I’ll be honest, when I first heard that Gordon Ramsay was bringing Hell’s Kitchen to London, I assumed it was clickbait. A flashy spin-off of a reality show didn’t exactly scream fine dining. But stepping inside Hell’s Kitchen at The Cumberland Hotel completely changed my mind.
A Luxurious Setting with Precision Service
The space is lush and dramatic, drenched in black and red tones that feel more luxury than gimmick. I was seated at the Chef’s Table, with a front-row view of the open kitchen. Chefs dressed in the iconic red and blue uniforms from the Hell's Kitchen TV show moved with precision rather than chaos. There’s no shouting or drama here, just a calm, controlled energy as dishes are carefully prepared. It felt like watching a performance, led by Chef Kyle Lewis.
Starters That Set the Bar High
For starters, I finally tried Ramsay’s famous seared scallops, and they lived up to everything I’d imagined. Served with pea purée, braised bacon, pickled fennel and chicken jus, it was easily my favourite dish of the night. The oysters were just as memorable, arriving with a theatrical touch of smoke.
The Beef Wellington: Flawless Execution
For mains, I had to go for the Beef Wellington - the dish Ramsay is known for. I’d heard mixed reviews about it in other London locations, but this version was faultless. The medium-rare beef was perfectly cooked, wrapped in a soft, golden pastry that complemented it rather than overpowering it. Paired with potato purée and glazed root vegetables, it was rich without being too heavy. And honestly, don’t even think about asking for it more cooked. The chef knows exactly what they’re doing, and this dish proves why.
Lobster Risotto and Other Highlights
I also tried the lobster risotto, which was beautifully balanced. The rice was cooked just right, and with fresh buttered lobster, it’s hard to go wrong.
Desserts That Steal the Show
Dessert is where things really peaked for me. The sticky toffee pudding was, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever had. Warm, indulgent and drenched in thick toffee cream, it came with a dulce de leche ice cream that took it to another level. If you want something lighter, the coconut “three ways” dessert is just as impressive. With mango and lime gelée, smoked coconut parfait and a dark chocolate shell filled with coconut cake, it’s as creative as it is delicious.
Drinks and Tasting Menu
Even the drinks menu holds its own against the food. Twists on classics like a coconut and basil mojito or the smoked penicillin - with honey, ginger, lemon and whisky - feel thoughtful rather than overdone. The restaurant also offers a five-course tasting menu, showcasing both Ramsay’s classics and dishes created specifically for London. It’s clear this isn’t just a copy-and-paste version of the brand.
A Concept Designed for London
This opening marks the UK arrival of one of Ramsay’s most recognisable restaurant concepts, already established in places like Las Vegas, Miami and Ibiza. And it feels like it’s been designed to impress London diners, not tourists.
You can find Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen inside The Cumberland Hotel, at Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, W1H 7DL. It’s open every day from 12 to 11 pm.
