12 Restaurants That Double As Art Galleries
You’ve heard of dinner and a show, but what about dinner and an art exhibition? We’ve rounded up 12 restaurants in London and beyond that have art collections to match some of the city’s best galleries, from Bacchanalia‘s operatic Roman sculptures to Sessions Arts Club’s revolving curations.
Sessions Arts Club
Situated in a grand Grade II* listed building in Clerkenwell, Sessions Arts Club is a restaurant that acts like an art studio, with regular curated art programs adorning its grand walls. Most recently, they’re showing the art of Cologne-based artist Melike Kara, whose abstract paintings revolve around themes of displacement and marginalization, drawing from her Kurdish heritage.
Sessions Arts Club is a restaurant that acts like an art studio, with regular curated art programs
where: Old Sessions House, 24 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0NA
website: www.Sessionsartsclub.com
Home House
Home House has a storied past with strong links to the art world. From 1932, for almost sixty years, it was leased to the Courtauld Institute of Art, whose director between 1947 and 1974 was the art historian, Master of the Queen’s Pictures (and infamous spy) Anthony Blunt.
Now, the restaurant is full of original abstract artworks that keep the tradition alive, with pieces such as Dan Rees’ iconic Artex series and oil paintings by Aethan Wills.
where: 20 Portman Square, W1H 6LW
Website: www.homehouse.co.uk
Lita
Less than a year after opening, Spanish-influenced Lita has already established itself as a must-visit destination with its innovative yet approachable approach to European cuisine. With bold flavours, thoughtful sourcing, and a modern twist on classic European dishes, Chef Luke Ahearne has brought something special to London and was rewarded with a Michelin star earlier this year.
The art includes a bespoke painting by Zarina Groevaya in the private dining space, a portrait by Georgian artist Akhmat Biikan, and throughout the restaurant are bold, figurative pieces by Jack Penny.
Throughout the restaurant are bold, figurative pieces by Jack Penny
where: 7-9 Paddington St, London W1U 5QH
website: www.litamarylebone.com
Bacchanalia
It may be the only restaurant on this list where the art is actually more of a draw than the food. Part of the Richard Caring stronghold on Grosvenor Square, the greco-roman restaurant is opulence incarnate. Five giant Damien Hirst statues adorn the main dining room, featuring Lions, snake-haired Medusa and Bacchus himself, with ancient sculptures and Gary Myatt murals also scattered around the restaurant. It’s completely over the top, is it self-aware? Probably not, but also it just doesn’t really care.
where: 1-3 Mount St, London, W1K 3NA
website: www.Bacchanalia.com
Mount St
This modern British London restaurant, located on the first floor of iconic Mayfair landmark The Audley, brings together food and drink, craftsmanship and art.
Designed by Studio Laplace, headed by Christophe Comoy and Luis Laplace, Mount St. Restaurant integrates architecture, art and design, while allowing the site-specific artists’ commissions to take centre stage. Over 200 pieces of art feature throughout Mount St. Restaurant, including works by Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Lucian Freud, Philip Guston, Peter Fischli and David Weiss.
where: First Floor, 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX
website: www.mountstrestaurant.com
The Portrait Restaurant by Richard Corrigan
Chef Corrigan did a rare thing with the space at the top of the National Portrait Gallery – a gallery restaurant that’s actually worth visiting in and of itself. Some of the portraits have made their way into the restaurant, including of the late, great Shane MacGowan.
Corrigan worked at the previous incarnation of the restaurant at the Portrait Gallery, so this is something of a homecoming, and the culmination of a long-term vision of what should occupy the top floor (and take advantage of the panoramic views, where everything from the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral to The Shard is visible).
where: 28 Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH
website: www.theportraitrestaurant.com
Bibendum
There’s a theme here at Bibendum. Located in the Michelin building, the iconic mascot is seen throughout, whether in mural form or irreverent paintings scattered throughout the restaurant. Of course, they have two Michelin stars, and it remains one of London’s finest places to tuck into oysters, seafood and champagne
where: Michelin House, 81 Fulham Rd, London SW3 6RD
website: www.claudebosi.com
Toklas
This Mediterranean restaurant sits between the Strand and the river Thames and is complete with its own bakery, an open kitchen and some stunning art adorning the walls.
Guests will find artworks by Wolfgang Tillmans and Ragna Bley and a patchwork of art posters from the last 40 years that line the bar wall.
Guests will find artworks by Wolfgang Tillmans and Ragna Bley and a patchwork of art posters
where: 1 Surrey St, Temple, London WC2R 2ND
website: www.toklaslondon.com
Dear Jackie
The kitchen is led by esteemed Head Chef, Harry Faddy, formerly of The River Cafe and Aquavit London, who has designed a luxe, modern Italian menu that spotlights an array of exceptional pasta dishes and reimagined classics.
While you eat discover the beautiful collection of 170 hand-painted ceramics adorning every wall by artist Michaela Gall. The art is inspired by four themes: Soho architecture, sex, royalty and food.
where: Lower Ground, 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 9NE
website: www.broadwicksoho.co.uk
Sketch
The only restaurant on this list actually named after an artistic process, Sketch leans into the weird and wonderful of the art world. From its yellow (formerly pink) dining room, and imaginative interiors created over the years in collaboration with leading designers and artists including India Mahdavi, Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, Martin Creed, David Shrigley and many more, to its iconic pod toilets, Sketch has made its mark on the London scene.
Expect an ever-changing array of artwork from different residencies – oh, and the restaurant also holds three Michelin stars.
where: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG
website: www.sketch.london
Quo Vadis
A Soho staple that embraces the colourful history of the area and the building that it occupies. Formerly a brothel and a home to Karl Marx, now it’s one of London’s most famous restaurants.
Art has always been a theme – it was bought in 1996 by Damien Hirst and Marco Pierre White, with the latter providing art for the walls. Since then, after the latest change in ownership, it began a collaboration with artist John Broadley, which is featured with its distinctive illustrated menus.
where: 26-29 Dean St, London W1D 3LL
website: www.quovadissoho.co.uk
Pearly Cow
Brighton is known as a city with an artistic soul, and with the Pearly Cow, set within No. 124 Hotel, it has a restaurant to match.
Pearly Cow isn’t just about serving up incredible food—it’s also a feast for the eyes. The walls showcase an impressive collection of artwork from local artists, creating a dining experience that’s as visually inspiring as it is delicious.
where: 124 Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FY
website: www.guesthousehotels.co.uk
