The first thing that strikes you about Spring is the location. It is seated in the ‘New Wing’ of Somerset House – a grand building built in 1776 on the site of a 16th century Tudor palace bang in Central London.
It is ironic that the wing that was built over 150 years ago is still called ‘new wing’ 😀
I have much love for heritage spaces adapted into modern usable spaces. This not only brings in a touch of art, history and culture into our everyday life but also help in the upkeep of these places with the revenue it brings in.
The Scratch Menu at Spring London
We got into the restaurant at around 5pm, just in time for the (pre-theatre) Scratch menu. The summer evening light streaming in through the glass windows and the gentle sounds of cutlery and conversations made for a warm welcome. By the time we were done with our meal, there was a sense of joy and satisfaction at having eaten delicious food prepared using produce that would have otherwise gone into waste. A deeper sense of purpose around creating beautiful plates of food was not lost on us.
also read: 11 memorable dishes from our Britain trip – what I ate and drank
So here are my 5 reasons why you should absolutely try the Scratch Menu at Spring London—
one – reducing food waste
A la carte menus have very exacting requirements of produce and a lot of it that cannot fit the bill goes to waste. With the Scratch Menu, you realise that less than perfect produce as well as leftover bits and bobs can go into making perfect plates of food. It gives an opportunity for the sous chefs to get more creative with their cooking.
Even though I ensure that nothing goes to waste in my own kitchen, the dining experience inspired me to come back home and use food waste more creatively.
Restaurants that focus on sustainability and strive to be gentle on the environment need our support and encouragement.
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two – Skye Gyngell
Spring is the brainchild of Skye Gyngell, erstwhile Michelin star winning head chef at Petersham Nurseries. Her style of seasonal cooking inspired by produce is very much evident in the plates of food served at Spring. Signed copies of her bestseller cookbooks are also available at the restaurant.
three – seasonal
Tonight’s Scratch Menu pic.twitter.com/FF0RlGSyop
— Spring (@Spring_LDN) April 17, 2019
A new menu is released everyday, which you can gather from their Twitter or Instagram posts. You can decide on the basis of the menu if you want to make a reservation for the day. Do note that they are unable to accommodate any dietary restrictions as the menu is designed around leftovers.
four – attention to detail
There is a sense of beauty all around us at Spring London. Be it the flower arrangements or the house cordials stocked in giant flasks on the marble counter, a wooden bowl full of fresh garlic at the entrance or the designer chic uniforms of the serving staff, there is attention to detail in everything.
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five – value for money
In a city where nothing comes for cheap, £20 for a 3 course seasonal menu in a setting that is a feast for the senses is probably one of the best meal deals in London.
Whether you live in London, or are visiting as a tourist, this is one dining experience I would highly recommend.
Here’s what I ate on my visit to Spring London
Course 1 – Nettle Arancini with Asparagus Salad and Aioli
Course 2 – Chickpea pancake, chickpeas, lemon yogurt and greens
Dessert – Coffee and Prune Millionaire’s Shortbread
Spring – Somerset House, New Wing, Lancaster Place, London, WC2R 1LA
T: +44 (0)20 3011 0115
Disclosure: I was here on the invite of Visit Britain. Views expressed are my own.
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