Chef Richard Corrigan’s The Portrait Restaurant is now open
Irish chef and restaurateur Richard Corrigan is thrilled to announce The Portrait Restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery in partnership with hospitality group Searcys is now open. Situated on the corner of Trafalgar Square, The Portrait Restaurant pays homage to the dishes of Richard’s culinary career, while welcoming new classics to his repertoire in celebration of the Gallery’s much-anticipated relaunch following its multi million pound transformation.
The Portrait Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner for visitors to the Gallery (Sunday to Tuesday 12.00-17.30, Wednesday to
Saturday 12.00-22.30), as well as those visiting exclusively to dine. Alongside the 70-cover restaurant, a six-seater kitchen counter gives guests a front-row seat to all the action of the open kitchen. The new destination restaurant and bar opens across the top floor of the Gallery, in an intimate space with unrivalled views of Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.
In true Corrigan style, The Portrait Restaurant’s menu celebrates the very best ingredients from the British and Irish Isles developed by Richard and Head Chef Simon Merrick who previously held the role of Head Chef at Daffodil Mulligan, Corrigan’s restaurant in Old Street. Dishes (£6-38) include; Duck Heart Vol Au Vent, Whipped Chicken Livers, Spinach Royal; Whole Artichoke, Crab Mayo, Kombu; Cornish Plaice, Coastal Herbs, Buttered Vegetables; and Huntsham’s Farm Pork, Barigoule Of Fennel, Apricot Mostarda. It wouldn’t be a Richard Corrigan restaurant without his beloved oysters; at The Portrait Restaurant Dressed Carlingford Oysters come with Ginger, Lime, Coriander.
The bar space focuses on showcasing a concise wine list available by the glass and bottle starts from £9 and £30 respectively, as well as classic cocktails – such as Summer Peach Tea (English Peaches, Earl Grey Tea, Champagne) and Nelson’s Tonic (Gin, Sherry, Vermouth, Tonic). Alongside bold aperitifs, the bar also serves an all-day snack menu, which promises a very Corrigan take on beloved Scampi Fries and a Smoked Fish & Charcuterie selection.
Beth Harding, formerly of Sucre, joins the team as General Manager and Jon Spiteri, one of London’s most charming and reputable restaurateurs, responsible for some of the city’s most iconic dining rooms like St John, joins the team as opening Maître D’.
The restaurant’s unique design by Brady Williams Studio features natural timber finishes, polished Caesarstone countertops, bespoke lighting fixtures, and sculptures from the Gallery’s Collection of celebrated personalities from across the years. With walls adorned with hand-embodied de Gournay linen panels that draw inspiration from the Gallery’s architectural detail, the space has a luxurious, contemporary design that infuses the unique mix of rich natural colourways with modern urban energy, reflective of the Gallery and pieces within.
Commenting on the upcoming launch, Richard said:
“I’m a huge fan of the National Portrait Gallery and I’ve been coming here for as long as it’s been open. Every inch of the place is filled with world class art so I’m thrilled to be opening The Portrait Restaurant on the Gallery’s top floor. We have stunning views across London and some beautiful food to complement the surroundings. We have a stellar team of brilliant people, led by Chef Simon and Jon Spiteri, who of course opened Bentley’s and Corrigan’s Mayfair, all of who are as excited as I am to to serve the people that walk through The National Portrait Gallery’s doors.”
Reservations can be made via The Portrait Restaurant’s website theportraitrestaurant.com
Address: National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE
Opening hours:
Sunday to Tuesday 12.00-17.30
Wednesday to Saturday 12.00-22.30
Instagram: @theportraitrestaurant @chefcorrigan