Harden's survey result
Summary
“Why go? The exceptional wines and the magnificent Whistler mural” provide most of the answer at the Tate’s “delightful” dining “oasis”: an “unexpected treat” by the standards of gallery venues, dating from 1927. It is true that its British cuisine “doesn’t match the liquid refreshment”, but it is generally “inviting”; and “the range and depth of wines on offer is reason alone to go”, providing “some gems and at fair prices” (“wine is purchased and laid down, more like a St James’s Club than a commercial restaurant”). “Satiated by stylish cooking and sensational wines – what better way to kick off a trip around the galleries upstairs…”
Summary
“The joy of a wine list (an impressive worldwide selection at not-unreasonable prices) curated by Hamish Anderson, continues to be the star of the show here” in this “wonderful room” whose “murals by Rex Whistler are well worth a visit in their own right”. The other aspects of the experience – not least its British fare – have traditionally played second fiddle here, but won higher ratings this year, with regulars judging both food and service to be “better than in the past”.
Summary
“The room and the wine dominate” as always, when it comes to this “delightful” museum café, where “the restored Whistler murals look fantastic”. The “conventional” British food “is well done, but not over-exciting” – gastronomically the main event is Hamish Anderson’s scorcher of a list with “very well chosen vintages, plus beer and ciders, from all over the world, all at relatively low markups”.
Summary
As well as the famous Whistler murals, “it is the wine list which steals the show” at this gracious-looking museum café – a famously “innovative world list at reasonable prices” (curated by Hamish Anderson) “with some exceptional value clarets and burgundies” thrown in. The food is “reliable” but is not the reason to detour.
Owner's description
The restaurant which takes it name from the British Artist Rex Whistler opened at the heart of Tate Britain in 1927.
The dining room was described at the time as 'The Most Amusing Room in Europe', owing to the mural Whistler painted on the dining room's four walls entitled 'The Pursuit of Rare Meats'
The restaurant has a long-held reputation for having one of the finest wine cellars in London, in 2018 the restaurant was awarded IWC Restaurant Wine list of the Year. The wine list is keenly priced with a wide range of half bottle to suit lunch time dining.
Serving a seasonally inspired British menu, the restaurant is a haven at the heart of the gallery.
During popular exhibitions booking is essential.
During summer months the restaurant offers guests seating outside on the garden terrace, subject to availability.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £1.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Head Chef Alfio Laudani joined Tate in early 2017 and became our Head Chef later thate same year.
Originally from Sicily, Alfio has followed in the footsteps of his father who is a well known chef havinging owned restaurant's in Sicilily and worked around the world.
Alfio moved to London in 2010 starting at the Cipriani, before joining Tate he was working with Chef Pascal Proyart at One-O-One Restaurant at the Park Tower Knightsbridge.
Alfio is passionate about food and since joining has refreshed the restaurant menus, creating dishes that excite both loyal regular's and occasional visitors.
Alfio oversee's all the kitchens at Tate Britain with particular focus on the restaurant where he creates seasonally inpsired menu using great prodcue from across the UK. Alfio takes inspiration from the seasons alongide new exhibitions and events that take place across Tate.
The Rex Whistler Restaurant, Tate Britain Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Wonderful room with murals by Rex Whistler, but the food was expensive and not very special."
Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG
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Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm-3 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-3 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-3 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-3 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-3 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-3 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-3 pm |
