On the last weekend, during my stay in London, I had the opportunity to visit the exclusive location of Sir Richard Branson. Also this “property” belongs to the Virgin Limited Edition, just like the already described Kasbar Tamadot in Marocco. But different than the Kasbar, this is not a hotel in the British metropolis, but a restaurant and private club, which is equipped with more than 6.000 square meters roof garden. In about 30 meters height above the Kensington High Street in London, several beautiful gardens provide an indescribable atmosphere. They are reserved for the members of the private club for every Friday and Saturday. Membership start at 150 British Pounds, if you are not living in London, and rise up to 500 depending on service. But let’s put one foot after the other. Near Hyde Park and directly at the Metro station you can easily reach this treasure.
Just getting out of the cab and entering the building, we were immediately asked where we’re heading to. Pointing on our reservation we went upstairs, where smiling employees were waiting for us, and we decided to enjoy our first drink on the electrically heated terrace. From here you can also see the many fireworks during the Guy Fawkes Days, which we did until it became too cold and we “moved” to our table.
The friendly waiter immediately took our beverage orders and handed us the nicely done menu. The prices are pretty moderate. A two course menu is 39,50 pounds, the 3 course menu is 46,50 pounds. Shortly considering we made our choice and then had to wait for the food. To bridge the waiting time there is a little card on the table, with which you can state a kind of game. Four question where on it, which had to be answered by the guests sitting on the table. Especially when eating with strange people, this is a classic icebreaker.
Finally we got the starters, which were as delicious as they looked. Besides delicious goat cheese they also served risotto or dough breast.
This is a good opportunity for a little secret advice. As a sider on the menu you find smoked mashed potatoes. Doesn’t really sound spectacular and doesn’t look like, but fact is… it’s genious.
Conclusion for the restaurant:
The Babylon is more than just an interesting possibility to dine in London. The location is outstanding, the food is great and the view in winter as well in summer is breathtaking. Not only the firework today was a reason, but also sunset or just the view over the city is worth a visit. The service as sophisticated, fast, friendly and courteous. Without wasting a thought, glasses were refilled, order and extra wishes accomplished – just perfect.
The interior designer has thought of a little gimmick in the bathrooms: ladies and gents are “only” divided by an aquarium, so that you cannot see through it, but guess what on the other side. Well, if I’d like to stare into the bathroom as a fish is one thing, but at least there still is the view on the corridor ;-).
One floor down – let’s go into “The Roof Club”
It became even more impressive after diner. Through an extra entrance past the queue you directly get into the club. On the weekend (Friday & Saturday) it opens at 10 P.M. and offers, besides a great atmosphere, several rooms of different (live) music. Already on 10:30 the club is packed and so we mingled under the strangers and firstly did a little tour.
During the tour through the different areas and past the bars one thing strikes especially: the huge garden area. In the back area you find the Spanish garden. A huge area with seating lounge, a pavilion and lots of green.
There’s another strange thing. In the outer area is a BBQ. So if you’re hungry before, during or after partying, you can get something to eat from the BBQ. But you don’t even have to do that by yourself, because friendly waiters run around the areas and like to take your orders. The burger with French fries and salad comes with 10 pounds and also the drinks are manageable. Cocktails with alcohol come by 12,50 pounds, my alcohol free drinks cost 5,50 pounds – all together definitely okay and appropriate prices. The entrance fee costs 20 pounds (if you make it inside), as a restaurant’s guest it’s 10. Members get in for free, depending on membership status, and can take one to three other’s inside.
Conclusion for the club:
Whenever you’re in London and have the opportunity to get on the guest list, do it and enjoy the time. Not only the good music, also the reservable tables with bottle service or the rambling outer areas are inviting. Shortly before 3 A.M. we then went back to the hotel and one thing is for sure – we’d love to return.
