I love Covent Garden, it's such a vibrant area of London with lots to see and do. Right on the east side of the piazza area is Tuttons. An institution for the last 30 years, in 2012 it had a makeover by interior designer Russell Sage. Now the furnishings are red retro luxe, with shiny mirrors and blanquette seating and the menu is traditional brassiere with an emphasis on great British produce.




We were warmly welcomed on a Thursday night by the staff who knew we were coming - always a good sign. Tuttons was busy and had a great vibe, with lots of eager conversation. The menu had a range of prices and a pre and post theatre menu for those watching the pennies. I was worried that service would be slow, but our order was taken quickly but a very efficient waitress. We ordered the house white while we waited for our food. It was very pleasant for a house wine, clean and fresh with some acidity but not too sharp. 

Then the starters. The onion soup came first, with a plentiful amount of onions. Not like a traditional dark French onion soup - this was light with touches of cider and was simple, well seasoned and yet delicious. My choice was the scallops. These were set on a butternut squash puree and topped with crispy bacon and a salad garnish. I am a big fan of scallops and these were adeptly cooked.  One slight criticism, I may be wrong but it appeared that the bacon was cooked in advance and added at the end as you didn't get the flavour of the bacon juices mingled with the scallops. Still a tasty dish.






Then the mains. I had the belly pork which came with green beans and a red wine sauce on a bed of bubble and squeak. I have to say this was delicious. The belly pork was very well cooked, the meat melted in my mouth, the green beans were al dente and just right, and the red wine sauce rich in depth and tasty. The bubble and squeak I felt could have had more texture, it was quite smooth, but that's just my personal preference. 

My husband had the pan roasted corn fed chicken breast with pancetta in a mushroom and red wine sauce. In this dish the chicken was juicy and tender and the herby sauce was a perfect compliment to the meat. I just had to have a taste of this as it looked so inviting and both my husband and myself agreed this was a very scrumptious dish.


For dessert I had the Bakewell tart with a peach creme fraiche whilst my husband skipped this course and instead had a glass of port. I have to say this was the nicest dessert that I have had in a long time. This flavourful tart had just enough almond flavour, with a thin layer of jam, and was served warm, the creme fraiche would have been simpler served without the peach I thought but it actually added a nice twist - and with one taste I was in heaven. 

Competition in Covent Garden is fierce and food needs to be spot on and keenly priced whilst providing excellent quality. Well Tuttons ticks all those boxes. Added to this fact are friendly efficient staff and you can't really go wrong.

They also have a special offer at the moment - if you quote "20 % January" when booking you will get 20% off your food bill. 

Let me know if you have been there and what you think!

Recommended 

*I was given a free meal for an honest review

The Details
Address:  11/12 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5HZ
Telephone: 0844 371 2550
Web: http://www.tuttons.com/index

I do love cocktails! Margaritas, Tequila Sunrises, Cosmopolitans, Mojitos ... all simply delicious. So when I was contacted to review a cocktail bar in Covent Garden I jumped at the chance.


Dirty Martini is one of those little secrets that only the insiders know. Hidden away in a basement on Covent Garden it's a tricky place to find but SOOO worth it. You can find this little gem in Covent Garden itself about 20 yards up from the Transport Museum.





What's especially great about Dirty Martini is that they have a selection of special offers on a weekly basis. Happy hour is Mon-Thurs 5pm -10pm, Fri and Sat 5pm-8pm and Sun all day. Half price martinis, Prosecco cocktails and bottles of wine as well as other offers make this a steal if you are in the area.

If you can't make it to Covent Garden they also have branches at Hanover Square and Bishopsgate, all in London. Let's hope they expand countrywide soon, I know that Cardiff could do with a classy cocktail bar, hope you are listening Dirty Martini!

* I was given complimentary food and drink in exchange for an honest review