THE BERKLEY
Il Giardino
This summer, The Garden concept at The Berkeley will return, but with a little twist of La Dolce Vita. Il Giardino is an intimate and informal alfresco restaurant positioned on Wilton Place with views of neighbouring St Paul’s church and scents of fragrant herb plants and olive trees lining the space. Led by native Italian chef Antonio Pavone, the menu celebrates Italian cooking and cuisine with highlights including assorted bruschetta, cacio e pepe, Fiorentina steak, Amalfi lemon gelato, and more. Indulge under the flickering candles and twinkling festoon lights while nibbling and sipping on a crafted menu of Italian-inspired apertivos, the restaurants bespoke spritz trolley, or refreshing Mediterranean wines.
Cédric Grolet at the Berkeley
With a string of accolades citing him as the best pastry chef in the world, Cédric Grolet is known for his trompel’œil artistry and legendary Instagram handle, which has a following of 2.2 million. Regarded as a rock star in his native France, Grolet chose The Berkeley as his first home outside of Paris. Cédric Grolet at The Berkeley is open seven days a week selling the chef’s freshly made signature vennoiserie, cookies, cakes and standout patisseries for takeaway, with a ‘once they are gone, they are gone!’ policy. Among his notable collection, his most famous creations are his fruit and flower cakes, which will be sold together for the very first time in this new space in London. The cakes have been inspired by the seasons, as well as personal stories tied to Grolet ’s childhood.
THE CONNAUGHT
Reopening of The Connaught Grill
Grand theatrical dining is back on the menu thanks to the reopening of The Connaught Grill. Take in the spectacle that is Chef Jean-Georges’ open kitchen and watch as he and the team put their own spin on a range of classic dishes, from spit-roasted organic chicken and Welsh lamb chops to charcoal frilled turbot on the bone. The crowning glory is the Sunday roast, which is carved on a restored silver trolley from the original Connaught Grill and comes with its own dedicated knife menu.
Impressions Menu
Named ‘World’s Best Bar’, The Connaught Bar launched their Impressions Menu, a collection of images, feelings, and people that have left their mark over the years. The menu captures the inspiration, motivation, and emotions behind the bar, translating them into an experience made through the art of mixology. Ingredients are reimagined, classics have been redefined, and every cocktail is an invitation to create a new experience.
CLARIDGE’S
Les Lalanne: Makers of Dreams
Claridge’s ArtSpace, the newly debuted permanent gallery, presents the recent installment of Les Lalanne: Makers of Dreams, an extensive survey of the work of the late legendary French artistic duo Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne. Their work blurs the lines between functional design, fine art, and the decorative arts, and are suffused with surrealist associations, a characteristic wit and timeless elegance. This unprecedented exhibition of over 100 works, including some of Les Lalanne’s most important sculptures, is spread across the iconic Mayfair locations, Ben Brown Fine Arts, and Claridge’s ArtSpace for all to see.
L’Epicerie
Claridge’s has recently debuted L’Epicerie, a gorgeous new dining space that offers up to 14 guests front-row seats to the culinary theater of the hotel’s kitchens. Alongside private gatherings, L’Epicerie is a beautiful setting for interactive masterclasses and wine dinners. Guided by beloved Executive Chef Martyn Nail and his team of chefs, paitssiers and sommeliers, it is a chance to discover the long-held traditions and closely guarded culinary secrets that have shaped this storied hotel.