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Set high above the Thames inside the Royal Festival Hall, Skylon offers something a little special. With sweeping river views, a design that feels effortlessly elegant, and a menu that gives classic British dishes a modern touch, it’s a welcome pocket of calm right in the middle of London’s cultural heart.
Light, Space and the Rhythm of the River
Dining at Skylon feels like a bit of an escape. The huge windows open out onto the Thames, offering a front-row seat to the city’s bridges and skyline, especially beautiful when the light shifts towards golden hour. Inside, the look is clean and timeless with warm walnut, touches of brass and soft, neutral tones. It’s all designed to let the view do the talking.
During the day, the space feels bright and open. At night, it softens into something a little more intimate and quietly glamorous. Whether you’re by the window or sitting at the central bar, there’s a real sense of stillness here, even though you’re right in the middle of the South Bank.
The Menu: British Tradition, Reimagined with Care
Skylon’s menu is all about comfort, but with a light, thoughtful touch. These are familiar flavours, done well and presented with a bit of polish.
Starters include a twice-baked cheese soufflé that’s rich without being too heavy, and a dressed Cornish crab served with lemon, sourdough, and a smooth crab mousse. If you’re after something lighter, there’s a vibrant beetroot salad with vegan feta and pecans or a colourful watermelon tartare with avocado mousse.
For mains, the grilled salmon comes with baby potatoes and a herb butter sauce. It’s simple and beautifully cooked. The Skylon shepherd’s pie, made with slow-cooked lamb and topped with cheddar mash, is a favourite and a great example of how the restaurant balances tradition and creativity. Other standouts include the crab and cockles linguine with a light lobster emulsion and a gently spiced pumpkin, spinach, and chickpea masala for those who prefer something plant-based.
From the grill, the 10-oz ribeye and the 28-oz côte de boeuf are both generous and full of flavour. Sauces like Béarnaise, peppercorn, or chimichurri add just the right finish. Every dish feels considered without trying too hard.
Weekend Treats: Brunch and Sunday Roasts
Weekends are when Skylon really shines. On Saturdays, it’s all about relaxed brunches with a glass of something sparkling. Think eggs Benedict, Florentine or Royale, enjoyed with views across the river. Sundays are for a proper roast, done with care. There’s Scottish beef with Yorkshire pudding, pork belly with crisp crackling, or a hearty vegan mushroom pie with rosemary potatoes and seasonal veg. It’s all served at an easy pace, with no pressure to rush.
Sweet Endings
Desserts at Skylon hit that sweet spot between indulgent and refined. The date and molasses sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream is everything you want from a classic, while the chocolate and passionfruit fondant tart brings a lovely balance of rich and sharp. The baked Alaska is a bit of a showpiece, with coconut, mango and torched meringue, and perfect for sharing.
Skylon is ideal if you’re looking for somewhere relaxed but a little special. It’s not flashy, but it has a quiet confidence. Whether you’re there for a pre-concert dinner, a lazy Sunday roast, or just a long lunch by the river, it offers something increasingly hard to find in London: space to enjoy good food, good company, and one of the city’s most iconic views.
Location: Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
