Sometimes you meet some people in the most unexpected of ways and it just clicks! The blogging world has its ups and downs but I am so grateful for meeting amazing ladies like @theluxeedition @tazzamina and @thebrunchingbiologist. (Follow them if you don’t already!)
So when 4 ladies of leisure get together what do they do? Go for breakfast at the famous Chiltern Firehouse of course. I’ve been here before but the ladies hadn’t and all I could think about was the blueberry pancakes and the brilliant company of course!
What I find fascinating about this place is its’ history.. today Chiltern Firehouse is a Michelin-starred restaurant/hotel buzzing with celebs, but that wasn’t always the case. In the 1800’s the property was actually a fire station. The revivived Grade II listed Victorian building, today has been transformed into one of London’s most iconic hotel/restaurant’s with New-York inspired swank – high ceilings, large mirrors, and an open bar in the middle. The restaurant is usually the best place for celebs to hang out which must give you an indication of what to expect on the menu.
As you enter the restaurant you are led down a path towards an outside garden which is perfect for those hot summer days. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with high ceilings and timeless vintage decor, the waiters were all dressed in white suits that gave me some serious Frank Sinatra feels and the waitresses were dressed in plain red or green jumpsuits which tbh I want for my own wardrobe . Unfortunately we weren’t allowed to take any phottos inside.
We went on a weekday and the last orders for breakfast are at 10.30 am, which is early even for me. But the troopers that we are we rocked up just in time.
Lets talk about the Buttermilk Pancakes for a minute – if anyone asked me what the best pancakes I’ve had in London, my answer every time would be Chiltern Firehouse. Here’s why…
The pancakes came out on their own with jam, blueberries and creme fraiche on the side, which I loved! If you’ve read my last post from The Diner, you’ll know Im not a massive jam fan so no jam on this meant my heart skipped a beat with excitement! We added a little dollop of jam though and it was just right. The pancakes themselves were thick, yet light – what a combo. Probably some of the best pancakes I have ever had – I’d love for someone to produce better pancakes and prove me wrong though! Anyone?
Next on the menu was the French Toast with honeycomb and rasberries.
French Toast
Initially, I was only there for the pancakes, but I was kind of torn when I had this french toast. The french toast was divine – so soft it just melted in your mouth, yet creamy and full of flavour. I always thought the French Toast at Christopher’s is the best I’d had until I had this. I was also torn because one of the girls posed a question which I genuinely had no answer for – if you had to choose between the pancakes or the French toast what would it be? I DONT KNOW I DONT WANT TO PICK!!!
Next was another cracker – Poached eggs with spiced avocado on toast. I’m sure you’ve had a million other avotoasts in your lifetime but this was something else. I’m not sure what it was but the avocado had an aamzing aftertaste- it tasted like wasabi in the avocado and the kick was real! It worked so well I could have had it all. Although the toast itself was rather hard to cut through but persevere and you won’t be diappointed.
Last came the most mediocre dish on our table – Poached eggs with smoked salmon on toast. It’s not that these were bad, it’s just that there was nothing overly special about them although the salmon was so fresh you could almost taste the sea.
All in all, Chiltern Firehouse is one of those places which is just right for every ocassion. Whether you’re there for a special occasion or just brunching with the girls, the atmosphere is chilled out but you know you’re in a place where the average Joe might not be found. The only slightly annoying (but understandable) thing about the restuarant is that photography isn’t permitted. We were allowed to take photos of our food (THANKFULLY!) but when I was taking my ootd photos in a little corner of the garden, we were told to stop. (We had the shot by then so was all good!)
Food – 8 out of 10
Service – 8 out of 10
Atmosphere – 8 out of 10
Experience – 8 out of 10
Overall, giving Breakfast at Chiltern Firehouse a total TLH score of 8 out of 10.
Address: 1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London W1U 7PA
Website: http://www.chilternfirehouse.com/
Halal Status: They do not serve halal meat
Closest Station: Bond Street (Jubille or Central Line) or Baker Street (Metropolitan, Hammersmith and City, Jubillee or Bakerloo Line)