Victoria & Albert's Solo

[katypop]

Well, I did it...dined solo at Victoria & Albert's 3 days ago
What an incredible experience. Everything was perfect... the food, the service, the atmosphere I arrived for my seating at 5:30 and didn't leave until 8:00. I couldn't help thinking at the time, as I was served delicious food with beautiful presentation in a lovely setting and listening to the relaxing music of the harpist, that this experience will be hard to beat in the future! I always treat myself to one new "self-indulgent splurge" each trip and this was mine this trip. While I have enjoyed a spa treatment or two in the past, this 2 1/2 hr dining experience is by far my favourite so far.I felt a little uncomfortable going solo, but the seating was perfect for a solo (they seated me at a table with one chair facing the harpist, along the wall) and the servers made me feel very comfortable. I asked if they got many solo diners and they said yes, quite often and sometimes 2 or 3 at the same seating time. So...just wanted to say, whether you are solo or a couple, this place will not disappoint
katypop

 

[2xcited2slp]

thanks katypop for posting. i have dined solo at the world but never even considered V&A because i thought it would be waaaayyyy too intimidating for solo. thanks for the vote of confidence since i have always wanted to experience the fine dining here. i must ask if your whole trip was solo or just this venue?? Also, what is your review of the food?? what did you do in between courses. i would hate to bring a book to a place like this but don't want to twiddle my thumbs either. i am sure the harp was just lovely but did that keep you "busy"?? wow, could i ask another question?? details, please. thanks again and glad you had good time.

 

[katypop]

thanks katypop for posting. i have dined solo at the world but never even considered V&A because i thought it would be waaaayyyy too intimidating for solo. thanks for the vote of confidence since i have always wanted to experience the fine dining here. i must ask if your whole trip was solo or just this venue?? Also, what is your review of the food?? what did you do in between courses. i would hate to bring a book to a place like this but don't want to twiddle my thumbs either. i am sure the harp was just lovely but did that keep you "busy"?? wow, could i ask another question?? details, please. thanks again and glad you had good time.

Hi 2xcited2slp
Yes, my whole 12 night trip was solo It was not my 1st solo trip though, it has taken a few to get up enough confidence to do a dinner like this one. I don't know what I can say about the food that hasn't already been said.Everything was delicious.It seems like a long time to dine, but it takes a while just to make your selections.The servers describe everything in detail and can help make suggestions. I chose to do the wine pairing as well, so more time was taken choosing the wine (the recommended pairings are printed on the menu, but they will make substitutions according to your preferences) To be honest, there wasn't a lot of time between courses, but I also wasn't rushed.They describe everything that is in each dish in detail when they serve it to you. Of course, then I would just stare in awe for a few minutes before I could finally "spoil" their work of art by consuming it! I ate slowly , I needed to pace myself to be able to make it through to the end LOL. There really was not much time between courses, and the servers chatted with me a little for a few minutes, the reason this meal was so relaxing is I didn't feel I had to be busy , I could just sit back and be pampered I have taken a book to read in some restaurants but I think I would have looked out of place here with one, and it would have taken away from enjoying the whole expereince. I wanted to take pictures of my food but did not have the courage to do this as a solo! Hope this helps, if it's something you want to try, I say go for it!
katypop

 

[disneytraveler]

Thanks for your comments Katypop on your solo meal at V&A . I will be dining there in September. So the wine parings were not to much wine then for you?
Maybe i should do the wine also.

 

[katypop]

Thanks for your comments Katypop on your solo meal at V&A . I will be dining there in September. So the wine parings were not to much wine then for you?
Maybe i should do the wine also.

Oh, you will really enjoy Are you also going to be dining solo? If you enjoy wine by all means try the pairing. They are not full glasses, 2 to 3 oz each, and they are spaced out over the meal . I did get behind a couple of times and had 2 glasses in front of me so had to "catch up" LOL Of course I was "bussing it" back to my resort so not driving either!
You can also just order a glass or two if you prefer.


katypop

 

[Flower13]

I'm so glad you had a great time. I was one of the many that encouraged you to try it on your own. I'm going at the end of next month as a birthday present to myself. After all the recent posts, I can't wait to go again.

 

[disneytraveler]

Yes i will be dining solo also. Thanks for the reply on the wines .I will definately try the parings.

 

[Kaycee]

Hi Katypop! I'm so glad you enjoyed your solo meal at V&A. It sounds like it was wonderful. I'm becoming more comfortable trying new things as I take more solo trips. I'd love to go to V&A one day, either with DH or on my own.

 

[2xcited2slp]

wow, 12 nights solo-----oh heaven!!! my one and only solo was only 5 since i didn't want to "overdue" it. boy, do i have a lot to learn. thanks again for posting and replying. gotta run --to find my calender to start planning my next "all alone but never lonely"

(you'll notice my ticker but that is with family. fun but whole different game)

the taking of photos could mean that you are a food critic and just taking "notes" --"I'll write this up as....." oh, that is my dream job. i envy real-life critics.

 

[katypop]

Sounds like V&A will be kept busy by us "dissers" for the next little while
Flower13-what a wonderful birthday present!
Hope you all enjoy as much as I did. Make sure you post and let us know how wonderful your experience is!

Kaycee hi, I was watching Off Kilter last week and thought of you It does get easier to do solo events each visit. I loved trying the F&W events when I went in Oct, I think that's what gave me the courage to try V&A.

2xcited2slp- The more solo trips I take the longer they get I tell myself I'm going all that way, I may as well make it worthwhile. I have 15 nights booked for Oct that were going to be solo, now my dd and her dbf are joining me for 10 of them Actually, I am really excited that they are joining me but it certainly will be a different kind of trip LOL

katypop

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hi, katypop-welcome home! Thanks for the report. After you told me you were going to try it, I was wondering how it turned out. So glad you enjoyed it-it sounds wonderful!

 

[katypop]

Thanks Simba's Mom , of course I enjoyed my lunch with you at CP too
I bet you're busy now that you're back home planning all your dining out for your next solo trip!
katypop