Embracing the Soft Life: A Chic Solo Lunch Date at Covent Garden’s TATTU
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Written by: Marina Townsend
It’s summer, the sun is shining after a week of wind and rain, and with 27 degrees and a week off work, it's the perfect time for a lunch date. Everyone seems to be in an era of self-sufficiency, and to be honest, I’ve been living that way for far too long. I'm fully ready to embrace the soft life.
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With that in mind, I had only myself for company, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from enjoying a nice day out. Solo dating and solo trips have become popular topics over the past six months, and it's something I’ve been meaning to try. I wanted to experience solitude outside my comfort zone and not miss out just because I didn’t have a partner or friend to join me. Since the pandemic, solo trips have increased as people seize the day and tick off their wish lists before another world-changing event occurs.
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I decided to start with a chic solo lunch date in Covent Garden, with limited phone use. My quest for good food, drinks, impeccable decor, and a relaxing ambience ended when a trusted friend recommended a Chinese restaurant in Zone 1: TATTU.
Anyone who knows me knows I don’t eat Chinese food. I won’t go into the reasons why, but if you know me, you know! However, on this day, I decided to try anything highly recommended, and in all honesty, I didn’t realise it was Chinese until I arrived at the restaurant.
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I was greeted by the downstairs receptionist, who instructed me to take the lift where I would be met by Muhammed. I was already impressed by the decor—shiny black, gold and burgundy mediaeval vibes. When I walked out of the lift, I fell in love with the ambience. I was seated outside on the rooftop to have a drink before dining inside.
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I ordered the Jade Flower, a refreshing mix of Grey Goose Vodka, sour cucumber, and lychee to set the tone for the afternoon. After enjoying my cocktail, I was offered a mini tour before sitting down to eat. Muhammed led me around the restaurant, explaining each room and its features. Every decor choice was intentional and reflected the culture’s history, from the patterns on the tables and chairs to the choice of chandeliers.
After a thorough tour, I was seated. I ordered some water and a glass of Malbec to accompany my meal. Since Chinese wouldn’t be my usual choice, I went with the recommendations, which included the Moon Stand Lunch where you pick three dishes for £33:
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1. Pork Skewers
2. Melon Salad
3. Angry Bird
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Each dish was scrumptious, but my favourite was the pork skewers. I am an eater and thought the selection wouldn't be enough, but to my surprise, it filled me up righteously.
To complete the solo experience, I ordered the Cherry Blossom for dessert—a magical mix of cherry, chocolate, and candy floss. It was more about the aesthetics, to be honest, but the chocolate was good and the candy floss was, well, candy floss.
In between meals, I sipped my wine and glanced at the couples and groups enjoying their afternoon of fine dining. I wondered what everyone thought of me, if they even noticed me. Mid-thought, I realised that absolutely no one cared about me and my food as they were minding and enjoying their own.
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I was willing to spoil myself but had a limit of £150 in mind, which is a lot for lunch! So, when the bill arrived at £96 it was a pleasant surprise and, considering the standard of food and service, it was well worth it!
So ladies and gents don’t wait to eat and experience, once and a while no conversation, good food, beautiful decor, great service and a cocktail is a perfect example of the soft life.
TATTU: 9/10 (Not a 10 because Chinese wouldn’t be my chosen cuisine but it was delicious)
