L’Albufera - Melia White House
Review by Veronica Blake
THE White, an architectural gem on the edge of London’s Regent’s Park, has recently had a £30 million revamp by the Spanish Sol Melia Group.
Originally private apartments of London’s beautiful people of the Jazz era, The White House was one of London’s most fashionable addresses. The late Kenneth Williams, of ‘Carry On’ fame, lived here.
Fortunately, the refurbishment has remained sensitive to the hotel’s Edwardian history and the modernization has enhanced the listed building.
Now renamed the Melia White House, the hotel has manged to retain its old world British charm and elegance. These days, however, guests can avail of hi-speed internet access, a gym, theatre, conference facilities and en-suite marble bathrooms.
The lobby was reminiscent of a scene from ‘Catch Me if You Can’, bustling with Pilots and Air Stewardesses from Iberia who had just checked in. In the sea of uniforms and dolly trollies I almost expected to spot Leonardo di Caprio.
A few had already hit the elegant ground floor bar packed with locals and staff from nearby local companies enjoying an after work drink.
The bar is a lot more sedate and cosy than the noiser alternatives around Gt Portland St and Oxford St. Live jazz and flamenco is featured.
L’Albufera has been awarded ‘Best Spanish Restaurant’ outside of Spain by the Spanish Tourist Board and it was full of lively Spanish guests on our visit.
However, I was disappointed with the variety of tapas on offer. Perhaps they were attempting a Nouvelle take on the traditional Spanish appetizer but they tasted nothing like the delicious tapas I’d tasted on trips to Granada or Madrid. But the organic Rioja compensated with some olives.
Our waiter recommended the Paella for two to share, which we enjoyed – though it was not exceptional. I wondered if the chef was Spanish, or perhaps hailed from Albania or Poland.
The deserts were delicious, and the staff are charming. Being in such elegant surroundings, the antique furniture, fresh flowers, crisp white linen and subtle lit paintings, make for a pleasant dining experience.
It’s far from stuffy and nice to see so many Spanish families dining out with their children. Perhaps we chose the wrong dishes. If I returned, I’d pass on the tapas and save my appetite for one of the excellent variety of Spanish cheeses from the trolley.
L’Albufera
Melia White House,
Albany St.
NW1
Tel: 0207 391 3000