The Wellington Club unveils its new restaurant

The Wellington Club officially opened its doors to its new restaurant in September, marking an eagerly anticipated hospitality launch for the year.

One of the main reasons people were getting excited was because the new head chef is Brett Duarte, the former executive chef of the Gaucho Group; cue foodies licking their lips as they read this.

The Wellington Club’s vibrant new addition (you don’t have to be a member of this members club to visit the restaurant) showcases a carefully curated modern European menu. Signatures include crispy ox cheeks with jalapeño mayonnaise, which is an unusual albeit very tasty combination, and hand-dived Orkney scallops, which are superb with the sweetcorn purée, dried ham and shallot jus.

For once a fine dining establishment doesn’t just pay lip service to vegetarians, presenting them instead with delicacies like Acorn squash ravioli, sage, parmesan, patty pan, hazelnuts & black truffle.

For meat-eaters like myself, this is where Duarte really makes his mark. We opted for the Porterhouse Scotch Black Angus to share (a kilo of meat I might add) and my God was it worth it! It was so good I genuinely think I could’ve finished one by myself. It was cooked to total perfection, leaving both my guest and me making all the right noises with every mouthful.

The sommelier is excellent in recommending a suitable pairing from the club’s eclectic wine list. I’d also recommend getting a cocktail (or two) before or after your meal from the expert mixologists at the bar. Try Jake’s Poison, a beguiling blend of Chivas Regal 12, rosehip cup, pear liqueur and orange bitters.

The restaurant, like the Club itself, has been designed by co-founder Nic Brooks alongside award-winning interior designers Tibbatts Abel, artfully blending rock ‘n’ roll, modern art references and elements of a traditional gentlemen’s club.

As well as enjoying superlative fare, guests are also immersed in a priceless collection of contemporary art and artifacts, dominated by Damien Hirst’s spray-painted shark, his legendary Disco Skull and The Hours, the artist’s rare large-scale print. The walls of the restaurant are also adorned with hand-painted and original graffiti by the Turner Prize-winning genius, whilst the ongoing love affair between music and neon are beautifully illustrated by works courtesy of the legendary Chris Bracey.

With a soundtrack provided by a collection of trailblazing new DJs and a host of established names, all curated by Seb Fontaine, The Wellington Restaurant skillfully blends delectable dining with a vibrant party atmosphere.

The launch of the restaurant marks another milestone for the iconic Wellington Club. Earlier this year saw Jake Panayiotou, the main force behind and owner of the Knightsbridge original, relocated it to Jermyn Street, an address that has fittingly been associated with London’s wildest revelries for centuries. Safe to say they’ve so far fitted in very well!

Founded in 1832, the original Club’s membership reads like a veritable who’s who of the famous – and infamous – from Lord Lucan through to the likes of Kate Moss, Jude Law and Bono. Now this latest incarnation is more edgy and decadent than ever, with the restaurant set to introduce its unique ethos to a whole new audience.

The Wellington Restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Reservations are essential for non-members.

For more information visit www.thewellington.club