Dine among the arts
If you’re a devoted foodie who also loves indulging in the arts, you might be inspired to spend an evening combining the two at a restaurant destined for art lovers. From exhibition-inspired menus at the Tate to David Shrigley’s satirical works at sketch, delight in London’s eclectic array of artsy restaurants with our guide to the best in town.
The Best Restaurants in London for Art Lovers
Paradise Green
Mix a love for brunching with an eye for playful art pieces, and you’ve got Paradise Green, the most recent open from the Australian Daisy Green collection. Contemporary artist Lucy Sparrow’s installation, The Billion Dollar Robbery, was on show last year at the Saatchi, but now occupies the upstairs private dining room of this bright brunch spot. Sit among a frozen illicit exchange – as an all-felt, hand-sewn bank robbery takes place right around you – and tuck in to the delightfully naughty dishes on their menu. We recommend a Dirty Daisy for a mischievous twist to kick off your day.
100 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 1GT; daisygreenfood.com
The Rosebery, the Mandarin Oriental
Fashionable hideaway and Knightsbridge tearoom, the Rosebery at the Mandarin Oriental regularly showcases the best of British artists. It’s one-of-a-kind special commissions are a visual feast, and can be accompanied by all-day dining, afternoon tea and champagne cocktails. Right now, drink all this in with a backdrop provided by the award-winning colourful canvases of Orlanda Broom – playful artworks which celebrate a defiance of conventional technique.
66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA; mandarinoriental.com
Townsend Restaurant
Tucked away inside Whitechapel Gallery is Townsend, the modern British dining room by Nick Gilkinson. Head Chef Chris Shaw (ex-Petersham Nurseries) has curated an understated but focused menu of seasonal and produce-led plates. You’d be remiss not to try the fried wensleydale with pickled walnut ketchup, a tangy bite to start. This dining room is truly a treat for foodies and art lovers alike (and the happy overlapping circle of gastro-aesthes). Enjoy sandwiching a visit here between a wander around the gallery’s constantly evolving exhibitions.
77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX; townsendrestaurant.co.uk
Sessions Arts Club
A restaurant, wine bar and art gallery space has opened in the restored Old Sessions House in Clerkenwell, found on the floor of an 18th century Grade II listed building. It’s a collaboration between artist Jonny Gent, St. John co-founder Jon Spiteri and architect Russell Potter, designed to bring together the worlds of art, design and food – which means beautiful interiors alongside a stellar menu courtesy of top chef Florence Knight. The kitchen serves up seasonally led dishes inspired by British, French and Italian cooking, available to enjoy from a stylish dining room or on the roof terrace, which overlooks the city.
Old Sessions House, 24 Clerkenwell Grn, London EC1R 0NA; sessionsartsclub.com
PocketSquare
A terrace restaurant and bar, PocketSquare overlooks Spitalfields and if the views alone aren’t a joy for art lovers, the latest summer menu will certainly satiate appetites for all things visual. Its newest menu of dishes (paired with cocktails) draw inspiration from local artists that have created ripples across East London. Enjoy an artfully plated salmon mosaic with a tailored cocktail featuring an adorning rice paper (showcasing new artwork from the area) – and enjoy a colourful backdrop designed by recent University of the Arts London graduate, Ellen Russell.
Black Lion House, 45 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1DU; pocketsquare.london
Sketch
Possibly one of the most illustrious ‘artsy’ restaurants London has to offer, sketch is a one-of-a-kind. From its playful David Shrigley wall hangings in the Gallery to the renowned egg-pod toilets and ‘landscape’ floor by Alexandra Kehayoglou in The Glade, this quirky restaurant-cum-gallery provides a feast for the eyes as much as it does the stomach.
9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG; sketch.london
Old Compton Brasserie
Featuring award-winning curative cocktails, delicious British dishes and expressive bespoke artworks adorning the exposed brick walls, this eclectic Soho brasserie is an edgy art-lovers paradise. From street art and pop paintings to authentic works incorporated within the menus, there is plenty to be admired and explored whilst dining at this eccentric restaurant.
36 – 38 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TT; oldcomptonbrasserie.co.uk
Charlie’s at Brown’s Hotel
With Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt at the helm of this sophisticated Mayfair restaurant, you’re ensured a dining experience just as fantastic as the artworks displayed. Dine on oysters while surrounded by tropical and wood panelled walls, where you’ll also find an array of multi-hued collage-style artworks from Icelandic artist Kristjana S Williams. 33
Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP; roccofortehotels.com
Nobu, Old Park Lane
Famed for its fantastic Japanese-Peruvian influenced dishes, Nobu is also a great place to venture if you’re looking to see some art. The Old Park Lane branch regularly hosts a series of exhibitions.
19 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1LB; noburestaurants.com
Cambridge Street Kitchen
Part of Pimlico’s vibrant Artist Residence London Hotel, it is no wonder that Cambridge Street Kitchen showcases an array of eclectic artworks, each handpicked from a number of art fairs, galleries and curators. Comprising of a cosy cocktail cellar, club room and terrace, the colourful café serves up delicious brunch to lunch and dinner-style dishes among its ever-changing artsy interiors.
52 Cambridge St, Pimlico, London SW1V 4QQ; artistresidence.co.uk
Partridges Café, Sloane Square
Grocer to the late Queen and renowned for its high-quality artisan food, Partridges is a treasure-trove for both foodies and artists alike. The Sloane Square branch café regularly hosts month-long art exhibitions, dedicating its back wall to the works of local and emerging artists, and has exhibited the likes of John Stoddart, Jean Kegel and Hilary McLaren Tipping over the past three years.
2-5, Duke of York Square, 5 King’s Road, London SW3 4LY; dukeofyorksquare.com
Photo: Jean Kegel for Partridges Café Exhibition
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