It was following months of rumours that the team behind Eleven Madison Park, the three Michelin-starred New York restaurant and former number one in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, were finally confirmed as the replacement for Fera at Claridge’s. The dining room was named, New York-style, for the legendary hotel’s location on the corner of Davies and Brook streets.
The new restaurant has seen chef Daniel Humm return to the kitchen at Claridge’s 25 years after he made his culinary debut there aged 15. While the menu does share some similarities with the food Humm serves at Eleven Madison Park, the chef is determined to make Davies & Brook shine on its own, with dishes that reflect the cultural diversity of London.
From the à la carte menu, guests are encouraged to select a cold starter, warm starter, main and dessert, but for a full experience of Humm’s culinary prowess, the carefully curated seven-course tasting menu is an absolute must.
Guests will begin with a taste of the sea: the finest caviar with butternut squash, smoked shellfish and naan followed by a refreshing sea bass ceviche and then a poached lobster dish with a delica squash bisque.
Next, a plate celebrating cabbage, in which the humble brassica comes fashioned as a mille-feuille roasted with mushroom, Thai basil and lemongrass. Finally, before the desserts diners will be treated to Humm’s signature dry-aged duck, glazed in honey and lavender and accompanied by beetroot and sauce civet.
The dining room itself is simple but stylish, in keeping with the presentation of the food. A series of landscape artwork adorns the walls, commissioned by American artist Roni Horn especially for the restaurant. A sleek central bar draws in hotel guests and visitors alike to enjoy a drink and some small plates while soaking up the convivial ambience of the venue.
The cocktail list from bar director Leo Robitschek is equally as creative and imaginative as the food – ensuring that visitors to Davies & Brook are bestowed with a memorable experience from start to finish.