The Connaught Grill Restaurant London Review: Heritage British Grill in Mayfair

December 17, 2025

Stepping into The Connaught Grill restaurant in London feels like entering a refined chapter of Mayfair’s dining history. Inside The Connaught, the restaurant blends the elegance of a luxury hotel with the charismatic energy of a wood-fired grill. Its legacy dates back to 1955, and with the latest reimagination led by Jean‑Georges Vongerichten and designer John Heah, the space now offers tradition and a crisp modern edge.

The original Grill opened on 2 May 1955, within The Connaught hotel. Over the decades, it became a bastion of British luxury dining. The hotel itself dates back to the 19th century and is an institution in Mayfair. In its latest incarnation, the Grill has been reborn with a focus on heritage cuts, a wood-burning grill, and elegant craftsmanship in design. You feel the history the moment you walk down the rosewood-clad corridor into the dining room.

The dining room is stylish but quietly understated. Dark timber panelling, bespoke chairs crafted by Mira Nakashima, and subtle lighting set a tone of calm. You are seated among artful woodwork and comfortable banquettes. The open kitchen and charcoal grill bring the drama of fire and flame without overpowering the room’s elegance. Service matches the setting: polished, attentive, and generous without being ostentatious. The effect is one of high-end dining that feels accessible rather than intimidating. Sunday roasts presented from a silver trolley recall classic luxury.

The Connaught Grill Restaurant London Menu

The menu centres on premium British produce and refined grill technique. Starters include dishes like Gillardeau oysters, beef tartare, and Cornish sea bass crudo. For mains, you’ll find superb cuts of meat: Hereford beef fillet aged 28 days, Japanese black beef from Kyushu, and a 1.2kg Tomahawk steak for sharing. The kitchen also honours classic dishes such as a spit-roasted Racan organic chicken and wild seabass en croute, delivered with artisan execution. Sides and sauces are thoughtfully done: The Connaught Grill chips with smoked garlic mayonnaise, herb-creamed spinach, and potato gratin with Gruyère. The wine list is stellar and deep, worthy of the steak-and-grill format.

The restaurant honours the grandeur of the past while delivering cooking that feels contemporary and exacting. If you want an authentic British grill experience in London’s most elegant neighbourhood, this venue delivers.