Lovers all across London are gearing up for the most romantic day in the calendar. While some opt for an unfussy breakfast in bed, others know the key to someone’s heart is through their stomach – enter Charlie’s.
The Brown's Hotel restaurant is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Tommaso Bizzocchi and is renowned for its sultry, low-lit dining experience, complete with panelled walls and quintessentially British menu. On 14 February, the restaurant sets the scene for a love story with its four-course Valentine’s Day menu, priced at £160 per person.
To start, leek and potato vichyssoise comes served with warm smoked salmon crumpets.
For seafood lovers, the next courses promise fresh flavour: lobster and Cornish crab cocktail drizzled in a spiced vodka Marie Rose sauce, steamed wild halibut with lobster bisque and creamed leeks, and a salt-baked sea bream to share – dressed at the table for a touch of dining-room theatre.
Diverting from its usual British cuisine, meat-eaters can expect continental-inspired dishes. Think, black truffle Angus beef carpaccio and tournedos Rossini (tender beef fillet topped with a slice of duck liver). But, of course, roast chicken is on the menu, served with creamed potatoes, leeks and morel mushrooms.
Vegetarian options are also available, and no less considered. Creamy stracciatella, a walnut and endive salad and a roast winter squash Sicilian-inspired caponata rounds off the savoury menu selection.
Those with a crush on all things coconut would be remiss not to try the restaurant’s coconut pavlova with coconut ice-cream and custard. Charlie’s signature tiramisu also makes a show-stopping appearance, alongside caramel-poached blood oranges and profiteroles filled with a hazelnut praline and dipped in a hot chocolate sauce.
Feel the love in Mayfair
Elsewhere on Bond Street, Atrium invites you to an intimate brunch for two, Jean-Georges at The Connaught is offering a four-course feast and Claridge’s will be hosting a special dinner for secret admirers in its Foyer & Reading Room.
Book Charlie’s Valentine’s Day celebration here.