If I may, I would like to start this month's note by correcting a potential little misunderstanding among some of our loyal and past patrons, together with all recipients of my regular newsletters:

Lutyens Restaurant, Bar and Cellar Rooms is 'open to all' and has been ever since our launch in the summer of 2009.

Yes, we do have a thriving private members' club with its own club room and list of attractive benefits that is available only to the members (read on for further details and a great seasonal offer), but this is separate and additional to our main bar, restaurant and four private meeting and dining rooms.

Recently, I've heard that a few people have wrongly assumed that we are a private members' club only or that the private rooms are available only for use by the members. I am very pleased to confirm that the restaurant, bar and use of the four private meeting and dining rooms are available to everybody.

Anyway, Christmas is almost upon us, and I want to update you on our recent and future activities. See below.

Graham Williams,
General Manager
Telephone 020 7583 8385

Lutyens Members' Club

In January we will be releasing a limited number of new memberships. The price is just £240 plus VAT for the full membership year. If you join with the membership starting in January the first fee is £160, and we will also give you a voucher for £50 to be used in the restaurant in the first month. To take advantage of this offer, please contact Craig Styles, Club Host, or Graham Williams, General Manager, before midday on Thursday, 23 December. You must confirm before this date if you wish to become a member from January. One of the many membership benefits is a 20% discount at The Conran Shop, which could prove very valuable before Christmas.

Friday Club

On Friday, 21 January we will be launching our new Friday Club. This is a new type of membership for the club, with a one-off joining fee of just £50 plus VAT. On joining, you will immediately be given a voucher for £25 to be used in the restaurant during the first month of your new membership.

The Friday Club allows membership of the club from 4.30pm each Friday. Members have full access to the usual membership benefits and will receive invitations to a range of special events, from free cocktail and wine tastings to master-class events and music evenings.

A launch party and welcome to new members will be held on Friday, 21 January. Please email fridays@lutyens-restaurant.com if you want to join us or require any further information.

New Breakfast Menu

Last week we introduced our new breakfast menu. We have also started to take reservations for those concerned about securing a table or wanting to ensure that their important business contact is greeted upon arrival. Please call on the usual number 020 7583 8385 or drop us an email –
info@lutyens-restaurant.com.

The new menu is extensive. Everything you could ever want or imagine from a great breakfast menu. Recent additions include Craster kippers, home-made waffles and, for the sheer indulgent among you, our much-talked-about caviar omelette.

The members' club is also open for breakfast, with members benefiting from the reduced-price menu at just £10. The members' lunch menu at £10 also continues.

Menu Compris

Now is not the time to talk about value for money, for it is the season to revel in fun and fancy wines. With one eye on the first quarter of next year, however, in the evening in the main restaurant we continue to offer our exceptional value menu compris. As the name suggests, everything is included (three-course dinner menu, drinks, coffee, petits fours etc), and the final bill is just £39.50 plus the discretionary service charge. We change the menu regularly, and our January plans include some delicious treats.

Christmas Closure

This year our closure period will start following dinner on Thursday, 23 December, and we will reopen for breakfast on Wednesday, 5 January. While we are closed, reservations for the new year can be made online at
www.lutyens-restaurant.com.

On behalf of the team at Lutyens, we wish you a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. See you in 2011, if not before.