The Riviera Terrace at The Churchill Bar Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Debbie Kingsland
I’m not quite sure where to start with what I’m about to portray to you. I thought I was going to review a restaurant, but this is so, so much more. As you are greeted at the door your journey begins. The warm welcome by the staff felt like we were regular visitors to the restaurant. This was before they knew I was a reviewer.
The experience was a mix of romance, sophistication and high class dining whilst still maintaining a beautifully relaxed atmosphere. The history and story of The Riviera Terrace at The Churchill bar was created from Winston Churchill’s love of the French Riviera where he and his wife loved to holiday with family. Churchill loved to paint, the hobby which became a passion that helped him overcome depression.
Churchill spent over 30 years painting in Cote d’Azur often renting a villa in Saint Paul de Vence and Cap d’Antibes all of which you feel the love of throughout the laden flowers and art deco lighting adorning The Terrace.
This was an especially fabulous experience for me and my husband. We had previously fallen in love with the French Riviera after holidaying a number of years ago. A number of the Churchill family members still frequent now and Churchill’s grandson Randolf has been instrumental in the creation of some of the cocktails. All the cocktails are based on Churchill’s tastes, the Dundee flavours based on his love of the Dundee cake. We sampled a few, all of which were fabulous, our favourites were aptly named “Two hours from Venice” and “finest hour”.
The menu, whilst not excessive was very French inspired with a southern mediterranean influence. We both started with a delicious Pissaladière sweet onion tart with olives and anchovies followed by seabass for me and aubergines alla Parmigiana for my husband – both superb. The desserts were equally as delicious and we had the broiled citrus fruits with a honey and cardamom hazelnut cream and a melt in the middle chocolate fondant; both heavenly even though we are not particular dessert people.
Whether you go for a drink, a cigar or a meal I’d recommend you go as you will not be disappointed. One thing we loved was that there was a red post box in The Terrace where you are given a post card to post and have sent to a loved one as if you were on holiday. (no stamp needed)
The wines, champagnes and spirits collection is vast, especially the whisky collection which ranges from £15 a shot to £420. Not surprisingly there is also a huge offering of cigars which is also a trademark of Churchill.
Rating: 5/5 – Came as strangers to The Terrace but left as friends and can’t wait to return
Location – 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
Nearest stations – Marble Arch, Bond Street or Baker Street all within a ten minute walk.
Open daily from mid-day- 1am. £40 per person spend after 5pm.
To book call +002072992035
Dress code – smart casual
Prices – cocktails from £16
https://www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/london/bar/the-churchill-bar-terrace/events/meet-me-at-the-riviera-terrace