Once you know about the roof of the new DESIGN MUSEUM in LONDON (composed of hyperbolic paraboloids) the name of its restaurant/bar makes sense.
(see my review of the “Design Museum”:http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/review?id=169160)
This is a splendid new space for a London restaurant, on the top floor, with huge expanses of floor-to ceiling windows looking out to Holland Park, Kensington High Street and neighbouring multi-million pound houses and flats. An exercise in minimalist elegance, in the same style as the museum, it has pale oak flooring, black tables and seating (some window-side booths), mirrors, plain walls without artwork. There is a pleasing interplay between the rectangular room shape and the circular lights and sinuously curvy metal-covered bar. Every detail is ‘designerish’ as you might expect; the same glassware and crockery are for sale in the museum shop.
When I visited one lunchtime it was busy, most tables taken, but the atmosphere felt relaxed and the acoustics were fine. Service was good. There was no problem ordering a carafe of tap water.
The menu covers all bases: sandwiches, sharing snacks, starters, main courses, puds and cheeses – you can order as much or as little as you like. Many ingredients are of British provenance, a few dishes with a spicy twist. Price examples (though the menu changes often) – artichoke soup £6.50, a plate of (delicious) croquettas £4.50, rib-eye steak sandwich £14, chips £4, lamb pie £17.50, green salad £4.50. Afternoon tea is £19. Cocktails around £9. Service charge £12.5% .
You can keep costs down but it’s tempting not to.
A cut above most of London’s museum restaurants.
In the daytime you can visit the museum’s free permanent collection, on the same floor as Parabola.
It is open from brunch to dinner (bar closes at 11pm) daily.
Vegetarian options.
Wheelchair accessible.
Would I visit again? Yes..definitely.
Check opening times and menus on the museum website:
www.designmuseum.org
