The LaLee

Legendary London socialite Lillie Langtry is - they say - The LaLee’s muse, and the decor certainly evokes the flair of Langtry’s era. Think impressive chandeliers and 1920’s style mirrored walls.

Upon arrival we’re led past the well-stocked bar, across the open-faced kitchen where you can witness the chefs creating their magic, and into the beautiful dining room. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the service is attentive yet personable, with our waiter offering valuable insight into the menu.

To accompany our mulling over of the menu was a glass of Rathfinny Classic Cuvée. This makes the perfect partner to any dish due to its versatility, and with a little over 80 wines available by the glass plus a knowledgeable sommelier, you're in good hands for drinks to remember with every course.

The double-baked Montgomery cheese souffle is the must-order for starters. Carefully balancing richness with a light-as-air texture, it’s a delight. There’s a sharply-dressed salad on the side too, for that classic combination of acid cutting through fat.

The sea bass with fennel and barigoule is a tasty main to follow for fish lovers. Perfectly crispy skin over the flaky white fish, and the fennel was partnered beautifully with the dill in the creamy, velvety sauce. The accompanying Picpoul de Pinet had notes of grapefruit that cut right through the sauce's richness. Elsewhere, a rack of lamb was cooked to a blushing medium and was partnered with roasted courgettes, sauce Vierge, and a salad of garlicky cherry tomatoes with deep black olives. The Chilean Pinot Noir proved a charming accompaniment.

For dessert, the Lime mousse with coconut, and strawberry was a real treat. Here, textural sweet biscuit partnered beautifully with the cold sorbet. The lime mousse on top balanced the dish out, and the coulis intensified the strawberry flavour. If you're in the mood for something a little sweeter, the decadent honeycomb cheesecake should do the trick.

The LaLee is a Modern European cafe, bar and restaurant located in Chelsea, close to many local attractions such as Buckingham Palace and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The interior is charming, traditional and stylish with comfortable seating areas and wooden tables. There is a large and varied menu for all day dining, plus cocktails, spirits and fine wines. 

The LaLee is open daily from 7am until late, the all-day seasonal dining menu features many classic European favourites and indulgent dishes. Many dishes can also be paired with specialty cocktails and wines, there is also a menu of signature dishes, many of which are prepared and finished at your table if you’re looking for a little added theatre to your meal. 

The all-day dining menu features a wide variety of dishes. Perhaps you will start things off with some bread for the table and some small plates to share such as the artichoke truffle salad, or the burrata served with pumpkin and pomegranate. Other starters include a sea bream carpaccio and a lobster cocktail. Vegetarian options include mushrooms on toast, and a twice baked souffle. 

Larger plates and main dishes include plenty of comforting classics such as steak frites served with bearnaise sauce, and a rack of lamb served with courgette and sauce vierge. Signature dishes which are finished at the table include the Caesar salad, Dover sole and the beef tartare. There are plenty of tempting sounding side dishes on offer such as zucchini fries, sauteed potatoes and seasoned fries.

Those with a sweet tooth may enjoy the dessert menu which includes dishes such as apple tarte tatin for two, warm vanilla madeleines, and chocolate cremeux. There is also a Neal's Yard cheese plate. 

Perhaps you will finish off your meal with some fresh coffee and macaroons. There is also a large and varied drinks menu which includes wines, cocktails, spirits and plenty of freshly brewed tea and coffee.