Review on The Botanist
The Botanist is a Chelsea addition to Tom and Ed Martin's ever-growing tally of re-fashioned London pubs (they also own the Gun and the White Swan, Fetter Lane, among others), the Botanist inhabits the shell of an extinct city boozer (it used to be the Royal Court Tavern). A clever, chic and modern makeover by Russell Sage Studio has given the place a new identity - although the Victorian prints and illustrations from explorer/botanist Sir Hans Sloane (he of Sloane Square) are the real eye-catchers and help to explain the pub's name.
The kitchen colours its British intentions with a few Gallic and Italian flourishes, offering grilled mackerel with braised baby fennel and slow-roast tomato alongside smoked chicken, morel and foie gras terrine. The extravagant Botanist seasonal salad is a cornucopia of good, healthy things, and other main courses extend to wild sea trout with mussels, samphire and fennel consommé or roast suckling pig with caramelised onion purée, apple compote and Calvados jus.
True-Brit desserts such as rhubarb and apple crumble or chocolate pudding are supplemented by luscious 'coupes' including Knickerbocker Glory. The well-spread wine list includes a few bottles from from Chapel Down vineyard in Kent.
The Botanist is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Hardens, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Modern British
Chef
Ameya Bhalekar
Restaurant Opening Times
Breakfast: 8.00am (9.00am Sat & Sun) through
Lunch: until
Dinner: 11.30pm (12.00am Sat, 1.00am Fri & Sat)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card
