Heady Summer Barbecues On The Terrace!

Babylon, The Roof Gardens’ vista restaurant, is changing into its shorts and sandals! From May, diners can enjoy barbecues on one of London’s most coveted south facing outdoor terraces. Sun worshipers will be elated to learn that Babylon’s terrace caters for up to 35 diners across tables of two or four and offers panoramic views over the beautiful gardens and the rooftops of London.

And if the gorgeous terrace is full of al fresco revellers (arriving early is always recommended) then the barbecued dishes can be enjoyed inside Babylon which shares the impressive views. The barbecues will run at Babylon along side the current a la carte menu Monday to Friday for lunch and Monday to Thursday for dinner, from May until September 2007, weather permitting.

Babylon’s chefs are set to create a unique and enticing atmosphere of sound, sight and smell on the south facing terrace. Outdoor, charcoal fired griddles are ready to cook up a melange of Beef, Sea Trout and Scallops on the barbecue. In addition to the barbecued dishes, hungry patrons can also choose from a host of fresh sea-food from the cool Shell Fish bar, including rock oysters, Cornish crab and native British Lobster.

To complement the al fresco dining, Babylon’s excellent bar mixologists will be creating quenching cocktails and drinks including delicious Mojito Royals, Pimms, Bellini’s and the perfect G&T, to help wash down the dishes under the summer sun.

If a more intimate dining experience is required, then Babylon’s private dining room is available for hire for groups of up to 14 and boasts its own private west-facing terrace. From the private dining room and its terrace, diners can enjoy the barbecued dishes and personal waiters whilst watching the sun go down all to the sound of personally chosen music from the private sound system!

Babylon’s private dining room ideal for Ibiza style sundowners, celebrating summer birthdays, post holiday re-unions or just the fact that its hump day!

Babylon’s patrons can soak up the sun at a host of tables and if the smell of the food on the barbecue isn’t enough, then the aromas from the potted Rosemary, Thyme and Lavender bushes will help to complement the perfect lunch or dinner.

The terrace looks over the English Woodland garden which includes Oak and Beach trees, babbling brooks and ponds containing Carp, Mandarin ducks, The Roof Gardens’ most famous residents –Bill and Ben the two lesser Chilean flamingos and a panoramic view of London.

Inside, Babylon offers diners the option to enjoy a cosy booth for two or dine with friends in groups of four up to 35. From any table, customers can soak up the spectacular London skyline that stretches east to the city (including the dome of St Paul’s and Canary Wharf), south to the giant tower of Crystal Palace (spot Battersea Power Station) and finally West towards Heathrow (including a unique view of Richmond Park, Olympia, Earls Court and Chiswick).

Barbecue

Ballindalloch Rib of Beef £24.00
Chunky chips, Portobello mushroom, baby artichoke & red onion salad

Fillet of Organic Sea Trout £18.00
Hollandaise sauce, asparagus spears, baby spinach, new potatoes & cherry tomatoes

Hand dived Scottish Scallop & Calves Liver £19.00
Baby leeks, green beans, red peppers & caper berries

Shellfish Bar

½ dozen Irish Rock Oysters - £9.00
1 dozen Irish Rock Oysters - £18.00
Served with shallots & aged red wine vinegar

Dressed Cornish Crab - £17.00
Olive oil mayonnaise, watercress, mustard leaves, baby red chard & cucumber

Native British Lobster - £28.00
Organic lemon, salad of summer truffles, dandelion, red chicory, oak leaves & vine tomatoes

The Roof Gardens is owned by Virgin Limited Edition, part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, and Babylon is open for lunch 12-3pm, Monday – Sunday and dinner 7-11:00pm, Monday – Saturday.

Babylon Restaurant, 7th Floor, The Roof Gardens’, 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA. For reservations, email Babylon@roofgardens.virgin.co.uk.