Dining at The Delaunay will bring out the Fraulein in you

By NATASHA EDDERY

If you are a regular reader of The Sloaney, then you probably already know that I am a bit of a foodie. Of course, like every woman, I do watch my figure, but there is nothing like indulging and one place that has been on my hit list is The Delaunay on Aldwych.

I was first tempted by this restaurant, not because I saw a picture of Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter coming out of it (although it did encourage me to make a reservation), but because it just happens to be the sister restaurant to our very own Sloaney favorite The Wolseley. Yes, gifted restaurateurs’, Jeremy King and Chris Corbin, have created yet another masterpiece.

As my partner and I walked into The Delaunay it immediately echoed that same luxurious, rich décor as its sister. High ceilings and a marble floor are set against dark woods and leather banquettes. As for the all-day style menu, it is certainly a first for a chic London restaurant to serve lovely Viennese inspired dishes.

The Delaunay offers a menu full of Viennese inspired dishes

Indeed, The Delaunay is an example of how far Britain’s food culture has progressed since the 1980s, when the more pretentious days of French nouvelle cuisine were rife. A generation ago, those faux connoisseurs would have perhaps cast a slightly condescending eye over The Delaunay, but I personally found it delightful to be sat within opulent surroundings, while people ate Wiener Schnitzel and Wurst.

As I sipped my Bellini (white peach sorbet with an almond tuile by the way) I ordered, without even blushing I might add, Wiener Thuringer. This veal and pork sausage was served with potato salad, sauerkraut and caramelized onions. My partner was also in his element; he loved the fact he could enjoy a beer at supper without feeling like a Neanderthal and then ordered Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal) with a side of Wilted Spinach.

When our meals arrived, I instantly felt nostalgic for past family holidays spent skiing in the Austrian Alpes. Although I couldn’t say that my meal looked particularly beautiful when presented, it was utterly delicious. The sauerkraut, which is cabbage, along with the caramelized onions went wonderfully with my Thuringer, which proved out of this world.

The venue mixes chic with comfortable

Although we were both quite full, in order to keep my sense of nostalgia alive, we shared the Apple and Walnut Strudel, along with a good helping of cream. I often find that pastry in this country rarely lives up to my expectations. Too frequently I have been spoilt by the delights of French baking – the secret is in their flour – but our Strudel was not a disappointment and it impressed! It was light and sweet and everything I could have hoped for in a pudding.

For me, the food in The Delaunay is comforting, but despite being such a chic establishment, you get don’t feel an ounce of guilt or awkwardness when eating wiener and chips in your best clothes. To some it may appear a little carb heavy, but there is always Oysters and Caviar on the menu, for those wanting a light bite.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 7.00 am – Midnight; Saturday 8.00 am – Midnight; Sunday 11.00 am – 11.00 pm. All Day a la Carte Dining Times: Monday – Saturday 11.30 am – Midnight; Sunday 11.30 am – 11.00 pm.

Location: The Delaunay, 55 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BB

To make a reservation, please telephone +44 (0) 20 7499 8558

by TheSloaney