Sea Containers Restaurant

Built in 1977, Sea Containers House has long been a notable London landmark, but recent developments have enhanced the building’s grandeur with a cruise-ship sized dining room that’s wittily decorated with, among other things, a yellow submarine suspended above the bar. The menu’s range is tighter than in the past and all the better for it, now focused on doing fewer things well. Small plates might promise crab on toast with avocado and pickled jalapeños, while salads look particularly enticing – shaved mushrooms with pine nuts, cheese and brown butter vinaigrette, for example. We also like the idea of large ‘family’ plates to share, such as double-cut heritage pork chop or leg of lamb roasted in the clay oven (enough for three people). Desserts tend to be witty takes on the classics, from profiteroles to rhubarb tart with Champagne jelly. “Amazing service” earns bonus points.

Sea Containers Restaurant has become an integral part of London’s iconic South Bank. This relaxed restaurant, housed on the ground floor of the eponymous lifestyle hotel, is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner by the river. The terrace out front is ideal for taking in the view, although the restaurant’s large windows ensure that the interior is just as good. The restaurant itself was designed by the one and only Tom Dixon and is decorated with quirky and modern pieces. The food, meanwhile, celebrates seasonality, focusing on the finest ingredients and simple but elegant plating.  

Since the restaurant’s terrace faces south, it can be enjoyed throughout the day. That being said, we would argue brunch is one of the best meals to enjoy in the sun. Here, there is a huge choice of options, with optional bottomless drinks if you are so inclined. Classics like avocado toast, shakshuka and smoked salmon bagels are up for grabs, alongside more lavish entries like steamed mussels with a potato baguette and mac and cheese with pulled pork.

The all-day menu also has plenty of choice, ensuring everyone can find something they will enjoy. Start off with the likes of Padron peppers or even oysters, ideal for a celebration meal. From there, the small plates include elegant dishes like seabass ceviche tacos, roast beef carpaccio and juniper cured salmon with elderflower and focaccia. The larger plates are of a similar ilk, with options like halibut with fennel, pea and fish veloute. For those pulling out all the stops, there are the fruits de mer, which showcases lobster, tiger prawns, scallop ceviche, dressed crab and oysters. To drink, there is a short range of summery house cocktails and spritzes to sip on in the sun, as well as various wines by the glass and bottle.