The Balcon restaurant at Sofitel London St James hotel is taking its classic French cuisine out-of-doors with the launch this month of a new summer terrace. Surrounded by elegant topiary trees, guests will be able to watch the world go by as they drink and dine under parasols on Waterloo Place.
In celebration of summer, The Balcon’s accomplished chefs have devised a dedicated new menu of light, seasonal dishes perfect for the warmer months. Taking inspiration from Mediterranean climes, dishes will include Roasted goat’s cheese, pomegranate, honey and almonds; Grilled harissa prawns, avocado, grapefruit and lamb’s lettuce salad; White crab, tomato, fennel, radish and baby gem with yuzu dressing.
In addition, a selection of The Balcon signatures will be available to enjoy outside, such as Yorkshire Dexter rib eye; The Balcon beef burger with emmental, blackened onions and house cut rosemary fries; and Caesar salad with chicken, bacon and a poached egg.
Furthermore, guests will be able to discover their perfect G&T, tailored to each individual’s tastes by the knowledgeable St James Bar team, thanks to a summer-long partnership with Fever-Tree. Alongside a range of the sparkling soft drink brand’s refreshing tonics, a choice of twenty-five premium gins have been carefully selected by Bar Manager Enzo and his team. The new G&T menu will be available to enjoy on The Balcon’s al fresco terrace, as well as within the chic Sofitel London St James bar.
Throughout the summer, a programme of activities and exclusive menus will run at the Sofitel London St James. Wednesdays this month will see live musicians serenading guests in the lobby from 6pm, in celebration of the traditional French festival ‘Fete de la Musique’.
Meanwhile, single-estate spirits brand Williams Chase will descend for one week only, offering Williams GB gin cocktails in the St James Bar from 19 to 25 June. Alongside two classic gin cocktails – a Vesper martini and G&T – the collaboration will showcase the limited-edition ‘Mr Bow Tie’, a light and floral combination of classic Williams GB gin, violet syrup, rose liqueur, lime juice, passion fruit juice and egg white.
Open daily from midday until 9pm, The Balcon’s terrace will run throughout the summer, with tables available on a first-come, first-served basis.