It’s officially the beginning of The Season in London. And that means it’s Chelsea Flower Show week and more than likely is going to start raining quite a lot. That’s the English Season for you…but a little bit of rain is certainly not going to stop me going out for lunch. So today we headed into Chelsea for a meander around the streets adorned with fabulous floral displays to celebrate this magical week. Our pre-lunch wanders were punctuated by sudden downpours, deafening thunder and blinding flashes of lightning…what did I say? But we were soon safely ensconced in the haven of The Roof Terrace at The Sloane (under shelter) perusing their delightful menu as peppercorn-sized hailstones dropped from the sky. Gotta be prepared for all weathers in the British summertime.
What’s on the menu
There’s a delightful combination of dishes using English seasonal ingredients with Asian influences. My favourite combo! And we started with one of my favourite dishes ever – Thai green papaya salad made with young papaya, cashews, lime juice, palm sugar, cherry tomatoes, green beans and chillis. It was beautifully fresh and authentic and the perfect start to any meal.
Our next starter was a new experience – mac ‘n’ cheese fritters, served with truffle ketchup. I find it hard to resist anything that has the t word in its description. These delightful little balls are crispy on the outside and beautifully soft and creamy inside with the mix of macaroni, cheese sauce and mushrooms. And that truffle ketchup…I need some in my everyday life.
Time for main courses. So we ordered the jumbo prawns in the shell – I’ve never seen such jumbo prawns. They were ginormous jumbo, and oh-so juicy and sweet. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen prawns of this hugeness. Are you getting an idea of how massive they are yet?
To complete the picture it was time for Surrey farmed Angus beef fillet. So tender and perfectly cooked and accompanied by the most velvety of Bernaise sauces. I can’t resist a Bernaise either (I’m not so good at resisting decadent dishes – well that’s becoming clear!). A perfect Bernaise too, so rich and buttery…
I also love a good side (or selection of them) and English green asparagus has to be right at the top of that list when it’s in season. Beautifully vibrant, firm to the bite and packed with flavour. Made even more delicious with a little dip into that Bernaise.
Tomato and red onion salad made for the final piece of the puzzle. Again, what’s not to like about about tomatoes in the spring/summer. Even if it’s raining.
For dessert we indulged in a traditional (and enormous – portion size is not for the faint-hearted at The Sloane) tiramisu. Soft, sweet and creamy with those coffee highlights.
I decided on a slightly healthier option. A colourful and exotic fruit salad with the zestiest of passion fruit sorbets (another love of mine).
Oh and here I am about to enjoy one of the cocktails specially created for Chelsea Flower Show week – a hibiscus martini. Ketel One vodka is infused with hibiscus, Belsazar Dry vermouth, silver glitter and rose water. It came with a little lollipop balanced on the rim and when I stirred sparkly streaks of gold and silver appeared as if by magic. Do I look happy? A fairy tale cocktail.
What a fabulous experience in a luxury oasis just off the bustling streets of the Kings Road. Another great London day. The Sloane also pulled all the stops out with their floral display celebrating Chelsea Flower Show and honouring the Queen in the year of her Platinum Jubilee. Well done to Her Majesty. And well done to The Sloane for the tastiest of lunches.
Here’s what greeted us outside the hotel.
Today’s price point
Lunch for two (three courses each) came to £137.
White wine starts from £35 a bottle and red from £36 a bottle.
Cocktail start from £15.
The Roof Terrace at The Sloane is in The Sloane boutique hotel at 52 Lower Sloane Street SW1W 8BA
