If the very notion of department store dining sinks your heart with visions of indifferent food, joyless interiors and a general air of compromise, Selfridges’ recent collaboration with Q Grill, On the Roof with Q, might just be enough to change your mind.
A rooftop pop-up operating until 11 October, the dining terrace at On the Roof with Q is obviously at its best when the sun is shining, but a retractable roof is on hand to shelter the tables when the weather won’t play ball.
By London standards, the view isn’t anything particular to shout about, but there’s still a giddy thrill to alfresco dining in a part of town where outdoor tables are at a premium.
What of the food at On the Roof with Q, then? Well, as you might expect from Q, grilled dishes dominate the menu, although a Seabass Ceviche with Spiced Plantain (£10.75) made for a light and piquant starter, while Peppered Tuna, Wasabi Avocado & Lime Caviar (£13.75) was delicately cooked and bursting with zingy Asian flavours.
A main of Inka grilled Tiger Prawns, Kohl Rabi and Chilli (£19.50) was punchily priced, but beautifully smoky, while a Grass-fed Strip Loin Steak (£26.50) was a prime piece of meat, treated with the respect it deserved – nicely charred on the outside and pleasingly rare within. Barbecue food then, but barbecue at its most luxe.
All in all, On The Roof With Q is a marked improvement on your average in-store restaurant, with top-quality grilling complimented nicely by the airy setting.
Prices are on the high side, but judging by the groaning Selfridges bags stuffed under many of the tables, that’s probably not something most of the clientèle will be too worried about…
If you like your restaurants with a view like On the Roof with Q, click to read our guide to the best London restaurants with sky high views.
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