The Glorious Twelfth (12th August), marks the start of the red grouse shooting season across England and Scotland. Here are some top spots to shoot for.
Grouse at Wiltons
Located in the heart of St James’s, Wiltons is one of London’s oldest restaurants and is renowned for its classic British cuisine and exceptional game offering.
Wiltons’ annual game season sees the return of its much-loved grouse, sourced from the shoots at Bolton Abbey Estate on the Barden Moors and traditionally prepared à l’Anglaise – a classic British style of serving the bird and a longstanding signature of the restaurant’s game offering.
Seasonal highlights include:
- Grouse à l’Anglaise
- Venison braise and venison saddle with wild mushroom gratin
- Grey and red leg partridge
- Mallard and widgeon
- Woodcock and snipe
- Pheasant
Wine pairing: A Pinot Noir is recommended alongside the game menu, such as “Saint Georges” Pinot Noir Old Vines, Birichino, Santa Cruz.
55 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6LX
Game Season at Franco’s
Franco’s brings an Italian interpretation to the game season, showcasing the finest British produce with Mediterranean flair.
Celebrating Britain’s seasonal game through an Italian lens, Franco’s showcases British game sourced, where possible, from local suppliers, particularly Scotland, paired with comforting Italian flavours.
Seasonal highlights include:
- Venison with creamy polenta and wild mushrooms
- Pheasant ravioli with rosemary butter sauce
- Wild boar strozzapreti
Wine pairing: Keramos Cannonau, recommended alongside the venison and wild boar dishes.
61 Jermyn Street St. James’s, London SW1Y 6LX
Seasonal Game at Julie’s
Julie’s in Holland Park celebrates the game season with a selection of seasonal specials, showcasing the best of British produce in the restaurant’s signature style.
Seasonal highlights include a Venison Schnitzel Holstein and a comforting Pheasant and Barley Broth, celebrating the rich flavours of the season with refined yet hearty cooking.
Perfectly paired with Julie’s carefully curated wine list, these limited-time dishes offer a delicious way to enjoy Britain’s seasonal game in the elegant surroundings of Holland Park’s favourite neighbourhood restaurant.
135 Portland Rd, W11 4LW
Game Season at Tresind Mayfair
This game season, Tresind Mayfair is introducing a new tasting menu course celebrating wild game with its Confit Wild Duck, Saag & Corn Waffle. Inspired by the classic North Indian pairing of Sarson Ka Saag & Makki Di Roti, the dish reimagines the much-loved comfort food in Tresind’s signature contemporary style. Slow-confit wild duck leg is served with silky, spiced saag and a warm, savoury corn waffle, finished with crispy spinach, watermelon radish and fresh herbs to create a balance of earthy, savoury flavours and subtle sweetness.
As the restaurant exclusively offers a tasting menu, the dish will feature as part of the upcoming menu, while during the peak game season in late September and October, guests can also look forward to a rotating Special of the Week showcasing the finest seasonal game.
13-14 Hanover St, London W1S 1YH, United Kingdom
Game at the Cinnamon Club
From wild grouse and venison to mallard and teal, the restaurant will once again celebrate Britain’s exceptional game with a series of limited-edition dishes throughout the season.
Experience arotating selection of game specials, to showcase the very best of what’s in season. This includes clove-smoked grouse breast, served with chickpea bread and Rajasthani tarka dal, before moving through dishes such as mallard with tawa mince and mango; teal breast with sesame tamarind chutney and pickled vegetables; and venison with pickling spices.
Book your table now at: cinnamonclub.com.