The sun was shining, the air was warm, and it was time for another Ms. Mitchell meet-up! Naturally, a luxurious Southbank hotel was the perfect setting for our summer dining adventure. We were both eager to experience the nautical charm of the Mondrian Hotel, housed within the iconic 1970s Sea Containers building. Our final destination was the hotel’s flagship restaurant, aptly named “Sea Containers,” but first, we had to indulge in a few pre-dinner drinks (because, well, it’s just good manners!).
This paragraph introduces the setting and the main characters of the story, setting the stage for the exciting dining experience that follows.
A Ship’s Hull of Glamour
The nautical theme permeates the hotel’s reception, bars, and restaurant, with an elegant touch courtesy of Tom Dixon’s signature style. Imagine floor-to-ceiling beaten copper panels evoking a ship’s hull, soft ground lights, and a black marble floor – a truly impressive and luxurious entrance.
This paragraph highlights the hotel’s design and ambiance, emphasizing its unique and stylish features. The author’s excitement for the hotel’s interior design is evident.
A Bar Full of Buzz
A private event in the Rumpus Room meant we missed out on the breathtaking Thames views. However, we were determined to experience the hotel’s ground floor bar, Dandelyan. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a less-than-welcoming “no room at the inn” message. The Pixie, never one to back down, insisted we were dining at the hotel and, voilà, stools magically appeared! Pro tip: Always reserve a table, especially for after-work drinks!
This paragraph describes the experience of trying to get into the bar and the importance of making reservations, adding a humorous touch to the narrative.
Botanical Delights and Negroni Nirvana
The drinks menu is a treat for the senses. It revolves around a botanical theme, featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and innovative techniques. I opted for the Fairchild’s Mule: Hendricks Gin, lime, pink clove, green cardamom, ginger, and Perrier-Jouet Champagne. The warmth of the spices and the fizz of the champagne were a perfect match.
This paragraph details the first drink ordered, highlighting its unique ingredients and taste profile. It piques the reader’s interest in the drinks menu and encourages them to try their own botanical concoctions.
Meanwhile, Ms. Mitchell went for her usual, but this was no ordinary Negroni. This was the BC3 Negroni: Beefeater London Garden Gin, Dandelyan pollen vermouth, propolis, Ceylon Arrack, Campari, and aged honey. After one sip, she declared it the best Negroni ever!
This paragraph focuses on the second drink ordered, showcasing its unusual ingredients and the positive reaction it received. It hints at the unique and delicious experience awaiting readers in the hotel’s bar.
An Unexpected View
We continued to catch up over a second round of drinks. I enjoyed the “Peach in a Pine Cone” (Mr. Lyan Gin, fermented peach, pine cone, citrus, and soda), a beautiful-looking cocktail that was almost too pretty to drink. Ms. Mitchell stuck with her BC3 Negroni, which clearly had her captivated.
This paragraph describes the second round of drinks and further emphasizes the unique and enjoyable experience of the bar. The author’s description of the “Peach in a Pine Cone” evokes the senses and highlights the bar’s focus on aesthetics.
After an hour and a half of discussing the world’s affairs, it was time for dinner. We were led through the open-plan dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, bright sunshine, semicircle sofas, and stunning views of St. Paul’s.
This paragraph describes the transition from the bar to the restaurant and showcases the restaurant’s beautiful design and its prime location. The reader starts to imagine the restaurant’s ambience and views.
A Viewless Corner and Delicious Dishes
Unfortunately, our corner spot offered no view of the Thames, instead presenting us with the back of a black cupboard. Despite our disappointment, we decided to make the best of the situation and eagerly opened the menus.
This paragraph introduces a slight negative experience, creating suspense and making the reader wonder how the rest of the dinner will unfold. The author’s disappointment is conveyed effectively.
The Sea Containers menu offers a mix of English and transatlantic dishes, with a focus on healthy dishes using authentic and local ingredients. We began with blistered padron peppers (£7) and freshly baked sourdough bread (£4). The padrons were cooked to perfection, offering the right amount of crunch. The bread was delicious, but we would have preferred it warm.
This paragraph delves into the restaurant’s menu and highlights its focus on fresh, local ingredients. The author provides specific details about the dishes, creating a sense of realism and inviting the reader to imagine their own dining experience.
My main course of gnocchi with peas, asparagus, wild garlic, and parmesan cheese (£18) was a creamy, velvety dream. It simply melted in my mouth. Ms. Mitchell’s clay oven roasted cod, served with crushed Jersey Royal potatoes, tomato fondue, and asparagus (£22), was equally delicious, and both plates were scraped clean.
This paragraph continues to describe the dishes, highlighting their quality and taste. The author’s enthusiastic description makes the reader eager to try the dishes for themselves.
Our sides of Sea Co triple-cooked chips (£5) and tenderstem broccoli with toasted almonds (£5) were also delicious.
This paragraph adds further details about the dishes, reinforcing the positive dining experience and the quality of the food.
A Yellow Submarine and Sublime Drinks
We skipped dessert and instead made our way to the bar, which took center stage in the restaurant, adorned with a suspended yellow submarine. Our goal was to enjoy some espresso martinis and escape our disappointing view. The move was worth it – the drinks were sublime.
This paragraph showcases the restaurant’s unique design and the author’s desire to enjoy the bar again. The suspense is maintained as the reader anticipates the outcome of this final experience.
And the view, much better.
This simple sentence confirms that the move to the bar was successful, leaving the reader with a positive impression of the dining experience.
A Mix of Ups and Downs
While our initial experience at the bar was less than ideal, and we missed out on the amazing views during dinner, there’s no denying that the food and drinks were exceptional. Would I go back? Maybe. Perhaps next time I’ll bring my little ladies, as I noticed they have a special kids’ menu.
This paragraph acknowledges the initial challenges but ultimately concludes that the positive aspects of the experience outweigh the negatives. The author suggests the possibility of a return visit with her children.
A Love for the Mondrian
On the other hand, I fell head over heels for the Mondrian hotel’s stunning design and interiors. So much so that I’m plotting how to convince Mr. S to spend a night in this hotel, which is literally 15 minutes from home!
This paragraph highlights the author’s love for the hotel’s design and interior, adding a humorous touch as she reveals her desire to stay there despite its proximity to her own home.
Share Your Southbank Secrets
Have you been to the Mondrian Hotel? What’s your favorite place on the Southbank or in London? Let me know in the comments below!
This paragraph invites the reader to share their own experiences and opinions, making them feel involved in the conversation and encouraging them to engage with the article.
