A meal at Sherlock’s Bar and Grill, with its deep, comfortable seats, low lighting and soft music, is an enjoyable dining experience. Reached by walking through the bustling bar and tucked towards the back of Baker Street’s Park Plaza Hotel, its location allows guests to have a relaxing meal in pleasant surroundings.

The Venue
An image of Sherlock Holmes hanging from the entrance to the restaurant is the venue’s most obvious reference to its celebrated namesake; inside, if you look hard enough, you’ll see pictures of Holmes alongside faithful Watson. The decor is stylish and contemporary, with crisp white tablecloths and elegant armchairs that allow guests to relax. The open plan kitchen adds atmosphere to the venue and ensures the aroma of the food can drift through the restaurant as it is being prepared.

The Atmosphere
The restaurant’s clientele mainly seem to be guests of the hotel above. The service is attentive but not overbearing. Staff, keen to ensure that visitors enjoy their experience, provide useful suggestions and good service. The atmosphere is relaxed and there’s no trace of arrogance or pretension.

The Food
The menu of Modern European cuisine is varied and contains a diverse range of options and flavours. Starters begin at £7 and range from a chorizo and feta cheese stuffed baby squid (£7.65) to duck foie gras parfait with spicy apple compote (£10.25). On ordering, waiters bring a plate of warm breads with balsamic vinegar and olive oil to the table. This is a good beginning to the meal, though with the bread flavoured by tomato and mozzarella, red onion and whole grain along with a side of crispy onion, guests have to be careful not to eat too much!

Starters follow shortly afterwards – the crab meat and avocado tian with scallops ceviche (£9.65) is slightly overpowered by its avocado base but the scallops are perfectly prepared and the crab meat well textured and suitably mild. The warm ricotta and pea tart with baby spinach and toasted pine nuts (£7.25) is palatable and the texture of the nuts contrasted nicely with the ricotta cheese.

The selection of main courses is again varied, but the menu doesn’t really stand out from other restaurants in the city. The menu ranges from braised English lamb shank (£15.50) to grilled monkfish and tiger prawns (£15.25). A welcome gap between courses ensures that the meal doesn’t feel rushed. The main courses are sizable and in most cases don’t require side orders (priced at £4.50). The roast pheasant and salsify with honey baked pear and red currant jus (£15.95) comes with a breast and leg. The former is good quality, though slightly overcooked, but the latter is disappointing, tough and difficult to eat. The pear is a good addition to the meal and the perfectly pureed mashed potato and crisp sauteed potatoes are an enjoyable side dish. The roasted duck breast was tender and beautifully prepared and the accompanying caramelised plums, braised red cabbage and baby spinach (£16.25) add a delicious element to the meal – the nicely seasoned asparagus is a welcome supplement but not really necessary.

The choice of desserts (£5.50) is slightly less exciting. Nonetheless, the dark chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream is wonderfully indulgent and beautifully presented while the mixed berry compote with lemon grass crumble ice cream is delectable.

The Drink
White wines range from a 2005/6 Chenin Blanc (£15) to a 2004/5 Chablis (£29.50). The D’istinto Sicilian Chardonnay (£17) is one of the lower priced wines and is particularly good – sweet and strong, but not overpowering and a perfect accompaniment to the meal. Red wines start at £13.99 for a 2000 French Bordeaux and are priced to £38 for a 2003/4 Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

The Last Word
Sherlock’s Bar and Grill provides the setting for an enjoyable meal. The food is good, but not fantastic, and with so many other restaurants to choose from in London this isn’t one to go to if you’re looking for something a bit quirkier. Not a bad choice, though, if you’re in the mood for a good meal in a pleasant environment when in and around Baker Street.

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