A DELIGHTFUL EVENING AT THE NEW LANSON TERRACE, ROYAL HORSEGUARDS HOTEL

August 2024

London never looks better than when the sun is shining, and on a dusky warm summers evening is there anything more relaxing than sitting and watching the world go by? Well, now you can at the delightful Lanson Terrace at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in SW1.

The Mayfair Musings headed down to try their new champagne-inspired menu...

The Location

Nestled in the city's heart, the Lanson terrace promises a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere, with all summer cocktails and champagne curated with accompanying pairing dishes.

The Royal Horseguards central London location means you are a stone's throw from the London Eye, the National Gallery and the River Thames with views overlooking the pretty Embankment Gardens. Originally built as luxury serviced apartments frequented by the likes of Winston Churchill, the hotel now has 282 rooms and suites within the building.

We arrived just as the sun was setting, casting a warm hue over the historic hotel's French Renaissance style. The terrace itself is a blend of vintage elegance and comfort and with its placement situated at the back of the hotel, this meant a quiet calm atmosphere.

The Food and Drinks

As soon as we were seated, my guest and I were greeted immediately by friendly staff who bought us a glass of the signature Lanson Rosé; of course, we were more than happy to oblige!

The Lanson Terrace has a mix of hotel stayers and local guests, with the inside restaurant next to the terrace. 

I'm always a fan of strategically placed tables; not too close together and not too far away from the action which is perfect for conversation, and also perfect for people watching!

The menu hosts a variety of dishes including meat, fish and vegetarian cuisine with risotto, steak, seabass and scallops all curated specifically for the Lanson Terrace. I opted for the seared scallops, accented with a tangy citrus dressing that added just the right amount of zest. For mains, the salmon fillet accompanied by a side of fragrant Thai greens was calling my name and it tasted fresh and was presented beautifully.

Post-dinner, the dessert menu had a whole host of indulgences and the Eton Mess was the winner. Quite the summer delight.

The Ambience

The atmosphere was a perfect blend of elegance and tranquillity. While there was a long bar area for those popping in, it didn't feel too loud or like we were in central London, it also wasn't too quiet either.

The staff were attentive and able to explain the menu well and we were able to relax with no rush to leave. With the distant murmur of the Thames and the sun setting it created a peaceful backdrop. We were also doubly impressed with the matching Lanson cushions on our seats!

In a Nutshell

With plush seating, ambient lighting, and a sense of calm the Lanson Terrace makes you forget you're in the bustling heart of London.
The hotel’s design reflects the opulence of the Victorian era, making it a distinctive and iconic landmark along the Thames which is perfect for a pre-party drink or eatery.

If you enjoy sleek hotel bars with a great cocktail menu and delicious food then this is the place to have your signature summer soiree. Bon appetit!