Martini Movies at One Aldwych Covent Garden:
One Aldwych is a favourite of mine for dining and for drinks. There’s an elegant cocktail lounge and a couple of restaurants – Indigo and the Axis. And there’s a small cinema where there are special screenings at the weekends.
I was invited to try Martini Movies – a regular event at One Aldwych, and was delighted by the experience. Walking in to a complimentary grey goose cocktail, which I sipped through the film, and free popcorn was a far cry from going to the local cinema. And, the armchair seating is comfy, with little integral trays for your drinks and popcorn and so few seats you might just be in your own private cinema.
For me, this is the sort of experience that is best shared. I’m sad enough to enjoy chick flicks and so I invited a girlfriend along to see Salmon Fishing in the Yemen…a fairly recent release but something I haven’t seen yet. We both sat there happily sipping our cocktails from a champagne flute and enjoying the luxury!
After the film, hotel staff ushered us to the Axis restaurant, where we chose from a reasonably varied set menu. The price of the evening at just over £40 per person includes the cocktail and a three course meal. So, it ends up being a very luxurious but rather good value way to spend a Saturday night!
The bread was spot on with a fresh olive tapenade and good butter.
We both chose the watercress soup to start, very smooth and nicely peppery.
My salmon was perfectly cooked and although warm rather than piping hot when I ate it, perhaps that was my attempts at taking photos! There’s a fine balance between letting your food spoil and taking good shots, particularly when the light isn’t perfect.
Kay chose the wild mushroom risotto which looked wonderful. No complaints from her side of the table.
My lemon parfait was light and refreshing and very beautifully presented. Kay chose a slightly more substantial chocolate dessert with orange jelly. While the chocolate dessert was reportedly wonderful I know Kay felt the orange jelly wasn’t a great pairing.
The food, like the venue, is elegant and beautifully presented. And, although the menu is quite light, it seems appropriate for a meal after a film. And, what makes this experience special is the whole package. It’s stress free entertainment. Once you walk into One Aldwych everything is taken care of – your coat, a drink, the film, your food.
So, put your feet up, enjoy the film and relax in the knowledge that dinner afterwards will be perfect.
We were invited to Martini Movies as guests of One Aldwych
Axis Restaurant
One Aldwych
London
WC2B 4BZ
Sound like a great experience. I think boutique cinemas really remind you why going to the cinema is better than watching it at home – a totally different mindset and a lovely setting just changes the way you view a film.
It was a great experience, and I kept thinking what a stress free way it was to have a night out in London – no flitting between cinema and restaurant, no concerns about service…all in highly recommended
Every time I come here you make me just a little hungrier. The wild mushroom risotto is right up my alley
Looks delicious 
it does indeed! One Aldwych is a lovely place to stay in London, very chic and very central…and as you can see the food is pretty good too!
Of all your posts that I’ve read, Fiona, this meal looks most like me. I almost have to have salmon for dinner tonight now! I would love to do something like this with my girlfriend. It sounds like so much fun!
If you come to london and want somewhere fabulous to stay, I’d recommend this place. And, the martini movies and meal deal is just great fun