A Hot Dinners exclusive
What: The George & Dragon
In a nutshell: Pub food with a modern twist from a top chef
Summing it all up: Fans of Aidan McGee, of the award-winning but now closed The Truscott Arms, have cause to celebrate - he’s about to spring back into action in a Fitzrovia pub with loads of classic pub food, and the promise of an even more refined Sunday roast…
The low-down
If you’ve one of the many who’s been lamenting the loss of the Truscott Cellar, then here’s a piece of news to brighten your day. The chef there, Aidan McGee, will be taking control of the kitchen once again, this time in The George & Dragon in Fitzrovia.
It was a sad day indeed for North London when The Truscott Arms, and The Truscott Cellar (think more of a slick wine bar than a basement) were both forced to close after being hit by a £175k rent hike. The whole thing left a sizeable watering-hole-shaped-hole in both spots. This was especially true in Belsize Park, an area which until that point had hugely benefited from a destination bar like the Truscott Cellar.
So good news, then, that the chef who put both on the map is back in the kitchen to focus on creating “pub food with a modern take” on Cleveland Street. If you’ve not yet been introduced to the Donegal-born chef, what you mainly need to know is that the Sunday Times dubbed him creator of “the best roast in Britain”, and he’s gained experience at places like Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and the Launceston, so definitely worth getting excited about.
In terms of what’s on the menu, there's a bit of everything. How about confit duck leg with cabbage, mash and ‘duck sauce’, or beef strumpet with horseradish and Cornish lemon sole served on the bone in a citrus sauce? Puddings include classic dishes like strawberry tart with strawberry sorbet or hazelnut and chocolate choux.
Plus, since you’re *already* in the pub, you may very well be wanting a drink, so you can pick from either The George & Dragon’s homebrew, or craft beers from Cork and further afield, with nibbles like scotch eggs on offer too.
And as for the famous roast lunches, the chef “plans to change up his Sunday roast offer with a more refined offering.“ So watch this space and make a date for your diary.
Soft launch details: They're currently on soft launch with 20% off food from 2-4 August and on Sunday 6th August if you quote Hot Dinners at the time of booking.
More about The George & Dragon
Where is it? 151 Cleveland St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 6QF
When does it open? Open now. Opening times are Lunch 12-4 Tuesday to Sunday and Dinner 5-9.30 Tuesday to Saturday
How to book: Call 0207 388 9869
Find out more: Visit their website or follow Aidan McGee on Twitter @mcgeeaidan
More information: Follow Aidan McGee on Twitter @mcgeeaidan https://twitter.com/mcgeeaidan?lang=en
