If 2021 was the year of the staycation, then 2022 was the year I rediscovered my love for London’s rooftops. From the NYC stylings of Seabird in Southwark to Skylight’s sweeping views, life is just that bit better from above. And the West End oasis that’s doing rooftops a little differently? Let me introduce you to Jurema Terrace at The Mandrake...

Jurema is the terrace oasis within the West End's Mandrake hotel.

On my third visit to the gorgeous Fitzrovia restaurant, it was for the botanical Sunday brunch. Previous jaunts had seen the space packed to the brim, but this time was far more relaxed. Heading through the effortlessly cool foyer, past Yopo restaurant and Waeksa bar, we took the elevator one floor above. Now don’t get your wires crossed, because this rooftop is more a hidden terrace than one that’ll offer a view of London landmarks - but it’s this concealed feeling that gives the terrace a sexy edge.

Wicker furniture, terrazzo table tops and white metal chairs were nestled among a heap of greenery… we’re not in London anymore.

We made a beeline for fluffy French toast and the pretty Blue Lotus cocktail.

When it comes to brunch, the sharing menu starts from £65 per person, with options to add cocktails, rosé or Champagne. In full boujee mode, we tasted a little of everything. With a couple of glasses of bubbly, we made our way through padron peppers, creamy guacamole, sourdough with a silky smooth glob of salted butter, and – the star of the show – crab and fennel tostadas. Finessed with samphire and a mound of caviar, it was a tasty mouthful.

Next up: cocktails. For me, the Muira - a piquant blend of Bacardi rum, pineapple, yuzu, cardamom, apple, lime and orgeat. For my dining date, the sparkling Blue Lotus which arrived garnished with blue flowers and filled with Grey Goose vodka, raspberry, lavender, Earl Grey, bergamot liqueur, lemon before being topped with Champagne. Mains were easy on the eye too, as the fluffiest brioche French toast came with a knob of banana maple butter, chunk of bacon and drizzled in syrup. As for the poached eggs, these were perfectly cooked, resting on muffins, and matched with chorizo and chimichurri-tipped hollandaise.

Even by night, this candlelit space is a beaut.

As the DJ geared up and tables started filling up, we moved onto desserts. Make sure to save room for the Guatemalan chocolate mousse; it was a moreish one, elevated by toasted coconut shard, buckwheat, almond and a dollop of sauce. Clinking our last glasses of Champagne, it was the end to a stunning afternoon.

The DesignMyNight Digest 

So, was the menu worth the £100+ price tag? Jurema Terrace offers up the same quality dishes, quick service and beautiful presentation that we've come to expect from London's finest hotels, but in the kind of space that's so unique, you'll be hard pressed to find it elsewhere. If you're splashing out, this is one to watch. 

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