Anyone that knows me knows, that I am a bit of a foodie. I love food. Making it. Eating it. Learning about it. It has to be good food of course, though – I can be a bit of a food snob. We had such a treat this week, to review The Grill at The Dorchester on Park Lane, I was looking forward to it so much.
I met the husband up there the other evening. We were both excited for the experience. There was some TV awards going on that evening just up the road at Grosvenor House, so we saw Nick Knowles, Ant and Dec, Jeremy Kyle and Tom Goodman-Hill while we were walking to it. So fancy! I’m such a northerner in the south – get star struck at the most minor celebrities haha.
The first impressions were amazing! I thought it would be a little side door for the restaurant but no, you walk up trough the main entrance door, past all of the fancy cars and doormen. This makes you feel all special right before you’ve even got there! The staff were all very welcoming and friendly; they couldn’t do enough for us. The restaurant itself was fantastic. Such amazing details and loved the main feature light. It was all quite golden and sparkly – stunning. The lighting was quite low so apologise for the quality of some of the pictures.
For starter I chose the beetroot and goat’s curd salad and Mr U chose the octopus salad.
We were both very happy with our starters. I love goat’s cheese and beetroot together, and it was just the right amount for a starter. The husband wasn’t sure if he’d like his salad before he ordered but he loved it. There was a chickpea puree with it that brought it all together.
For our main dish, I chose the hake and the husband chose the short rib.
I’ve got to admit, I did get a bit of food envy when they brought the husband’s dish over. They cut the meat of the bone in front of you – very impressive. I did enjoy my dish; the vegetables were lovely and the fish was cooked to perfection. Mixed with mussels it was perfect. I tried a bit of the short rib and it was absolutely divine. It was so tender and flavoursome with that amazing sauce.
For dessert, I chose the lemon tart and the husband chose the hazelnut / chocolate composition.
Neither of them came out how I was expecting but they were both sublime. For mine, there was a crisp meringue shell but then in the centre was the lemon. Even with lemon pieces. It worked wonderfully well with the lemon sorbet too. Mr U loved his dessert (I had to have a cheeky taste of his – for review purposes of course). It was so tasty and also set in meringue. The chocolate and hazelnut working beautifully together.
The service was second to none. The staff were attentive and even came over to refill our water glass for us. The decor and the restaurant setting is luxurious and I felt rather fancy dining there. There was just enough to eat. How they space out the courses, plus give you bread and a little pallet cleanser after the dessert, left us feeling quite full. The worry can be with fine dining restaurants is that you don’t get very much. We didn’t feel that way at all. It was £39 per person for the three courses and champagne each (though I don’t drink). For a special dining experience, I think you do get value for money; the quality of the food is amazing. Plus, I think you pay a little for the fantastic and attentive service too.
The food was amazing though and would certainly visit again. It’s not an everyday kind of restaurant but for special occasions, or just a treat, it would be the perfect place to go.
Have you ever been to the Dorchester? I’d love to hear what you think.
Linking up to Tried & Tested and Tasty Tuesday.
*we dined as guests of Bookatable in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
Looks fab! I’ve been there for afternoon tea and it was amazing. I had George with me who was only 18 months at the time and the staff were so attentive to him. Who’d have thought it would be family friendly too.
Oh Rebecca this place looks fab. The exterior, decor, food presentation. I love it all!
Kellie Kearney recently posted…Free The Elephants
That all looks so delicious, especially the dessert! I love eating at ‘posh’ places, it feels such a wonderful indulgence
Bex @ The Mummy Adventure recently posted…1 Month in, 1 Year on
Ooh lucky you dining at the Dorchester! It looks very fancy, and that’s quite good £39 each! X
Sabrina @ The Mummy Stylist recently posted…Secret Slough : The old underground pub
This place looks incredible. I was stunned by the price. I was expecting it to be a lot more than that. Would definitely consider paying a visit.
This looks a beautiful place, would love to visit!
Claire recently posted…Dr. Oetker’s Giant Chocolate Bunny Bum Tours The UK ..
This looks so yummy!! We’re going away for a night in a couple of weeks and I can’t wait! H x
Harriet from Toby & Roo recently posted…Home Styling for Spring : Simple changes for big impact.
It all looks fabulous. I haven’t been to a really nice restaurant for years.
Heather Haigh recently posted…Meatballs with Courgetti
What a spectacular hotel and restaurant!! Wow. The food looks delicious too.
Jodie recently posted…My Sunday Photo 2016 – #13/52 Easter Sunday
What a great review.
How gorgeous does the food look. I am a foodie too. I think this was a great deal for the standard of food and service.
Wow. That food looks absolutely incredible! x
What a stunning place to eat, and the food looks incredible! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
Kate recently posted…Tried & Tested Tuesday #13
Oh wow! What a treat! That place looks stunning and the food looks absolutely amazing….It sounds like you had a lovely time x
Kim Carberry recently posted…Soreen Squidgy Cake Minis – Review!
Looks like you had a great time. It is fab there isn’t it. I took my mum there last year for the British Turkey Awards and was delighted when I won Best Blogger Recipe #triedtested
Yet Another Blogging Mummy recently posted…Clean Break by Abby Vegas
This sounds and looks like such a wonderful treat! I’ve never been to The Dorchester despite living in London for 14 years, must resolve that soon! X #TastyTuesdays
Lins @ Boo & Maddie recently posted…Breakfast at The Ivy Kensington Brasserie
Gorgeous review-the food looks amazing, I have wonderful memories of staying there as kids when we visited London and stayed there again a few years ago-this has reminded me to book another visit and what amazing value for dinner too! Gorgeous post. Thanks for linking up to #Tastytuesdays
Honestmum recently posted…#Mumblesale for Great Ormond St Hospital
I love eating out, we don’t do it enough. Sounds like a great place to eat
Kizzy recently posted…Beginnings – Create a Morning Routine That Works
I’m really impressed by the price! What great value for a fancy meal!
Thanks for sharing your review on #TriedTested this week x
Colette recently posted…Spring Forward Blogger Challenge