Review on Darby's
Having established The Dairy and it's next door deli, Counter Culture together with Sorella in Clapham, chef and restaurateur Robin Gill opened Darby's in May 2019, his most ambitious project yet, combining an oyster bar, bakery and grill. The restaurant is named and takes inspiration from his father Earl 'Darby' Gill, who worked as a jazz musician in Manhattan in the 50s and 60s.
Located on the ground floor of Embassy Gardens Towers, a retail and residential development next door to the new £1billion US Embassy in Nine Elms, it also features a unique outdoor sky pool 35 metres overhead. A double-height-space, the smart interiors have been designed by AvroKO featuring a central green marbled topped oyster bar set with mustard leather rattan stools. Luxurious fluted green velvet banquette seating lines the wall and there's also a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking Embassy Gardens for al fresco dining.
The kitchen looks to Connemara on the west coast of Ireland for its ultra-fresh oysters, which can be served with a pint of Guinness or maybe a glass of Champagne. Elsewhere there's native lobster brioche roll and roe mayo or from the grill monkfish fillet. Among the carnivorous options, expect Blackface lamb with mint sauce or Highland short rib with pickles and mustard. When it comes to desserts who could resist a blood orange sorbet drowned with East London Liquor vodka or Darby's croissant and tonka bean ice cream sandwich. Open all day kicking off with breakfast, whether you are looking for a quick snack with a friend, a relaxed lunch or something a bit more special in the evening, Darby's is sure to meet all requirements.
There's a comprehensive wine list, Guinness, Champagne, cocktails and stout and vermouth are brewed on site.
Cuisine
Oyster Bar / Irish
Chef
Robin Gill and Dean Parker
Restaurant Opening Times
Breakfast: 8.00 - 11.45am Mon-Fri (9.00 - 11.45am Sat & Sun)
Lunch: 12.00 - 3.00pm (12.00 - 4.30pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 9.30pm Tue-Sun
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card