The Franklin Restaurant a Michelin-starred Italian Gem, in the heart of Knightsbridge

Following the multi-million pound renovation of The Franklin Hotel, The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo was born a beautiful intimate restaurant filled with the timeless Gatsby-theme in all its splendour. A grand yet hidden restaurant in Knightsbridge overlooking Egerton Gardens, located in an intimate setting in the lap of luxury in overlooking. The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo menu has created inventive Italian recipes using premium ingredients and with the most stunning presentation is a breath-taking fine-dining experience. The Franklin Hotel is a very sophisticated hotel that screams opulence and elegance and the restaurant by the same name is located in this elegant Victorian building surrounded by the stunning Egerton Gardens. This beautiful luxury hotel provides the tenderness of a private residence with the flawless service of a five-star hotel.

The Franklin Restaurant is highly regarded due to its Michelin-Starred rating as a fine-dining destination. Guests will be swept off their feet with the breath-taking fine-dining experience, a perfect marriage of simple dishes with sophistication and top-grade seasonal ingredients. The Franklin Restaurant has seating for 30 guests, in an intimate space with a view of the garden, perfect for a birthday, engagement or baby shower. The décor features luxurious grey velvet, silk ikat-patterned furnishings, and a stunning Venetian mirror creating a theme of warm-heartedness elegantly created by celebrity interior designer Anouska Hempel.  Chef Alfredo is renowned for creating exciting personal interpretations of classic Italian dishes. Elegant, distinctly contemporary and artfully presented, his refined cuisine surprises diners with unusual flavour combinations that always ensure an unforgettable dining experience.

The Franklin Bar

The Franklin Bar is like a scene from the Great Gatsby 1920s, the elegant cocktail and champagne bar is adorned with glamorous mirrored walls – pure decadence, velvet covered bar stools and chairs with gold accents and glass. The Franklin Bar is a perfect place after a long day to relax whilst sipping on a classic or signature cocktail perfectly curated by highly skilled mixologists. The Franklin Bar menu of aperitif accompaniments is designed to excite the guests.

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The Franklin Restaurant Culinary Experience

The Franklin Restaurant is located in Knightsbridge sandwiched between Kensington, Belgravia, and Mayfair; this is one of the most exclusive parts of London. The Franklin Restaurant is in a boutique hotel with fine dining like no other! Hidden and intimate, sexy-sophisticated, contemporary and bursting with character! The décor is opulent and elegant, thank you, Anouska Hempel for injecting your style and character. The Franklin Restaurant’s décor is that of Italian velvets, grey scatter cushions with crisp white tablecloths, gold accents, tea lights, exclusive furnishings in grey tones and sophisticated decorative embellishments creating that wow factor. High ceilings, art deco style mirrors provide a backdrop of sheer elegance; you could spend the whole day dining – business meetings, liaison with friends and after a long week, late-night cocktails curated to perfection! It is the perfect spot to impress clients for a delicious lunch, dinner and drinks or maybe even to pop the question under the most romantic lighting. First impressions are a chilled, stylish and relaxed fine dining experience the perfect venue to spend time with friends over the most exciting cocktail and wine list in Knightsbridge.

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A friendly host who explained the dinner menu options in detail greeted us. We decided to go for the set evening three-course menu and with the recommended house wine. We were served customary bread with the most delicious butter –yummy! This got us ready for the delicious three-course meal ahead. The host then gave us recommendations for cocktails; I requested my favourite Martini-Watermelon made with vodka, watermelon and cordial rose vermouth perfect! Second choice – Bee’s Knees with gin, jasmine, lavender honey, and bergamot it was delicious. The wine choice was a bottle of Rose’ Marche Rosato – Marotti Campi from Italy.

The Chef sent out an Amuse Bouche to open our taste buds, absolutely delicious, very tasty. The starter choices were; Tortino di Melanzane – aubergine and cherry tomato tarte served on a Parmigiano biscuit with buffalo, mozzarella and fresh basil. Polpo Tiepido – slow-cooked octopus topped with Piedmont potato foam, capers, and olive powder-delicious. The main choices were; one vegetarian option, Risotto Oro e Zafferano – saffron and gold risotto a beautiful combination of flavour and textures. Filetto di Branzino – steamed sea bass with mixed tomatoes and red onion an explosion of flavours, it was truly amazing a real luxurious treat! The dessert choices were Cassata Sicilian a traditional Sicilian chocolate sponge cake with ricotta cheese, pistachio and citrus fruits, a little touch of heaven! Zuccotto al gusto di “Bicerin” Torinese – Turin traditional puff pastry with dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate ganache and light Chantilly cream, paradise on a plate! Did I forget to mention we popped over to The Franklin Bar as they insisted so how could we say no! Our cocktail treats were Espresso Martini, a recipe of vodka, cold brew coffee and Ambrato and French 75 – a perfect mix of gin, cherry shrub and champagne amazing! Such a great end to a fantastic meal.

The Franklin Restaurant and The Franklin Bar Hot Picks highlights

The Franklin Bar food hot picks; Pizzette Margherita, avocado mash with chilli crouton, octopus, potatoes and paprika, classic caviar 30gr / 50gr. Chef’s selection of finest Italian cheeses and charcuterie, pumpkin soup with red onion and amaretti biscuit, club sandwich with a fried egg, guacamole, bacon, tomato and chicken and the signature, The Franklin bacon cheeseburger with bacon, tomatoes, lettuce and pickles – all designed to take you on the finest Italian journey. The bar offers a great selection of Champagne, Prosecco, white, rose and red wine it includes picks from Russo’s vineyards in his native region of Piedmont (northwest Italy). Hot cocktails picks; Penicillin Whisky Ginger with honey and lemon, Naked and Famous with Mezcal Aperol Chartreuse and lime, The Franklin Martini-Vodka, featuring dry ermouth blend, bitters, and olive, each and every one was a visual delight and absolutely exquisite.

The conclusion

The Franklin Restaurant and The Franklin Bar are stylish and luxurious offering the most exquisite fine-dining experience, which will take you on sensory Italian journey. The menu is exciting yet simple, innovative with a stunning presentation.

W: Star Hotel Collezione