Inside The Dorchester: Round ii

Photos by the amazing Amber Rose

Hiya wee pals. Today's post is taking us back to The Dorchester - if you missed my first post, never fear, you can catch up with it here. So I've covered the room and the spa, meaning today brings us to my favourite topic: food. Our little bellies were totally and utterly spoiled, to the point where I left thinking, 'if I never ate again I'd die a happy woman'. And getting me to think something like that is no easy feat. I think I left it off with us having a little champers and heading down to the bar, and so that is where I'll continue from.

The bar is absolutely beautiful, very classy and timeless - it's the kind of bar you could see Frank Sinatra fitting into with ease. Not now, because that would be absurd, but back in the good old Hollywood glam days. The bartenders were all absolutely lovely, and gave us a little run through the cocktails, recommending us ones according to our tastes, whilst plying us with nibbles (including the tastiest salmon in the wold).

We did that thing girls do and drank some of each others and I honestly couldn't pick a favourite, they were both beautiful. However, mine did come with a lipgloss, which you applied before drinking so that the little gold particles stuck to your lips for a lovely shimmery effect, so maybe mine won. Then again, Amber's came in a teapot... oh God it's Sophie's Choice.

After spending a little longer in the bar than we should have, we took ourselves off to the restaurant, which was just as - if not even more - beautiful. Nay, breathtaking.

They have a beautiful big hand-blown Murano glass chandelier (which my Mum would have fainted at the site of) as well as Alain Ducasse's personal collection of Murano glass. The staff were all so lovely and attentive and catered really well to my disability. Sorry, my gluten intolerance. Speaking of, the gluten free bread we had with dinner is the tastiest I've ever had, tastier even than most of the normal, glutenous bread I've had in the past. The food as a whole, though, is incredible. My mouth was dribbling reading the menu - and that wasn't just because I'd had a few drinks - in the end I settled for lobster bisque (delicious) and duck (even more delicious). Just when we thought the night had piqued, we were taken into the kitchen to watch our desserts being made, which was amazing on every level.

The next morning we got up, as you know, and had our big tasty breakfast and then headed out to shoot for a little bit before returning for afternoon tea. What a hard paper round, I know. Afternoon tea was beautiful, everything you'd expect from The Dorchester and more.

 

They're brilliant with intolerences (not just gluten FYI, so if you're a fellow allergy kid then they really do have an afternoon tea to suit you here) and made it so that it was no different to the standard one. The way it's presented is so lovely, and the tea comes in an actual bunsen burner - which tickled my nerd bone like never before - all topped off with a lovely little rosebud or two.

The room it's served in is very, very regal and classy and really everything you'd hope for and more - it kind of feels like you've gone back in time and are eating on The Titanic (Kate Winslet's side, sorry Jack) and should be dressed in extravagant furs and pearls to match. After rounds of beautiful scones, cakes, sandwiches and bottomless tea, we headed over the coffee shop for, um, more cake. Animals I know - my belly looked like a tellitubbie's at this point.

And that was it! Our time at The Dorchester had sadly come to an end. I'd also like to say the biggest thank you ever to Virgin, who sent me down first class on one of their trains. I always prefer getting the train to a plane because it's only four hours or so, you don't have to go through the whole check-in malarkey and you get wifi, but to go first class was an even bigger treat. The seats are very sizeable and comfortable, with lots of legroom (not that I need it) and you get the tastiest meals - I had a verrrry nice chicken curry myself, gluten free and all. Plus you get what seems like unlimited supply of drinks and snacks; I had popcorn and tea coming out my ears by the end of the journey, and we all know that food is the biggest way to my stomach. So yes, if you're thinking of opting for the train up to Scotland or down to London then absolutely go for it! You get some beautiful views, can relax with a wee book or do some work and it's over before you know it.

Big thank you to The Dorchester for such an unforgettable stay, and to my little Amby for taking the most beautiful photos!