Tate Modern is a London must \u2013 both for visitors and natives. It\u2019s just a ten minute walk from Borough Market (aka Foodie Heaven), a few minutes from Shakespeare\u2019s Globe and it\u2019s right by the Millennium Bridge (now rock solid after its early day wobbles). And you can see most of the galleries for free.<\/p>\n
But if all that\u2019s not enough, the gallery boasts a great restaurant. And unlike the Victoria & Albert\u2019s one time slogan \u2013 \u201can Ace Caff with quite a nice museum attached\u201d -, the Tate does not shout about its food facilities. You have to be in the know.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a fine dining restaurant, a riverside cafe, and for those with connections, the Members\u2019 Room.<\/p>\n
OK The restaurant is very good, but not superstar off the foodie scale. You might not choose Tate Modern restaurant for a candlelit dinner \u2013 except for late nights on a Friday and Saturday, and weekend tea, it\u2019s a lunch-time venue although the bar is open longer.<\/p>\n
So why feature Tate Modern restaurant ? It\u2019s possibly the best eaterie within easy walking distance. The nearby competition includes Pizza Express (if you want pizza) and Leon for food eaten on the hoof.<\/p>\n
These have their food place. But besides the food, the big bonus of the Tate\u2019s top floor restaurant is unrivalled view of one of London\u2019s most stupendous panoramas.<\/p>\n
You get the river with all its traffic. You get the Millennium Bridge \u2013 and then over the other side, one of the best views of St Paul\u2019s Cathedral plus the ever increasing number of iconic skyscraper buildings. You could spend all day here \u2013 and some do, armed with their sketch pads. And on late nights, there is an altogether different panorama.<\/p>\n
Now for the food. The lunch menu is \u00a318.00 for a main, \u00a324.50 for two courses and \u00a329.50 for three. There\u2019s a British emphasis \u2013 Slow cooked belly and confit cheek of Dingley Dell pork, cauliflower cheese pur\u00e9e, fried sage or Seared Norfolk scallops, baby fennel, caramelised orange, crispy bacon for starters for starters followed by fish and chips, or duck.<\/p>\n
Wine is by the glass or half-bottle carafe \u2013 expect to pay from \u00a311 to \u00a316 for the carafe (three small glasses). But there is a big emphasis throughout the Tate on some of Britain\u2019s more unusual beers with suggestions on the menu.<\/p>\n
VERDICT: A brilliant gallery, a yummy restaurant and a view to die for.<\/p>\n
Tate Modern Bankside, London SE1 9TG<\/p>\n