Getting Cozy at the Connaught: London: OLB

The Connaught Hotel has been open for nearly 110 years but it is taking a breather this winter and closing for renovations. While maybe you've been putting off a trip to Angela Hartnett at the Connaught, do not wait any longer or you will miss your chance at some of the most sumptuous dining in London. Overdue Library Book and her English gent took Thursday night off from Annabel's and checked themselves into the Connaught Hotel for a romantic evening:

"After champagne in the hotel bar (go to the American Bar and not just to support your country) surrounded self congratulatory leering bankers who have been too busy working on that deal to pay a visit to their wives/mistresses/concubines, we were seated in the dining room. The room is unremarkable, hence the renovation, but it is a wide open space with cosy banquettes and high ceilings. The soft lull of conversation gives it an intimate feel and after a second glass of champagne, one can't hear anyone else anyway. Our first course was our most memorable, and not only because of the alcohol consumption that followed. The foie gras starter features three different varieties, each more smooth and rich than the previous one, and when paired with a sauterne (traditionally a dessert wine) it was too sweet to resist and I had to eat the whole plate. Following up the foie gras with venison is not for the faint of heart but do try it for the cranberry relish. This of course required a bottle of red. By dessert, my Oscar de la Renta no longer resembled a slinky number to seduce my companion but instead was tightly stretched over a protruding tummy. After (more) wine, cheese and chocolates, we realized why one must also stay at the Connaught - we would not have been able to make it the 10 minutes home! The quick trip upstairs was a blessing and of course after a good night's sleep we were ready for the full english breakfast from room service in the morning."
+The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL, +44 20 7499 7070.
+Oscar De La Renta.
+W4 Suggests: London: New Boogie Spot: Mahiki, 1 Dover Street, London.