Summer is my favourite time of year, as you say goodbye to the whispering cold winds and the soft, rain clouds that overcast the sky, you welcome the deep blue skies and golden sun rays that just sun kiss your skin giving it a golden glow. Sipping on a ice-cold glass of bubbles, or a rosé or two, whilst catching up with friends and adding in copious amounts of laughter, they are the simple, satisfying moments of summer.
I recently found my favourite hotspot for the summer, that brings a slice of the French Riviera to the heart of London, at the gorgeous Four Seasons Park Lane. Moments after being immersed amongst the outdoor terrace, you feel like you have been transported to the French Riviera, sitting back on a white washed boat, listening to the waves beneath you as you sip on a crisp glass of Dom Pérignon.
The setting is so dreamy, with white draped sheets that sway in the wind, being surrounded by some of the nautical accessories, of life rings, white towels with waiters in striped t-shirts. The only thing missing was a pool to be lounging around next to, one can dream though, right?
This little piece of heaven is in collaboration with Belvedere Vodka and Dom Pérignon, which is a dream combination. Naturally, we ordered a glass of Dom Pérignon to start us off and to keep us cool on the perfectly warm summers evening.
Popping open a bottle of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2009 Brut was a real treat. It was a collection that was released by Dom Pérignon after they had a fantastic season which provided optimal grape ripeness, allowing a new frontier of champagne to be explored. This meant the grapes were at their prime providing a real richness in flavour.
It had scents of guava, grapefruit and a touch of peach, giving it that soft, zesty aroma. Each sip of the vintage is heaven, because of it’s fresh, ripe flavour that gives your taste buds a real excitement. It’s silky, smooth, salty and tangy all at the same time, it completely fits well with the essence of being in the South of France.
I’m a huge lover of stripes myself, so it only felt right to go fully nautical and embrace it! Cheers!
After visiting France numerous times, something I have noticed a lot is they never let you drink on an empty stomach. There is always something brought out with your drinks to nibble on. Whether it be olives, bread or a board of cheeses and meats. So, when your mind is in France, you do as the French do.
Executive Chef Romuald Feger created a beautiful menu of ‘Les Petites Bouchées’ which translate to ‘small mouths’. It’s a selection of yummy, light snacks to keep you nibbling whilst you sip, sip, sip!
Zoe and I ordered a few of the light bites, such as Pinzimonio & Archoïade, which is seasonal vegetable crudités with a lovely, anchovy and garlic creamy dip.
The Le Nissarte is a home made recipe of mini veal burgers served on focaccia buns. The meat was cooked beautifully and was seasoned to perfection, which made it rather moreish.
The love for olives knows no bounds, so the La Picholine was the perfect light bite for me. It is olive tapenade with Fougasse bread and an extra helping of olives on the side. Just perfect!
Finishing up our champagne, we decided to move onto the L’Azur cocktails. One thing I can never say no to is an Aperol Spritz in the sun, it was a no brainer! The L’Azur Spritz had a twist on it though, made with grapefruit and rhubarb bitter before being topped off with Veuve Clicquot. Bliss!
I could have drunk another few L’Azur Spritz’s but there is always next time, right? So I decided to try something a little different for my next cocktail.
I went for a Lychee and Watermelon cooler, two of my favourite fruits, another no brainer moment. I feel like the team at Four Seasons Park Lane know me too well…
The cooler was made using Belvedere vodka, lychee liquor, fresh watermelon, lychee juice and lime. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you like exotic fruits.
Zoe went for the Belvedere Espress which was made with Belvedere vodka, coffee liqueur and cold-press coffee. As an espresso martini lover, I was getting major envy of Zoe’s cocktail. I will definitely be making my way back again soon to try it!
With some of the finest cocktails keeping us cool, completely feeling full and satisfied from our light bites and a content heart from all the laughter and antics, it definitely was the best way to wrap up my busy working week. Zoe and I strolled out of L’Azur at Four Seasons Park Lane just as the sun set, which was the cherry on top of the cake.
Until next time…
