Neptune

Neptune in London sits inside the Kimpton Fitzroy London on Russell Square and opens as a confident seafood restaurant that balances theatrical design with careful cooking. The room feels lively from the first step: a pastel-pink tiki-bar entrance gives way to rattan stools, patterned fabrics, marble pillars and cherubic details. As a London seafood restaurant, Neptune places fresh British fish center stage, with signature small plates and mains that favor clean technique and clear flavors. In the first hundred words you find the kitchen’s promise—seafood primacy, seasonal sourcing, and dishes designed to share—so reserve time to taste the trout tartare and a clam spaghetti with squid and chilli oil.

Chef Brett Redman leads the kitchen with a visible focus on seafood expertise developed through his work across London. Redman opened Neptune in May 2018 within the then-Principal Hotel and shaped its menu around ocean harvests and British produce. The restaurant’s philosophy is straightforward: highlight impeccable fish, use low-intervention wines, and deliver bold but honest flavor. Critics and diners have noted the strength of the seafood platter and grilled red prawns, while reviews from 2018–2019 praised freshness and service. Neptune does not trade on awards in its public identity; instead it channels energy into consistent sourcing, seasonal menus, and accessible luxury for hotel guests and locals alike.

The culinary journey at Neptune moves from light, bracing starters to richer, slow-cooked mains. Start with trout tartare, dressed with citrus and seaweed butter, then order the Seafood Platter—trout tartare, mackerel escabeche and cracked crab served with soda bread and a tangy seaweed butter that cuts through the shellfish richness. Clam Chowder with curry oil and quail eggs layers classic creaminess with an unexpected spice thread; clam spaghetti pairs tender squid with chilli oil for a bright, peppery finish. For mains, Turbot arrives with broad beans, courgettes and an olive oil hollandaise that adds silk without heaviness, while Monkfish appears with capers and brown butter for savory depth. Brill crudo uses finger lime and basil to lift the fish, and the carabineros prawns offer concentrated sweetness when simply grilled. Sides earn their place—dripping chips remain a crowd favorite—so order a mix to sample textures and contrasts.

The dining room at Neptune is an exercise in contrast: mid-century tiki touches by Russell Sage Studio and Margaret Crow meet Victorian gothic architecture, creating a playful yet refined backdrop. Seating for approximately 110 guests allows for both intimate tables and energetic group dining. Service style favors warmth and clarity; staff explain plates and crack crab at the table when needed, making the experience tactile and social. The bar area has a casual pulse for cocktails and pre-dinner drinks, and the overall sound level stays lively without overwhelming conversation. Natural and low-intervention wines are featured to pair with mineral-driven shellfish and lighter fish courses.

Practical details matter: Neptune serves breakfast and dinner, and the £78–£80 per head price noted in reviews reflects a comfortable mid-range luxury option in central London. Weeknights reward quieter dining and faster seating; weekends fill earlier, particularly for tables near the bar. Dress leans smart casual—no strict uniform—and reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings and travel dates near academic events in Bloomsbury.

Whether you are a visiting hotel guest or a London resident searching for dependable seafood, Neptune offers a clear reason to visit: focused fish dishes, imaginative starters, and a distinctive interior that makes every meal feel like an occasion. Book a table at Neptune to taste seasonal British seafood prepared with skill and served with approachable style near Russell Square.