Living in London, it’s all easy to avoid central London altogether for weeks or even months on end. I’m all too guilty of staying in my South London Peckham bubble at weekends (anything to avoid tubes, crowds and day trippers). But occasionally I venture out to places that make me forget about the crowds, and swoon like the most starry-eyed tourist at our beautiful city. Gillray’s restaurant on Southbank is one such place.
The Idea
Named after James Gillray, the 18th century caricaturist famous for his etched political and social satire sketches, the restaurant and bar reflect the political history of the County Hall and the eccentric style and humour of the renowned English personality.
The Location
The restaurant is smack-bang on the riverside, with amazing views over the Thames of the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben which look especially good after nightfall and a few gin & tonics when everything’s lit up and looking as lovely as only London can.
The Food
To go with this quintessential British view, the food at Gillray’s is an equally matched lesson in majestically classic English dishes. We had a platter of fresh Oysters to start along with some delicious and all-to-quickly-gone Scallops with Pea Puree, Mint and Smoked Bacon. Main courses are all about the Steaks at Gillray’s, with the Waiter even bringing over a case of different Vintage looking knives so you can choose your weapon – we loved this. My dining partner went for the 600g T Bone Steak which was no word of a lie bigger than his head, while I went for the much more modest 250g Sirloin. These came with mouth-watering sides of tripple cooked chips, Bone Marrow and Confit Cherry Tomatoes. We finished our Great British meal with a Sticky Toffee Pudding and Cambridge Burnt Cream with Rhubarb (basically a Creme Brulee – so delicious).
The Drink
The real surprise of the night however was Gillrays Bar, which we stayed in far longer than anticipated chatting to the incredibly knowledgeable Bar Manager Sam Mitchell, who gave us tasters of the house infused Gillrays sloe gin and barrel infused sherry. It’s a real hidden gem – a beautiful circular high ceilinged room with stunning river views and Jade Green leather banquet seating. They stock over 100 different Gins – I had the Monkey 47 served beautifully in a balloon glass with pink tonic, dehydrated lime, lavender and grapefruit. An Instagram dream. Open until Midnight, it really is a destination bar in its own right and I’ll definitely be back for a hit of British fabulousness – which definitely includes more gin.
Must Try
As well as a comprehensive gin list, the cocktail menu is also full of lovely seasonal creations such as our favourite – the Jubilee with Mint, Rhubarb and Ginger Jam Infused Gin and Lemon.
Why Go
Fall in love (or back in love) with London and enjoy the freshest UK produce such as Clarence Court Eggs, meat from O’Sheas Butchers and fish from Billingsgate Fish Market.
Address: London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
Website: gillrays.com
IDEAL Magazine dined as a guest of the restaurant