LOBBY BAR: One Aldwych features a variety of ‘Showtime Cocktails,’ inspired by theatre classics from Shakespeare to Chekhov. Photo: Courtesy of One Aldwych

INDIGO RESTAURANT & THE LOBBY BAR
Inside One Aldwych Hotel
One Aldwych
London, United Kingdom
WC2B 4BZ
020-7300 1000, http://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/indigo

By Scott Harrah

LONDON–We visited Indigo at One Aldwych (inside the renowned luxury hotel in Covent Garden) for a pre-theatre dinner between shows during our recent London visit. This was our second time at Indigo (we first visited back in 2015). This year we started off with a drink at The Lobby Bar, offering theatrical-themed “Showtime Cocktails.”

The experience begins at the bright and airy bar with its high ceiling from the moment one arrives. Pedro Paulo, The Lobby Bar Manager, was kind enough to explain the “Showtime Cocktails” that he and his talented team of mixologists created.

We were given a clever little menu that broke down the drinks available into “Comedies,” “Musicals,” “Satires,” “Dramas” and “Backstage.”  For “Comedies,” choose from the Fairy Garden Fusion (inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream) containing Hendrick’s gin, Taylor’s Chip Dry White Port, Coriander Bitters and Rose Lemonade (£ 16).  My dining partner chose “Dionysus” (inspired by Cyclops), containing Havana Club 7-Year-Old Rum, Crème de Pêche, fresh lemon juice, Aperol, fresh blood orange juice and homemade watermelon syrup, served in a special Dionysus cup (£ 16).  He said it was very sweet and tropical and the rum was strong.

SHOWTIME COCKTAILS: (left to right) The Dionysus (inspired by ‘Cyclops’) & The Holy Mary (inspired by ‘The Book of Mormon’) at The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych. Photo: Scott Harrah

I chose The Holy Mary (inspired by The Book of Mormon), made with Stolichnaya Elit Vodka, fresh tomato juice, strawberry liqueur, strawberry puree, Yuzu bitters and hibiscus foam (£ 16).  The drink was a unique twist on the classic bloody Mary, and the sweetness of the strawberry was a nice contrast to the tomato juice and vodka. We especially enjoyed the tasty olives sitting on the table.

One drink we did not try (because we’re not whisky fans) was The Origin, created by Mr. Pedro. This drink, made with Dalmore 12-year-old whisky, Merlet Cherry liqueur, cherry puree, fresh grapefruit juice, chocolate bitters and Lallier Champagne, allows people to “take a trip to the Highlands to discover the tastes behind the cocktail.” Guests are given virtual reality goggles and a headset and take a high-tech trip up to Scotland to visit the distillery where the whisky is aged (£ 18).

The cocktails are a wonderful prelude to the pre-theatre dinner at Indigo, the restaurant also located inside the hotel. With British dishes created by Executive Chef Dominic Teague, everything at Indigo is gluten and dairy-free (but not prepared in a dedicated gluten and dairy-free kitchen). Two courses are £22 and £27 for three.  The pre-theatre fare is light and perfect for a quick but satisfying, healthy meal before a show. The menu is constantly changing and seasonal, and one hardly notices that everything is gluten-free.

For the starter, I chose the pea soup, made with a poached Buford Brown hen’s egg and mint oil. It was marvelously summery, without the heavy additives like salt, ham and croutons often served in American versions. This pea soup is noted by Indigo as being suitable for vegetarians.

For my main course, I opted for the pork tenderloin, and it was succulent and tender and not greasy. The pork came served with a spicy chorizo, a tasty touch. This went great with a lovely glass of Malbec wine.

My friend had a Cornish pollack, served with Muscat grapes, almond and coastal herbs, and he said it was light but filling.

For dessert, we both had the strawberry pavlova, served with strawberry and basil ice cream. The pavlova has a heavenly meringue base and is served with a decadent syrupy sauce.

Indigo offers one of the most unique and health-conscious pre-theatre dinners in London’s Theatreland for those with special dietary requirements, and for anyone looking for an upmarket dining experience before heading off to a West End show.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published July 8, 2017
Reviewed on June 24, 2017 in London

PORK TENDERLOIN: Served with a spicy chorizo at Indigo at One Aldwych. Photo: Scott Harrah

PEA SOUP: The first pre-theatre course at Indigo. Photo: Scott Harrah

Quinoa salad at Indigo at One Aldwych. Photo: Courtesy of Indigo at One Aldwych

Lamb rump roast at Indigo. Photo: Courtesy of Indigo at One Aldwych.

Strawberry pavlova at Indigo at One Aldwych. Photo: www.jamesbedford.com

More ‘Showtime Cocktails’ at The Lobby Bar

‘CE SOIR’: Inspired by ‘Moulin Rouge’ & made with vodka, homemade pomegranate shrub, homemade fennel syrup, mint bitters & Lallier Champagne. At the Lobby Bar at the One Aldwych Hotel in London. Photo: www.jamesbedford.com/www.onealdwych.com

THE ORIGIN: Guests are given special goggles to take a virtual reality trip to the distillery in Scotland where the whisky is produced. At The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych, London. Photo: www.jamesbedford.com & www.onealdwych.com

ALDWYCH MULE: Called ‘a twist on the classic Moscow Mule,’ made with Absolut Elyx Vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh lime juice, ginger beer & gooseberry jam. Inspired by ‘Is He Dead?’ At Lobby Bar at One Aldwych in London. Photo: www.jamesbedford.com & www.onealdwych.com

SHOWTIME COCKTAILS: (left to right) ‘Take a Chance On Me,’ ‘Ce Soir,’ ‘Jasmine Breeze’ & ‘The Circle of Life’. At The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych. Photo: www.jamesbedford.com & www.onealdwych.com