Dalloway Terrace Blooms As The Nights Draw In
While the wind whips the West End of London, diners in search of a cosy venue away from the lashing November rain can be seen sweeping into the Bloomsbury Hotel and bagging a seat at the coveted Dalloway Terrace.
“They lived in squares… they loved in triangles” reads a plaque as you enter the five star hotel, a reference to the infamous Bloomsbury Set of writers and creatives who guzzled their way round the area’s Champagne-serving establishments while creating merry hell and literary classics in equal measure. Perhaps the group’s most famous member – although with Bertrand Russell, E M Forster and John Maynard Keynes as companions that’s an oft-rivalled title – hat-tips to Virginia Woolfe are found at every turn in the building, including its terrace, named after the author’s ageing party planner protagonist Clarissa Dalloway.
Dalloway Terrace is a restaurant for all seasons, with the roof pulling back in the summer, but for our visit we were cosily nestled inside as the rain poured down outside. The décor is stylish, smart and cosy, a botanic feel and relaxed atmosphere.
The menu is simple yet effective, with at least one vegan/vegetarian option per course and the offer to adapt anything where possible to suit preference and dietary requirements. Our server not only checked in on allergies, but preferences as well, and offered to serve the juicy Devon hand picked crab without shallots due to a mentioned intolerance. This, and the delightfully spicy harissa and chickpea homemade soup, made for an excellent start to our meal.
Devilish Cocktails
The wine list is plentiful and varied, but do indulge in a cocktail as a precursor to dining at Dalloway Terrace. Located just around the corner from the famous Dominion Theatre, current cocktails are an homage to the theatre’s current show Devil Wears Prada. There is a deliciously tart tequila and champagne special, or indulge your inner fashionista with the DWP signature cocktail served with the instantly recognisable stiletto atop a egg white finished martini.
But back to the mains, and the chicken Milanese served with parmesan and rocket was moist, tender, and lightly breadcrumbed with seasonal herbs. The green pea risotto was aesthetically presented and deceptively filling, but lacked a little flavour. However, the sides, the service, and the ambience more than compensated for this.
Having let our mains settle, along with a full-bodied and flavoursome Sangiovese, it was too tempting to resist ordering the Espresso chocolate fondant that stood out in an already impressive dessert menu. Served with mascarpone ice cream, coffee liquor and cocoa nib tuille, the fondant is not to be missed. Possibly the tastiest dessert served in the capital right now, book in to Dalloway Terrace for this dish alone.
Dalloway Terrace is an exceptional venue serving healthy, wholesome and tasty meals with modern twists on much-loved classics. The service is exceptional – friendly, unintrusive and incredibly welcoming – and the venue itself is both relaxed and chic. You can be certain that any of the infamous ‘set’ would have been more than happy to quaff champagne into the early hours at this glamorous yet welcoming venue. Chin chin.
- Dalloway Terrace is open daily for brunch, lunch and dinner and also serves afternoon tea. Find it at 16-22 Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN.
