Cornus

Arguably the prize attraction of Belgravia’s new Ice Factory development, Cornus has rounded up a stellar team of industry all-stars to look after every aspect of the restaurant operation. Former Angler chef Gary Foulkes has been quietly cooking some of the best food in London for a decade. Pastry chef Kelly Cullen is one of the UK’s best and brightest pastry talents. David O’Connor and sommelier Melania Battiston have led the line at superb Medlar for many years. But despite having Real Madrid talent levels all over the pitch, the restaurant isn’t falling over itself to show off - there’s an air of serenity here, of calm and confidence, even just weeks after opening.

Cornus also has a bit of exclusivity to it, and not just because of the prices (more on that later). A lift whisks you away from the pleasant Eccleston Yards courtyard, far from the reaches of Victoria’s pavement pounders, into a lofty, air conditioned dining room of white tablecloths, diffused natural light and Matisse-style art prints. Behind beige net curtains is a beautiful terrace, still waiting to be unveiled to the public. Quiet luxury is the vibe.

A quick glance at the menu might set your eyes watering at the prices, but Cornus is a specific sort of restaurant - an old-school safe space where you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. The cooking is absolutely superb, in fact, almost perfect - though some will fairly say that a £50 plate of roast chicken, langoustines and truffle sweetcorn shouldn’t be any less than perfect. But this isn’t just chicken with langoustines - that chicken is from Landes, and the langoustines are fine, fat specimens from Scotland. If you want the best of the best in a nice, glossy, air-conditioned terrace restaurant in Belgravia, this is the price you pay.

Foulkes dips into an old bag of tricks for a few other dishes, showing off the delicate touch with fish and seafood that made Angler similarly superb. Who can say no to hand-rolled spaghetti topped with lobster and caviar, for example? Spare a moment (and space in your dessert belly) for a magnificent brown sugar custard tart, cut with such precision that the sides look like obsidian.

There are a growing number of restaurants in London where you can easily drop big money. At Cornus, at least, you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied.

Cornus is a fine dining, Modern European rooftop restaurant in Belgravia with exceptional pedigree. The restaurant is independently owned by David O’Connor and Joe Mercer Nairne of Chelsea mainstay Medlar, while executive chef Gary Foulkes, previously of the Michelin-starred Angler, runs the kitchen. Originally opened in August 2024, Cornus was awarded a Michelin star just a year later, along with a slew of awards and industry praise. 

Foulkes’ menus remain grounded in traditional French culinary techniques and the best of British and European produce, while also showcasing flavours Foulkes has encountered while travelling across the world. Diners can choose from a series of expertly curated menus include a la carte, set and tasting options, all available at a variety of price points.  

Examples of dishes from the tasting menu include sea bass tartare with oyster cream, green apple and shiso, followed by Devon crab with hass avocado, wasabi cream and finger lime, then moving onto heartier creations, such as pressed foie gras terrine with Mouneyrac pears, golden raisins, sauternes and toasted brioche.

Desserts are overseen by head pastry chef, and bright young talent, Kelly Cullen, crafting things such as a Kissabel apple tarte tatin with plum kernel ice cream and salted caramel sauce.

Wine director Melania Battiston heads up the wine list, curating a diverse range of wines from all corners of the globe. She previously worked at Medlar for four years, is a member of the IWSC and is a judge for Decanter Wine Awards. Cocktails are unique and well-thought out, including a Clarified Coffee Negroni, and there are plans to introduce a dedicated sake menu in the future.

And that’s to say nothing of the view. Cornus is located on the rooftop of the Ice Factory, a converted factory (that produced, you guessed it, ice) at Eccleston Yards in Belgravia, which means floor-to-ceiling views of the London skyline behind sheer curtains. This panoramic view is balanced by soft green and pink interiors, by the interior designers behind Islington’s Italian favourite Trullo.