The latest addition to the family that includes The Orange, The Pantechnicon and The Thomas Cubitt, all in SW1, is ‘Portman Village’s new neighbourhood public house and hotel.’ Portman Village, the ludicrous handle conceived by those who would land ancient London districts (Marylebone) with names more appropriate to mock Georgian housing estates on the outskirts of some dreary Surrey bourg. Kerbside, TGG looks not unlike the sort of establishment you’d find on a small French town’s rue principale, but the bleached wood, bourgeois countrified interior - roomy enough for a herd of grazing goats - looks more like something in Canada circa 2000, perfecto for Mr. Smallbone of Devizes, a commuting accountant who secretly harbours a desire to break free of his Wiltshire 7 to 7 and become a lumberjack. It's the sort of 'funky' place Zoe Wanamaker might take her TV family when they hit the John Lewis sale in search of new goose down duvets and an-teak coffee table for the home extension..sorry, I mean 'conservatory'. Zo/ Susan could choose from two dozen doable wines by the glass from a strong list from £18, or if she's feeling bold, £8.50 cocktails daiquiri royale and billy goat (vodka, grapefruit juice, basil & raspberry puree). Robert Lindsay/ Ben gets a superior beer offer that includes Badger Dandelion organic (pricey at £7.50).The food offer runs to bistrot staples such as steak tartare, potted crab, oysters, burger (£13.50), a range of surf and trurf from the rotisserie and grill and crumble, tarts and cheesecake after which, one of the Goat’s eight ensuite rooms, scheduled for Feb 2011, might seem like a good move.
6 New Quebec Street W1H 7RQ 7724 7243 www.cubitthouse.co.uk
Adapted from my review at www.squaremeal.co.uk
