The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel, has opened The LaLee, a new all-day neighbourhood café-restaurant inspired by the glamorous life and continental voyages of former Sloane Street resident Lillie Langtry. 

Langtry was a society beauty, actress and courtesan, who once sat for the artist Whistler, and was the mistress of King Edward VII when he was Prince of Wales. From 1892 to 1897, she lived in an elegant townhouse at 21 Pont Street, where she would entertain society’s brightest lights, including the Prince of Wales. Even after she sold the house and it became a part of The Cadogan, she would stay in her old bedroom.

She was admired for her beauty and wit and, when she travelled, her status as one of the most popular society fixtures of the time ensured that she travelled in style. In fact, she had her own private railway car called The LaLee, after which the restaurant is named. 

The LaLee reflects her refined tastes in elegant, European cuisine and her love of travel and entertaining is at the forefront of dishes served with a sophistication that echoes the hotel’s exacting standards with a touch of tableside theatre, inspired by Langtry’s risqué stage performances. 

Curated by executive chef Chris Hill (formerly Whatley Manor and The Ritz), the all-day dining menu is a culinary journey through the grand cities of Europe with dishes designed to impress and delight, made from the highest quality ingredients sourced from London and across the United Kingdom. 

The dishes include lobster bisque, croque madame or monsieur, as well as indulgent small plates such as burrata with pumpkin, sharing platters of fresh oysters, or a pomegranate and lobster cocktail (a luxe update of a traditional prawn cocktail).

Among the comforting favourites from Europe’s finest culinary cities are aubergine parmigiana, steak frites with béarnaise sauce and wiener schnitzel with potato salad. For pudding, the culinary voyage continues with a tarte tatin, rich tiramisu or a punchy rum baba all on offer.

Bringing dramatics back into the dining room with tableside theatre, a selection of LaLee signature dishes will be artfully prepared at the table, including the beef tartare, caesar salad and classic Dover sole.

On the wine list you’ll find a selection of over 80 extraordinary wines served by the glass, including an iconic Gevrey-Chambertin, one of only nine Grand Crus of its kind in Burgundy, a single vineyard Barolo from Piedmont, and classic champagnes. A bespoke ‘Reserved for The Cadogan’ English sparkling has also been created exclusively for the hotel by Rathfinny Wine Estate, Sussex, England.

The new cocktail menu is made up of 15 signature creations, each inspired by a European city frequented by Langtry on her adventures. Paying homage to Milan, a floral Mimosa al Garibaldi marries two of Italy’s most iconic drinks with fresh orange juice, prosecco, Campari and Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, while a striking Cobalt and Tonic is a theatrical take on a gin and tonic, using Dutch gin, inspired by Langtry’s favourite colour and the vibrant sights and sounds of Amsterdam. 

The atmosphere is relaxed glamour, with plush leather seating and intricately designed floral cornicing serving as a reminder of a time when travel was genteel and leisurely. Take a seat by the fireplace to soak it all in. 

The Cadogan will further its culinary offering in 2022 with a chic Champagne bar and afternoon tea lounge. Sign up for the Sloane Street newsletter to be kept in the loop.

The LaLee is now open for reservations from 7am – 10:30pm, Monday to Sunday

Reservations: 020 8089 7070 or dining.cad@belmond.com

The LaLee, 75 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SG