The Promenade at The Dorchester

Following a sparkling renovation at the tail-end of 2022, The Promenade at The Dorchester is now more spectacular than ever. Just as well, as the column-lined space functions more or less as an extension of the entrance hall, teasing guests with its plush furnishings, impressive artworks and golden touches as you enter the hotel. Ironically, this mesmerising space is one of The Dorchester’s more casual dining destinations (three Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse resides somewhere else in the building) where it serves a line-up of all-day menus.

Diners are granted privacy thanks to well-placed seating, and if you’re lucky, a live pianist will serenade you at a Liberace-inspired grand piano while you dine. We visited in the evening, when the lights were turned down to barely-aglow and the live pianist (yes, we hit jackpot) performed slow and sultry versions of classic tracks.

Naturally, service is pristine, with eager-to-help, suit-clad waiters delivering dishes on silver trays. The menu caters for all dining occasions, albeit with an indulgent flourish. There are soups and sandwiches for those looking for a quick bite, while a truffle pizza and classic burgers feel relatively ordinary for their esteemed location. Still, the rest of the menu definitely tilts into fine dining territory. A starter of lobster cannelloni immersed in a creamy sauce was meaty and gratifying, although slightly overcooked if we were being picky. While a fine combination of beautifully-soft halibut with a sweet chunk of roasted celeriac, meaty girolles and nutty pearl barley, all doused in a mushroom cream, was exemplary. To finish: praline mille-feuille. While any sought-after notes of hazelnut were somewhat lost amongst the melee of rich flavours, its golden, biscuit-like layers of pastry were so perfect that all was forgiven.

What we can’t quite let go is the prices. Starters hover around the £30 plus mark, while mains are closer to £50. Still, you don’t go to The Dorchester for anything other than extravagance, which it does better than most in London.

The Promenade is The Dorchester’s glittering lounge room where all dining occasions are catered for, from breakfasts that will set you up for the day in style, through to elegant lunches, indulgent afternoon tea and romantic dinners with top-class cocktails. Guests are invited to relax in beautiful surroundings, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to a performance from the hotel’s resident pianist who will artfully wield the mirrored Liberace grand piano.

Mornings at The Promenade begin with indulgent breakfasts, from honey-drizzled buttermilk pancakes served with fabulous coffee and refreshing juices, to a lobster, bacon and avocado brioche roll. The menu is crammed with every possible breakfast item you could imagine, from porridge and chia bowls to cooked breakfasts and eggs any way you like.

Lunch, meanwhile, is just as generous, where everything from grills and hearty mains to soups, salads and sandwiches can be ordered and enjoyed. Or, skip the middle man altogether and go straight for afternoon tea. The Dorchester’s offering is a smile-inducing mix of dainty finger sandwiches, scones with cream and preserves, as well as delicate patisseries inspired by classic treats.

For dinner, you can expect a refined display of classic dishes, from a starter of smoked salmon with soda bread, crème fraîche and beetroot, to chicken and langoustine pie with mousseline potato, carrots and kale for main.

Art plays a starring role within the hotel and guests will find an extensive art collection on display at The Promenade, taking the beholder on an exuberant adventure through the British artistic tradition of landscapes. Adding to the room’s splendour are black and gold marble columns, studded sofas, ornate ceilings and beautiful light fixtures. It’s sure to make a spectacular backdrop at any time of day.