Alyn Williams at The Westbury

Following our fifth (or is it sixth?) visit to Alyn Williams at The Westbury, I felt it was time I told the world how I feel about the place – because it isn’t often you find a restaurant of this calibre which you are willing (and able) to visit time and again. I would hate for it to seem like my husband and I eat at fine dining restaurants often – more often than most – but generally it is for special occasions or when we really feel like spoiling ourselves.

I didn’t think I would ever become a regular at any fine dining establishment – given the vast selection available to us in London and worldwide for that matter. Why eat at the same place twice? But with our modest experience, we feel we can warrant a return visit to any place where we truly enjoy the food and feel welcome. Let me put it this way – we were sent an extra complimentary course. I’d like to think this is exclusive to long returning guests.

This isn’t the first place we’ve found to offer exceptional food and great service, but being (relatively) near to home, and given the incredible deal which is so often available – 5 courses + a glass of bubbles from £45 pp – you can’t go wrong. Not with food of this calibre. Bear in mind you will also get amuse bouche and petite fours - always making a slap-up meal feel even more indulgent!

We are consistently met with a warm welcome by staff, some of whom have been present at every one of our visits and are always a pleasure to catch up with. I cannot stress how nice it is to be at a formal place and feel so at home. It is often that I feel out of place and uncomfortable in Michelin (and wannabe) starred establishments.

This latest visit to Alyn Williams will be hard to forget. It is a restaurant that prides itself on seasonal and exquisite ingredients prepared with a lot of love and traditional French technique. We are always served something amazing and true to season – yet we have never been served the same dish twice. Let me stress we have visited around this time of year for 3 years in a row. I have no doubt they keep track of regulars and what they have been served (as any Michelin starred joint worth their salt would do) but every time we are blown away with just how delicious and exciting every dish is.

Alyn’s food is sometimes unusual and whimsical – but it always works. Don’t come here expecting weird and quirky trends. Do expect beautiful seasonal produce cooked to utter perfection! British/French fine dining at its very best.

This trip was a bit of a journey through some of our favourite culinary pleasures in gourmet form. Lobster tacos – beats even the best fish taco I’ve eaten in California. A chicken wing dish which could change your view on chicken wings forever; and a plate containing beef, potatoes & horseradish – which was just downright comforting and the meat – Hawksmoor, eat your heart out!

This visit was made all the more special by finally getting the chance to meet Chef Alyn Williams himself. I’m usually too shy to ask to meet the chef or see the kitchen – something I’m working on – and I am sensitive to the fact that the chef may not want a whole lot of attention. But whenever I am offered the opportunity I jump at the chance. It was an absolute pleasure to meet the man himself. Courteous, polite and, I’m sure, glad to hear this wasn’t our first rodeo! I hope I’ll get to catch up with him again on our next visit!

I have yet to visit with someone who has dietary restrictions – anyone willing to volunteer please invite me along!

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