A hive of trendy action, Penelope’s of the AMANO Covent Garden hotel is serving up cuisine with blended Israeli meets Spanish influences, served with a bite of friendly entertainment alongside
Located in Covent Garden (making it ideal for a pre-theatre meal) Penelope’s seems built for the fun lovers from the moment I step over its glamorous threshold. The menu merges flavours of Spain and Israel whilst the decor mingles lavish interiors and beautiful artwork with regular DJ sets and ample space for up 150 guests.
I find my hand shaken by three separate people before I’ve even ordered a cocktail, which seems to be a regular fixture of Penelope’s – it’s easy to notice many guests are on friendly terms with the staff here. Welcoming and only too happy to assist, the team seem to take great care in every detail – without hurrying you along or creating any flurried demand to finish your food. Split into different sections of small, large and dishes to share, the menu features a wide variety of options – especially for carnivores and seafood aficionados. From the walls to the edible options, the sense of decadence at Penelope’s is impossible to miss.
I’m joined by a friend who likes the art of chatting as much as I do, and we spend hours catching up over the dishes without any sense of feeling like we’ve overstayed our welcome. If you like a long, lingering meal – this one’s for you.
What We Ate
For starters: Israeli Mezze (£12.00) + Roasted Israeli Aubergine (£11.00)
Served on elongated plate, the combination of fluffy Taboon Bread with three separate small pots of Green Harissa, Whipped Cod‘s Roe and Tomato Salsa Spicy Yoghurt is ideal for sharing, especially for those partial to a flavoursome dip. The bejewelled aubergine meanwhile, features Pomegrante Pico de Gallo and a sweet Date Glaze for a bite of Unami goodness.
For mains: Israeli Style Paella (£35.00)
At £35.00pp (for the seafood fans) and £25.00 (for the vegetarians), this dish might not be the most wallet-friendly option but it’s perfect for fans of unique takes on a classic. The vegetarian version features Artichoke, Freekeh and Sun-dried Tomato, the latter of which offers the ultimate dose of saltiness with plump dried tomatoes scattered across the dish. With a large portion, this is veggie comfort food at its finest.
For dessert:
We’re both too full for pudding, so we order hot drinks to sip whilst we continue our catch up marathon. Before we leave however, our host subtly drops two paper bags on the table containing two separate slabs of Baklava Cheesecake (£12.00) to try at home. My jeans stretch at the very thought, but I snatch the bag faster than you can say ‘morning spin class’ regardless. The next day, I dig a spoon (and then several more) into the creamy fragrant filling and savour the sweet pistachio base like a woman who’s never experienced dessert before.
The Wordrobe Verdict
If Penelope is a name that translates from Greek to ‘weaver’, then this is a thread I’ve like to unravel again. Ideal for an evening of dressing up and gorging on the art of all things glamorous, try this Israeli meets Spanish restaurant next time you’re looking for a delicious haute spot.
Make it happen
Where: Drury House, 34-43 Russell St, London WC2B 5HA
How: Find out more and make a booking via amanogroup.de
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
