The Game Bird

Game champion

Game time

Game season is finally here, but the problem is that not many restaurants in London can actually pull off top-class game dishes. There is the legendary Rule in Covent Garden, as well as the one Michelin starred pub The Harwood Arms in Fulham, but surely there are more hidden gems in London? Located in the posh area of Mayfair, The Game Bird is a stylish hotel restaurant inside the luxury 5 stars The Stafford Hotel. The restaurant is headed up by Jozef Rogulski, who has experience in some of the highest regarded restaurants in the UK. The menu, as the name suggested, features seasonal game dishes, as well as some classic British delights, such as pies and beef wellington. 

Smoked fish from the trolley

H Forman & Son smoked salmon

Lincolnshire smoked eel

Roast pigeon, parsnips, cabbage, braised leg, ‘bullshot’

One of the unique features in The Game Bird is its cured fish trolly, and I opted for the cured smoked salmon from it. It was served with classic garnishes such as cheese and pickles, and I really enjoy the salmon, it had just the right level of smoky and oaky aroma from the whisky, not overpowering the richness of the fish. For the main event, I had the pigeon, which was truly remarkable. It was seasoned perfectly and the mild sweetness of the parsnips worked beautifully with the earthiness of the pigeon breast. The pigeon leg was especially outstanding, it had lovely crispy skin and the meat was super tender, together with a killer meat sauce. The dessert at The Game Bird was also outstanding, I had the raspberries baked Alaska, sweet and smoky, with a refreshing sour tone within, it was such a wonderful finish to end the meal.

Grouse, bread sauce, blackberries

Dark chocolate soufflé

Firework incoming for...

Baked alaska

Overall, I was really impressed with the quality of The Game Bird, the food was really special. The old school British cooking approach was given a modern makeover but still retained that classy and traditional manner both in visually and taste. The surrounding and the service was also strong, I totally understand is within a 5 stars hotel, but I felt the service was slick and a lot better than some Michelin restaurants in the Captial. Given the cooking level, along with the decor and service, The Game Bird really deserves a Michelin star itself and I would love to return in the near future to sample its Sunday lunch, and I am sure it would be pretty special too.



Food 4/5


Average cost without drinks and services:
£60

The Stafford London, 16-18 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NJ

https://thestaffordlondon.com/the-game-bird/