Typing Room Awards

Typing Room Restaurant Review:

Jason Atherton took over the space that was once Nuno Mendes’ Viajante in Town Hall Hotel. It might have been a hard act to follow, but Typing Room is overseen by Lee Westcott, who worked for Atherton in Hong Kong. The menu is short and to the point, the descriptions giving no clue as to the skill of the cooking. Flavors sing through in starters like squash with curd, Redlove apple and lardo, or mackerel with kohlrabi, horseradish and tarragon. The chef likes smoking and burning that in lesser hands would be risky --- try lamb with burnt aubergine, calmed down with yogurt and onion, or roast duck with spring roll and spiced mango and fennel. Desserts (rather coyly called Treats) are attractive assemblies of tastes like chocolate and passion fruit, or strawberry, pistachio and white chocolate. The wine list is extensive with a good selection by the glass and un-greedy mark-ups. Service is smooth, operating in a setting where light streams in from the windows onto a pale color scheme and open kitchen. 2-course lunch £24, 3 courses £29; 7-course tasting menu £75.