The rather beautiful setting of Hyde Park Garden (just don't walk on that grass!)
What do we need to know about Hyde Park Garden?
This is the summer terrace pop-up from the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park (and the team behind Dinner at Heston). Inspired by British botanicals, it's quite a different beast to Dinner - the food's cooked in the same kitchen, but by a separate team.
Where is it?
It's taken over the terrace outside Dinner by Heston, adjoining Hyde Park. The lawn here actually is part of the royal park, so while it looks great, don't be going wandering around on it as that's a big no-no. Access is through the main restaurant. If you haven't been to the hotel or restaurant before, then you'll find it pretty much right on top of Knightsbridge tube station (take the Knightsbridge north side exit).
Wasn't there a summer popup here before?
There was, but this is a more evolved affair with its own name, devoted front-of-house and kitchen team and concept.
Where should we meet for a drink first?
The obvious answer would be in one of the hotel's two bars - either the one downstairs in The Aubrey or the main one adjoining Dinner by Heston, the Mandarin Bar.
If this is an entirely alfresco affair, is there any protection against the British 'summer'?
There is, although it isn't entirely weatherproofed. There are large canopies, heaters and - above the whole terrace - an awning that can be pulled out. Blankets are provided and if you're prone to feeling chilly opt for a table by the wall rather than the garden (the heaters only cover the tables by the wall).
As you can see, the tables to the right are your best bet if you're after some cover
So, what kind of food is on offer?
The answer to that partly depends on what time of day you're coming. If you've booked for lunch, then if it's British and in season, it'll probably be represented here, so there are oysters from Porthilly and a menu that fits neatly into three clear courses of starters, mains and desserts.
From 3pm to 8.30pm the offering switches to drinks and snacks with a range of cheese and charcuterie platters.
If you fancy seafood to start, but the caviar selection (which ranges from £120 to £240) is out of your league, then try one of the three types of dressed native oysters.
Hyde Park Garden oysters (£7 each) topped with edible flowers
Pea & Ham Hock Salad (£24) - British summer on a plate.
Chargrilled native lobster with a salad of fennel, radishes and pickled lemon (and more lobster) (£72) - ours was a taster portion as we were trialling the menu, so expect yours to be twice this size.
Fillet of Hereford Beef & Sauce Vert (£60)
All the main courses come with a visit from the salad trolley - which is wheeled around the terrace so that bowls of potato or tomato salad can be dressed to order and fresh herbs snipped from an array of plants before being served to you.
The salad trolley's a nice touch of tableside theatre
Room for dessert?
With just two on offer, you really ought to have room. We enjoyed our Eton mess but the clear winner (and there has to be one) for this course was the lemon posset with its lovage oil and perfect shortbread biscuit.
Eton Mess - vanilla cream, meringue, wild strawberry sorbet and chamomile (£14)
Lemon Posset with shortbread, raspberries and lovage (£14)
What about the drink?
English wine is the order of the day here with a wine list that celebrates some of the best-known vineyards like Gusbourne and Nyetimber while also shining a light on lesser-known estates like Roebuck and Sugrue South Downs. A glass of Classic Cuvée Brut from Kent's Simpsons Wine Estate starts at £18.50 and prices run up to £380 for a bottle of 2014 Fifty-one Degrees North from Gusbourne.
Anything else we should know?
Yes, keep an eye on their website for news about special events coming up over the summer. Right now the only thing on offer is a lobster and chips feast hosted by Rathfinny Wine Estate. But there are rumours of Meet the Makers evenings and game nights.
Overall thoughts
You might be metres away from the four-lane carriageway on Knightsbridge, but sitting out on the terrace at Hyde Park Garden, you could be forgiven for thinking you were miles away in the English countryside. There can't be many nicer alfresco places to enjoy a glass of great English wine and good food in London this summer.
More about Hyde Park Garden
Where is it? Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
When does it open? Opens 10 May 2023
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @mo_hydepark
Hot Dinners dined as guests of Hyde Park Garden. Prices correct at time of publication.
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