London - Shepherd's

Never have I struggled so much to put names to faces.

I didn’t realise what a lunch time liability my limited knowledge of British politics could be.

Shepherd’s was packed with MPs and members of the House of Lords.  Some I named with ease, but most had me contemplating, no, agonising.  So often one sees politicians on television or in the newspapers but are too bored to note names.

This restaurant is very close to The Houses of Parliament, hence the politician’s canteen.  The tired, dreary interior must make most feel at home.  The walls are plastered with a hotch potch of old prints, cartoons, and suspect art.  The effect is similar to a ‘Blue Tac’ scarred teenager’s bedroom, but with frames instead of posters.

The menu carries large drawings of co-owners, Michael Caine and Peter Shepherd, who also have Langham’s and Odins in their culinary portfolio.  I haven’t been to Langham’s in a long, long time, but I suspect Shepherd’s is in complete contrast to the ‘glam’ eaterie behind Piccadilly.

Shepherd’s opens at 12.30pm and closes at 11.00pm.  An all day menu is offered for the entire opening hours.  2 courses for £29 and 3 for £33.  Daily ‘specials’ can add a few pounds to your bill.

The cooking is considered ‘English’ but it has clearly assimilated other influences over the years.

I started with 3 large scallops, sprinkled with black pepper, garlic and fresh tomato.  My guests chose prawn cocktail and stilton tart.

To follow, whilst the others opted for cod and chips, I went for Monkfish with ginger and pak choi.  All were served with green beans and pureed carrot.  The portions were large and the chips enormous.  No one could finish.

Shepherd’s Chablis was also £29 per bottle (clearly a favoured price point).

As we departed, a couple of hours after arriving, a number of this country’s democratically elected representatives were still supping and looked set in for the afternoon.

Lucky Shepherd’s doesn’t close for a post lunch break.

 
Shepherd’s
Marsham Court
Marsham Street
London SW1

020 7834 9552