StyleNest recently went to check out the newly launched aperitivo menu at the Baglioni Hotel in the heart of Kensington.
The Aperitivo experience is a hugely popular Italian tradition, and as a hotel that exudes Italian hospitality, Baglioni Hotel London is the place to go to enjoy it. For an early evening tipple, or a pre-theatre drink and nibble, The Baglioni Hotel’s Aperitivo is the perfect adaptation of the Italian post-work tradition.
With a prime Kensington location, the Baglioni hotel is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with a cocktail or glass of bubbly after a day of shopping on High Street Kensington or a more cultural day out visiting the nearby Royal Albert Hall or Natural History Museum.
Upon arrival we were greeted by our friendly Italian waiter who took our coats and showed us to our table in the Brunello Lounge Bar. We made ourselves comfortable on the plush seats and took in the atmosphere. It was only 6pm but already the place was filled with the soft chatter of Londoners and travelers alike.
We were presented the aperitivo menu, available daily from 17:30 until 19:30, which includes a selection of antipasti, salumi and cheeses and is accompanied by a choice of delicious Italian cocktails or a sparkling glass of Bellavista. We both opted for the Italian classic Aperol Spritz along with the aperitivo platter.
The platter soon arrived, decorated with a selection of delicious quality Italian cured meats and salamis and a selection of rich, smoky and lighter cheeses to nibble on. We tucked in immediately whilst sipping on our perfectly balanced, light and zesty sparkling Aperol Spritz, which tasted just like the ones we enjoyed during our holidays in Italy.
The lobby continued to slowly fill up with guests and was a great spot for people watching. I decided to enjoy one more cocktail – a Kir Royale, whilst my friend moved on to a fresh peppermint tea. The Kir Royale was again beautifully balanced, light and refreshing, a soft pink colour and not overwhelmed by the cassis syrup.
We soon moved outside onto the terrace where we sat under heater lamps and were able to look out onto Kensington Gardens. Our friendly waiter brought us our fresh peppermint teas along with an assortment of freshly made petits fours, and draped soft chasmere blankets over our shoulders for us to wrap ourselves in to keep out the cold.
The menu is available every day from 17:30 until 19:30 for £15, and the hotel will have a festive twist on this aperitivo available throughout December which will be a more meat-based platter accompanied by a special festive cocktail.
At just £15 per person this aperitivo menu offers great value, a wonderful and attentive service, and is nestled in a prime location between Kensington High Street and Kensington Gardens, just a short walk from the Natural History Museum and Royal Albert Hall.
Baglioni Hotel London, 60 Hyde Park Gate – SW7 5BB London Phone 0207 3685900 | [email protected]