Conjure up in your head a luxury hotel in one of London’s most prestigious postcodes, stunning food, luxurious decor and service like no other. It almost sounds too good to be true, yet The Wellesley manages to encompass just about everything that you could want from a hotel and more – in one sleek-looking package. I seem to keep finding myself at this hotel of lately, for cocktails or even a meal in the fine dining Oval Restaurant. This time however I was visiting to experience Live at The Wellesley – a tempting evening of Jazz, wine and an exquisite tasting menu.
One cold winters evening I find myself sipping on a glass of sherry in the bar before sitting down for dinner in the Jazz Lounge. On hand to entertain us that evening was Jazz musician, Dan Swana. Dan regularly performs at some of London’s top hotels and has even shared a stage touring with the legend that is, Stevie Wonder. Live jazz performances take place at The Wellesley two nights a week on Fridays and Saturdays from 8.30pm to 11.30pm – giving you the opportunity to listen to live Jazz while indulging in a fabulous tasting menu.
Our dining experience in the Jazz Lounge started with the hotels bread offering, which never fails to impress and a fresh & vibrant langoustine carpaccio with crab and almond meringue – full of rich flavour and that undeniable taste of the sea. A guinea fowl terrine with truffle sauce and heritage carrots was another delectable plate of food – though perhaps overly rich and largely portioned for a tasting menu. The terrine was quickly followed by what turned out to be my favorite dish, pictured above. Dense black rounds of squid ink ravioli filled with ground Mediterranean prawns and finished with a smooth lobster bisque sauce. It’s dishes like this which make me look forward to eating here. A cannon of lamb with a pea puree and caramelised onions was perfectly cooked, well seasoned and the pea puree glossy and vibrant – just how it should be.
Desserts never disappoint at The Wellesley and from the first time I visited this hotel, have always been the kitchens strongest area. With Dan still playing some familiar tunes in the background, we tucked in to our final course – dark chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream. Cut through the warm sponge and you’ll reveal a gooey chocolate molten center which leaks out all over the plate, slowly melting down the cold vanilla ice cream. I can’t think of a better way to end a meal than seeing and eating this at the end of it.
As a hotel I couldn’t recommend The Wellesley more highly and as a restaurant it’s perhaps even more recommendable. Combing Jazz with the food here is simply the icing on the cake. While the food may not be the cheapest you’ll encounter in London – its money well spent. You’re not just investing in dinner, but in a long-lasting experience. All of the upcoming events in the Jazz Lounge can be found here, but book quickly – you’ll only be disappointed when they sell out.
