If you’re not ready to let go of rooftop season in London just yet, fear not. Earlier this year, restaurant and bar Wagtail opened their ninth-floor doors to budding brunchers and cocktail fiends – and now, they’ve released a brand-new brunch menu, just in time for the new season.
Sitting just north of the river near Monument tube station, Wagtail is London’s latest vantage point to soak in the skyline, putting 360-degree views of the city on a platter for all; along with a damn fine dining and drinking experience to boot. As you sit on the outdoor terrace (with a retractable roof for all weathers), you can soak up views of the Shard, Tower Bridge, and even as far as the Battersea Power Station towers on a clear day. If you’d rather stay inside, well, there is a stylish spot for that too, and they even welcome live DJs and performers to entertain while you eat.
Executive Chef Phil Kearsey is at the helm of the kitchen, and you’ll find menus curated with Angelos Bafas to form a “best of season” ethos. For brunch, you can opt for three to four courses – a sharing charcuterie board, optional oyster course, starters and mains – accompanied by either half a bottle of Della Vite Prosecco or Rose Prosecco, or keep the drinks coming with the 90-minute, free-flowing option. The charcuterie board comes with a tasty variation of meat and creamy cheeses, plus a delightfully sweet quince jam, while we recommend the Crab Cake Benedict to start – the flavours are subtle, and the egg is cooked to perfection. In fact, the egg is the perfect subject for one of those Instagrammable egg-cutting-yolk-dripping videos (especially with the background of the city below)…
As for the mains, there are a range of indulgent options, including artichoke risotto; English wagyu rib-eye, served with a fried egg and truffle Hollandaise; and a 90-day Somerset Saxon chicken thigh and waffle, served with a fried egg. Don’t be fooled: this isn’t fried chicken, but instead some of the softest chicken you’ll eat, which comes off the bone with ease. The presentation of each dish is impressive too, from the plating to the service to your table.
Aside from the brunch, at Wagtail, you’ll have a choice of three different areas to settle into, each plating up their own unique experience. First up, there’s The Bar at Wagtail, which is arguably the immediate star of the show (and probably why you clicked on this article), as it’s where you can gawk at St Paul’s and The Shard while nibbling on the delightful small plates from the kitchen.
Those taking a stroll downstairs will the be treated to The Restaurant and Terrace at Wagtail, which offers guests the chance to try food from a Michelin-trained chef. Finally, there’s the Wagtail Private Dining Room, a cupola with majestic views over the Thames and a bespoke menu to add the cherry on the icing.
Founder and Chief Executive at Maven Leisure, Ed Martin, said back in May 2022: “Following what has been a challenging few years for the hospitality industry, we’re thrilled to be building our portfolio and announcing the opening of Wagtail Rooftop Bar and Restaurant.
“The highly skilled craftmanship of Phil and Angelos, coupled with the breath-taking views from this iconic building, will ensure Wagtail is a luxury experience like no other.”
Find more information and book your spot on their website.