London’s bustling city life can sometimes feel overwhelming, but there’s a hidden oasis waiting to be discovered. Tucked away in the posh neighborhood of Buckingham Gate, Treehouse@51 offers a tranquil escape from the urban clamor.
A Courtyard of Tranquility
Imagine a secret courtyard, nestled within the grandeur of the Taj Hotel, a historic landmark that whispers tales of the British Raj. The hotel’s iconic bi-colored bricks and architectural details stand in stark contrast to the serenity of the courtyard. This hidden gem is a world away from the hustle of Victoria Station, just a few minutes’ walk away.
Step into the courtyard and be greeted by the gentle gurgling of a central fountain, depicting scenes from Shakespeare’s timeless plays. This tranquil scene is occasionally punctuated by the rumble of passing supercars, delivering guests to the hotel’s opulent doors.
A Culinary Journey Through Flavors
Inside, a glass dining room, designed by renowned architects Conran & Partners, beckons with promises of delicious culinary experiences. But, when the sun shines, the courtyard reigns supreme. With a clear sky overhead, we settled into the courtyard’s inviting atmosphere.
The staff, radiating genuine warmth and hospitality, are mostly from India, reflecting the Taj’s Indian heritage. They take pride in their special space, ensuring a seamless dining experience. Their vigilance extends to the occasional pigeon seeking to join the guests, serving as gentle bird scarers.
Two menus offer tantalizing choices: the Hotel Standard, catering to all tastes, and the Courtyard Menu, a showcase of innovative flavors. We were drawn to the Courtyard Menu’s focus on the Robata grill, a Japanese charcoal grill renowned for its intense heat.
A Symphony of Textures and Tastes
Our culinary journey began with a vibrant salad, featuring fresh bocconcini, summer squash fettuccine, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, olives, and a balsamic drizzle. While the olives lacked freshness, the balsamic was generously distributed. Tiny mozzarella balls added an unexpected touch of sweetness, but overall, the salad felt somewhat underwhelming.
My starter, a medley of baby roots, edamame, Hass avocado, red quinoa, and a berry yoghurt dressing, offered a delightful mix of textures and flavors. However, the quinoa was the white variety, not the expected red, and the roots were absent, replaced by an abundance of soft fruits. This led to a feeling that the dish might have been a repurposed breakfast option.
Despite the unadvertised substitutions, the quinoa was perfectly cooked, the beans and avocado were fresh, and the berries were bursting with flavor. The overall impression was one of summery lightness.
A Feast for the Senses
The main courses were a revelation, showcasing the kitchen’s true culinary prowess. The Sea Bass fillet, infused with sumac, basil, lemon, and garlic confit, arrived with a side of salad and a generous helping of spicy chips. The combination of flavors was exhilarating, and the sumac added a touch of tangy magic.
As a vegan enthusiast, I opted for the Spiced Tofu and patty pan squash, Gochujang. The Gochujang, a Korean chili paste, delivered a fiery punch, but the sweetness of the cooked glutinous rice tempered the heat. The patty pan squash was the star of the show, its small size concentrating the flavor, making each bite a delightful explosion of taste.
While the accompanying chips and salad were a bit repetitive, the overall dining experience was exceptional. Enjoying the delicious food al fresco added to the enjoyment.
A Sweet Finale
But the true highlight of our culinary adventure was the Mango cheesecake with a Chilli mango coulis. The addition of chili was a stroke of genius, its heat perfectly balancing the sweetness of the mango. The cheesecake was a triumph of creamy textures and sweet-spicy flavors.
Treehouse@51 is a luxurious haven, offering a sophisticated dining experience without being exorbitantly priced. The kitchen’s adventurous spirit blends European and Indian culinary traditions to create truly memorable dishes. We were tempted to try many more items on the menu.
The Mango Cheesecake, a true testament to the kitchen’s creativity, is also available as part of an afternoon tea service, served in the beautiful courtyard. We highly recommend indulging in this unique culinary experience.
