Enjoy a rather special meal at Number One Park Lane Terrace

Addresses don’t get much more prestigious than One Park Lane and our visit to Number One Park Lane Terrace at the Inter-Continental Hotel was well starred, even in autumn.

However, on the night in question, a blowing gale and rainy skies put paid to any vision of soaking up the views of Hyde Park and the beautiful burnished colour palate of our glorious city.

Keen not to disappoint, the charming staff walked us onto the terrace to decide for ourselves.

Little persuasion was needed and one gust of wind was all it took to scurry back into the warm bosom of one of London’s classic and ritzy hotels.

Hotel restaurants often suffer from being functional, from the choice of furniture, to an un-inspiring menu but OPLT (the inside bit) still felt special.

I was sad to see so few diners but that’s probably down to the distinct lack of tourists.

Hopefully this review will persuade London dwellers to go visit a top spot on their doorstep, before the out-of-towners wend their way back.

The menu was predictable in part, with classics designed to offer global appeal.

I’m not convinced people want this game of bingo at the dinner table but the hotel world seems to think it does.

Angus beefburger, fish and chips and Shepherd’s Pie, all seemed to have a place if people are looking for London on a plate.

The menu then wandered onto the continent, with confit duck cassoulet, beef bourguignon.

It became interesting for me when I spotted battered fish tacos and crispy-skinned South Coast seabass, potato fondant, seasonal greens and salsa verde.

Both were a modern take on that British classic – fish and chips.

And the seafood theme continued to catch the eye – Devon crab cakes, with saffron aioli and crispy seaweed – before hitting the jackpot.

My companion and I looked at the menu, looked at each other and put the menu down. No words needed, just a polite smile at the waiter that we were ready to order.

The description of the seafood platter was clear, concise and sounded like the ultimate dish. No suspense here, it was.

Easily ranking in my top five meals ever, it had everything: theatre; drama; flavour and it didn’t skimp on the portions, either.

We decided to share it, along with a small salad, which was very much on the small side, and fresh bread and butter.

For me, when it comes to food, most of the time, simple is best and this was simplicity at its best.

One course, with everything you could possibly want from a meal. Our waiter recommended adding a portion of fries, and we couldn’t resist.

The seafood platter arrived at our table carried by two waiters and included king prawn, langoustine, crab, oysters, mussels and clams.

It brought joy to both stomachs and hearts because it’s at times like this when you’re so enjoying a meal that the best conversations are had.

Ask me the content of this now and I can’t quite remember but I do remember the laughter and the fact that dinner took three hours to complete.

Definitely one for the memory bank – one of those dinners that will stay with you forever.

Website: Number One Park Lane, One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, London W1J 7QY