Christmas at Dalloway Terrace is being given an alternative spin this year, transforming its indoor-outdoor space into a winter wonderland for the festive period. Check it out, says Amelia Walker
I arrive at Dalloway Terrace & Bar at midday on a crisp Friday lunchtime, two weeks before Christmas. My first impression? It is but a dream. If one was to picture a magical winter setting, then this would surely be it.
Just a two-minute stroll from Tottenham Court Road tube station and a stone’s throw from bustling Oxford Street and Soho, Dalloway is connected to The Bloomsbury and is THE pop-up of the season – and the most desired grotto to visit in the City. Sweep into the ivory setting and be prepared to be floored.
It’s a Christmas extravaganza here – think fairy lights, snow dusted branches, sheepskin rugs, warming ski lanterns, candles, snowflakes, glittering decorations, winter foliage, fir cones – the colour scheme of white and grey oozes elegance. The florists at Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart have create truly beautiful arrangements. I feel as though I’ve stepped through a wardrobe and fallen into Narnia.
In the spirit of Christmas, my guest and I toast the festivities with a glass of champagne. The sensuous sounds of Frank Sinatra, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the popping of corks. The food is festive, courtesy of Head Chef Paul O’Brien. Expect small sharing plates of lobster taco and Dorset crab on toast, bubbling fondues and the seasonal hot chocolate cocktails of spiced rum, port and cinnamon liqueur are where it’s at. The farmhouse cheddar and Guinness cheese from La Fromagerie is a good way to start, all served with sourdough and root vegetables, encouraging you to leisurely dip and soak up every last drop.
We are recommended the Sancerre Rosé, Brigi e et Daniel Chotard France to pair with the rich, butch and meaty Aberdeen Chateaubriand with bone marrow and garden herb stuffing, prune jus, for main. Perfectly pink on the inside, crisp and charred on the out, it’s a delight. Sides of peppered creamed spinach and buttery battered aubergine chips dipped in honey and rosemary slide down beautifully. Check your cholesterol levels beforehand. Other mains worthy of noting are the East Sussex game pie sweet potato and wild venison with loin baby beetroot and organic lentils. The businessmen on the table next to me devour them with unabashed gusto.
We are talked into pudding by the waiter (the service FYI is quite charming, swift and intelligent) and at his firm suggestion, go for the piping hot creamy white chocolate fondue, with strawberries, banana and clementine for dipping. Although it is for sharing I could easily have polished this off solo.
The terrace is fully heated and covered, and the perfect setting for a private event from corporate functions, networking events to personal celebrations. It can accommodate private dining groups with up-to to 25 very fortunate diners in each of the two parts, and standing receptions up to 120 (including the patio).
Everything sparkles, including the food. I absolutely love this place.
Open until end of January | dallowayterrace.com
