Le Méridien Piccadilly is bringing a little bit of Nice and the chic French Riviera to central London this summer. I’m talking about gorgeous blue hues, deck chairs, fruity cocktails and a menu of delicious small plates.
I have lived in London for many years now but I had never really noticed Le Méridien Piccadilly hotel – I’ve walked past it many times but not thought to enter. I’m so glad I’ve discovered this gem of a hotel in central London!
I was lucky enough to be exploring this little slice of Nice with the wonderful Katy and lovely Rosie. Delicious cocktails, wonderful french food and great music – what more could three girls want!?
I just need to point out – how crazy has our summer in London been? I mean proper cray cray. But don’t despair Le Méridien Piccadilly has partnered with its sister hotel Le Méridien Nice to bring the best of the French Riviera to its Terrace Grill & Bar for three months of Summer Soirées. No matter the weather you can still escape to sunnier climes!
As we arrived we were greeted with a glass of a wonderfully summery cocktail, Le Sifflet (martini Bianco, Perrier-Jouët Champagne, mandarin syrup & citrus zest). I am rather partial to a cocktail but had not tried this before. I can confirm it is the perfect summer tipple to transport you to Nice!
Drinks in hand we explored. Again, why had I not been up here before! It’s a grand space that feels open and airy. The ‘promenade’ is lined with deck chairs, parasols and Mediterranean vistas, which leads to a traditional village square where there is a pétanque ground. Yes, that’s correct. A pétanque ground! Now, you may not know this but I have my own set of pétanque boules. This does not mean I am any good but I do love to play!
There is also a cute little outdoor terrace – something that is hard to find in central London!
I often find with popups the food is not always that great and it’s more about the experience, but that is not the case with the Summer Soirée at Le Méridien Piccadilly. The food not only looked incredibly inviting it tasted wonderful too. I loved the vibrant and fresh dishes on the menu.
The menu has been created by Le Méridien Piccadilly’s Executive Chef Daniel Ayton in collaboration with Eric Brujan, Executive Chef at Le Méridien Nice. Unsurprisingly, the menu is inspired by classic Niçois dishes.
Favourites of the night included: Pan Bagnat (brioche bun with tuna, radish, lettuce and tomatoes), Salade Niçoise with pan-seared tuna steak and Beef Stew à la Niçoise.
Along side the good food and bubbles were laid-back beats from French band Nouvelle Vague. I mean just look at the lead singer – proper girl crush right there. It was the perfect backdrop to the evening.
Perhaps some of the prettiest desserts in London were served. Again they tasted as good as they looked. Delicate white chocolate macarons and little pots of vanilla custard. I was polite and ate one of each. I definitely could have made my way through the whole tray!
I had such a lovely time being transported to Nice for the evening. I hope I can make the trip to experience it in person one day soon!
The Le Méridien Summer Soirées pop-up at The Terrace Grill & Bar will be open seven days a week from 12 noon to 10:30pm, until 20 September.
Le Méridien Piccadilly
21 Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BH
*I was invited as Katy’s date for the night, but views remain my own.
Follow me on Bloglovin, Instagram and Twitter for all things food!