STARTER
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester LONDON
Words: Catherine Martin Photography: © Ed Reeve
IN A BITE Covers: 82 Operator: Dorchester Collection Interior Design: Jouin Manku Lighting Design: Voyons Voir Headline Chef: Alain Ducasse Executive Chef: Jean-Philippe Blondet Restaurant Director: Enrico Baronetto Head Sommelier: Pierre-Marie Faure www.alainducasse-dorchester.com
028
I
n the 13 years since Jouin Manku first
while the introduction of curved wood and
designed a restaurant for Alain Ducasse at The
leather banquettes anchor the tables within.
Dorchester, the surrounding district of Mayfair
Taking inspiration from nearby Hyde Park,
has evolved to attract a much younger crowd,
Jouin Manku’s concept plays with the idea of
enticed by fancy new residential developments,
an atmospheric mist that cloaks an enchanted
fashion boutiques and an influx of trendy bars,
forest, lifting to reveal moments of magic. An
clubs and eateries.
airy palette of oak, cotton and zinc contrasts
With that in mind, Dorchester Collection
with the smoky hues of the custom-made
decided that its restaurant portfolio was in need
furniture, while new floor lamps and cut-
of a refresh. The Grill relaunched last November
glass candle holders twinkle come nightfall.
with Tom Booton – the hotel’s youngest ever
Jouin Manku also designed a new carpet, its
Head Chef – at the helm, while Alain Ducasse
green and silver tones progressively lightening
at The Dorchester has undergone a soft
towards the centre of the room, suggesting
refurbishment, bringing a new energy to the
the lifting of the mist to unveil the Table
space. In redefining the offer, the group once
Lumière. The restaurant’s showpiece is a private
again turned to Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku
dining experience with an ethereal setting, its
– the Parisian duo behind a number of Ducasse’s
shimmering curtain of fibre optics providing a
ventures – challenging them to inject a more
dazzling backdrop to Ducasse’s seven-course
contemporary look and feel while retaining the
tasting menu, in which fine seasonal produce
restaurant’s much-loved soul that has been the
combines with French haute-cuisine for dishes
setting for many a special occasion.
that are elegant and contemporary with a light
In the main dining area, the removal of
and surprising twist. Following the debut of the
screens at the entrance opens up the space to
new-look interiors, the three-Michelin starred
make for a more memorable arrival experience,
cuisine now has a setting to match.
