A stunning backdrop of London’s skyline, best of British seafood, green lush city oasis -tick, tick, and tick. Babylon, the award-winning restaurant located at The Roof Gardens, is part of Virgin Limited Edition – Sir Richard Branson’s private collection of award-winning luxury retreats and ticks all the boxes.
Chosen for its beautiful location and magnificent surroundings Babylon offers, in true Virgin-spirit, both a sense of fun, style, luxury and great service
Awarded ‘Best Alfresco Restaurant’ in the Bookatable Awards 2016, two AA rosettes in the 2016 AA restaurant guide and three stars by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) in 2016 it is safe to say this rooftop restaurant is well worth a visit.
Taking the lift up to The Roof Gardens on the sixth floor is like transporting yourself to a lush green oasis far away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Arriving at this tranquil sanctuary the first impression is the well manicured green grass (which is 100% natural) draping the outdoor terrace. This in contrast with the city skyline backdrop creates a feeling of being somewhere very special.
At Babylon, outdoor dining is celebrated and during the summer months, guests can enjoy the best of British seafood in an alfresco setting on the terrace. Initially being slightly worried about the weather I am quickly assured that Babylon is well equipped to handle the British weather. I’m pleasantly surprised to find out that the terrace is heated and blankets and hot water bottles are provided. This adds to the cosiness factor when the wind starts to blow and the rain is hanging over us we are warm, happy and content.
My guest and I share the cold seafood stand (£39.00/ £72.00) which tastes as delicious as it looks. Served on crushed ice we are fighting over half a Scottish lobster, King Prawns, Jersey oysters, smoked trout fillet and salmon as well as a whole dressed Devon crab. Side sauces include Tabasco sauce, mayonnaise and Rhode Island dressing and the platter is served together with a crisp French Sauvignon Blanc which brings out the flavours of the seafood.
The staff is incredibly attentive and helpful and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable despite the popular terrace quickly filling up with guests during lunch hours.
For a unique dining experience, I can truly recommend Babylon Restaurant. It is the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions, enjoy a wine-lunch with your girlfriends or for a mid-week treat with your partner or date.
Winter Terrace
The cooler winter months won’t stop Babylon from keeping the alfresco dining open. The ‘Winter Terrace’ will be available from November 21st until December 22nd. For the ultimate cosy winter dining experience, guests will be provided with hot water bottles, blankets and heaters.
On the special winter menu lunch guests can enjoy Hot Cocktails and choose from baked Cornish Camembert with honey, walnuts and smoked apple chutney or French Comte Fondue melted with shallots, white wine and garlic.
Babylon Restaurant’s ‘Chilled Seafood Menu’ is available between Wednesday and Friday 12:00 – 15:00 and between Tuesday and Saturday 18:30 – 23:00
The Roof Gardens
6th Floor, The Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA
Visit www.virginlimitededition.com for more information and bookings
