The design-led Bankside Hotel opened late last year and now the in-house restaurant Art Yard Bar & Kitchen has followed suit. It’s a pretty swish looking place with an open-plan wraparound dining room featuring mobiles, modern artwork and patterned tiling.
Head Chef Lee Streeton (formely of 45 Jermyn Street and Brown’s Hotel) is in charge of the kitchen and he’s created a European-inspired menu fit for the surroundings. It’s a mix of small plates, pizzette, salads and large dishes, so you’re not short of variety.
We went heavy on the sharing plates, going for burrata with tomatoes and olives; moreish anchovy fritti; chargrilled cuttlefish with squid ink spelt; and a super fresh gurnard tartare with blood orange. Although we could have easily gone for more of the same, we opted for one main, the sirloin with bernaise, and a side of the dripping chips. The steak was bang on medium rare but the chips stole the show – they’re actually thin layers of potato sandwiched into chunky, crispy chips and they are EPIC.
With a large wine list, cocktails (including a Seedlip one on tap) and a range of locals beers on at that bar, Art Yard is one to hit up even if you’re not staying the night.
2 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 9JU
banksidehotel.com