Friends, Fish & Flamingos at Babylon, Kensington Roof Gardens
Enough of this grizzly weather – it’s Summer over at Babylon. And there are flamingos too. So ditch the umbrella, head over to Kensington and hop in the magic lift, which will whizz you up 100ft to the magnificent hidden gardens, where cocktails are flowing and seafood tastes as though it was caught in the ocean just 5 minutes earlier…
I met my friend Charlie up on the Babylon terrace for lunch a few days ago, and even though the skies were grey, we felt as though we’d escaped the drizzle to a mini Mediterranean holiday…the setting is absolutely stunning, the service – impeccable… and the food itself was absolutely sensational.
The award winning food at Babylon is described on their website as contemporary British cuisine and their menus change regularly to ensure that only the freshest, seasonal ingredients are used… they were also awarded ‘Most Improved Sustainability’ at the Sustainable Restaurant Association Awards 2013, which I love.
The terrace is heated and they also provide blankets and hot water bottles, so not even the British weather could spoil our alfresco experience!
In-between our lunch and dessert, we went for a stroll around the Roof Gardens. Originally the dream of Trevor Bowen, the vice president of John Barker & Co, he had them built in 1936 and it took two years – they opened to the public in 1938.
You used to have to pay a shilling to enter, which raised over £120,000 for local charities over 30 years. They are now free to enter for the public, which I didn’t realise (but do call ahead, as if there’s a wedding you won’t be able to go in) so we can all enjoy the beautiful shrubs, trees, plants and wildlife…
And then it was time for dessert. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any better…
Babylon and the Kensington Roof Gardens really are a little slice of magic 100ft above the hustle and bustle of High Street Kensington.
It’s the perfect city escape, without actually leaving the city.
British seafood menu available from Wednesday to Friday for lunch, and Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.
Babylon
99 Kensington High St,
London W8 5SA
Charlie and I were guests of Babylon, but as always, thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post was shot on my LEICA D-LUX – dinky but dynamic 😉
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