Cocktails at the Artists’ Bar and Culinary Creations by Tom Booton, all at The Dorchester
Have you taken a trip to The Dorchester since its reopening earlier this year? If not, then why? I insist you stop what you’re doing right now and head to Park Lane, wear your fanciest frock or tails and prance the Promenade with style until you reach the new Artists’ Bar, the ultimate haven of golden glorious tranquillity.
In hotels, many people look upon cocktails as just a bonne bouche—a ‘chaser’ before dinner — but at the Artists’ Bar an atmosphere is created, a capsule of elegance, and art.
You know you’ve arrived somewhere special when you’re greeted with Liberace’s mirrored piano singing out beautifully, with vocal stylings of jazz musicians setting the tone for the night ahead. In hotels, many people look upon cocktails as just a bonne bouche—a ‘chaser’ before dinner — but at the Artists’ Bar an atmosphere is created, a capsule of elegance, and art. It is so much more than just a cocktail bar.
The Artists’ Bar is an ambrosia of culture and a cacophony of cocktails combined, a curated gallery featuring works that are statement pieces by artists working in Britain. Highlights of the collection include Ann Carrington’s work inspired by the Queen Elizabeth II postage stamp.
At the opposite end of the bar, Ewan Eason has created an aerial map of Hyde Park rendered entirely in gold leaf, with The Dorchester at its centre. Six signature cocktails presented at Artists’ Bar take inspiration from the spectacular artwork, with ingredients mirroring the references and influences of each artist. My favourite cocktail was ‘Velvet Brown’ which pays tribute to Maria Rivas’ elaborate collage of Elizabeth Taylor and The Dorchester, with more exotic flavours.
The Grill is like a massive warm hug; it envelopes you physically, olfactorily, nostalgically.
In any luxury hotel one expects to find ‘The Grill’, a dining place of traditional plates that’s slightly less formal. I was not expecting to have such a tantalising taste experience at The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester. This is no ordinary ‘grill’ in the sense that Tom Booton has reinvented the concept, refining the experience and soaking the whole thing in something very familiar. Home. Spending an evening at The Grill at The Dorchester is like being in your own living room, in the best sense of the word. Let me explain further.
The Grill is like a massive warm hug; it envelopes you physically, olfactorily, nostalgically. There is an ambience to the restaurant that is intimate, relaxed and friendly. There is even a personalised welcome card on your table. The sharing nature of the menu is encouraged throughout. Everything feeling just-so.
This is a menu of British home cooking classics, but with twists. There are snacks to begin with, including the most delicious Welsh Lamb Belly Skewers (I ordered double portions) – these reminded me of my Mum’s roast dinner and being at home on a Sunday) – to sickeningly good Fried Shimejis and Mushroom Xo which gave me an umami mouth orgasm.
The Dorchester reborn as a destination of deliciousness.
What followed was dish after dish of flavour, texture variation and seasonal joy, from silky Artichoke served with Girolles, Hazelnuts and luxury Truffle to a killer waldorf salad and delicate Lamb ‘Shepherd’s Pie’ (offensively divine) and glistening, charred Hispi Cabbage with home-made Ranch dressing. The Dorchester reborn as a destination of deliciousness. Whether you’re gracing her promenade sipping a classic martini or sampling ‘Tom’s All The Chicken’ at The Grill, you’re sure to have the perfect night in this most glorious golden girl of a hotel.
For more information and bookings, please visit The Dorchester