Let’s go outside: Solas at The Savoy

The Savoy and Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky have together created one of London’s most exciting and enjoyable alfresco dining experiences

Food and Drink 24 May 2021

Solas at The Savoy
Oyster luge with Bowmore whisky

One of the upsides of government restrictions on eating and drinking indoors is that its encouraged London’s bars and restaurants to get creative about their alfresco offering. Even though we can now return to dining indoors, the joy of London embracing eating and drinking outdoors continues.

One of the most elegant and creative new outdoor terraces comes from The Savoy, which has collaborated with Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky to create alfresco pop-up Solas. Nestled in Savoy Court, just outside the iconic front doors of the hotel and protected by the Art Deco roof, Solas has been lavishly designed with a five-metre central glass artwork inspired by The Savoy’s 62 chandeliers. Luxurious turquoise tables and banquets complete with blankets and heaters circle around the central artwork surrounded by the gilt opulence of the hotel.

Solas serves original and delicious Bowmore cocktails
Solas serves original and delicious Bowmore cocktails

The menu focuses on expertly crafted Bowmore cocktails and exquisitely prepared seafood. Cocktails include the delicious Golden Eye, inspired by 007 himself, and the truly special The Bowmore 27 Rob Roy, which combines a rare 27-year-old single malt with vermouth and bitters. The signature order is perhaps the oyster luge, three oysters paired with Bowmore whisky. Diners are encouraged to swirl their choice of whisky around the empty oyster shell before drinking.

The food menu includes lavish seafood platters for one or two that include crab claws, langoustine, oysters, prawns, winkles and whelks, as well as classics such as lobster rolls, clam chowder, potted shrimps and dressed Dorset crab with a delicate and delicious avocado and kefir lime cream. Solas also has a selection of rare caviars served with blinis, beetroot puree and sour cream.

It’s fitting that the name Solas comes from the Gaelic for light, joy and comfort as the pop-up is the ideal place for a post lockdown celebration – an escapist treat with truly indulgent food and drink.

Solas is open 4pm-10pm Monday-Thursday, 12pm-10pm Friday-Sunday until 21 June. Reservations are recommended; thesavoylondon.com