We can’t believe we’re typing this but we’ve NEVER BEEN TO SKYLON before now! Not once! Sometimes we get so caught up with the new – the latest opening, the hottest table – that we forget what’s been quietly ticking along for years. Well enough is enough! If you’ve not yet familiarised yourself with Skylon either, it’s located on the first floor of the Royal Festival Hall and is part of the D&D group (Angler, Aster, Bluebird, we could go on and on).
Leaving the hustle and bustle (and countless chains) of the Southbank behind us, we settled into our table for two. Even if you don’t manage to nab a table right by the window, it’s still a very impressive dining room with floor to high ceiling windows, and a striking central bar – we can imagine taking our folks here for a special treat. If you do manage to nab a window seat you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Thames and the constant stream of passers-by that brings. Although we’re not sure there’s really a bad table in the house. We visited on a cold winter’s day so it was already pitch black by the time we arrived, and seeing London all lit up felt pretty festive and gave us all the feels.
We started with their signature smoked salmon ‘cannelloni’ which was presented inside a halo of gribiche (mayonnaise-style cold egg sauce) and caviar. The Jerusalem artichoke arrived in a similar wreath like display – presentation was faultless throughout and obviously their strong point. Next up was seasonal red deer in a decadent mulled wine glaze with tart plump dark berries. We couldn’t get enough of the potato puree with truffle oil – don’t even think about sharing, you’ll want one each.
Desserts had a slightly Heston vibe about them – but instead of meat fruit our green apple had a boozy brandy filling.
We were actually here to try a few drinks from the new cocktail menu which is part of the newly launched Sky Nights experience. Taking place every Thursday from 8.30pm, expect live DJ’s and a fun bar staff eager to please.
Taking inspiration from the four elements – Earth, Sky, Fire and Water, or as Skylon has renamed it Ocean (because who wants a watery drink) the menu caters to every taste.
Expect mushroom, rosemary and chocolate from the Earth section, fresh citrus from the Sky, spice and Smoke from Fire and zingy refreshing, cooling elements from the Ocean.
Start your night with an easy drinking Stardust (Tanqueray, lemon sherbet, pineapple & tarragon syrup, green chartreuse, topped up with prosecco) and don’t leave before you’ve tried the Molten Rock (whisky, sherry, peanut vermouth and cassis).
In short, Skylon stands out as a ray of sunshine in a sea of mediocre Southbank chains.
Staff were fantastic. Professional, but not pretentious, fun but not too familiar. They took care of our every whim and we happily left our wine pairing needs in the capable hands of the sommelier – you should too.
We reckon it would be pretty gorgeous any night of the week, BUT if you’re looking for a bit more of a party-party atmosphere, head there on a Thursday night for the newly launched Sky Nights.
