An American social media influencer with a massive following has shared his detailed review of what he was told is "one of the best Sunday roasts in all of London." Kalani Smith, who boasts over 3.3 million followers on TikTok, visited the upscale Fifty Cheyne restaurant in Chelsea with his wife Savannah to sample this iconic British meal.
The Sunday Roast Experience at Fifty Cheyne
Kalani and his wife opted for the sharing roast, which costs £49 per person. The plate featured a generous assortment of traditional components, including Hereford beef, chicken, lamb, roast potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and Yorkshire puddings. Before diving in, Kalani noted that the Yorkshire pudding appeared "very well done" and decided to taste each element separately before adding the gravy.
Initial Impressions of the Meal
Starting with the beef, Kalani described it as "incredible" and praised it as "a really good cut of beef, even with nothing on it." He then moved on to the roast potatoes, declaring them "very crispy" and "a very nice roastie." The moment of truth arrived when he poured the gravy over his dinner, humorously remarking, "Let's go ahead and make this a lot better."
The Gravy Controversy
Upon trying the gravy, Kalani observed that it was "a little bit runnier" than expected. He continued with his meal, joking about the posh setting making him feel out of place. For dessert, he chose a sticky toffee pudding with ice cream, noting that the sauce was "very nice" but the cake could have been "a hair more moist," though he still considered it a solid offering.
Final Verdict and Price Point
In his overall assessment, Kalani expressed disappointment with the gravy, stating he was "not a fan" due to its watery consistency. He highlighted the beef as "really nice" and of high quality, along with the "incredible" roast potatoes and excellent service. However, he questioned the value, saying, "Would I pay 98 quid again for that? No." He added that if he returned, he would likely just order the beef, as it stood out, but the price point didn't justify the full meal.
Public Reaction and Online Debate
The review sparked mixed opinions in the comments section. One user criticized the trimmings as lacking and not worth the £49 price tag, while another defended it, citing London's high costs. Debates also erupted over traditional accompaniments, with some lamenting the absence of peas and cauliflower cheese, and others arguing they don't belong on a roast. Additional comments suggested that the best roasts are found in small country pubs or homemade with "love and care."
Restaurant Background and Response
Fifty Cheyne holds a 4.3 out of five rating on Tripadvisor and is featured in the Michelin Guide, underscoring its reputation in the culinary scene. The restaurant was contacted for comment regarding the review, but no response was provided at the time of writing. This incident highlights the ongoing cultural fascination with British food traditions and the influence of social media on dining perceptions.
