Having had a late night of Pizza and wine, we had a leisurely morning of breakfast in bed before heading out for a late morning stroll. With a flicker of warmth and sunshine we headed into Hyde Park for a stroll around the pond, palace gardens and one of mumma's favourite places in London, The Royal Albert hall. We also stumbled, completely by accident, upon the road where my Aunt used to live, where my mum would visit her over thirty years ago. And after a quick visit, and mum reminiscing on the olden days, it was most definitely time for lunch.
I had made reservations at Babylon at The Roof Gardens, a restaurant, bar and nighclub situated on Kensington High street and yet another super successful venture from Sir Richard Branson. The restaurant is on the 6th floor and although the gardens were being used for a wedding, we still had use of the spectacular view and lovely terrace, complete with patio heaters and rugs for when it got cold.
On a Sunday there is a set Sunday lunch menu and we were spoilt for choice. We mulled over the menu with a glass of wine while warm bread was served at the table by a lovely waitress before both mum and I to have the roast beef (traditional favourite) with the usual trimmings. Then for starter mum opted for the fish cakes while I chose the duck loin salad.
Our starters arrived promptly and incredibly well presented and we wasted no time tucking into them while mum caught me up on all the news at home, what my siblings were up to and the developments of my beloved chicken, Rosemary II. One mouthful in, I knew we were in safe hands with the chef's at Babylon and we both devoured our starters in record time. I would thoroughly recommend the Duck!
Even though the restaurant was incredibly busy with family and work gatherings, our waitress was incredibly attentive and service throughout the meal was a credit to the restaurant. In perfect timing our mains arrived on wonderful wooden boards with seasonal vegetables to share, yorkshire pudding, a little jug of gravy and the most delicious horseradish cream I have ever tasted. I've made mum promise to find the recipe before Christmas. And after a quick photo, we wasted no time tucking in to our mains, which were delicious. Next time I would perhaps ask for my meat to be a little more well done as it was a little pink, but apart from that it was absolutely faultless.
While mum bowed out at two courses, I knew I couldn't not order dessert, so ordered myself the milk chocolate caramel tart with the hope I could squeeze it in. And I quickly realised I could do more than that with this little treasure. A perfect combination with pear sauce and mango sorbet, it was a wonderful end to a delicious meal. We then headed out onto the terrace to finish our wine and take in the view over London. The bill was under £100 and included service charge and our wine and water, incredibly reasonable for the ambience, service and food quality you receive and I would totally recommend the restaurant for any occasion from lunch date to family gathering. It also made my mum utter the words "I'm actually beginning to enjoy London", and anywhere that can pull those words from the worlds most northern Northerner, must be good.
For all information and reservations at The Roof Gardens the link is below:
http://www.roofgardens.virgin.com
