Even amidst the dark cold spell of Covid 19, the Capital’s die-hard obsession with the Instagrammable vogue continues to rocket to light speed destinations. From glittering rainbow floral installations, colour-changing cocktail concoctions, and gourmet creations dusted with 24 carat gold dust.

On hand for a dose of glitz, glamour and sparkle in our lockdown lives is the splendour of Dalloway Terrace, reputed as one of the Capital’s most desirable dining hotspots.  This is aided courtesy of the quintessentially classic comfort food, top tier service and dramatically lavish installations that are beautifully synced with the UK’s four seasons. I had the fortunate afternoon experience of indulging in the al-day menu, amongst the whimsical surroundings of the newly-installed gilded Autumn display.

Dalloway Terrace has claimed its central theatre hub residence, within the historically stylish confinements of the Bloomsbury Hotel, part of the deluxe Irish-owned Doyle Collection with a portfolio of luxurious properties in the likes of Dublin, London and Washington.

Stepping into 1930s neo-Georgian entrance, we were led through the majestic hotel interior that invoked a periodic charm entwined with a contemporary allure.

Entering the settings I was submerged amongst the enchanting, autumnal woodland backdrop of leaves and fairy lights. The installation was courtesy of McQueens Flowers, known for creating exquisitely crafted bouquets and who recently announced the grand opening of the UK’s largest floral emporium in W1’s Mayfair

The afternoon began with the signature special of the Dalloway Spritz, an invigoratingly fruity blend of crisp English sparkling wine, orange blossom and apricot and honey water.  The delicate combination offered a lustrous, smoked toffee flavour finished with a dash of elegant scotch whiskey.

Following suit were the starters of buffalo milk burrata and tuna sashimi.  Whilst a now common presence on almost every restaurant menu, the burrata’s appeal and popularity hasn’t ceased to wane.  This was proved by my practically licked clean plate of the hearty portion bursting with a liquid soft creamy centre, beautifully encircled by an array of vibrant juicy tomatoes, basil pesto, and wafer thin snaps of moreish sesame seed crackers.  The sashimi radiated with the fresh, meaty flavours of the sea, working beautifully with the oriental flavours of fresh ginger and toasted sesame.

The mains consisted of a seafood fest of battered fish and chips and chilli tiger prawns.  The flaky cod was enveloped in a perfectly light, golden crisp batter perched on a bed of soft crushed mint peas, served with a side of piping hot chunky chips and rich tartare sauce.  The jumbo sized prawns, however, were the dish of the day; solid and meaty with smoky grill flavours swathed into the a mild chilli and garlic marinade and ripened mango chunks, all enjoyed with a refreshingly bodied white wine of South Africa’s Chenin Blanc.

The afternoon was rounded off with a sweet treat finale of two sublime deserts; A beautifully presented, fresh raspberry and fig topped Creme Brûlée enriched with a generous dose of whiskey, and a rich gold dusted, warm fondant of intense dark chocolate chocolate, served with real bean vanilla ice cream and a citrus tang of seedy passion fruit coulis.

Hotel and dining guests can also immerse themselves with a pre or post dinner cocktail in the resplendent ambience of the Martin Brudnizki designed, vibrant salon Coral Room, offering a mini slice of country house style escapism.

We visited Dalloway Terrace during the Tier 2 restrictions. The venue had taken steps to add earlier breakfast hours, retractable screens and cosy heaters. These allowed us to continue to enjoy the luxurious ambience in small groups in a safe, secure environment.

With the devastating announcement of the full UK lockdown for the month of November, the beauty of the heavenly Autumn show met with a premature ending.  With the hopeful reopening come the 3^rd December however, guests can experience an ethereal, twinkling winter wonderland display, perfectly in line for the eagerly awaited festive Christmas month. For those seeking an extraordinary dining affair don’t hesitate, your table at Dalloway Terrace awaits.

dallowayterrace.com

Review by Anuja Gaur