Walking into Shakespeare and Co. for me was like walking into a Victorian fairytale. My first thought was, 'Ooh, pretty!', as it almost always is with anything divinely prettified. But it truly was. You can't help but get caught up with the intricate detailing that covered the space of the main dining area. As soon as we were ushered to our table, we sat back for a minute just taking in the atmosphere and feasted our eyes on the beautiful lace curtains, mirrors in gorgeously carved wooden frames, gilded chandeliers. And the colours. It was a pastel dream.

As it was my first time, I was pleasantly surprised with the very accommodating menu. There certainly was an array of choice for anyone wanting to try the place out. You have your main international selection of appetisers, mains and desserts, plus an Arabic selection, such as the Lebanese Saj, flatbread topped with za'atar, egg or minced meat. Lovely salads, sandwiches and pizzas. Pastas and main courses such as baked chicken with gorgeous sounding sauces. And of course, both savoury and sweet, delectable crepes.

It was our first meal of the day, so naturally we opted for their breakfast. Both my friend and I chose to have eggs. Me, Eggs Florentine. Hers, scrambled, the American option with a hash brown, sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken sausage and beef bacon with a side of baked beans. A basket of white and brown toast accompanies the American breakfast with a selection of miniature preserves, honey and delicious butter. Butter is my life, so I made happy little noises when the butter pat arrived with an old fashioned bellhop bell cover—cute!—and it was a lovely sunny yellow and tasted scrumptious on my toast. I loved that our server asked me how I wanted my eggs poached, as I'm quite particular. I like the yolk runny but not too much, and for the white mould to be just firm enough that it doesn't disintegrate all over the place when cut into. And it came to me perfect. Just how I wanted it. On a bed of delicious smoked salmon, spinach and an English muffin. With a side of roast potatoes. But the star of my dish was the Hollandaise. It came served separately in a side dish and it was rich and creamy with the most delightful acidity. Heaven. Halfway through my meal had me pouring Hollandaise over everything, even my potatoes.

My friend and I were really feeling the Olde Worlde vibes and went with tea through our meal. I love a good earl grey but when I saw they had masala chai, I had to have it. Light on the tongue infused with a mild spiciness. My friend decided to try a pot of their flowering tea. I've only ever had flowering tea when travelling to China, so it was a welcome surprise to find it on the menu here. For avid tea drinkers who haven't tried this, I implore you to. It's a sight for both the senses and the eyes as this little ball of tea placed in the boiling water unfurls when steeped long enough, to reveal delicate little flowers that perfume the tea.

After devouring our meal, we were both tempted to split a crepe, but decided against it when we were offered a fruit salad instead. We weren't disappointed. I've had my fair share of fruit salads in Qatar and they always consist of the generic grape, melon and strawberry concoction but the salad boat put before me was a vision of tender pieces of mango, kiwi, pineapple, green apple and strawberries—no grape or melon, yay!—tossed in a naturally citrusy dressing that finished the meal perfectly for us. I'll just have to return for their crepes another time. Shakespeare and Co. is a unique blend of dainty tastes and sophistication and I would recommend it to anyone who appreciate great quality and deliciousness. They also have their own in-house patisserie, making their own French pastries and desserts and artisanal chocolates that come packaged beautifully. For this branch at The Pearl, they also have a private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 people for private parties and an Al fresco section outside decked with brightly coloured rattan furniture, perfect for taking in all the sights in the marina around you.

On the whole, we thoroughly enjoyed our food and drink and the service was great. Polite, helpful staff that were eager to please and prices that were moderately affordable. I give it four and a half out of five stars.

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