Step into The Good Front Room at The Langham with Laura Bartlett, where the rich tapestry of Caribbean flavours intertwines with the visual symphony of stunning artwork, creating an immersive dining experience in the grandeur of Palm Court.
As I stepped into The Good Front Room at The Langham, London, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The restaurant, born out of Chef Dom Taylor’s triumph on Channel 4’s Five Star Kitchen, embodies the warmth and cherished memories of his great-aunt Myrtle’s home, particularly the sacred space known as The Good Front Room.
It’s a culinary journey that transcends mere dining; it’s an invitation to relive cherished childhood memories through the lens of Caribbean flavours and traditions.
Chef Dom Taylor: A Passionate Advocate for Caribbean Cuisine
Chef Dom Taylor, a South East London-based freelance chef, is on a mission to redefine and elevate Caribbean cookery. His classical training, coupled with a deep love for Caribbean food rooted in family traditions, culminated in the birth of The Good Front Room. Winning Channel 4 and Netflix’s Five Star Kitchen, judged by renowned culinary director Michel Roux Jr., was the catalyst for Chef Dom to bring his vision to life at The Langham’s Palm Court.
A Culinary Playground in Palm Court
The Good Front Room takes over the grandeur of Palm Court, an old-school big hotel dining room, transformed by Chef Dom Taylor and his team for evening dining.
The artwork, carefully curated to complement the essence of The Good Front Room, showcases portraits of black women in various forms. These paintings, with their bold strokes and vivid colours, pay homage to the diversity and richness of Caribbean culture. Each stroke seems to echo the resilience and grace that characterise the women portrayed, mirroring the spirit of the Caribbean itself.
These representations not only serve as a form of artistic expression but also contribute to the overarching narrative of the restaurant. Chef Dom Taylor’s dedication to recreating, modernising, and revitalising Caribbean cookery extends beyond the plate and embraces the visual arts as well.
The contrast between the contemporary artwork and the traditional setting of Palm Court is deliberate, creating a dynamic and intriguing atmosphere. The juxtaposition of sleek, modern portrayals against the ornate backdrop of the historic hotel elevates the dining experience to a multi-sensory celebration.
A Symphony of Flavours: The Menu
Chef Dom’s culinary prowess is showcased in the three-course menu priced at £75, featuring four choices for each course. The journey begins with a generous bowl of plantain crisps, setting the tone for the bold and flavourful dishes to follow.
Accompanying the main course are sides that surprise and delight, including maple, coriander, and lime glazed plantain; rice and peas with black eye beans and coconut basmati rice; okra and fennel slaw with dairy-free yogurt and lemon; and green banana gratin with garlic, nutmeg cream, and herb crumb.
Libations: A Caribbean-Inspired Cocktail Affair
The cocktail list, priced at £19, features enticing options like the Palm Court Sour and Chef Dom’s Punch. However, for a truly exceptional pre or post-dinner drink experience, Artesian, within The Langham, boasts a remarkable selection.
A Fresh Take on Caribbean Cuisine: Overall Impressions
As someone intimately connected to Caribbean heritage, being half-Caribbean has infused my life with the vibrant and soulful flavours that Chef Dom Taylor passionately brings to life at The Good Front Room. Growing up, the kitchen was a place of familial warmth, where aunties skilfully crafted the very dishes that now grace Chef Dom’s menu.
While my personal taste preferences might not align perfectly with every flavour on the plates, witnessing Chef Dom championing Caribbean cuisine at The Langham is a celebration in itself.
The prospect of The Good Front Room becoming a permanent fixture holds promise for a continued spotlight on the rich culinary tapestry of the Caribbean, a prospect that I, as someone with a personal connection to the culture, wholeheartedly embrace.
The Good Front Room at The Langham, London, not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the soul through a sensory journey that is as much about the eyes as it is about the taste buds.
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