Undoubtedly one of the prettiest and most Instagrammable dining spots in London, Dalloway Terrace was named after the iconic Bloomsbury set writer Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway. We visited the restaurant to try out their summer menu.
The Nordic fairytale woodland aesthetic that runs throughout the restaurant is created by twinkling fairy lights intertwined with climbing greenery and blossom trees, blankets over chairs and glass lanterns on every table. The indoor-outdoor space is well-equipped for all weathers, with a retractable roof so that diners can enjoy the sun when it shines and heaters are provided when it gets colder.
Located a short walk away from Tottenham Court Road, Dalloway Terrace is ideally located in the buzzing hub of the capital, however, the restaurant itself is blissfully tranquil. Being part of the five-star Bloomsbury Hotel, you can expect similar gold star service in the restaurant. All the staff are friendly, attentive and well-informed, making for a relaxing, seamless meal.
The drinks menu is packed with choice - from classic cocktails and a range of spirits to wines, champagnes and juices (as well as the regular soft drinks of teas and coffees). Until 20th August this year, Dalloway Terrace even has a special Perrier-Jouet menu of champagne cocktails, from which we tried a Chambord Royale - a deliciously fruity fizzy tipple with a raspberry floating on top. In regards to other cocktails, we also tried the No.3 Berry Martini - a blend of Dingle Vodka, blackberries, strawberries, Chambord and pineapple.
In the way of wine, you are spoilt for choice with such an extensive list. As it was a lovely summer’s evening, we decided to go for a fruity yet dry bottle of Corbières Rosé, Château Fontarèche 2016, originating from Languedoc, France.
The fresh, seasonal menu features modern twists on classic British dishes. The summer selection is mostly geared towards fish, such as the Mussels in White Wine, Braised Wild Sea Bass, and Seared Hand-Dived Scallops. There are also lots of delectable meat dishes on the menu, such as the New York Strip Steak with ‘jenga fries’ and the Bloomsbury Burger. If you fancy something a bit lighter, there is also a range of healthy salads. For vegetarians, however, there isn’t really much choice besides the risotto and some of the salads.
Dalloway Terrace also offers a selection of small plates on the menu that are “Inspired by English spring-time barbeque, whatever the weather.” Here, you can choose from tasty Lobster Popcorn, Pulled Mini Lamb Burgers, Grilled Wye Valley Asparagus, and more. If you are dining with a slightly larger group or simply wish to have a few drinks at Dalloway, it’s a great idea to get a few of these to share.
For starters, we ordered the Classic Prawn Cocktail and Homemade Hummus with Crudités. Both were generous portions served with fresh bread and fabulously presented - especially the hummus, which arrived in a little flowerpot with garden vegetables sprouting out the top.
The mains were scrumptious and cooked to perfection. We ordered the Cotswold White Chicken, which was served on a bed of grilled asparagus with a béarnaise sauce, and the Arborio Risotto, comprising of spring vegetables, edamame, wild garlic leaf and parmesan shavings. Both dishes were very filling so we wouldn’t recommend ordering sides unless you are in a bigger group and thus sharing.
Overall, Dalloway Terrace is a relaxing, welcoming and beautifully decorated space that you wish was your local.
This summer, Dalloway Terrace will be showcasing a variation of movies as part of the Dalloway Film Club through wireless headphones and a 30-foot screen. Tuck into a selection of dishes from the Dalloway Film Club Menu paired with a bespoke cocktail inspired by the film being shown.
Dalloway Terrace also continues to partner with Lululemon Athletica and is hosting yoga classes on the terrace.
Making champagne might seem like something best left to French winemakers in centuries-old cellars, but the process is surprisingly approachable once you understand the basics.
