Simpsons in the Strand — Review by Eating With Tod
London, United Kingdom — British
Simpsons in the Strand is a legendary 1828-established British restaurant famous for its tableside beef trolley service. The roast beef is exceptional - tender with a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with gravy and horseradish cream, though the desserts fail to impress. This is a must-visit for roast beef enthusiasts despite the high price point.
What was great: Exceptional roast beef with smoky flavor, tender and perfectly sliced from the famous beef trolley, excellent gravy and horseradish cream, quality trimmings including Yorkshire pudding, prawn cocktail, and the historic tableside beef carving experience with attentive service
What could improve: Scallops were too small despite good sauce, desserts were disappointing and overpriced at £25 with dry texture and unclear ingredients
The Dishes
The meal began with scallops at £10 each, which were admittedly tiny despite having a delicious sauce that warranted bigger portions. The prawn cocktail, however, was described as stupendous and a standout first course. The main event is the famous roast beef trolley service at £40 per person. The roast beef itself was exceptional - tender with a remarkable smoky flavor that elevated the entire experience. Combined with rich gravy and horseradish cream, it created a memorable bite. The trimmings were equally impressive, featuring carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and a perfectly cooked Yorkshire pudding. The restaurant even offers an extra slice of beef to those who finish their plate. Unfortunately, the dessert selection did not match the quality of the savory courses. The pudding and bouch cost £25 but arrived dry with unclear ingredients and lacked the expected cream, leaving the reviewer questioning its value.
The Experience
The atmosphere and service are integral to the Simpsons experience. The waiter carving beef at the tableside has been performing this role since 2006 and brings genuine warmth and enthusiasm to the service. The historic tradition of the beef trolley, invented by the restaurant in 1828, remains the centerpiece of the dining experience. The waiter's passion and expertise in slicing and presenting the beef elevated the meal beyond just food into a theatrical dining event.
Value & Pricing
The main roast at £40 per person represents premium pricing but delivers exceptional value given the quality of the beef and the experience. However, the dessert at £25 felt overpriced for what was delivered, lacking the quality and substance of the savory courses. The scallops at £10 each were also somewhat underwhelming in size relative to their cost. Overall, come for the beef and trimmings, which justify the expense, but skip the desserts.
Notable Moments
The roast beef was one of the best slices of roast beef I've ever put in my mouth. It was so tender, but that smoky flavor just did things to me that shouldn't be done.
This is the best day ever.
The Verdict
Simpsons in the Strand is an absolute must-visit for roast beef enthusiasts and anyone interested in British culinary history. The tableside beef trolley experience, combined with genuinely outstanding roast beef and trimmings, makes this a special dining occasion. While the desserts are disappointing and the overall bill is substantial, the quality of the main course and the historic experience justify the price. This restaurant is best suited for those who appreciate classic British cuisine and are willing to invest in a premium dining experience centered around beef rather than a multi-course culinary journey.