestion of a fork. Its rich, savoury flavour was elevated by the creamy and understated Parmesan polenta, which provided a velvety contrast to the robust meat. Accompanying roasted root vegetables offered a touch of earthy sweetness, complementing the depth of the beef without overshadowing it. This was a dish that demonstrated remarkable restraint and balance— each element enhancing the other without competing for attention.

To finish, the Valrhona Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse with vanilla ice cream provided a rich and indulgent finale to an already luxurious meal. The tartness of the raspberry shell encasement added just the right amount of acidity to offset the creamy sweetness of the mousse. The vanilla ice cream provided a contrasting note of sweetness, balancing the richness of the chocolate and the sharpness of the raspberry.

Throughout the meal, the service was seamless but unobtrusive. Our waitress anticipated our needs without ever interrupting the natural flow of conversation—a rare and valuable skill. Despite the elegant surroundings, there was no hint of stillness or formality; the atmosphere remained relaxed and welcoming.

An Experience for All Occasions

What makes The Winter Garden Restaurant particularly special is its ability to cater to such a diverse range of guests without losing its sense of identity. The Winter Garden Restaurant can cater to a wide variety of guests while maintaining a consistent sense of refinement and ease. Around us were couples enjoying quiet conversations, business colleagues engaged in working lunches, and multigenerational families celebrating special occasions. Yet despite the range of diners, the atmosphere remained effortlessly relaxed and welcoming.

For families, The Winter Garden Restaurant is particularly well-suited. While some high-end restaurants can feel intimidating or unaccommodating to young children, The Winter Garden Restaurant team struck the perfect tone—kind and attentive without a trace of condescension. My daughter was treated with the same level of care and respect as any other guest, which made the experience feel all the more special.

Final Thoughts

Dining at The Winter Garden Restaurant at The Landmark is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The stunning setting, thoughtful service, and exceptional food come together to create a sense of effortless luxury. It’s rare to find a restaurant that manages to balance refinement with ease, but The Winter Garden Restaurant achieves precisely that.

It’s rare to find such remarkable value for an experience of this calibre—especially in London. The quality of the ingredients, the precision of the cooking, and the level of attention by the staff combine to make The Winter Garden Restaurant a truly special destination for any occasion.

A: The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ
E: Reservations
W: Landmark London

Written by Luxuria Lifestyle’s Sam Mead