Enclosed by glass and framed by lilac blooms, the intimate terrace at 45 Park Lane feels like a secret summer garden suspended between Mayfair and Hyde Park. Settle into your seat as the early evening sun casts a warm glow across the city. Beyond the flowers, a procession of supercars glides past, their polished bodywork catching the light like precious jewels.
Across the road, Hyde Park is bathed in golden sunshine as the day begins its slow descent into evening. Sunlight filters through the leafy canopy of ancient trees, creating ribbons of rainbow light that dance across crisp white linen tablecloths. Alfresco dining simply does not get better than this.
Before turning your attention to the menu, ask the attentive team for the passionfruit mocktail. Fresh, tart and wonderfully tropical, it arrives packed with cubed ice and delivers the kind of refreshing sweetness that feels tailor-made for a warm summer evening.
This season, the celebrated terrace has undergone a distinctly British transformation. CUT OUT, the summer pop-up from culinary director Elliott Grover, reimagines the traditional fish and chip shop through a luxe lens.
Positioned directly opposite Hyde Park, CUT OUT captures the carefree spirit of a British summer while remaining unmistakably 45 Park Lane. Guests can dine on the elegant terrace or opt for a bespoke takeaway experience designed for those heading across the road to enjoy the park’s vast green spaces.
At the heart of the menu is a celebration of Britain’s most beloved comfort food. The signature fried haddock arrives perfectly crisp and golden alongside mushy peas, homemade curry sauce, tartar sauce and crispy yet fluffy triple-cooked chips prepared in traditional beef dripping.
Beyond the classic fish and chips, Grover’s menu showcases a more playful side. Tempura-fried monkfish is served with chilli pepper, pickles and wasabi mayonnaise, while Scottish langoustines arrive with wild garlic mayonnaise that enhances their delicate sweetness. The fish finger sandwich offers a nostalgic nod to childhood favourites, while battered chicken sausage with curry sauce and a halloumi burger layered with sweet chilli jam and rocket is divine.
For something lighter, seared Orkney scallops served in their half shells are enriched with garlic and chilli butter, while Achill Rock oysters arrive dressed with honey truffle ponzu. Wolfgang Puck’s generously filled signature crab and lobster roll remains one of the terrace’s most indulgent offerings.
The dessert menu embraces the increasingly popular hi-lo dining trend, pairing elevated ingredients with comforting favourites. Strawberry and champagne ice lollies offer a sophisticated take on a childhood classic, while Eton mess served in an elegant glass showcases sweet British strawberries and rich Jersey cream. For something a little more indulgent, opt for one of the vanilla ice cream cookie sandwiches.
The drinks list is equally enticing. Alongside a carefully curated selection of wines, beers and champagnes sits the Our Way Martini, made with Belvedere 10 Vodka and Cocchi Extra Dry Vermouth, served ice cold.
As Elliott Grover explains: “With CUT OUT, we wanted to take something instantly recognisable and nostalgic and reinterpret it in a way that still feels true to 45 Park Lane. It’s relaxed, fun and rooted in classic flavours, but with the quality, technique and ingredients you’d expect from CUT.”
Whether you’re lingering over a long lunch, enjoying a sunset dinner or collecting a takeaway for a picnic beneath the trees, it is London’s most delightful summer dining experience.
CUT OUT is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner until 6 September.
@45parklane | dorchestercollection.com
45 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1PN
