Review on Aviary
Enjoying a plum position on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House situated next to Finsbury Square Garden, Aviary is a 6,000 square feet space consisting of a rooftop restaurant and a south-facing terrace bar, with stupendous views of some of London's most iconic buildings including the Gherkin and the Shard. It is part of Tom and Ed Martin's ETM group which also operates the Burdock on the ground floor of the hotel.
Designed by Russell Sage Studio with floor to ceiling windows on three sides to take in the panoramic views, it features an impressive central bar with intricate brass finishes and an elegant dining room. A colourful space with a bird theme to reflect the restaurant's name, hanging planters bring the outdoors in, and eclectic artwork line the walls. The decked terrace with comfy seating is extremely popular because of the spectacular vistas, with heaters and blankets warding off the chill in winter.
The kitchen focuses on traceability and responsible sourcing and is then cooked over live charcoal on the Bertha coal oven. Fish comes from the day-boats on the south coast and meat is supplied from British-farmed heritage breeds, like White Park cattle from Dorset and Longhorn cows from the Lake District.
Scorched mackerel, cucumber, oyster mayonnaise, horseradish and nasturtiums might open the show, before moving on to a main course of roast loin of red deer, celeriac, pears, porcini and pine nut granola. While desserts take in ginger and muscovado brûlée, roasted peach, and Belgian biscuit ice cream or caramelised banana parfait, salted toffee popcorn and peanut butter ice cream.
There's a comprehensive wine list, craft ales and lager as well as cocktails such as Honey Rider, Tanqueray gin, Crème de Mure, honey, mead, blackberries, and thyme. Many of the drinks are served in scooped out pineapples or lovely copper tankards.
Cuisine
Modern British
Chef
Dan Loftin
Restaurant Opening Times
Breakfast: 6.30 - 10.30am (7.00 - 11.00am Sun)
Lunch: 12.00 - 3.30pm (12.00 - 5.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 11.00pm (5.30 - 10.30pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express