Babylon At The Roof Gardens

Every so often there is an occasion in your life when only the best will do, and without doubt Babylon falls well inside that category, combining as it does all that is best in a restaurant that is able to offer that elusive quality - complete reliability.

Much of the attraction of this sleek, modern restaurant atop the Kensington Roof Gardens used to lie in its spectacular views, but now Head Chef, Simon Davies, formerly of Embassy Restaurant in Mayfair, has created menus which "keep food simple and tasty, focusing on fresher produce from local suppliers to increase the quality of dishes served to Babylon's guests".

The a la carte menu carries the main presentation with a list of stunning first courses that leave customers in no doubt they have come to the right place. The delicate touch applied to a mature Montgomery cheddar cheese soufflé with mustard leaves and a Somerset cider vinegar dressing is a hint of things to come. Risotto has that little extra, presented as a fritter of smoked bacon and globe artichokes with parmesan salad, herb oil and wild cress.

Main courses of Ballindalloch rib of beef with roast garlic shares a plate with girolles and green beans, or there is the classic fillet of lemon sole with that wonderfully delicate buttered samphire, fennel, braised celeriac and clams in their own juice.

The humble rabbit, once a staple part of the national diet, encouraged to prosper in great warrens, with a Warrener to see to their welfare, are seen once again as a healthy meat with good texture. At Babylon it is served as saddle of wild English with bubble and squeak, an inspired accompaniment, and fried sweet potato, baby leeks and jus.

Portion sizes have increased, too, but make sure you save space for pudding. The Babylon dessert tasting selection is designed to give an overall view of the versatility of the kitchen in this department, and could include poached champagne rhubarb trifle with Grand Marnier custard, blackberry soufflé with blackberry and chocolate chip sorbet, and a baked pavlova with chantilly cream and fresh seasonal berries.

The BBQ and Shellfish Bar opens from May to September, with the hot seats - one hopes - out on the Terrace. Over the heat are rib of beef with chunky chips, fillet of organic sea trout, always a special treat but even more so here, and an inspired combination of hand-dived Scottish scallop and calves liver.

Shellfish include Irish rock oysters, dressed Cornish crab served with baby red chard and cucumber, and native British lobster, a salad of summer truffles, dandelion and red chicory.

At many restaurants great attention is quite rightly paid to the traditional Sunday lunch. At Babylon Saturday lunch also comes in for special treatment, with prices that are a positive incentive to those taking advantage of the quality shopping that is so conveniently close to Babylon.

Service to the slick and very friendly staff, who are attentive without being obtrusive, must be given top marks.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, guests of Babylon can continue their night in The Roof Gardens Club, open form 10pm - 3am.  So, you can enjoy a quiet cocktail in the gardens or dance the night away until the early hours of the morning - the choice is yours.

Information on menus, private dining and much more can be obtained from their Website.