Updated 15/6/23 with opening date and restaurant details
There are many reasons to rejoice in the forthcoming reopening of the National Portrait Gallery, not least is the return of The Portrait Restaurant which has been taken over by chef Richard Corrigan.
Closed for essential building works and renovations since 29 June 2020, The National Portrait Gallery houses not just the world’s most extensive collections of portraits, but its top-floor restaurant showcases one of the finest views of London across Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. Along with the sublime vistas and sculptures from the Gallery’s collection in your midst, you can soon be reunited with the Great British Menu star’s culinary creations.
Following a similar major revamp, the restaurant will feature a bar area and a small counter dining spot if you want to watch the chefs at close quarters. But we expect the window tables with views across Trafalgar Square will be the most sought after.
Taking on the role of Head Chef here is Simon Merrick who used to head up the kitchen at Corrigan's East London restaurant. And as a sure sign that the Corrigan team are taking this launch super seriously they're bringing in the big guns to help launch the place with Jon Spiteri (ex-St John, French House Dining Room, Sessions Arts Club) doing the honours alongside ex-Sucre GM Beth Harding.
As for the food, dishes on the opening menu will include:
- Vol-au-vent filled with haddock and brown crab
- Clam ceviche with pickled ginger and lime
- Poached pork, onion soubise and pickled cabbage.
We're also tickled by the prospect of a Corrigan take on Scampi Fries which will be on the separate bar menu along with an oyster croque monsieur.
The Portrait Restaurant wil open after the Gallery’s return; while you wait, you can check out Audrey Green, the new ground-floor cafe from the Australian Daisy Green Collection, which will specialise in artisan drinks, brunches, lunches and cakes by day before morphing into a late-night bar with cocktails and small plates and the new basement cocktail spot, Larry's Bar.
More about The Portrait Restaurant
Where is it? St Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE
When does it open? 5 July 2023
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @theportraitrestaurant.
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