New restaurant to open at Kew Gardens
The Pavilion Bar and Grill at RBG Kew will open its doors for the first time on 13 May 2019, after an ambitious two-year redevelopment.
Release date: 20 March 2019
- The Pavilion Bar and Grill will open at Kew on Monday 13 May 2019
- Year-round al fresco dining with exquisite views of the surrounding Gardens
- Sumptuous seasonal dishes lovingly prepared on an open charcoal grill
The Pavilion Bar and Grill at RBG Kew will open its doors for the first time on 13 May 2019, after an ambitious two-year redevelopment. On the site of the old Pavilion Restaurant, the exciting new eatery will offer a fast-casual dining experience all year round. Sumptuous seasonal dishes will be produced in an open kitchen and customers will be able to watch as dishes are freshly prepared on the grill by Kew’s chefs.
Situated near the magnificent Temperate House and the Great Pagoda, the restaurant will boast a vast and beautiful outdoor area where the original ornamental vines have been incorporated into a new planted landscape created by Kew’s horticulturists. The leafy terrace will offer an unparalleled al fresco dining experience for over 300 visitors. The impressive and contemporary restaurant building will also feature expansive views of the surrounding Gardens so that diners can enjoy the exquisite landscape in all seasons. An interior design theme based around natural materials and muted tones will provide a modern yet relaxed atmosphere.
The menu will focus on authentic food grilled on charcoal, alongside an array of enticing sides. Meat sourced from local farms will be featured, along with selected herbs foraged at Kew. Example dishes include BBQ & orange pork belly ribs, whole bream, a fire-roasted halloumi and vegetable stack, and spatchcock chicken for which guests can choose from a selection of seasonings such as Kew herbs & lemon, orange & BBQ, jerk seasoning and smoked paprika piri piri. Chosen combinations will then be whipped up in front of customers on the open charcoal Josper Grill.
For those seeking to relax over a drink, a contemporary bar will serve the best artisanal coffee, alongside fresh juices. As the day progresses, guests will also be able to take their pick from a drinks menu of delicious wines, beers and cocktails – the perfect way to enjoy a summer evening at Kew.
Richard Barley, Director of Horticulture, Learning and Operations at Kew Gardens says:
“We are thrilled to be opening the new Pavilion Bar and Grill at Kew. Delicious, fresh and seasonal food served in a setting so close to nature will bring a truly unique dining experience to visitors.”
Simon Finnigan, General Manager, Pavilion Bar and Grill, says:
“We can’t wait to open the doors of the Pavilion Bar and Grill to Kew’s visitors. Its impressive, open design coupled with the delicious menu with cooked-to-order flavoursome dishes creates an uplifting outdoor dining experience that can be enjoyed by everyone, all year round.”
The Pavilion Bar and Grill will also be a welcoming destination for families. The menu includes enticing treats for children, including mac & cheese, Josper BBQ chicken wings and a family sharing platter.
ENDS
Image credit: Ryder Architecture
Notes to editors
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections as well as its scientific expertise in plant diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the world. Kew Gardens is a major international and a top London visitor attraction. Kew’s 132 hectares of landscaped gardens, and Wakehurst, Kew’s Wild Botanic Garden, attract over 2.1 million visits every year. Kew was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003 and celebrates its 260th anniversary in 2019. Wakehurst is home to Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world. Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding needed to support Kew’s vital work comes from donors, membership and commercial activity including ticket sales.