Primely located in the heart of Theatreland, Tredwells offers affordable luxury in a relaxed casual dining setting. Food leans towards the hearty, classic British end of the spectrum with dishes made unique through the inclusion of flavours and ingredients from all over the world.
Opening in 2014, Tredwells is a beloved London restaurant owned by chef patron Chantelle Nicholson. Enjoying plum position in the heart of London’s Theatreland – the Cambridge Theatre is a two minute walk, while the Prince of Wales and Royal Opera House take just seven minutes to get to on foot – Tredwells is a more relaxed dining experience, with a number of tables specifically reserved for walk-in diners.
Chantelle puts a real focus on sustainability in her cooking, ensuring all fish and seafood is MSC certified and local ingredients (such as grains and pulses from East Anglia's Hodmedods) take centre stage. The plant-based options offer some of the finest vegan and vegetarian food in London.
Dishes are for the most part robust, with many traditional British comfort foods given a glamorous update – think Truffled macaroni cheese and Gin and tonic cheesecake. It is not simply classic British fare, though. The restaurant’s own descriptive tag is ‘modern London cooking’, and the menu delivers exactly this; like London itself, dishes are significantly improved by a variety of influences from other cultures. A swede cake is served with smacked cucumber, kimchi and cashew, Saddleback Lake District pork belly with masala and badger peas, while Creedy Carver duck breast with cauliflower, Gordal olives and tatsoi, and 'Chouxnut' with baked apple, clotted cream and candied walnuts are among some of the other highlights.
Indeed, like the food the cocktails, too, are innovative twists on old favourites. The New Fashioned is rye whiskey mixed with bitters and marmalade, while a Down the Apples & Pears is a refreshing mix of vodka, apple, pear and thyme. The cocktail list was devised by bar manager Callum Leslie, alongside the general manager, Dav Eames, and is constantly evolving.
Despite the menu’s premium twist Tredwells is exceedingly affordable, with a reasonably priced pre-theatre express menu and a ‘junior menu’ for children. Set across three floors, the venue is airy and spacious, with plenty of natural light playing against the somewhat New York-influenced dark wood and dark green of the interiors. Already famous and hanging impressively along one wall is the vast Tredwells clock made out of vintage knives - helping not only to add to the stylish surroundings, but also no doubt ensuring its pre-theatre diners make their shows on time.
4A Upper St Martin's Lane, London, WC2H 9NY