The Vincent Rooms Earns a Perfect 5-Star Rating from Taste London Editor George Shaw
Photo: Liane Bhalla, Lecturer in Hospitality, shares a captivating history of The Vincent Rooms and Westminster Kingsway College during the visit, highlighting its legacy and contributions to culinary education.
A Historic Venue Blends Heritage And Innovation With Exceptional Dining Experiences
The Vincent Rooms, mentored by Michel Roux Jr, earned a perfect 5-star rating from George Shaw for exceptional ambiance, innovation, and student-crafted Korean Cuisine during a special culinary showcase.
Westminster’s hidden culinary gem, The Vincent Rooms, has received the highest acclaim from one of the UK’s leading food critics. George Shaw, the Editor-In-Chief of Taste London magazine, awarded the iconic dining venue a glowing 5-star review, praising it as a standout destination for both food lovers and industry professionals alike. This stellar rating not only recognizes the quality and creativity of The Vincent Rooms but also highlights its role as a training ground for the next generation of culinary talent.
Shaw’s visit to The Vincent Rooms came during its Korean Cuisine Week, an event designed to showcase the creativity and skill of the student chefs enrolled in the culinary programs at Westminster Kingsway College. The Vincent Rooms, established in 1910 and recently reopened with the guidance of esteemed Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr, is an integral blend of educational institution and fine-dining venue.
The Vincent Rooms delivers exquisite dining experiences with creative student chefs and Michel Roux Jr’s leadership, redefining culinary excellence in London.
Reflecting on his dining experience, Shaw lauded the three-course menu prepared by the students, noting both its complexity and execution. He highlighted the innovative use of Korean flavors, with dishes such as Doenjang cod and gochujang-glazed skirt steak impressing with their flavor balance and presentation. While the restaurant maintains the charm of affordability—with three-course menus priced at just £30—it doesn’t compromise on delivering a fine-dining experience that rivals some of London’s top establishments.
For over a century, The Vincent Rooms has been synonymous with culinary excellence, producing alumni who have gone on to achieve nationwide and international recognition. Its graduates include gastronomic luminaries such as Jamie Oliver, Ainsley Harriott, Ben Murphy, and multiple MasterChef winners. Now, under the mentorship of Michel Roux Jr., the venue is experiencing a renewed focus on blending classic hospitality traditions with contemporary culinary innovation, helping to shape the future of British gastronomy.
Beyond its focus on preparing students for careers in hospitality, The Vincent Rooms offers diners an accessible opportunity to enjoy impeccably crafted meals in an elegant yet relaxed setting. The Brasserie, which exudes a chic and open design with khaki and neutral tones, along with the fine-dining Escoffier restaurant, provide distinctive yet complementary dining experiences that appeal to both casual and sophisticated palates.
George Shaw’s endorsement is a significant milestone for The Vincent Rooms, celebrating the dedication of the students, staff, and Roux Jr. himself. According to Shaw, the venue exemplifies culinary excellence while cultivating innovation and talent. His 5-star rating reflects the venue’s efforts to combine heritage with forward-thinking cuisine, all at an accessible price point.
For anyone eager to experience the artistry of future Michelin stars in the making, The Vincent Rooms is a must-visit destination. With its recent accolades and continued tradition of excellence, this historic institution proves that nurturing young talent and showcasing bold, creative flavors can go hand in hand to deliver a remarkable dining experience.
