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Friday 28 June 2013

Baker Street Restaurant Revival

By Benedict Freeman


Whenever anyone mentions Baker Street in London, I automatically think of Sherlock Holmes - the infamous fictional detective who never seems to grow old Baker Street was originally residential and designed for the more elite, upper classes. However, nowadays it has become somewhat commercialised and is bursting to the brim with contemporary designer shops as well as sought-after eateries and wine bars.

It was really the whole Sherlock phenomenon that kick-started the change in Baker Street, particularly when the TV series and films hit our screens. There has also been a number of notable residents; such as, the first permanent exhibition of Madame Tussauds Waxworks, The Beetles' Apple Boutique, the head office for top department store Marks and Spencer, the Prime Minister William Pitt and the much loved British singer, Dusty Springfield.

From fact to fiction, Sherlock himself was not the only fictional character to reside on the street - there is also Basil the Great Mouse Detective, Danger Mouse and Sexton Blake. In popular culture, the 2008 film 'The Bank Job' was based on the 1971 robbery of Lloyds Bank in Baker Street and in pop music, both The Rolling Stones and Madness make reference to the London landmark in their songs "Some Girls" (Stones) and "We Are London" (Madness).

But these are of times past, nowadays Baker Street is an abundance of fine dining restaurants, modern eateries and wine bars. Top of the list is said to be The Base Bar and Bistro, a funky establishment that serves classic French cuisine with a modern British take on it. For something a little more exotic, you could also try Indali Lounge; a beautiful Indian restaurant that serves hearty but healthy Eastern-inspired dishes.

And if you think the top of the picks end here then think again, the list is seriously endless. Lulivo for a start is by far one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever had the pleasure in dining in: with tantalising house wines to die for, every dish is mouthwateringly good. Let's also not forget the Sherlock Grill at the Park Plaza hotel, also situated on Baker street. The intimate, aptly named eatery again serves something a little different: renowned for its Mediterranean-influenced signature dishes, Sherlock Grill not only uses fresh ingredients at every turn, but also cooks openly on a charcoal grill and mesquite wood burning oven situated in the centre of the chic dining room.

One of the main appeals with Baker Street is its central location that's within walking distance from Oxford Street, Marylebone, Regents Park and Mayfair. Furthermore, Sherlock Holmes is not the only intrigue in the area. In fact, there are many other buildings and streets that are of equal economic and historic importance. Whilst in the area, why not also try a visit to one of the best International private members' clubs of all time, Home House. Built in the eighteenth century, Home House comprises of three grand Georgian town houses, each with their own individual character and style.




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