The Garden at the Corinthia: Luxurious All Year Round Al Fresco Dining in Central London

Arguably London’s best kept secret. The Garden at the Corinthia is an escape from it all in the heart of the city and is the perfect place to spend practically any time of the year in. Looking after the kitchen is the hotels brand new chef André Garret who comes with a stellar CV. I’ve enjoyed his food before at another rather beautiful hotel where he previously worked and so I was really excited to hear he was moving into town. His food isn’t complicated or fussy, but refined, all about ingredients and with the freshest of produce. In short, it’s all delicious.

Step through the doors from the main foyer of the hotel and you’re greeted with what is arguably the most beautiful outdoor terrace in London. When the sun is shining it’s the perfect place to be and when it’s raining you can take cover from the rain under the arches. During the Winter, the place is transformed, with roaring fireplaces, cosy blankets and fine Cuban cigars (the garden has its very own cigar sommelier) paired with the finest cognac and whisky. The whole garden is open to the sky, so wrap up during chilly months – but heaters are in abundance so don’t worry too much.

To kick off our meal, a glass of chilled Laurent-Perrier Brut and some astonishingly good bread which is served with the creamiest of butters and an olive oil and balsamic dip. It’s a meal in itself so come hungry!

My starter, the La Latteria burrata with heirloom tomatoes, broad bean and pea – it was absolute heaven. Clinging on to the last of Summer, this was Italy at its best. The burrata was so creamy it was leaking out all over the plate. The tomatoes were sweet and the dressing was mouth-wateringly good.

If that wasn’t delicious enough, then the tuna tartare with sesame, cucumber and ponzu was. The tuna was so fresh you’d think it was plucked straight from of the ocean just moments ago. The ponzu was salivating and the sesame and cucumber added an extra Asian touch to the plate. A lovely dish, but if being extra picky I’d have to liked a lot more ponzu on the dish because not only do I love it, but so does tuna. Perhaps a pot on the side?

From the grill, my yoghurt marinated lamb cutlets were a dream come true. They looked not quite as brown and crispy as I was excepting, but don’t let that fool you – it’s all about the yoghurt marinade which makes those chops so succulent and juicy. Paired with courgette spaghetti, espelette and mint, this dish isn’t just delicious but also rather healthy meaning that second bottle of wine is an easy excuse.

If you’re feeling fishy, then the grilled Dover sole meunière will be the dish for you. We ordered boneless (because who can really be bothered to fiddle at the table) and they did an excellent job at it with not a bone in sight. The fish meat was buttery and juicy and with the sun shining (between a flurry of light rain storms), for a few moments felt like we’d been whisked away to the south of France. That’s the beauty of this open air terrace, it can make you feel like you’re just about anywhere depending on the time of year. I really want to see it covered in snow now, that sounds quite exciting.

To finish, the most delightful Mirabelle tart. It’s been years since I last had one of these classic French tarts from Lorraine and it was as good as I remembered here as it was in France. Almond frangipane, the tart was golden, chewy, crunchy, sweet and with a dollop of cultured cream. This is one very heavenly dessert and pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet Sauternes. Make sure you save room.

I love every single time I visit the Corinthia Hotel and really feel likes it’s starting to become my second home which is especially perfect as it’s just around the corner from mine. The property is stunning, the food is always delicious and the service is impeccable. In fact, I don’t think any other London hotel is as good as this is. If you’re looking to celebrate, treat a loved one or indulge in a family meal – I couldn’t think of a better place to do it than here in The Garden.