It has been a long time since I have visited The National Portrait Gallery and what a fool I’ve been, on two counts, firstly what a wonderful FREE resource we have in London, we spent an hour before Lunch enjoying the photos, portraits and paintings, from Tudor times to recent work of the Royals, pop stars and inspiring people. I wish we’d had longer. Secondly, Richard Corrigan has created a wonderful space and menu on the fourth floor of the NPG. The Portrait Restaurant has outstanding views - just spot the landmarks in the images - and outstanding food.
Service was friendly, relaxed and very down to earth and if you want to have the best mashed potato you’ll ever try - head here now. The Olive Oil Mash was just outstanding.
However, our seasonal inspired dishes also didn’t disappoint. For starters we had Crispy Poached Egg, with Asparagus and the Secret Smokehouse Salmon with Pomegranate, Fennel & Horseradish. Both of which were delicious, that crispy poached egg was inspired.
Mains were Steamed Dover Sole, Wild Mushrooms and Sea Shore herbs - so light and delicate and I had the opposite punchy, spicy Tikka Celeriac, Tahini, Hummus, Pistachio Dukkha.
To finish we shared a Blood Orange Sorbet with Candied Blood Orange - refreshing and not too sweet.
A really lovely treat, from quality and service to a beautiful location within a fantastic London gem definitely add this to your lunch list and allow plenty of time to wander through the exhibitions before or after your meal.
Visit The Portrait Restaurant for current opening hours and menus
Our visit was via a PR Invite, but all images, thoughts, words my own.