10 Overlooked Museum and Gallery Restaurants
It’s easy to forget that we live in one of the greatest cities in the world, filled to the brim with some of the best museums, art galleries and theatres. And within those cultural delights, some extraordinary food and drink offerings, which are worth the visit in themselves. Here’s a guide to The Handbook’s favourite:
Spring at Somerset House
Special occasions at Somerset House
This beautiful restaurant is the latest from renowned chef Skye Gyngell. Located in the New Wing at Somerset House, enjoy heartfelt, elegant dishes that celebrate the best, seasonal produce – think salad of crab, agretti, blood orange and castelfranco; grilled rabbit with creamed kale and lentils; and olive oil and polenta cake with citrus marmalade and crème fraiche. As for the dining room, Spring’s is by far one of the capital’s most attractive and serene, and being in Somerset House, is a mere stone’s throw from the River Thames. Recommended for special occasions.
Where: Somerset House New Wing, Lancaster Place, WC2R 1LA
Website: www.springrestaurant.co.uk
The Keepers House at the Royal Academy
Hidden sanctuary, inside and out
Various elements make up this dining destination at the Royal Academy, including a restaurant, bar, garden and lounge. The restaurant’s British menu focuses on seasonality, offering a special ‘du jour’ two course menu including celeriac and truffle soup; pork cutlet with Lyonnaise potatoes and apple chutney; and bitter chocolate mousse. The Handbook likes to sit back and unwind on one of the velvet mohair chairs in the Bell Shenkman Lounge afterwards, enjoying the lounge’s spectacular views of the garden.
Where: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD
Website: www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk
Rotunda Bar and Restaurant
Canal-side location
Overlooking the Regent’s Canal a short walk from Kings Cross station, Rotunda Restaurant & Bar is the perfect place to stop off after perusing the contemporary art galleries at Kings Place. The daily changing menu features meat cuts from their very own farm in Northumberland, which are best enjoyed in one of the classic roasts – think 32 day dry-aged roast topside of beef or roast leg of Northumberland Texel lamb, both served with Yorkshire pudding, crispy roast potatoes and fresh seasonal veg.
Where: Kings Place, 90 York Way, Kings Cross, London N1 9AG, United Kingdom
Website: www.rotundabarandrestaurant.co.uk
The Lady Ottoline
Cosy, traditional dining
Though not based within the same building, The Lady Ottoline partners with the quaintness of the Charles Dickens Museum to offer its visitors an exclusive discount when dining from the a la carte. With new head chef Nathan Andrews on board, the seasonal British menu is subtly changing week-by-week, boasting interesting new dishes such as home-cured bresaola; smoked cod roe mousse with home-fermented vegetables and fennel crackers; and wild mushroom and winter truffle risotto. Oh, and did we mention that The Lady O stocks over 60 gins behind the bar…?
Where: 11A Northington Street, London WC1N 2JF, United Kingdom
Website: www.theladyottoline.net
Tom’s Kitchen Somerset House
Casual dining at Somerset House
Comprised of a restaurant, deli and a beautiful terrace, Tom’s Kitchen at Somerset House serves comfort food favourites in a relaxes and informal environment, perfect for a light lunch post arts and culture. The terrace is ideal for cocktails and bar snacks in the summer and serves brunch at the weekend. Try the brioche French toast with caramelized apples and cinnamon cream, or the indulgent truffle macaroni and cheese with a Champagne breakfast cocktail (Cointreau, marmalade, champagne and bitters).
Where: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Website: www.tomskitchen.co.uk
Portrait Restaurant
Rooftop Restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery
After taking in the sights of the National Portrait Gallery head up to their restaurant Portrait for a very different kind of view – the London skyline. The view stretches from Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square down Whitehall to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye. The food is great too, with the likes of chicken and duck liver parfait, red onion marmalade and brioche toast appearing alongside dishes such as roast cod fillet, creamed mashed potatoes, kale and caper brown butter.
Where: National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Place, WC2H 0HE
Website: www.npg.org.uk
The Wallace Restaurant
Quiet dining in the Wallace Collection Museum
Located within the Wallace Collection gallery walls on Manchester Square, The Wallace Restaurant combines al fresco dining with an extraordinary setting. The aesthetically appealing space also boasts a dotting of trees, sculptures and a flood of natural light. As for the food, enjoy dishes such as scrambled eggs and salmon or a wild mushroom and truffle omelette for breakfast, and then return for afternoon tea featuring a classic Cornish Cream Tea and a glass of vintage champagne.
Where: The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, Marylebone, W1U 3BN
Website: www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk
Gallery Mess
Leisurely dining at the Saatchi Gallery
Gallery Mess is conveniently situated just off Kings Road in the heart of prestigious Chelsea at the Saatchi Gallery. The interior is comprised of exposed brickwork, vaulted ceilings and a unique marriage of food and art. As for the view, gaze out from a stunning al fresco terrace overlooking The Green while enjoying warm scones, macaroons and delicate cakes, with a choice of a flute of bubbles or a pot of Hendrick’s tea.
Where: Duke of York's, HQ King's Road, Chelsea, SW3 4RY
Website: www.saatchigallery.com
The National Dining Rooms
Dining over Trafalgar Square
The National Dining Rooms at the National Gallery offer the perfect backdrop for an indulgent and unhurried lunch complete with a view. Gaze out over Trafalgar Square while enjoying their National Afternoon Tea, which includes a lavish array of sandwiches, scones and delicate cakes served with a choice of tea or champagne. The restaurant is also ideal for brunch or a snack, featuring a cozy cafe area selling Peyton and Byrne tea and coffee and fresh British cakes.
Where: The National Dining Rooms, Sainsbury Wing, The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN
Website: www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk
The Switch House Restaurant at Tate Modern
Dining in the Tate's new wing
9 stories up in The Switch House, the Tate’s new wing, is this 150-cover open-plan restaurant. Whether you’re hoping to grab a bite to eat with a coffee or a full meal with craft beers and cocktails, The Switch House’s restaurant is the perfect way to keep your eyes as happy as your mouth while you take a break from the art.
Where: Tate Modern Bankside, SE1 9TG
Website: www.tate.org.uk
