Soaking up the atmosphere and warm welcome , it was apparent that sophistication is the running theme here ; extending from the classic decor , upholstery and unobtrusive service , to the relaxed yet refined 440 rooms and suites , and to the understated yet elevated food and beverage options . Delighted to find our own room overlooked London ’ s iconic skyline , we were immediately at ease amongst the subtle neutral tones and classically calming style ; think soft whites and taupes ; classic white cotton bed linen ; and natural dark woods with traditional brass accents . All rooms offer coffee machines , mini bars and windowside desks . Our own larger suite was prominently situated , boasting Molten Brown toiletries , and providing complimentary access to the Regency Club . For those seeking an ultra-special experience , the Churchill Residential Suite ’ s four-bedroom extravagance , complete with grand piano no less , is the hotel ’ s pinnacle suite . We started our evening in the everpopular Churchill Bar and Terrace ( thechurchillbar . co . uk ). Offering awardwinning cocktails , laid back small-plate dining and Cuban cigars from its chic interior bar and year-round heated outdoor terrace , you ’ ll also find the Pop- Up Terrace , which seasonally morphs from apres ski-style , blanket-laid , fondue-dunking cocoon to hot summer night , sophisticated , alfresco-cocktail haven . The vibe is fun-luxe and the dining and drink offering is pure class . As well as a range of signature cocktails , you ’ ll find seasonal serves alongside a new UNITY cocktail menu ; curated to celebrate the treasured tradition of the bar team ’ s respective cultures . Expect nuanced and sophisticated serves exploring local flavours , homegrown produce and a nod to sustainable mixology craftsmanship . ‘ Bar food ’ here is about as far removed from a pot of salted nuts ( although you can get these too ) as you can get . Menu highlights for us included delightful arancini , flavoursome lamb kofta with hints of cumin and fresh herbs , the notto-be-missed Winston sliders , offering the most incredible mini burgers with the juiciest mini patties , cheddar cheese and special ‘ Winston ’ sauce , and the most insane Anna potato offering layers of crispy potato doused in fresh Parmigiano Reggiano - heaven !
For those looking for a more traditional all-day dining experience head to the hotel ’ s The Montagu Kitchen .
The dining room is a pared back affair of dark wood and simply laid tables ; no stuffy table linen here , just glasses , silver cutlery and classic white napkins . For those that pay attention , the nods to Chartwell ’ s English garden inspiration were there in the form of delicate floral patterns on the chair upholstery and potted herbs in lieu of flowers . The simplistic space offers a great backdrop to the heaving platters of pastries , breads , fruits and cheeses which delight morning guests to the classic British , with some Middle-Eastern twists , à la carte menu to tempt sundowning diners .
Sectioned into starters , salads , mains , and ‘ from the grill ’, the menu from executive chef Carlo Martino highlights Montague favourites as well as those inspired by Chartwell . It is seasonally changing , but look out for the scallop or Kentish vegetable starters ; when we
visited it was a divine pan-seared scallop dish served in its shell with roasted cauliflower puree with lemon butter , hazelnut and Granny Smith . While the ‘ bread ’ brings a whole freshly-baked rosemary and potato sourdough stillwarm loaf to the table – with salted butter it is not to be missed !
Post mains , the classic apple pie is the recommended pick . Offering a crisp pastry tart filled with almond cream , apple and cinnamon compote , and served with vanilla Crème Anglaise and crème fraîche sorbet , it ’ s definitely one to share ! Feeling full or nostalgic however , then the cute dessert trolley should be a definite consideration . Wheeled tableside , the vintage lid is lifted to reveal at least three seasonal mini patisserie delights such as citrus meringue tarts and spiced cheesecakes - the perfect mini sweet treat to end your evening .
Our stay married the excitement and excellence of a London top hotel experience balanced with an affable , genuine warm welcome , and unpretentious guest and dining experience . The Terrace simply has to be on your must-visit list ; order the sliders and the Anna potato and thank me later !
Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill 30 Portman Square London W1H 7BH
www . hyatt . com
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