Chef Jenny Warner brings Nordic-Japanese cuisine to the heart of Belgravia at Pantechnicon's Roof Garden...
Photo: Pantechnicon
The opening of Pantechnicon in late 2020 brought with it a flurry of intrigue from passers by.
What exactly was this grand building that had cropped up seemingly overnight on Belgravia's Motcomb Street?
Pantechnicon describes itself as ‘a home for a playful celebration of Nordic and Japanese creativity and craftsmanship - a story told through food, drink, design and experiences’; home to five Nordic and Japanese restaurant and cafe locations, the venue is unlike any other in London.
Today, I am here to try out the Roof Garden, led by head chef Jenny Warner.
The space itself is undeniably captivating - decked out in foliage with far stretching views of the expensive streets of SW1. It’s the perfect location for a late spring drink with friends, if the weather is on your side.
The menu is an ambitious blend of traditional and new Nordic and Japanese cuisine, which Jenny says takes direct inspiration from the quintessential flavours of her childhood.
The menu includes highlights such as the trout tartare, Norwegian cod and the toasted prawn sando, and I have to admit, without the presence of my foodie friend to guide me through, I would have been somewhat intimidated.
To start, we ordered the lamb croquettes, which I would return for alone.
For my main course, I almost played it safe with the rib eye steak, but decided to take a step out of my comfort zone with the mentaiko spaghetti, which again surprised me - the creamy yet light seafood dish packed an explosion of flavour.
The Norwegian cod was cooked to perfection, and the sides of tenderstem broccoli and the buttery roasted potatoes made the perfect accompaniment to our meal.
When the time for dessert came, it is with regret that both myself and my guest had to pass - the decadence of our starters and mains left us too full for more. Instead, we opted for after dinner cocktails.
The seasonal cocktail menu has been expertly crafted by Gento Torigata, using fresh produce, house made infusions and exclusive spirit.
We both opt for an espresso martini, which we are told comes in two forms: the standard espresso martini, or a ‘limited edition’ kind, crafted with Akvavit. Both are delicious, though hard to tell apart.
The Roof Garden at Pantechnicon manages to pull off an ambitious, if slightly pretentious menu, in an impressive location.
The space is perfect for an intimate meal with a significant other, late evening catch ups throughout the summer on their expansive terrace, and after work cocktails just a stone’s throw from Knightsbridge.
If an adventurous menu and expertly crafted cocktails are what you’re looking for, the Roof Garden should definitely be on your radar - though perhaps leave your fussy friend behind.
Address: 19 Motcomb Street, Belgravia SW1X 8LB
Website: pantechnicon.com
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