Review on The Don

The Don hides in a courtyard off St Swithin's Lane and once did duty as the HQ for Sandemans - hence the name, the caped silhouette on the hanging sign and the incomparable drinks list. The place boasts a cellar bistro done out in veteran brick-walled 'wine bar' style, but the main action takes place in the strikingly modern ground-floor restaurant.

Polished wood floors, abstract artwork and sculptures create a cosmopolitan atmosphere and the kitchen obliges the crowds with a menu of refined dishes in the Anglo-European mould. Mediterranean fish soup, tournedos Rossini and chocolate fondant represent the old world; warm salad of quail with smoked quail's egg and wild mushroom gâteau, seared sea bass with sherried aubergines, and pineapple tarte Tatin with black pepper offer something more contemporary.

The dazzling wine list naturally includes a remarkable selection of ports and sherries; otherwise, there's a global choice with France dominating at the top end and plenty of affordable options by the glass.

The Don is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide, Hardens, AA Guide

Rate this Restaurant

Cuisine

Modern European

Chef

William Best

Restaurant Opening Times

Lunch: 12.00 - 3.00pm Mon-Fri
Dinner: 5.30 - 10.00pm Mon-Fri

Accepted credit cards

Visa, Master Card, American Express

Online Booking Availability for The Don

Facilities at The Don

  • Disabled access
  • Private dining room
  • Private parties
  • Vegetarian menu
  • 90 covers

Address

The Don
The Courtyard
20 St Swithins Lane
City
Central London
EC4N 8AD

Nearest tube station: Bank

Customer Ratings on The Don

Please join our community and share your comments on this restaurant.

Rate this Restaurant

The Don Sample Menu

SAMPLE A LA CARTE MENU

STARTERS
Cream of broccoli and garlic soup with toasted almonds £8.50
Heritage tri-coloured beetroot, pomegranate seeds,
whipped chickpeas and sesame seed crunch (V) £9
Cornish white crab meat, lime and chilli crushed avocado,sun-dried tomatoes and Marie Rose £16
Yellow fin tuna loin, Niçoise garnish and confit free-range egg yolk, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin rapeseed oil dressing £15
Potted Scottish salmon with lemon and capers, heirloom tomato and basil carpaccio, shellfish dressing £12
Crispy spiced duck and pickled watermelon salad with
red cabbage and carrot remoulade £14.50
Pressed Bearfield Farm ham hock with parsley and grain mustard,
fig puree, pickled giroles and celery leaves £10
Tunworth cheese mousse in a crisp tart with apple and golden raisin chutney,
lovage and walnut pesto £11

MAINS
Risotto of English peas, broad beans, cougette and basil with
pickled giroles and parmesan tuiles £17
Fillet of seabass with broccoli puree, golden raisin, caper and cauliflower cous cous, almond and anchovy dressing £24.50
Roasted Scottish halibut, with grilled peppers, chickpeas and baby spinach,
roasted tomato butter £29.50
16oz Brixham Dover sole meunière and minted new potatoes £42
Roasted breast of corn-fed chicken, runner beans, romanesco, creamed potato and truffle sauce £24
Grilled calves liver and crispy bacon, caraway infused carrots,
sauté potatoes and raspberry vinegar jus £22
Colne Valley rump of lamb, peas creamed with sheep's curd,
Boulangère potatoes, baby leeks and rosemary jus £27.50
Grilled Southdown lamb cutlets (4) with minted new potatoes,
Mint jelly or chimichurri sauce £30
8oz pure Angus beef fillet with triple cooked fries and
Béarnaise or green peppercorn sauce £35
Beef fillet 'Rossini', brioche crouton, heritage carrots,
seared foie gras and truffled Madeira sauce £42

DESSERT
Vanilla panna cotta with poached peaches and
caramlised pistachios £8.50
Profiteroles filled with dark chocolate and raspberry cream,
Amedei Toscano Black chocolate sauce £8
English Strawberry Eton Mess £7.50
Iced lemon parfait on a cinnamon sable,
Elderflower and lemon curd £7.50
Selection of homemade ice creams and sorbets, per scoop £2.50
Selection of French and British cheeses from our trolley
3 for 12
5 for 16

Restaurant menus often vary from day to day, so the above should be treated as examples of what to expect in terms of cuisine and price.

The Don Christmas Menu

Restaurant menus often vary from day to day, so the above should be treated as examples of what to expect in terms of cuisine and price.

Images of The Don

The Don St Swithins Lane
The Don St Swithins Lane

Virtual Tour of The Don