Despite both my fiance and I being major foodies - what exactly defines a foodie out of interest? Is it someone that just loves their food i.e "I'll take a McDonald's, followed by a Nando's and then head off for a bargain bucket at KFC", or somebody that likes more of a refined caviar on top of my eggs benedict kinda situation? I fall into both of those categories (mainly the former) so I'm covered either way ;) - we very rarely get the chance to dress up a little, set aside a few hours of absolutely no work or phone usage - this includes all kinds of social media too [insert shock horror emoji here] - and just enjoy a meal together at a nice restaurant that isn't a quick Indian or TGI Friday which is exactly why the day in question in this post was not only so lovely, but so well needed.
After attending the Manfrotto event a couple of weeks ago, I left my blogging buddies and headed over to The Palm Court restaurant in The Park Lane hotel - which isn't actually on Park lane, who on earth decided that that should be a thing? - to meet Dan for what turned out to be the most gorgeous meal in a stunning (very coeliac friendly) hotel.
The first thing that I want to note because I was beyond impressed with it, was that when I called up to a book the meal, I was actually asked if I had any dietary requirements at the end of the phone call which is something that I've never had before. This immediately made me fall in love with the Park Lane hotel a little because there is nothing more reassuring for a coeliac than to know that where you are going to eating actually gets allergies.
The other thing that made me fall in love - I mean, in the non-literal totally over dramatic way of course - was that after being seated by the waiter (named John, who was so incredibly lovely) and asking if we both liked alcohol, he then came over with a complimentary glass of champagne. Such a simple thing but it really did make the whole experience feel so much more personal, luxurious and just special. Champagne, Waitor loving, coeliac chat over, time for food [insert heart eye'd emoji's here].
We both went straight in for mains because if I'm being totally honest, they just sounded so amazing that I couldn't wait #GreedyBloggerSays. After far too long perusing the menu - I was pleasantly surprised by the percentage of meals that were actually gluten free [insert hand clapping emoji here for Park Lane] - I went for the Braised South devon lamb shoulder. And, just... wow. I can honestly say that this was one of the most delicious mains I've ever eaten in a restaurant. The sauce was rich, the lamb was so soft that it just fell apart and the root veg just had the loveliest, fresh crunch (loveliest fresh crunch? That is potentially the weirdest thing I have ever said in a blog post) It also come with anya potatoes - I have no idea what "anya" potatoes, sorry not sorry - which I've genuinely thought about for far too long whilst writing out this post. Delicious!
Dan - who hasn't quite got the hang of waiting for me to take a thousand photo's before I let him eat, hence just the one photo - was a typical man and had the cheese burger and chips which he enjoyed a lot. "Not my favourite burger in the world, but really, really good"... This is pretty much Blue Peter badge worthy coming from him so... well done Park Lane ;)
Mains done, it's time for dessert. It's definitely worth mentioning that between each courses/all through our meal we were constantly asked if we were okay or needed anything from the manager and other waiter and just generally made to feel totally waited on.
Dessert wise, I have to say that despite my option being delicious - more on that later - that was probably what was most lacking on the menu for coeliacs/gluten free options. I went for the selection or sorbets which was totally fine for me as I do love sorbet (I kinda' love anything that's gluten free if I'm being totally honest) however if you don't, and you aren't after fresh fruit... then there isn't too much else you can go for.
I will also admit that I chose tactically because I knew that Dan would go for the cheese board - Hi, I'm Elle and I love food so much that I manipulate my fiance into going for options that I can also eat - and after asking which parts were gluten free (he is very good at doing that so that I can try his food #FianceGoals) I then went to town on the cheese which was just... well, it was just cheese but we all know that cheese was put on the earth to make people eternally happy and eternally* happy I was.
*eternally = Elle language for "as long as the cheese lasted" which wasn't long because I'm a pig!
Now, food comes before anything for me apart from Harvey Specter so where I eat isn't too much of a priority, however you are totally spoilt for a luxurious surrounding when you go to the Park Lane hotel in general, but specifically at the Palm Court. It has such a beautiful ambient atmosphere, with a strong art deco theme running through. With gorgeous checkered floors - perfect for a FWIS blogging ladies - calming green and gold decor, not to mention that you actually sit on armchairs which it's safe to say are beyond comfortable... it just feels very luxe but homely at the same time. Terrible descriptions aside, I'll leave you with some photo's which will do the place far more justice than my descriptions (that rival a 4 year old's) ever could.
In short, because I am aware that I have bombarded you with word vomit and photo's, the Park Lane hotel is an incredibly stunning hotel that I could wander around in for hours. On that note - I'll keep this short and quick to avoid boring you to death - the toilet was actually out of order on the day we went so I was sent to find the nearest alternative ones. I actually ended up in the huge, empty ball room all by myself which was absolutely breath taking. If I wasn't so hungry (#HugeAppetiteProblems) I'd have wandered around forever. Would it make me a massive loser to say I made me feel a little like a Disney princess? Oh it does, Ok then, I'll leave that there...
Moving on to something much less stunning, here's what I wore... ;)
Jumpsuit - H&M / Shoes - Dorothy Perkins / Bag - Zara
Shop the look - well, as similar as I could get - here:
Outfit wise I kept it really simple with a jumpsuit that has without a doubt become my "oh sh*t, I have no idea what to wear and need to look reasonably chic" piece. Paired with some simple strappy heels and my favourite Chanel wannabe bag from Zara. What's that famous (Instagram) phrase? "I'll wear another colour when they invent one darker than black?" Yeah... that!
So that brings this post to an end. In short, if you're looking for a luxurious but totally non pretentious, delicious tasty meal (that's also really good for gluten free requirements) then I'd highly recommend checking out The Palm court at The Park Lane hotel. And if you're looking for a girl that knows how to dress in nothing but morbid colours, you've also come to the right place... ;)
I would love to know if you've ever been here before and what you made of it? Of course, any gluten free friendly restaurants are very welcome!
As always, thanks so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
