Set in the former US Embassy, Serra boasts flair, finesse and first-class service.
Service can make or break a restaurant. A good meal you will forget, but poor service you will remember – that’s the deal-breaker. It’s the difference between raving and returning, or leaving a curt comment on social media. With that in mind, Serra at The Chancery Rosewood impressed with its spectacular service, ranking among the best the FACT team has experienced this year.
The Chancery Rosewood opened in September 2025. Housed in the former United States Embassy, the hotel is steeped in stories. America’s diplomatic presence in Grosvenor Square dates back to 1785. John Adams lived in the square and later became President of the United States. The building is beautifully Brutalist, from the Portland stone and exposed concrete to the gold-anodised aluminium. To top it off (literally), the site preserves the original gilded eagle sculpture – a nod to the national bird that famously appears on American currency, passports, and the Great Seal – which now presides majestically over the space. If statues could talk, we would listen.
The Chancery Rosewood is home to a range of restaurants and bars, from Carbone to the Eagle Bar. Serra, the hotel’s all-day Mediterranean restaurant, may not have the glamour of the other openings, but it deserves a visit on its own.
The Chancery Rosewood is a masterclass in quiet luxury, and epitomises the phrase “money talks, wealth whispers”. We entered through a discreet door and were greeted by space, glorious space. We were struck by the soaring ceilings, open kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Grosvenor Square. The name Serra, which translates to “greenhouse” in Italian, is reflected in nods throughout the restaurant, from the greenery to the glass. Guests can take their pick from soft sofas to high chairs. We’d recommend, however, getting a view of the kitchen so you can see the sights and smells.
The team were warm and welcoming, from the General Manager to the Sous Chef – both of whom are women, which is still a rarity in London’s dining scene. From John the waiter to Jeffrey the sommelier, everyone offered service with a smile.
When we visited on the weekend for lunch, we joined a mix of hotel guests, locals, and day visitors. The refreshed menu offers snacks, breads, raw and cured dishes, table plates, flatbreads, pasta, grill items, sharing dishes, and sides.
We began with freshly baked bread – the Buttermilk Pita was pillowy soft, hot from the oven, and perfect for scooping up the olive oil. My hand could not stop returning to the 12-month Barrel-Aged Feta. The fresh, flavorful tomatoes enhanced the creamy concoction. Camille, the General Manager, explained: “The Sous Chef and I went travelling, and were inspired by a dish we found in a little town in Italy.” It’s the kind of detail and devotion that brought the dishes to life.
The Rigatoni Alla Zozzona, typically made with pork, arrived with beef instead. The dish was silky and smoky, with the combination of the egg yolk and cooked meat – an amazing autumnal dish. The Grilled Octopus leaned toward the chewier side, but the bold harissa sauce balanced it well.
Vegetarians might find the menu somewhat limited, but there are still standout dishes. The Stuffed Globe Courgette felt like unwrapping a culinary gift, presented as a beautiful bowl in its own right. The courgette arrived with its top sliced off like a little lid, revealing herbs and pomegranates. The sides featured the unexpected Black Cabbage, a rarity on London menus. It came with a kick of chilli, offset by a drizzle of lemon.
Dessert was a love letter to the Mediterranean, from Classic Baba to Date and Sesame Sponge Pudding. The Basque Cheesecake for two was both filling and fun – though slightly shorter in height, it showcased the signature cracks, caramelisation, and charm of the classic dish, enhanced by the pistachio cream.
Drinks at Serra are a sophisticated affair. While it competes for attention with other bars in the venue, it is a superb spot to sip the evening away. Jeffrey, the Director of Wine, was a charismatic sommelier—he didn’t just make wine recommendations; he shared the stories of the bottles in a way that brought them to life. We had to tell him very little about our tastes, yet he was spot-on with his choices. We finished with marvellous Martinis, and toasted what was a marvellous meal.
In the race of restaurants in London, Serra proves that service never goes out of style. Good food can get you to the starting line. Spectacular service carries you across the finish line.
GO: Visit www.rosewoodhotels.com for more information.