If you’ve ever visited the charming four star Montague on the Gardens Hotel, you will know it is situated in a row of fine Georgian houses in close proximity to the British Museum. It has an old world charm, which you suspect the many visitors of the British Museum would appreciate. However, what you might not expect, is a magical winter wonderland in their back garden terrace.
If you don’t have time to fly to Austria, this would be the next best thing. It has a delightful Christmassy atmosphere, great for sharing a special date with a loved one or to hire out completely for a staff Christmas party. Although some of the props do look quite synthetic like their giant white snow boulders and the snowman. They do have a snow machine which is used when you enter the space. I am guessing it is too expensive to have it turned on for the whole evening.
They have a centrepiece bar which serves all the drinks you can imagine and want for the festive season. They have a fine selection of 12 seasonal beverages such as mulled wine, spiced ciders, varied selection of flavoured vodkas and schnapps and heartwarming hot chocolate cocktails. You can add in popular liquors like Tia Maria or Bailey’s and it is topped up with beautiful mini-marshmallows. Whilst the steaming hot mug of chocolate is the ideal drink for such occasions, it does feel quite heavy and readily replaces any desserts you might have desired.
Their individual passes include an alpine platter of turkey schnitzel, deep-fried camembert and mini bratwurst. They are all great festive bowl foods; the bratwurst is meaty and juicy but the bun feels like the supermarket-packaged variety. It was somewhat peculiar to be offered just serviettes and not a knife and fork considering the melting mess caused by the dripping cheesy goodness from the camembert.
There are other dining options for those wishing to hire the space for a private Christmas party including three-course festive options and a substantial hot and cold finger buffet.
Considering the prices being charged by other Christmas pop-ups, The Ski Lodge is a great value offering at £30pp including the alpine platter and a choice of three drinks from the alpine bar seasonal selection.
baldwin@townfish.com