Celebrating 90 years on April 20, The Dorchester, Dorchester Collection’s flagship hotel now has a new rooftop dining experience and other new feature, The Mayfair grand-dame opened her doors on April 20, 1931, and instantly became a favorite destination for royals, celebrities, writers, artists, leading politicians and the jet-set.
The Dorchester is a timeless legend and in its 90 years, has played host to countless all-night soirees for the London elite and counted some of the world’s most celebrated names as guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, John Lennon, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, General Dwight David Eisenhower and many more.
The Dorchester is a treasure trove of historic and glamourous happenings. It is where Prince Philip had his stag night. It served as home base for General Eisenhower while he planned the Normandy Invasion during World War II. The storied walls served as inspiration for film director Alfred Hitchcock. And it was the site of the Foyles Literary Luncheons in which 2,000 aristocrats, poets, and authors met monthly in The Dorchester’s banquet room.
The Dorchester has always had a clientele of luminaries. If the walls could talk, they’d have endless anecdotes of elegant society balls, insights into conversations between the world’s most powerful leaders, and a look into the literary genius of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and more. The Dorchester has come to define its Mayfair destination and that legacy lives on today.
The Dorchester is celebrating this banner anniversary with its first-ever rooftop bar and restaurant concept. With views over Hyde Park and East London, The Dorchester Rooftop will showcase a series of culinary pop-ups overseen by Executive Chef Mario Perera. Throughout the spring and summer, guests can expect seasonal and fresh menus in a convivial and relaxed atmosphere that plays homage to the hotel’s history of being a London hotspot and one of the world’s most iconic hotels. In addition to this new rooftop offering, The Dorchester has opened two other alfresco dining options—The Spring Garden and The Dorchester Terrace. What better place raise to reminisce on the hotel’s glamorous past, toast to the future, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon, than alfresco at The Dorchester?
The Dorchester Rooftop: London’s newest rooftop dining experience is unlike anything else in Mayfair. Views over the charming winding streets, lush treetops of Hyde Park, and out to East London are showstopping. At the helm is Executive Chef Mario Perera, who will create a series of culinary pop-ups inspired by local British flavors and bounty. With rotating seasonal menus, live music daily and expertly crafted cocktails, The Dorchester Rooftop is the perfect evening or weekend spot to reunite with friends, cheers to London lockdown being lifted, and enjoy a truly magical setting.
The Dorchester Terrace & Garden: Located on the hotel’s famous forecourt and on the steps of Mayfair, The Dorchester Terrace & Garden is offers light bites and experimental cocktails before guests head up to the rooftop. Here they can expect an all-new cocktail menu crafted by leading bartender and mixologist legend Giuliano Morandin, who is celebrating 40 years of being part of The Dorchester family. Highlights include Negronis, spritzes, and light Italian bites.
The Spring Garden: Nestled underneath The Dorchester’s plane tree, The Spring Garden has two private garden globes with views of the cobblestone Mayfair streets and The Dorchester’s grand entrance. Each globe seats five guests and is the perfect place for friends looking for a celebratory lunch or dinner experience. In partnership with Veuve Cliquot, Perera has curated a three-course spring inspired menu featuring Cornish seafood, Wye valley asparagus with truffle duck egg, West Country lamb, among other modern-British dishes.