After a notable absence on the scene following Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing’s high profile rift, the wait is over and Petrus has returned with a very tasty identity all its own.
Although a huge contrast from the previous incarnations at The Berkeley and St James, the interior certainly gives the room a distinct look while the gorgeous wine cellar in the centre of the room adds a sophisticated edge with the promise of many a sweet sipping to come.
The menu is highly original. Starting out with pressed foie gras with confit and smoked duck really opened up the taste buds for the pear carpaccio and cardamom caramel – deliciously rich and smooth with a sublimely fresh aftertaste. Then came the roast lobster tail with braised pork belly, baby gem lettuce and cider sauce, quite outstanding on anyone’s palette. The bitter chocolate beer parfait and puffed wheat was a superbly refreshing finish, though spoiled somewhat by my guests choice – chocolate sphere with milk ice cream and honeycomb – so decadently tempting that I couldn’t help feeling jealous.
Unable to sample the house vintage this time round, we had built up enough thirst to taste a satisfying array of wines with a boatload of super-expressive flavours. Service was remarkably smooth for the first night and applauds go to director Jean-Philippe for keeping tabs on my Visa. A set price of GBP 55 per head for three courses will ensure that the crowds keep flocking to Petrus.
For more information, please see www.gordonramsay.com/petrus.
