AS THE heat creeps into London, the city goes looking for its perfect al fresco escape – a shaded corner, a great cocktail list and, above all, a setting that lingers in memory. Few places raise the bar quite like The Dorchester, which this season has conjured something closer to a fairy tale with their summer terrace filled with colour and shimmer, hidden just off Park Lane.
In tandem with La DoubleJ – a Milanese fashion and homewear brand, which doesn’t shy away from bold prints and maximalist vision – the collaboration turns the hotel’s outdoor garden into a magical place, where creativity runs wild, transporting the guests from Park Lane to bustling streets of Italy.
The Dorchester La DoubleJ Terrace
The Dorchester La DoubleJ Terrace
Large 3D flowers towering over me, weaving between the tables. Kinetic sculptures suspended in the air, flickering with every gust of wind. The dream-like setting doesn’t end there, as the colourful print stretches underneath my feet, to eventually echo through the table setting. Every detail reflects summer at the same time achieving light harmony, and I find myself relaxing in the shade of a parasol sipping a cocktail from an emerald glass to combat the unbearable heat.
The concise menu, designed by Culinary Director Martyn Nail, showcases a light but creative array of Italian dishes – each one earning its place at the table only if it’s bright, bold and unapologetically colourful. Starters include a swordfish crudo adorned with edible flowers and juicy grilled prawns paired with fried courgette flowers and sweet, sun-kissed tomatoes.
The Milanese-style risotto, strewn with a confetti of asparagus, yellow courgette ribbons and wild mushrooms, is a standout, while the chicken paillard, grilled beneath a Sicilian caponata and finished with shaved parmesan, proves to me that simplicity can still feel indulgent.
The Dorchester La DoubleJ Terrace
A focaccia section caters to those without time for a full sit-down, offering something just as delicious to take away instead. Bresaola and sun-dried tomato, gorgonzola with pistachio, or simply mozzarella and rocket – each filling hidden between crisp, golden focaccia, still warm from the oven.
And just when I fear the whimsical fantasy comes to an end, the gelato trolley arrives, wheeled between the tables. As I devour my quickly melting chocolate scoop I take in the surroundings, inspired to book the first flight out to Italy to never let go of this summer feeling.
by Olga Petrusewicz
To book visit here.
53 Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA