Taking inspiration from the Royal Parks’ flora and fauna, London’s newest outdoor dining experience has opened in the heart of the capital at five-star hotel Sofitel London St James. The terrace features two intricately hand-carved giant swan seats which guests can relax on while enjoying a cocktail or seasonal dish, ‘Flora’ offers a summer garden oasis in the city.
Designed by leading London-based experiential architect, Meredith O’Shaughnessy, and open until September 30, 2022, ‘Flora’ is a quintessentially British experience, created in partnership with ALL (Accor’s free to join loyalty program, Accor Live Limitless), Moët & Chandon and William Grant & Sons premium non-alcoholic brand Atopia.
Beautiful planters feature verdant green and white foliage reminiscent of a summer afternoon spent relaxing by Duck Island in St. James’s Park and throughout the installation are etched poems by Amy Levy in honour of London’s Plane Tree.
Dining tables feature commissioned original artwork depicting sleeping swans on which will be served a specially curated menu that has been designed in collaboration with Michelin starred chef Anthony Demetre. Dishes include seasonal classics with a twist featuring a fresh daily counter of seafood including Rock oysters, Grilled Galician octopus with smoked paprika, Scottish Langoustines served with lemon mayonnaise and English caviar served classically paired with Moët & Chandon Impérial.
“We wanted to create an immersive experience to delight guests which feels classically British and a response to both our relationship to place and planet. Told through planting, art and poetry, Flora at Sofitel London St. James envisages London as a city-forest teaming with beautiful plants and wildlife, providing guests with the perfect summer backdrop to celebrate and enjoy incredible flavours.” Meredith O'Shaughnessy, CEO, Meredith Collective.
Flora’s extensive menu also includes burrata with fresh peas, shaved fennel and sour cherries as well as Norfolk asparagus with vinaigrette of chopped St.Ewes eggs. Among other British classics are Scottish rib of beef, farmhouse chicken and pork terrine, or a classic burger with triple cooked chips. To finish, guests can choose “Mojito” lime parfait, brown sugar, lime and mint sorbet or Canelé with a choice of tea or coffee.
To pair with the delicious food offering, the talented bar team at Sofitel London St. James has created a floral inspired range of innovative cocktails. The Primrose, Flora, Summertime, Enlightenment and Lilibet are all newly created cocktails with refreshing natural flavours such as rose water, hibiscus agave, mango, rhubarb and strawberries to create light summer drinks.
Guests can come together and enjoy all the big and small moments at Sofitel London St James with Moët & Chandon Impérial and Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial champagne available by the glass or by the bottle. The champagne’s unique style, distinguished by its bright fruitiness and elegant palette, embodies the ‘Flora’ outdoor dining experience effortlessly.
Come the weekends, guests can enjoy live music every Saturday and Sunday from 2.30pm to 6.30pm, as well as a leisurely afternoon tea menu on Sundays.
The new menu and direction mark the hotel’s new collaboration with Möet & Chandon and Atopia, both of which are on offer in the newly designed drinks menu. In addition, ALL - Accor Live Limitless loyalty members are able to earn points when they dine at Flora.
“We are extremely excited to launch our new immersive terrace, Flora. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a momentous occasion in history and we wanted to create something extraordinary at Sofitel London St James to celebrate. Flora will provide a beautiful hub for the neighbourhood to come together and enjoy the long summer days.” Marie-Paule Nowlis, General Manager at Sofitel London St James.
Flora is open seven days a week until 30 September. Early reservations are strongly recommended.
Pressroom
INSPIRED BY LONDON: ‘FLORA’, THE CAPITAL’S NEWEST DINING EXPERIENCE, IN THE HEART OF THE CITY HAS OPENED
06 June 2022
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