Whether you’re basking in a heatwave or hiding away from the drizzle, Dalloway Terrace in Bloomsbury will never go out of fashion. Sophie Ritchie pays a visit to sample flavours of summer at the flower-filled restaurant

A must-visit for any keen Instagrammer, the interiors at Dalloway Terrace consist of a dreamy indoor-outdoor space adjacent to The Bloomsbury Hotel. Covered in flowers, it’s filled with a buzzy atmosphere that belongs in a Great Gatsby chapter.

It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that the venue takes its name from the character conjured by author Virginia Wolf. Whilst you won’t find pens and paper upon the walls, you will stumble across beautiful al fresco surroundings filled with whimsical fairy lights and covered dining tables.

The terrace and its menu undergoes a makeover with each season, and I visit with a friend to sample 2018’s summer offerings. This year, it’s been inspired by the idyllic South of France in partnership with French liqueur brand St-Germain. Marvel at a cascading canopy of over 1,000 dried flowers designed to transport guests to the fields and foliage of Southern France. Oui, it is beautiful indeed.

The food

Upon arrival, I’m shown swiftly to my waiting table. I’ve had a week of incessantly stressful events: stropping laptops, difficult flights and deadlines (dead being the operative word). So, settling into the suave surroundings is a breath of fresh air. I leave my woes in my bag and focus on fawning over the menu instead.

All-day dining means there’s plenty to choose from. Options brim with fresh fish, luscious produce and classic British dishes. To begin, I choose the Octopus Carpaccio (£12). It arrives in symmetrical circles, topped with a tame Piquillo pepper salsa and smooth avocado. Very light, fresh and easy on the eyes. My fork glides through the tender octopus until the plate is empty.

I also wash it down with a Jax coconut water (a surprising combination) but it’s also refreshing against the heat of the mobbed city. The noise of London is lost however – Dalloway Terrace really is a hidden spot of chatty seclusion.

For mains, it’s something healthy – although the lure of the crab linguine was strong. My Superfood Salad (£12) is a hit. I think a proper salad should be two things: striking and full of flavour. This one checks both boxes, arriving as a hefty bowl of crunchy quinoa, broccoli, crumbly feta and sunflower seeds. It’s topped with a fragrant pomegranate dressing and beetroot chunks. There’s a lot going on, but it works – much like a well-rehearsed orchestra.

Not always angelic, I pair it with a crisp glass of NZ Sauvignon Blanc. It’s the perfect swilled balance of naughty and nice.

The Wordrobe verdict

Grab your favourite friends and head to the picturesque surroundings of Dalloway Terrace. Easy on the eye (and the stomach too) it’s ideal for a gourmet girly outing.

Make it happen

Where: 16-22 Great Russell St, Fitzrovia, London WC1B 3NN

Bookings: Phone 020 7347 1221 or visit dallowayterrace.com to make a reservation.

Words by Sophie Ritchie, Editor of The Wordrobe