Following the successful launch of its first ever rooftop restaurant and bar in April 2021, The Dorchester is pleased to announce that executive chef Mario Perera will be taking the helm of The Dorchester Rooftop until May 30, 2021. Sri Lankan born, chef Mario will combine his twenty years of experience at The Dorchester with a dining concept that’s close to his heart and heritage: a menu inspired by his beloved homeland.

Mario describes his menu as a celebration of Sri Lankan cuisine with a touch of The Dorchester. The family-style sharing menu offers diners a culinary journey through colourful, vibrant and delicately spiced food, showcasing the authentic flavours of Sri Lanka through ingredients sourced from the best of British producers.

Guests are invited to start with small plates including; Hen’s Egg Hopper, a fermented rice flour and coconut milk pancake topped with a Cacklebean Egg; and Seeni Sambal Pann, a light buttermilk loaf with swirls of turmeric and purple yam, accompanied by Caramelised Onion and Spiced Coconut with Chilli butters. Large plates include Mario’s mother’s recipe Ammi’s Ceylon Chicken Curry, whilst Blue Lobster Kottu presents half a blue lobster on a kottu, a traditional stir-fry made of ribbons of roti with vegetables, subtly infused with a lobster bisque. Vegan offerings include Banana Blossom Croquette and Kaju Maluwa, a delicate plant-based curry with cashew, coconut and a heady mix of Sri Lankan spices. To conclude the family-style feast, desserts such as Watalappan Brûlée and Cashew Nuts, a subtly spiced custard pudding made with coconut and sweetened with traditional jaggery (a type of cane sugar), are available. An eleven-dish tasting menu ($115pp, minimum two people) is also available for those looking to sample a selection of Mario’s favourite dishes. A vegetarian option is priced at $100.

To complement the new menu, Lucia Montanelli, head bartender at The Bar at The Dorchester, has created an exciting new list of signature cocktails. Developed to enhance the bold flavors that Sri Lankan cuisine is famous for, the cocktails showcase tropical fruits, local Ceylon tea, Arrak (a local coconut liquor), Colombo Gin and, of course, ginger and coconut. Menu highlights include; Kopi Kade, made with Belvedere, cold brew Arabica, coconut and coffee liqueur; and Thathi which is an ode to Mario’s father using Ceylon Arrack, orange Curaçao, pineapple juice, orgeat syrup and lime, combining together to transport diners to the sun-soaked shores of Moratuwa, Mario’s hometown.

The Dorchester Rooftop will be open throughout summer to make the most of the longer days and sunsets across Hyde Park. The restaurant and bar will be open daily for lunch and dinner, with a lounge area to relax with a cocktail or glass of Veuve Cliqout Champagne whilst listening to a live band or DJ in partnership with Molto Music. Tables will be available for up to six guests and in anticipation for the unpredictable British weather, terrace umbrellas, heaters and blankets will be available.

The next in The Dorchester Rooftop’s guest chef series will be Francesco Mazzei, Chef Patron of Sartoria, Fiume and Radici, who will be popping up from May 31 to June 12, 2021. Francesco will be offering a menu inspired by the flavors of Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. From June 14, The Dorchester Rooftop will welcome Mexican-born chef Adriana Cavita who will introduce a menu showcasing the very best of authentic Mexican cuisine, along with little know dishes from her home town. Further pop-ups will be announced later in the year. The Dorchester Rooftop is open daily from 12pm to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and 12pm to 10:30pm on Sunday. Reservations only and with a minimum spend of $70 per person.

Bookings can be made via The Dorchester’s restaurant reservations team at restaurants.TDL@dorchestercollection.com or on 020 7629 8888. For more details visit: https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/london/the-dorchester/restaurants-bars/outdoor-dining/