There is an ultra glam restaurant in London hailing by the name of QP LDN that will transport you back to your summer holidays in the Mediterranean when you were carefree, gloriously tanned and would regularly feast on fresh pasta, perfectly cooked lobster and other culinary delights from the sea.
I first discovered this breathtakingly chic restaurant and lounge bar when I read a newspaper article describing the Duchess of Cornwall’s latest visit. A certain little birdy also told me that Beyonce, Hugh Grant and everybody’s favourite pint sized pop princess, Kylie Minogue have also dined here. I then found my self invited to the launch party of the restaurant’s new lounge bar – a decadent, dimly lit haven adorned with striking contemporary art, a bountiful spirit section and Instagramably attractive bar staff.
The party was a roaring success – lithe models mingled with dashing actors, suited and booted business men and accomplished female entrepreneurs. The DJ spun the sexiest deep house and the goody bags were brimming with exciting gifts, yet the highlight of the evening for me were the canapés.
They were so good I strategically placed myself in a prime location for optimum canapé swiping (don’t judge me) and made a mental note to return for a three course dinner at my earliest convenience.
I took an Italian food-loving chum and we devoured our way though the finest Italian dishes courtesy of Michelin starred chef Antonio Mellino. The beef carpaccio arrived opulently dressed with a silky green sauce and artichoke salad along with a generous plate of creamy Burrata surrounded by tangy cherry tomatoes and peppery rocket.
Being an avid fan of raw fish, my dining partner also chose the yellow fin tuna tartare and avocado salad, which she rather eloquently described as “otherworldly”.
As we savoured our divine starters we noticed the eye-catching artwork gracing the walls and I remembered being told that joint-owner Chicco Merighi came up with the idea to collaborate with renowned London galleries so that diners could purchase a pleasing-to-the-eye painting after their puddings.
Mains were a hearty affair of pasta and creatures from the sea. The spaghetti with lobster and cherry tomatoes almost induced tears of foodie joy and the gnocchi with slow cooked lamb ragout and Pecornio cheese conjured up hidden desires to emigrate to Southern Italy and marry a traditional Italian chef called Roberto.
Our dining extravaganza ended with the flamboyant appearance of a grand metal ornament bearing a vast variety of petit fours and a boozy tiramisu that tasted like a night on a sandy beach under a thousand Italian stars.
QP LDN, 34 Dover Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4NG