If you are going to clear the tables of a much-admired Michelin-starred restaurant and replace it with a pop-up bar for the summer months, you had better know what you are doing.

Thankfully, the skilled leaders at The Peninsula hotel in Belgravia have an effortless swagger when it comes to all things F&B, so Soleil by Claude seems assured to be a shining addition to London’s summer scene.

The eighth floor of The Peninsula is usually occupied by the two-starred Brooklands restaurant. But at this time of the year, its master chef Claude Bosi and his staff need a well-earned break. Rather than leave it empty, Claude has flipped the space into a more informal dining and bar experience, serving all day, from breakfast until late for dinner.

Soleil takes full advantage of the terrace and the stunning panoramic views it offers across London, over Hyde Park and across the West End. The central theme of this pop-up is all-things Mediterranean and bringing the summer holiday vibe to this elegant corner of the city.

The menu – designed by Bosi – celebrates the classics of Continental cuisine, but made with the best produce from independent British farms. The drinks menu has been refreshed to reflect the spirit of summer, with seasonal cocktails and a twist on Spritz. There’s even a pop-up Pétanque pit, fittingly sponsored by Minuty, the creators of divine rose wine from the Saint Tropez peninsula. To ensure the party spirit of summer never sets, the terrace will host a top DJ on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week.

Chef Bosi said: “With Soleil by Claude, we wanted to create something that feels like a deep breath of summer, the kind of place where time slows down a little. It’s inspired by those long, unhurried meals you have on holiday, where the food is generous, the conversation flows, and you don’t worry about the clock. We’ve brought together the Mediterranean spirit I love with the incredible quality of British produce, all set in the incredible setting of The Peninsula London’s eighth floor.”

A party to celebrate the opening of Soleil by Claude was held last week. It was a most convivial and exclusive affair, with a sumptuous spread of seafood and endless offerings of delicious canapés. The Peninsula’s crisp house champagne was flowing freely, as was the Minuty 281 rose, served from the winemaker’s distinctive “blue drip” magnums. Star guest of the night was The Peninsula’s owner, Sir Michael Kadoorie, who had flown in especially. To make the billionaire owner feel a little more at home, several beautiful models from his extraordinary rare car collection were parked in the hotel’s courtyard.

A particularly fitting touch of the night was the farewell party present – a bunch of blooming long-stem sunflowers.

Soleil by Claude will be open seven days a week until 31st August. Breakfast is served from 8am-11am, then lunch and dinner from 12pm-10pm.

The Brooklands restaurant will re-open on 5th September with a new autumn menu.

Book a table at Soleil by Claude here

 

 

 

Photos from the opening night launch party by Rowben Lantion