The Portrait Restaurant by Richard Corrigan Opens 5th July 2023: Reservations now open

Reservations now open! The Portrait Restaurant by Richard Corrigan will open to visitors on 05 July 2023, closely following the launch of the Gallery’s reopening exhibition, Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm.

The much-loved Portrait Restaurant is located on the fourth floor of the Gallery, with its spectacular panoramic views across London providing the perfect backdrop for all visiting diners. The restaurant’s unique design, developed by award-winning London-based interior architecture and design studio Brady Williams, will feature natural timber finishes and polished Caesarstone countertops, complementing sculptures from the Gallery’s Collection. With walls adorned with bespoke de Gournay linen panels, the space will have a luxurious, contemporary design, resulting in an elegant dining experience, whether sat at the bar, in the open restaurant’s dining area, or at the Chef’s Table – which takes the form of a kitchen counter with views of the open kitchen.

The Portrait Restaurant’s dishes will showcase the best suppliers and ingredients from the British Isles, developed by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Richard Corrigan, who will rekindle his partnership with one of Britain’s longest-established hospitality groups, Searcys. Corrigan’s menu for The Portrait Restaurant takes inspiration from signature dishes created during his distinguished culinary career.

Visitors to Corrigan’s latest opening can expect plates such as Glazed Lancashire Duck with Chicory, a reinvention of the classic vol-au-vent, filled with haddock and brown crab, as well as a selection of dishes from a seafood counter that promises Clam Ceviche, pickled Ginger and Lime and a Proper Prawn Cocktail. Chef Corrigan will also be serving his take on classics, like Beef and Snail Hash Frites and, drawing on his Irish heritage; there will be a riff on bacon and cabbage through his Poached Pork, Onion Soubise and Pickled Cabbage. A two and three-course set menu will be offered (from £29), and a High Tea menu will be added to The Portrait Restaurant’s collection in due course.

The bar space will focus on showcasing a concise wine list, available by the glass and bottle, 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 will also serve an all-day snack menu, which promises a very Corrigan take on beloved Scampi Fries and a Smoked Fish & Charcuterie selection.

In addition to the public offer, The Portrait Restaurant will also be available for exclusive hire. From Sunday to Tuesday each week, drinks, unique breakfasts and bespoke dinners with menus developed by Richard Corrigan can be hosted, offering a private event experience like no other, overlooking Nelson’s Column, Big Ben and the London Eye.

 “I’ve long been a lover of the National Portrait Gallery and the exquisite art that hangs here. It’s one of London’s iconic art galleries! Any chef would give their right arm to cook in such a historic building, so for me to be opening a restaurant under the same roof as all this world-class art, well, it’s truly a privilege.”
Richard Corrigan
Chef, Corrigan Collection

“The team of chefs and front-of-house are working behind the scenes to create the best museum dining experience in London – we can’t wait to welcome our first guests this summer.”
Paul Jackson
Managing Director, Searcys

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