Pitcher And Piano, W1D 3SE
- 020 74343585
- 69-70 Dean Street, London (map of this place)
- W1D 3SE
Pitcher and Piano have always fallen into the 'Chain Wine Bar' category of watering hole in my book and thus I have not often had reason to visit them. However on this occasion I was most suprised by what I encountered.
This branch had just reopened following some serious renovations and I was most impressed with the improvements they had made over other branches I have visited. The decor is modern, muted tones with plenty of space and a variety of seating for small or large groups, dining or otherwise. I'm not sure if these changes are a trend across the chain or a special one-off for Soho but all things considered they are a marked improvement on the norm for the group. Needless to say they have moved a step beyond average Slug and Lettuce or All Bar One.
Whilst not being cheap the food was rather good, with the selection being more of the Gastropub than the chain bar I was expecting. I had the Wild Boar with Coriander (12.95, not far from a mild curry sauce really but quite tasty and rich) and my companions a Beef and Mushroom Pie (9.50, too much gravy but tender steak chunks and a full flavour) and a P&P Italian Burger (8.95, with mozerella and tomato. Substantial but didn't look too inspiring). All this was accompanied by a couple of bottles of nice Rioja (16.95, Oderra Reserva 1998 - a mellow flavour with a full and warming finish).
The service was perhaps a little pushy but attentive (overly so really, they seemed overstaffed for a relativly quiet lunchtime, but I'm guessing this is because they had the top brass being entertained in the upstairs function room, or so it seemed) Overall a most enjoyable experience, but I'm not sure I would have felt the same had I been paying for it.