Langan's Brasserie, the storied Mayfair institution co-founded in 1976 by restaurateur Peter Langan and actor Michael Caine, continues to charm with its timeless glamour and hearty classic dishes, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars in a recent review. The restaurant, once a playground for Jerry Hall, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marlon Brando, remains a bastion of old-school decadence, even as its clientele has evolved.
A Step Back in Time to Showbiz Glamour
Walking into Langan's is like stepping onto a film set. The iconic red neon sign, the only restaurant in London with official Tube signage guiding patrons from Green Park station, sets the stage. Inside, a gleaming mirrored bar, gold column lamps on green marble tables, and fluted glass chandeliers evoke a contemporary take on the disco era. Suited waitstaff, distinguished by different colored blazers denoting rank, greet regulars with easy charm.
The walls, once adorned with an original art collection sold at auction in 2012, now feature newer prints and paintings by modern art luminaries such as David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Peter Doig, and David Shrigley. This artistic pedigree adds to the restaurant's enduring appeal.
Classic British-French Fare with Generous Portions
The menu at Langan's is a nostalgic journey through French-leaning British classics, largely untouched since Peter Langan's heyday, save for a token vegan ceviche. Highlights include shellfish cocktail, dressed crab, fish pie, posh bangers and mash, and Dover sole. The review noted the portions are 'generous in the extreme,' with a tableside beef tartare boasting a 'Bloody Mary richness' and a spicy kick that lingers.
The chicken Kyiv arrives with a crispy crumb atop buttery mash, though the abundant gravy masks the garlic butter's ooze. The pancetta in the cabbage was slightly chewy, but the value is undeniable. Nearby tables received mammoth portions of beef wellington and giant slabs of fish and chips, reinforcing the restaurant's reputation for hearty servings.
Desserts and Value
Even a 'light' pudding of strawberries and cream turns out to be a giant pewter chalice filled with fruit. The review concludes that while they 'don't really make them like this any more,' Langan's has carved out its place in London's dining history. The set menu offers two courses for £25 or three for £30, a bargain in the heart of Mayfair.
The Vibe, Food, and Drink
The vibe is a classic 1970s Mayfair brasserie with a loyal, old-school fanbase. The food is French fare and classic bistro dishes. The martinis flow freely, and the wine list is extensive and beautiful. The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 10.30pm, Saturday from noon to 10.30pm, and Sunday from noon to 9.30pm, with the bar open until 1am Tuesday through Saturday.
Located on Stratton Street, W1J 8LB, Langan's is easily accessible via Green Park Tube station. For those seeking a taste of London's glamorous past with reliable, hearty cooking, Langan's remains a must-visit.
