April 2017 will see the launch of Roof Deck Restaurant & Bar, the seventh rooftop collaboration between Selfridges and restaurateur Des McDonald. Inspired by the relaxed, cool Californian lifestyle, Roof Deck Restaurant & Bar will bring a taste of American West Coast living to the heart of London’s Oxford Street.
Perched upon Selfridges’ iconic rooftop, Roof Deck Restaurant & Bar offers the perfect, carefree Cali hideaway for guests this spring and summer. Inspired by West Coast cool, guests will enter via the boardwalk, lined with timber beams and tropical palms. A fully retractable roof ensures guests can escape the British spring showers, and also revel in the summer sunshine with frozen cocktails. On warm balmy evenings, guests can enjoy the terrace with relaxed seating and views of London’s beautiful skyline or hideaway in the exclusive cabana, sheltered with hanging drapes and decorated with twinkling lights.
Roof Deck Restaurant & Bar opens at 11am daily, with an all-day dining menu focused on healthy salads, grains, fresh fish and seafood with a Latin influence. The menu has been created by Executive Chef Steve Tonkin (previously Head Chef for the opening of Dean Street Townhouse and Executive Chef for the Soho House Group), alongside Head Chef Baran Baltaci (formerly Senior Sous Chef at The Ivy).
The menu features small plates and an array of starters; these include Tuna ceviche, kohlrabi, avocado, cilantro, bonito flakes; Almond & nigella seed hummus, seasonal vegetables, flat bread and Black kale, chicory, spelt, scorched feta, honey mustard dressing. Alongside a selection of main course dishes such as Charred monkfish, scallops & bacon, summer vegetable freekeh, habanero dressing and Free range chicken paillard, Heritage tomatoes, fennel, capers, olives. Executive Pastry Chef Siobhan Ambrose (previously of Aria Restaurant in Sydney and Scott’s) has created a stunning dessert menu including; Lime & coconut meringue pie and a light and delicious Avocado & pistachio ice cream sandwich.
Drinks are available on the Outdoor Terrace with its own separate entrance, or from the restaurant bar. Highlights from the Cocktail List include; Green cucumber and chilli margarita – a blend of Tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, cucumber, Habanero chilli and chilli salt, Watermelon Martini – Vodka, fresh watermelon juice and homemade syrup and G & T – Cherry blossom infused gin, cinnamon, lemon juice and lemonade. There will also be a selection of Virgin cocktails, Wine List and two House beers; Pacifico Clara from Mexico and Sierra Nevada from California. To complement the drinks, guests can order from the Bar Snacks menu – dishes include Smoked eggplant dip, jalapeño cornbread and San Francisco sourdough, cocoa & molasses pumpernickel, whipped ash butter.
The design draws inspiration from West Coast living and the golden beaches of Cali, with warm timber beams at the entrance, low hanging wicker lighting throughout and sanded parquet flooring evoking beach bar vibes. Green succulents and palms decorate the restaurant and terracotta pots planted with tropical foliage and suspended planters provide an outdoor hideaway on the terrace.
Hannah Bass, Selfridges Restaurants Director comments: “The Selfridges rooftop is a true destination, and during Spring and Summer this year will be no exception. We will be bringing the cool, calm Californian vibe to the roof, which we hope all our customers will enjoy.”
Des McDonald comments: “I’m delighted to be working with Selfridges on a new concept for the roof this spring and summer. I’ve spent a lot of time in California and enjoy the fresh, healthy attitude to food so I’m excited to bring this to London.”