Restaurant of the Week: The Garden at Corinthia London

Our restaurant of the week is The Garden at five-star hotel Corinthia London, a pretty courtyard retreat inspired by our European neighbours.

Restaurant of the Week: The Garden at Corinthia London

We might not be able to travel to the Mediterranean right now, but we can certainly pretend we’re there while sipping an Aperol Spritz at Corinthia London’s outdoor restaurant. Set within a courtyard at the luxurious riverside hotel, The Garden is decked out with lemon and olive trees, herbs and pink bougainvillea, with orange and white striped cushions dotted on seats.

The food, too, evokes the feel of summer days by the beach: seafood, colourful salads, pizzettes and pasta. Begin with a couple of small plates to share – there’s a creamy burrata dish on offer, plus baked Romano peppers, grilled squid and yellowtail tartare.

Take it easy on the starters though: portions are sizeable for the mains, particularly the T-bone steak, which could definitely be a sharer. The rosemary and lemon-rubbed spatchcock chicken is served with olives and capers, and pairs perfectly with the dangerously moreish crushed new potatoes. If you’re feeling Italian, order the lobster linguini or one of the pizzettes – go all out with the truffle topping, or keep it simple with the broccoli, mozzarella and wild garlic pesto combination. If you haven’t been wiped out by the T-bone, round things off with the ricotta cake made with piedmont hazelnut sponge.

On the drinks side, rosé is the obvious choice here. There’s a wide selection of varieties on offer, including Whispering Angel, Domaines Ott, Miraval and Minuty. The cocktails are also excellent, shaken up at a bar at the front of the restaurant. If you’re a fruity kind of drinker, then the Cuban Rose is your girl, mixed with Bacardi Carta Blanca, mint, raspberry and Laurent-Perrier Rosé. Partial to a tequila or two? The Ladies and Gentian is a refreshing tipple featuring Patrón Silver, watermelon, lime and Aperol.

Naturally, this setting is most idyllic when the weather plays ball – but a retractable roof means you’ll be covered come rain or shine. The heaters are also some of the best in the business.

Crystallise your lavish lunch with a peek at the glittering Baccarat chandelier in the Crystal Moon Lounge next to the hotel’s entrance, before stepping back into reality – hopefully, with a little post-holiday glow.

HOW TO BOOK:

Email [email protected] or phone +44 20 7321 3012. You can also book online at corinthia.com

MORE RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK:

Arenella at The Chapel Bar / Solas at The Savoy