What's for Lunch? Spice Market, W Hotel, Leicester Square

By tikichris Last edited 150 months ago
What's for Lunch? Spice Market, W Hotel, Leicester Square


Londonist asks that most pressing of daily concerns: where to go on your lunch break.

A recent invitation to check out swish and newish Spice Market located at the even swisher W Hotel presented an opportunity to ask our hosts “What's for lunch?” The answer: “a new Express Lunch menu.”

Spice Market's lunch items usually hover around the £10-13 price market, so their two courses for £16 or three for £18 express menu is a relative bargain. We tried salmon sashimi with warm crunchy rice, chipotle emulsion and spring onion starter followed by the grilled yellowfin tuna burger with shiso and citrus pickles. A few scoops of especially creamy coconut ice cream were selected for dessert. It was filling and satisfying to be sure but nothing really bowled us over with respect to spice and season. However, we were impressed by a passion chilli “house made” soda (£5) to wash it all down — a tart, fiery and far from ordinary soft drink.

Prices seem to reflect quality of ingredients, the restaurant's anchorage to its upscale hotel and commendably attentive service — including warm hand towels presented before dining and friendly interest in what we thought of our meal. The dining and bar area are dimly lit, lounge-y and lovely and would perhaps be more appreciated over an evening cocktail and dinner. Still, a steady flow of customers coming for lunch suggests Spice Market might be onto something with its “South East Asian-inspired lunch menu” in a swank setting.

Spice Market is located at the W London Hotel, 10 Wardour Street, W1D 6QF.

Photo/Chris Osburn

Londonist visited Spice Market upon invitation of the restaurant.

Last Updated 06 September 2011