SINCE transforming into Bloomsbury’s very own Sri Lankan tropical paradise, Dalloway Terrace has taken a further step to cement their impressive reputation with the introduction of a new set Jungle Lunch menu. With plenty of fresh and healthy plant-based options, it is the perfect weekday treat for those looking to escape the office and central London bustle this summer. Inspired by the Leonard Woolf novel, The Village in the Jungle, the stunning terrace décor is a colourful display of bright orchids, passion flowers and banana leaves – giving an elegant twist to the standard alfresco dining experience.
The tropical interior of Dalloway Terrace. Photograph: Dalloway Terrace
I started with the Grilled Asparagus, and although it arrived without the hollandaise sauce as described on the menu, it was still a pleasure to eat and made me wonder whether it even needed the sauce. A combination of slightly charred and oiled asparagus topped with plenty of grated black summer truffle and crisp watercress was a truly delicious take on what is arguably a simple dish. My guest opted for the Jackfruit Salad, a dish that mixed juicy and tender jackfruit pieces with wild rice and freekeh and a healthy coat of lime and chilli dressing. The Jackfruit Salad portion size was generous and could happily be enjoyed as a main course.
Grilled Asparagus from the Jungle Lunch menu
Our main courses were also beautifully presented (Instagrammable worthy food). The Cauliflower Steak I ordered was served with crunchy green beans, sun blushed tomatoes, crispy potatoes and drizzled in a tamarind dressing. For my guest, a creamy combination of coconut, turmeric, chickpeas and tofu made up their Sri Lankan Curry. Served with pickled spicy limes, fluffy pilau rice and crispy poppadum’s, the curry celebrated the best of authentic Sri Lankan cooking. Both dishes were packed with bold flavours and different textures that made you long for the next mouthful.
Sri Lankan Curry from the Jungle Lunch menu. Photograph: Dalloway Terrace
Cauliflower Steak from the Jungle Lunch menu
After a splendid two courses packed with fresh vegetables, we finished with some gloriously fruity deserts. The Jungle Fruit Platter was, as I am sure you may have already guessed, a colourful plate of tropical fruit garnished with edible flowers. The second vegan dessert was a velvety smooth Coconut Yoghurt Pannacotta with spiced mango and more edible flowers. If you’re after a lighter end to your lunch, I would recommend sharing the Jungle Fruit Platter between two.
Vegan desserts from the Jungle Lunch menu
For the less herbivorous diners, there is the choice of Tiger Prawns with harissa aioli, Banana Leaf Sea Bass with a spiced tomato salad and Carrot Cake with cream cheese mousse, crystallised walnuts and a carrot sorbet. There is also an array of boozy Jungle Cocktails to choose from. Classic cocktails with a Sri Lankan twist, such as the Jungle Old Fashioned or the Tropical Negroni, feature fresh flavours of mango, pineapple and passionfruit.
Jungle Cocktails with mains from the Jungle Lunch menu. Photograph: Dalloway Terrace
In the relaxed and inviting setting, it was easy to forget that I was around the corner from one of the busiest streets in London – the beautiful space was like a mini oasis. The attentive and friendly staff instantly made me feel welcome. One of the perks of being attached to The Bloomsbury Hotel means Dalloway Terrace opens its doors every day and offers a variety of Brunch, All Day Dining and Afternoon Tea menus. The menus change seasonally, and I am looking forward to returning in winter when the terrace converts into a cosy and secluded space with woollen blankets, frosted foliage and heaters.
by Sally Roulston
The Jungle Lunch menu is served Monday – Friday between 12 – 3pm.
Priced at £25 for two courses or £30 for three courses, two courses are served in 45 minutes.
For all Dalloway Terrace menus, click here
16-22 Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN