Pengelley's, Knightsbridge, London

Pengelley's, Knightsbridge, London
Friday 7 April, 2005

This place is hard to find. No signage & quite a bland looking facade but once you step inside you are welcomed with open arms by the wonderful reception staff. Check in your coats & take an elevator ride to the bar.

The bar is a great space, very funky with lounges, pillows with an expensive look/ feel. The staff are attentive and it's a great place to sit back and enjoy a sparkling wine. It screams wealth and all the patrons look like they are in on a massive secret that the rest of London is unaware of. The bar puts you in great frame of mind for the restaurant.

Up the elevator again to the restaurant. Request a booth for the experience and prepare for a feast. The theme is asian fusion and we enjoyed vegetarian dumplings, beef rendang, tempura prawns and crispy chicken with chilli - all were very good. The let down was the salt & pepper squid - it was terrible in comparison to the other dishes.

The food isn't outstanding but it's good and the chef, Ian Pengelley, is being touted as the next big thing. It's all about the experience - I'd go back for a drink in the bar.