Around the Gastronomic World in the Heart of London
Riddle goes on safari around St James’s and finds you don’t have to travel far to go a long way from home
Article and Photography by Andy Barnham
In 1873 at the Reform Club, Phileas Fogg confidently announced that it was possible to travel the globe in 80 days for a wager of £20,000. Today, over 140 years later, that sense of adventure can be found, gastronomically at least, without leaving the confines of St James’s.
Historically known as London’s club land due to the presence of many gentlemen’s clubs, the area also boasts iconic names such as Fortnum & Mason, Berry Bros & Rudd and The Wolseley and today is home to over 50 restaurants, bars and cafes from over 20 different countries and cuisines. The culinary expertise and food innovation of St James’s may be unknown to many; the oldest catering business in London can be found there (Wilton’s) and is the birthplace of both the sandwich and the Scotch egg (Fortnum & Mason).
The safari includes both the well known names along side newer residents and includes eight different stops all offering a tasting signature dish and drink. The offer of entering and sampling signature dishes from the best of St James’s is well worth the safari alone, and indeed an up close and personal experience may well change a visitor’s preconceptions in regards to price (several restaurants offer a set menu dinner of three courses for less than £30). Highly recommended for both visitors to London and Londoners alike to taste delicious morsels and learn gems of information about the city.
This reviewer’s delights included;
Bilbao Berria: Manzanilla sherry wine with jamón ibérico de bellota, ham from acorn eating free range pigs in southern Spain.
Inamo: Saki with seared salmon maki. Inamo also features a special ordering concept where diners order using the a track pad built in to the tables.
Paxton & Whitfield: House white wine with a cheese board including a soft cheese, territorial cheese and a blue cheese. Hosting included a talk on ‘the perfect cheese board’.
Fortnum & Mason: Champagne with home made Scotch eggs (fantastic).
Wilton’s: Champagne with various smoked salmon and oysters. Hosting included the history of Wilton’s, London’s oldest catering business.
Café Murano: Champagne with arancini.
Chutney Mary: Choice of Rangpur Gimlet, Martini or Watermelon Cosmopolitan with venison samosa and other small eats.
Boulestin: Red or white wine with tasting plate including soupe de poisson and sauterne custard (decadent). 
Enquiries: www.stjameslondon.com/food