The Roof Gardens has been my favorite retreat in 2017 and I have just learnt that it has closed its doors after 37 years in business! I am very sad as this place offered an amazing view over London, a beautiful garden to escape the surrounding bustling life and an outstanding food… Let me show you what was like this iconic place in London. And hopefully this venue will get a new life very soon…
An exotic paradise in London
When stepping out of the elevators the first time I went to the Roof Gardens, I was immediately amazed and seduced by the place.
Yes, there were real flamingos in these gardens! This is not the place you would expect in the busy Kensington area, right?
The Roof Gardens were so exotic : I just felt like being in Mexico when wandering there… Every detail was thought out perfectly and it was the best spot to make photographs !
The luxurious gardens were tucked away from the city life, and above all on a rooftop! With the surrounding exotic architecture this place was THE hidden gem.
While there, I had the impression that time had stopped and that was the perfect place to relax…
Everything was so quiet, even being located at 99 Kensington High Street! I had the chance to always come to the Roof Gardens on weekdays, which allowed me to make the most of the place.
Not only visitors were seduced by the Roof Gardens! The ducks and flamingos living there seem to enjoy the place very much!
Iconic view over London
The Roof Gardens have been occupied by Virgin Limited Edition for 37 years. This was an iconic venue with an outdoor bar, surprising gardens and an award-winning restaurant. Celebrities had their habits and artists made great performances at night.
The outdoor bar and the restaurant were ideally situated, overlooking the capital’s landmarks.
This is not a common view to have while eating in a restaurant in London … and it certainly was appreciable!
An award winning restaurant: Babylon
I loved this restaurant. LOVED it. From the interior decor to the amazing food. This is such a shame that even great restaurants can’t remain profitable…
The atmosphere was good, the staff helpful and nice, without being intrusive. And this green sofa was very welcoming!
We came to Babylon for a special offer in January 2017. We were thrilled by their contemporary British menu and tried different tasty things …
The food was incredibly fresh, full of flavors. And as aesthetics as good. No wonder the restaurant had won an award.
Whatever the meal, it was cooked to perfection. Yummy!
Desserts were an absolute pleasure for everyone!
Ice creams, sorbets, chocolate cakes … no one was left behind!
We appreciated it so much that we came back with our family in the sunny days. The Chef, Ian Howard, was very much into healthy and trendy cooking. A feast for our taste buds!
At the moment I don’t know where Ian Howard is working, but as soon as I know I’ll rush to his new restaurant!
If you have been to this place before, share your best memories on this blog!
Hopefully there will be new memories to add to the Roof Gardens when it reopens … Stay tuned!
J’adore ! l’ambiance , le décor , la vue , le jardin , tout ! Merci pour ce beau reportage .
@myriam Thanks a lot Myriam for your enthusiasm and loyalty to my blog!
Hi! yes I’ll stay tuned! I can’t forget such a nice and good time spent last year at Roof Gardens. A total change of scene: the exotic nature, the sunny architecture, dazzling flowers and birds :a dreamlife at the rooftop. We were in “Babylon” ! You would never go down…the view over london is really magical and when sunny, time is stopped I really appreciate the famous restaurant and his excellent fishes ,with an “award” for the ice cream and lemon water ice. I also can remenber the kindfullness of the staff. What a nice and sweet memory! thank you DYSL