Voice of London

Christmas time in London, cosy blankets on a balcony and a menu featuring this hazelnut heaven – what else could you possibly ask for?

Reporter: Visnja Marjanovic | Subeditor: Ivelina Nikolova

When we heard about the new Nutella pop-up restaurant, we simply had to go see it (read: try it) for ourselves. The pop-up is set on the forth flour of Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, on a balcony decorated so beautifully festive and welcoming it would make you feel all Christmassy in the middle of July. If you can, we recommend the tables next to the fence, so you could also enjoy the pleasant view with your favourite desserts.

We got there just after four in the afternoon and were able to catch the last few minutes of daylight. However, the dark brought magic to the restaurant, as the place lit up around 4:45pm. And yes, we are all for that Christmas life in the middle of November (who are we kidding, we were all for it the very next day after Halloween). So the atmosphere is definitely right for a romantic date night (unintentional rhyme right there).

Our homemade crepes filled with Nutella and topped up with bananas, strawberries and powdered sugar were, naturally, delicious. Fresh and hot, with the melted hazelnut spread inside, this culinary performance is a definite hit on our list.

The menu offers a few more breakfast delights – try Porridgella tomorrow morning, a banana porridge with Nutella topping. Also, the Top o’ the morning trifle parfait sounds delicious and it features yogurt, a mix of berries, scone pieces and, of course, a Nutella drizzle. Or just go for Nutella focaccia, because no one can go wrong with the simplicity of bread and this chocolate joy.

However, with it being a Nutella pop-up restaurant, we were a bit disappointed with the menu, especially because most of the dishes are meant to be eaten as morning meals. You can, of course, enjoy all other Harvey Nichols café menu offers, such as eggs benedict and smashed avocado on sourdough. But we did, in all honesty, expect the Italian spread to be the star of the pop-up menu and for it to be featured in more dishes! Where is Nutella cake, Nutella and hazelnut ice cream, Nutella & raspberry tarts, Nutella milkshake – we will stop now for your sake (and ours), but the options truly are endless. The crepes were very tasty, but quite simple and ordinary; we would have loved to see more imagination in creating desserts featuring the adored hazelnut & cocoa cream.

We still believe the place is too cute to miss and Nutella fans should definitely pay a visit. As we said, the pop-up will run until the 8th of January next year and is open every Monday to Saturday from 8am – 11pm and every Sunday from 11am – 6pm. And don’t forget to grab your personalised Nutella jar on your way home!