Willett's Bistro Review: Can You Really Find Casual Michelin-Style British Dining in SW1X?
- GirlWellTravelled
- Apr 14
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Is it possible to find decidedly British, Michelin-styled but casual dining in SW1X, London? The answer is a resounding yes at Willett's Bistro.
Willett's at The Cadogan, Belgravia
In Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Chelsea, where upscale dining and high-end restaurants (the likes of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Brooklands by Claude Bosi) dominate, there's cause for celebration. That is the recently opened Willett's, which has sidled in to balance the dining scene with its very British and neighbourly vibe. That's despite residing in a Belmond property. Plus, there isn't a white tablecloth in sight. Accessed from its dedicated entrance on Sloane Street, you'd be forgiven for not realising you're inside a hotel.
From street level, you enter into its Bistro Bar to a Sloane Square sprightly crowd. Though you can dine on the same menu in the bar area, if you're preference is for a more relaxed setting book for restaurant dining. You'd be shown to a table past the open kitchen and into a main dining area. As it is set away from the lively bar, the restaurant is where you'd want to be for a quieter meal.
Expect a very pleasing on the eye, light and spacious venue. Tables of two and four and a few snug booths further in the back, seats just over forty diners at any given time. The space is divided in its layout and so never felt crowded. Instead, we felt encouraged to dally a little longer at our table's position next to a fireplace. The fireplace seating chosen for aesthetics, except having looked through my photo gallery, I see I made little use of this set up. However, the little porcelain bowls of salt and pepper on the tables are an intriguing addition.
This Sloane Street Bistro, additionally gets a lot of love from me for its original herringbone flooring and the varying shades of green around the room.
Mid-afternoon, we catch the back end of the lunchtime rush. After settling in, we share our menu preference with Chandra. She's got a readily approachable demeanour. Stayed personable throughout the meal.
While we wait, a tray that would make any anglophile happy makes its way to another table. Fish (the golden, batter-crisp kind) and chips. And while we eye the plates we didn't order, our servers bring us a little surprise. That of a Brit’s welcome. The best way Brits know how. Tea and bourbon to play tricks on our sense of smell and taste. The tea is mushroom soup. And the bourbon? An intensely savoury biscuit of caramelised sweet onion and thyme. I'd happily have a few more of those to snack on.
The Menu: Modern British Classics with a Michelin Touch
Like the aesthetics, I find the menu unfussy. Aficionados on the classical British cooking scene may recognise the name here. Willett's Bistro is headed by a chef whose background is of a Michelin Plate recipient. Executive Chef Michael Turner is the director of operations at Willett's Bistro. He's been focusing on consistency, regional authenticity and high-quality dining for a long time. And with that comes an expectation. That of refined British food.
What We Ordered: Chicken Pie and Seabream
The à la carte menu, is uncomplicated. A starter section of seven choices, the mains another seven and a selection of up to five side dishes.
We went with the intensely flavourful Sutton Hoo raised chicken cooked with earthy morels for a meaty filling. It's wrapped in buttery pastry and baked to a crisp golden finish. Served on a bed of mashed potatoes with a rich pouring gravy, it was satisfyingly hearty and comforting.
As well as the à la carte menu, there's the two and three-course set menu available throughout the week. Went for the gloriously grilled seabream paired beautifully with a heady langoustine bisque, sea vegetables and Jersey Royals. That's on the must have again. Although the fish portion is large and we devoured a side of spring tomatoes with extra-virgin Shropshire rapeseed oil, I'll add a side of potatoes next time. You'll want them to mop up the bisque.
The Puddings Menu
When it comes to puddings, the menu stays nostalgically British. We went for the sharp with the sweet: lemon posset and raspberry sorbet. So moreish.
Alongside this we opted for another British favourite, rice pudding topped with a crunchy caramelised brown sugar. I will admit I underestimated this dish, so much so, that by the time I realised we'd not taken a photo, it was finished. This dish is the hybrid for lovers of rice pudding and the sugary-crispy-crunchy of a creme brulee. Both dishes beautifully portioned.
Willett's Dessert Drawer
And you may well have seen Willett's social media posts where everyone is talking about... the drawer. These came out of the drawer. The good news is, they'll let you have one of each. So delight your sweet tooth.
Compared to the food menu, the wine list is extensive. The usual reds, whites and roses but feel free to check out the orange wines also. There's Louis Roederer 'Cristal Vinothèque' Rosé - 1996 for that very special occasion.
Wine by the glass, half bottle or magnum. Wines from France, Canada and Peru. And that's all before the impressive wine and sparkling wine selection from around the UK.
We stayed British with two cocktails off Willett's signature cocktail menu. Surrey Spring (the non-alcoholic version). Willett's subtle honey notes shines alongside lavender that basked in some of Surrey's fifteen hundred hours of sunshine, now turned cordial.
Outdoor Terrace & Neighbourhood Appeal
Come summer, take a seat on the street-side terrace and settle into some leisurely people-watching along Sloane Street. If I worked nearby, Willett’s would easily become my go-to for a post-work wind-down. Its easy charm carries through the experience.
Expect culinary artistry expertly executed across your breakfasts, lunches and Sunday roasts from menus celebrating the best of the seasonal British produce.
Willett's Bistro is a bright, neat space with a langoustine bisque and bourbon biscuit I am yet to stop thinking about. This Sloane Street restaurant carries that refined tavern feel, where locals, hotel guests and visitors alike readily blend in. A delightful little paradox. You're savouring dishes that could grace any fine-dining table, yet you'll feel utterly at ease. Perhaps, even tempted to linger with another glass of wine.
With Executive Chef Turner at the helm, this establishment is on its way to becoming a true neighbourhood hangout. And in time, earn itself a Michelin Plate.
Cuisine: Modern British
Style: Casual Michelin-style dining
Good for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Roasts, post-work drinks at the bar
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 07:00 - 22:30
📍75 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9SG
