How to begin, when you have just had the most amazing evening in a very, very long time? I wish, I could have brought you all along to this amazing place in London, where everything comes together in sweet harmony! The food, the drinks, the service, the atmosphere – and last but not least a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of London! All of this – and so much more, is Galvin at Windows!

Just arrived and so excited to be here!

Galvin at Windows is the incredibly successful haute cuisine restaurant on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane! Since opening in May 2006, this classy restaurant and bar has offered guests stunning views across the capital including the skyscrapers of the City and Canary Wharf, the London Eye, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and Wembley Stadium. It was our first time here – and when I entered, my jaw just dropped! I was in heaven!

The luxurious bar 10° at Galvin at Windows was the perfect place to begin! It was Frenchie’s birthday and we were so happy to be celebrating him in these gorgeous surroundings 

Bonus-info: 10° at Galvin at Windows is named after the golden hour when the setting sun creates a dusky glow over the city of London. In this super classy bar you will find a sophisticated mix of gold, burnt yellow and verdant hues which really accentuate the warm glow given off when the sun fills the room. It wasn’t the best weather on the day, that we visited, but we still loved every moment, and were able to see so much of our beloved London from above

I enjoyed the iconic signature cocktail “Golden Hour” (Champagne, bergamot, jasmine, rosemary, gold), and Frenchie went for the 007 inspired “Vesper” (Grain vodka, London dry gin, Cocchi Americano, lemon oil) I can not recommend trying out the cocktails here enough. They were perfect!

Happy Birthday, Frenchie – A classy gift for a classy guy! He loved his personalised luxury valet tray in tangerine from NobleMacMillan 

Time to dine! We were seated the most amazing place with a spectacular view of the city….

 – and lovely champagne to celebrate Frenchie

Our sublime canapés, that I still dream about: Black truffle arancini and chicken liver parfait with pistachio 

Take me back to the time, when I was just about to guide this little gastronomic treasure into my mouth!

Bottled poetry…

This is Rudina Arabi – Head Sommelier and probably one of the loveliest persons I have ever been served by in my entire life!

Rudina knows her wine – and we were spoiled rotten! I was extremely impressed with her suggestions for me. It was as if she knew exactly what I liked, just by looking at me – a “wine-clairvoyant” perhaps? I loooove Sancerre!

“Hello, lover!” Gorgeous to look at, and heavenly to eat! Portland crab, heirloom tomatoes and fresh almonds. A must try starter, if you ask me!

Perfection on a plate paired with a lovely glass of chilled Sancerre

Frenchie opted for Marbled duck liver with peach, hazelnut and ginger! A real treat! Frenchie was happy – and he is hard to please!

Gorgeous restaurant, don’t you think?

What we both really loved about this place is the fact that it is luxurious – but you can still relax! We had a lovely conversation with General Manager Peter Avis about this subject – and he said, that this is exactly what he is aiming for! People being able to enjoy themselves and relax in luxurious surroundings with tip top service and delicious food! (Peter is rather new at Galvin at Windows and brings over 20 years experience with him)

If there is one thing, I will remember about our evening here  – it was feeling like a Queen for the night! The staff here is truly amazing! “It’s like a ballet”, Frenchie said. “Everything comes together in sweet harmony!” I agreed!

My main was actually a “big” starter! As I mentioned earlier… They are willing to do everything to make you happy here – so of course I could have “Fettuccine with chanterelles, truffle and lardo di Colonnata” as a main! This dish was so amazing, that I have no words for it! How I just love truffles – and there were plenty of them! 

Frenchie wanted everything on the menu card, so in the end, he had to ask for advice. He was recommended the “Anjou pigeon farci à gratin with celeriac, damson and black olive”. It was a beautifully presented dish and tasted as good as it looks! Birthday boy was happy….

–  Especially with the selection of wine, that was constantly presented for him! Lucky boy! (white for me, red for Frenchie!)

This photo is one of my all time favourites! We had SO much fun with this huge bottle of wine! Our datenight just became more and more amazing as time went by!

– and then this guy came along and said hello to us! This is actually Head Chef Marc Hardiman! Marc hails from The Ritz following his role as Senior Sous Chef. He has worked in some of the best kitchens in the UK and Australia and his ambition remains the same.. “Inspiring guests with a next level dining experience through constant experimentation and innovation!” 

If you have seen my Instagram stories, you will know that Marc took us to his kitchen and in the back there was a V.I.P balcony with the most amazing view. I still can’t believe, that we were out there with him and how breathing it was! Thank you, Marc for giving us such an unforgettable experience!

Frenchie and I always share our desserts! We went for a combination of sweet and savoury. This is apple tarte tatin with Calvados and Tahitian vanilla ice cream. It was so good, that I sort of forgot to share with Frenchie… Ooops!

Cheese, cheese – heavenly cheese! You can choose between 3, 5 or 7 different cheeses! We had 5 and they were absolutely delicious. My favourite was the Langres and the Bleu de Basque! Always was a great fan of Basque cheese!

Bon anniversaire, mon Amour!

If only this evening would never end…

For a couple with a toddler and many months of lockdown mania, this was just what the doctor ordered!

I can honestly say, that Frenchie and I have not had such an amazing evening, as we did at Galvin at Windows for a long time! We really needed this – and I am sure many others do as well! It has been a tough year – and luckily the restaurants are starting to open again – with respect for social distancing still! Do yourself a favour! Treat yourself and your loved one with an experience at Galvin at Windows. I promise, you won’t regret it! Can’t wait to be back! (Oh, and they even have a kids menu here, so maybe next time we will bring Clara for Breakfast!)

À bientôt and thank you for everything!

We were kindly invited to Galvin at Windows. All opinions are as always my own