The iconic Sea Containers building on London’s South Bank has become a destination in itself. Originally designed by American architect Warren Platner, the hotel boasts 359 guest rooms and suites, Sea Containers restaurant serving modern ingredient-led cuisine, an award-winning experimental cocktail bar spearheaded by acclaimed barman Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan), and 12th Knot, a rooftop lounge with panoramic views over the River Thames.
With so much to offer this is one place every Londoner needs to visit at least once, and my favourite destination at the hotel is Sea Containers Restaurant.
Sea Containers restaurant serves modern ingredient-led cuisine.
Table of Contents
Iconic Destination
This month, Sea Containers Restaurant launched a new A La Carte and Brunch menu, centred around the idea of ‘Transatlantic Journey’ and tying into the history of the building. The menu, designed by Executive Chef Ryan Matheson and Head Chef Terence Barrow, combines Modern American and British cuisine with hints of West Indian spices, as a nod to both Chefs’ roots.
With over 20 years culinary experience, Chef Matheson has headed up kitchens in Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, Guoman & Thistle Hotels, Restaurant One Twenty One Two and Park Plaza Waterloo, before joining Sea Containers London Restaurant as Executive Chef in February 2019. Head Chef Barrow joined the restaurant in 2021, from his previous position as Senior Sous Chef at Royal Lancaster London and Mondrian Hotel.
With over 20 years’ culinary experience, Chef Matheson has headed up kitchens in Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts.
New Transatlantic Menu
The menu’s transatlantic concept is synonymous with the heritage and design of the hotel’s historical building, reminiscent of a transatlantic 1920’s cruise liner. The concept incorporates fresh and locally sourced ingredients and an array of spices and heat.
Highlights of the new menu, which are well worth a try, include curry goat flatbread, coconut yoghurt, coriander, pickled onions, roasted bone marrow, capers, garlic, herb crumb, and a favourite of mine, pan-fried squid, soft potatoes, garlic, chilli.
The new menu remains aligned with Sea Container Restaurant’s ethos of cheeky dishes.
For our main course, we tried the whole grilled seabass served with lemon and parsley, with sides of grilled sweetheart cabbage with red miso aioli and crispy shallot. The seabass was soft and flaky and a delight to eat alongside the crispy sweetheart cabbage. This combination made for a fantastic main course.
For dessert, we tried the roasted pineapple with crumble and pistachio ice cream, which was creamy and crunchy and made for the ideal end of our meal.
The new menu remains aligned with Sea Container Restaurant’s ethos of cheeky dishes, designed to be shared, all of which can be enjoyed in the dynamic surroundings of Sea Containers Restaurant with stunning views across the River Thames and the City of London.
Roasted pineapple with crumble and pistachio ice cream.
Cocktails by the River
Sea Containers Restaurant also has a fantastic drinks menu, featuring a delicious array of cocktails. My favourites include the Southbank Sunset, made with Bacardi Carta Oro Gold, Orgeat syrup and pineapple juice, and the Seven Seas Old Fashioned, made with Maker’s Mark, Kahlua and Crème De Cacao.
Sea Containers restaurant serving modern ingredient-led cuisine, an award-winning experimental cocktail bar.
Expert Conclusion
I’ve visited Sea Containers Restaurant a few times, and it has always been a delight to dine there. This new Transatlantic Journey menu includes some fantastic additions to an already robust menu, making it a worthwhile visit for sure.
This restaurant is also included on our list of the best restaurants for a date in London!
This new Transatlantic Journey menu includes some fantastic additions to an already robust menu.
✔️ Overall Rating – 9/10
📍 Southbank
💰 ££
👨🍳 Our Expert: Snita Pandoria
Website: www.seacontainerslondon.com
Food Writer & Fine Dining Specialist
