7 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: http://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: http://www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk/the-keepers-house/index.html
The National Dining Room at the National Gallery
Calm within the storm
Overlooking the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspot Trafalgar Square, The National Dining Room at the National Gallery is a refined, calm escape to tuck into a light lunch, afternoon tea or more substantial dinner. The restaurants selection of British cakes, including The Handbook’s favourite Bakewell tart, are freshly made each day; from 3pm enjoy a lavish spread of sandwiches, scones and mini versions of said cakes with tea and Baron-Feunte vintage champagne for a lot less than you’d pay in a hotel dining room.
Where: Sainsbury Wing The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
Website: http://www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk/the-national-dining-rooms/index.html
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: http://www.npg.org.uk/visit/shop-eat-drink/restaurant.php
