Harden's survey result
Summary
“With spectacular views of London over the Thames, this is the place to bring out-of-towners”, say fans of this huge, Brutalist chamber, built in the 1950s as the South Bank’s original destination restaurant (when it was known as ‘The People’s Palace’). Supporters – particularly those on business – say the food is “perhaps a little formulaic, but reliably good too”. This is not a universal experience, though, and too often this D&D group venue suffers from “complacent service” and “below-average cooking”. (Some reports do also tip it as “a very nice spot to eat before a concert”. But others have had a bad pre-show trip… “what we ordered never arrived in time”).
Summary
“Great views over the Thames” and a vast interior (it was built as ‘The People’s Palace’ – the destination restaurant originally at the heart of the Brutalist South Bank arts centre), make this D&D London operation “good for both business and social” dining. The cuisine has often seemed like an afterthought here, but was mostly well-rated this year.
Summary
An airy, light-filled space, with vast picture windows overlooking the Thames – this large dining room (once known as The People’s Palace) showcases the 1950s Brutalist architecture of the South Bank arts centre at its best, and that inherent appeal keeps business ticking over at this D&D London venue. Too many reporters, however, say the food is merely “decent” or “not too bad”, which makes the whole enterprise feel like a “missed opportunity”.
Summary
“Still one of the best views in London” – this vast chamber was built, back in this South Bank arts centre’s, 1950s, Festival-of-Britain prime, as ‘The People’s Palace’ and it remains “a great-looking venue with an enviable location overlooking the Thames” through gigantic picture windows. All reporters would agree that it’s a “brilliant spot for watching the world and river go by, and the cocktails are great”, but too many find the cooking either “expensive” or “disappointing”, or both. Top Tip – “worth visiting for the ‘Saxy Saturday Brunch’ featuring a nice but limited set menu but also bottomless Prosecco which helps draw in a crowd”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Skylon, South Bank Centre?
Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Restaurant details
Skylon, South Bank Centre Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Based on this lunchtime visit I've been surprised at how badly rated Skylon seems to be - though admittedly I wasn't paying, and the lunch / theatre offers make a big difference. For me it's a friendly menu with quite a lot of attractive options and good enough to be a useful spot to know. I also love the space - though on my visit it was bizarrely dominated by having John Bercow bellowing at the next table. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £30.00 | £35.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £15.00 | £31.00 | £11.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £36.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £2.50 |
| Service | 13.00% |
Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am‑5 pm |
Best British, Modern restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Southwark
British, Modern restaurant in Southwark
British, Modern restaurant in Southwark
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Bankside
British, Traditional restaurant in Covent Garden
Fish & seafood restaurant in Covent Garden
