Lunch in a marquee at Gray’s Inn Gardens, Holborn

Yesterday I met a business colleague for lunch in Holborn – which, for those in the know, would probably earn the title “Lawyer Land” although the property folk amongst you label it Midtown. There’s plenty of good places to go for lunch, but we were in for a special and rare treat.

Gray’s Inn has been home to lawyers since before 1388 AD and is one of the four Inns of Court responsible for the education of barristers. And you can see them all walking about the area – they’re the ones with large, heavy bags, dark suits and a stressed (the young ones) or serious (the old ones) look about them. And in the centre is one of London’s largest private gardens.

Anyway, when there is sunshine (which isn’t very often I admit) it is nice to take some time out from the office and sit in the green, leafy spaces in this gorgeous garden. Gray’s Inn Garden is tucked behind High Holborn. The gates are unlocked during the lunchtime and the office workers take over while the squirrels look on.

For four weeks each summer there is a marquee erected – until 28th July. And anyone can arrange to have lunch there. The weather yesterday meant that the sides of the marquee were down – which was a shame, but on better days the sides are open and it is like dining out on the grass. Lovely.

Anyway, we both choose the mackerel for our starter. It was nice rather than exciting presentation but the mackerel was firm and solidly fishy. It was accompanied by baby artichoke, watercress and quails egg salad. Perfect for a nearly-summer’s day. My colleague then opted for the pan fried fillet of sea bream which he said was first rate. It arrived with some Jersey royals, grilled English asparagus and Hollandaise sauce. I chose the English asparagus and crispy shallot risotto with shaved Pecorino. This was really tasty although it looked a little pale on my plate.

We weren’t able to linger long as the afternoon’s business agenda was tight. But the quietly efficient staff ensured that we were all done within the hour without making it feel rushed. With two courses for £15.50 the value wasn’t bad either.

But what a nice way to take a little time out of the day to enjoy some greenery in the very heart of London.