Just St James

Just St James is the sort of West End establishment that scores highly for décor its a huge room, all big furniture and balconies but not so well on value for money. At the moment, its an event dining setting with event dining prices but not event dining food. Thats not to say its bad. Its not. Its highly decent. But £10 for Gravadlax? £8 for an Artichoke Salad? Hmm. Admittedly, the Gravadlax wasexcellent, while the Artichokes, served with mushrooms and asparagus tips in a truffle dressing, was a good combination of flavours, but they werent £18 good. Cornfed Chicken Breast, Coriander and Asian Greens (£14.50) was well cooked and sourced, with the eastern trimmings giving a pleasing edge. Not so good was Seared Tuna, Pepperonata, Basil Oil and Red Onion Compote (£14.80). The pepperonata etc were full of flavour and the fish appeared to be fresh. So why char it way past the grey side of medium rather than the rare state requested? Things rallied at the end with a little cheese again clearly wellsourced and a single glass of Chilean Chardonnay (£4.30) from the very comprehensive wine list (it even includes some English white from the owners vineyard). Adequate but could do better.