Destination dining: Brasserie Zédel, London

Part of the expansive menu at Brasserie Zédel. Photo / Facebook

Brasserie Zedel

20 Sherwood St, Soho, London

We arrived… early on a Saturday evening to have a look at the stunning art deco dining hall, which has been designed to mirror the grand dining rooms of Paris in the 1930s. We cheekily asked whether there might be a table available and were told to return in two hours. Given it was only 6pm, this worked perfectly. We headed back out into Soho for a couple of drinks before returning later.

We chose here because… we'd heard the space was something special to see and it really was. The prices are very reasonable – in line with far London's various chain bistros and brasseries, which don't share the same impressive setting.

The interior of Brasserie Zédel. Photo / Facebook

Our first impression was… wow. It is vast and every bit as impressive as you might expect – complete with giant crystal chandeliers and gilt-edged marble columns. The dining room can fit more than 200 diners and is absolutely buzzing. But the service is swift and well-organised. We returned just before 8pm and were taken to the opulent Bar Americain next door for an aperitif, before our table became available about 15 minutes later.

We started with… fresh baguette was placed on the table while we perused the menu, which is authentically Parisian (ie it was in French with limited English translations). We started with an endive and roquefort salad, followed by fish for the boys (roast cod and fillet of salmon) while I opted for spatchcock in garlic butter. All were well- seasoned and well-cooked.

The highlight was… just being in the room. Even Londoners find the size and scale of the grand hall impressive and it's something that could never be sustained in New Zealand.

One of the dishes on offer at Brasserie Zédel. Photo / Facebook

Dessert was… more than we could manage but the menu was extensive, featuring all the French classics including Tarte Tatin, mousse au chocolat, creme brulee, profiteroles and more.

Come here if… you want to enter another world for a night. The food is nothing exceptional – although perfectly well-cooked and tasty. But the decor and diverse clientele are a feast for the eyes.

The bill… was just over GBP155 for three mains, a bottle of Cotes du Rhone and three French 65s from the bar earlier. A service charge of 20 per cent was included, which is pricey by London standards, where 12.5 per cent is the norm.