In the historic heart of Westminster, the Great Scotland Yard Hotel offers an unparalleled and unforgettable gastronomic experience. Beginning with a Scandinavian-inspired tasting menu at Ekstedt at The Yard, and concluding with the taste of innovative and creative cocktails to the sound of live jazz at the hidden-away Síbín Speakeasy.
Ekstedt at The Yard: A Smoky Luxurious Culinary Experience
Chef Niklas Ekstedt, the multi-award-winning, Michelin-starred chef, curated an intrinsic menu prepared over open flames. Each element of the tasting menu we experienced involved the flame in some way, from the smoke to add flavour through to the beautiful flames for cooking. Even when the meat was resting, it was resting above some of the flames and fire, devouring all that flavour. In a seamless mix of the open-fire techniques he brought over from Stockholm to London with the finest seasonal British produce, Ekstedt at The Yard is a world-class dinner experience using the finest ingredients.
The tasting menu Immersive Journey to Scandinavia at Ekstedt at The Yard is a masterfully curated six-course experience of “snacks from the fire”. The journey begins with a flambadou oyster, slowly cooked by the open fire and delicately paired with smoked apple and beurre blanc.
The oceanic theme continues with the mouth-watering Cornish fish, served with smoked Jerusalem artichoke purée and creatively enriched by a fermented cucumber vinaigrette. This dish creates an exquisite balance of land and sea flavours that forms an explosion of flavour. A stunning loaf of fire-finished bread also appears with a churned butter that ew finish instantly.
Following, the journey turns further into the tastes of the forest with the hay-smoked veal sweetbread. Served with a silky parsnip velouté and toasted buckwheat, the dish has both texture and warmth that adds to the experience. As the fire intensifies, the pine-smoked lamb has a chance to shine. Paired with fire-cooked aubergine purée and wild mushrooms, each bite encapsulates the unique and succulent flavours of the earth.
Dessert starts with the refreshing bay leaf ice cream, accompanied by fermented strawberries and honey mead that create a beautiful botanical twist. The meal ends with the cep mushroom soufflé, paired with woodruff and fresh blueberries.
This is a true journey of the senses. The Volcanic Wine Pairing is also a great choice, offering a carefully selected wine pairing that complements each plate, like the Etna Rosso and a stunning 2017 Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch.
Síbín Speakeasy: A Hidden World of Crafted Cocktails
After dinner, find your way into Síbín for an inventive cocktail menu, an impressive whisky collection, and live performances. Concealed behind a bookshelf within the hotel is Síbín: the perfect next stop for a night of style and elegance.
The cocktail list is inspired by clandestinity. It offers a collection of over 100 whiskies from around the world, including Japanese gems like Hakushu and the smoky Danish rye Stauning Kaos. The cocktail options are just as impressive, with classics that never go out of style and the bar’s latest menu, “Tales from a Speakeasy”, with creative and unexpected pairings. Each drink draws inspiration from the spirit of Sibin—secretive, forbidden, and exclusive—infusing classic foundations with creative flair. The Bootlegger contains a 10 to 1 Rhum agricole, Discarded Banana, apple, saffron, and Cadello, topped with the botanical touch of bitters. For a more floral option, The Nightcup features Sash & Fritz Vodka, bergamot, sakura, Eve, and Seedlip, creating a light and refreshing option.
Thursday and Friday Nights at Síbín: The Jazz Bar Retreat
Every Thursday and Friday evening, Síbín Speakeasy comes alive to the sound of live jazz that transforms the space into a vibrant and intimate lounge. It is a harmonious blend of music and mixology that creates a nostalgic yet refined atmosphere. With live performances by artists such as Faye Patton and Sergio Marciano, Síbín’s walls fill with rhythms that entice the soul.
The atmosphere only adds to the experience. With moody lighting and surrounded by curated artwork, including pieces from the likes of Alastair Mackie, Belinda Frikh, and Cornelia Parker RA, guests can sit back and relax. A cocktail in hand and amidst the sounds of warm melodies, the night will be as incredible as it is memorable.
Sunday Roast
On Sunday afternoons, Ekstedt at The Yard transforms the traditional British roast into an elegant Nordic-inspired experience with a modern twist. The experience begins with an enticing selection of starters, including birch-fired cured trout delicately paired with fennel and smoked cream. Another stand-out starter is the hay-smoked veal fillet served with pickled mushrooms and lingonberries, or the salted baked celeriac prepared with wild garlic capers and toasted buckwheat. Regardless of your choice, it will perfectly pair with the wood oven-baked sourdough bread with homemade butter that adds a final rustic touch to the experience.
A Blend of Fire, Flavour, and Jazz
A night at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel offers a curated journey through taste, tradition, and atmosphere that captivates the senses. With ancient cooking methods combined with modern culinary touches, Ekstedt at The Yard is a unique restaurant delivering the best of the best day in day out by Nicolò Piva and the brilliant team.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a place to celebrate, or simply a night to remember, a culinary night at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel is a brilliant experience hidden in the very middle of London.
To Discover More, visit Ekstedt at The Yard and Síbín Speakeasy
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All Imagery Courtesy of Great Scotland Yard Hotel.