Jermyn Street, London, 2022: In 1742 the German-born George II was King, Sir Robert Walpole resigned as prime minister after 21 years in power, and Handel’s ‘Messiah’ had its first performance in Dublin. In London, George William Wilton set up a stall selling oysters, shrimps and cockles close to Haymarket. This year, its descendant Wiltons restaurant celebrates its 280th anniversary as London’s favourite fine dining establishment.
George Wilton could not have known how the original Oyster Rooms would survive and thrive for the next 280 years. After several moves, Wiltons became a restaurant in 1840 and finally settled in Jermyn Street in 1984, in the heart of London’s St James’s. Unchanging but moving in sync with the times, Wiltons remains the purveyor of the finest British food and the choicest wines from around the world. A sophisticated and serene time capsule that caters to the most discerning palates, its menu features classic fish and meat dishes; from prawns and potted shrimp, turbot, lobster, and Dover sole, to seasonal game, lamb chops and beef fillet, every dish is a delight to the eyes and a feast for the soul.
Senior businessmen, cultural connoisseurs, lords and ladies, politicians and celebrities all know they have arrived when they step across the threshold to fill up the booths and tables each weekday and Saturday evenings. Cosy, comfortable, discreet, and expertly polished to a patina of perfection, Wiltons may be grand but it’s not showy. For some customers, it is their regular haunt, but even if it’s new to you, the superb service is the same for all.
For this anniversary celebration, a seven-course menu will be served from 1st July to the 31st of August (available for dinner only) at £280 per person, including wine, water, and service. Starting with a classic oyster dish referencing the original humble beginnings of Wiltons, smoked salmon and caviar is followed by lobster bisque and Dover sole, roast rack of lamb, peas and baby gem lettuce, green apple mousse, and a choice of strawberry souffle or ice cream for dessert. All courses are paired with delicious French and English wines.
“Our original Oyster Rooms, Wiltons direct ancestor, had been serving shellfish and oysters to customers for 34 years before America declared independence in 1776,” comments Jason Phillips, Director of Wilton’s Holdings. “We are delighted that our dedication to embodying the excellence of British dishes for the enjoyment of our customers has allowed us to prosper for the past 280 years. This is truly a magnificent achievement.
“We have deliberately changed subtly as styles of food and dress have relaxed somewhat. But Wilton’s will always be the place where gentlemen and ladies can enjoy good food, good wine, good service, and the utmost discretion. We hope to carry on with these splendid guiding principles for the next 280 years!” Enthuses Jason Phillips.
Located on London’s Jermyn Street, Wiltons exudes luxury and elegance, and is highly revered. Its illustrious history includes being awarded a royal warrant by Queen Victoria for supplying the monarch with oysters and since it was established in 1742, has held over six royal warrants. Oysters are an integral part of Wiltons history and today the restaurant is known for being a bastion of British food, serving oysters, seafood, fish, in-season game, and its daily carving trolley is a firm favourite amongst its guests.
For further information and images regarding Wiltons, media can contact Li Boatwright at Storrington PR: li@storringtonpr.com or telephone +44 (0)344 736 4106
