Silk

Tucked away in an elegant dining room just off the hotel lobby, the 2009 Michelinrecommended Silk restaurant is the culinary and architectural focal point of the Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton, boasting a history as rich and colourful as its exotic menu. The combination of Silk's classic courtroom setting and innovative Asian-fusion cuisine creates a fine-dining experience with unique appeal, quite unlike any other venue in central London in terms of ambience. Lit by a stunning vaulted glass ceiling and framed in English Oak panelling, the vibrant eatery features the original judge's bench, dock and witness stand from its days as the Great Marlborough Street Magistrate's Court, which witnessed the trials of Oscar Wilde, Mick Jagger and John Lennon. Now a destination for more culinary pursuits, the restaurant's past has been superbly incorporated to create a charming, romantic dining venue. Sampling flavours from the ancient Oriental trade pathways, diners take a culinary journey down the historic 'Silk Route', with seasonally inspired menus of locally and internationally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared by head chef Rajesh Parmar and his talented team. Harking back to the days when spices were traded as precious commodities across the subcontinent and beyond, dishes are infused with the treasured tastes of the East, focusing on Chinese, Indian and Thai accents paired to create arresting flavour compositions. Signature dishes include scallops seasoned with kaffir lime leaf on strawberry salsa and refreshing chilli with cilantro coconut froth; a delicious interpretation of jungli maas, comprised of tender Kentish roe deer, chilli paste, coriander seeds and smoked vegetable salad; and the pla yang krachai - sea bream fillets with fresh red chilli krachai (lesser ginger) and garlic. As the menu is re-worked two to three times a year, the flavours and themes are constantly fresh and exciting, promising a sensational dining experience on every occasion. Diners have the option of à la carte cuisine, a threecourse set menu ideal for pre and post-theatre meals, or a range of enticing degustation menus ranging from three to five courses, which must be booked in advance. Silk is a magnificent venue for civil wedding ceremonies and reception dinners, offering an intimate antique setting for the exchanging of vows, whether by daylight or candlelight, and stylish private functions and events can also be accommodated. As a special offer for all Food & Drink Guide 2010 readers, Silk is offering a free dessert sampler platter with every two-course meal ordered - please quote the Food & Drink Guide when booking to take advantage of this