It’s no secret that in summer London’s heart beats in Southbank. It’s the preferred spot of many Londoners to unwind and enjoy some of the capital’s most beautiful sunsets. It’s also a vibrant place, full of restaurants, cafes and bars. One Southbank restaurant I would recommend in a heartbeat is the Skylon, on the first floor of the Royal Festival Hall.
On a recent date night, we had dinner at the Skylon Grill and we were very pleasantly surprised. The Skylon Restaurant and Grill are located in a very big space with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows which give beautiful views of London’s skyline and the river. The two areas are separated by a bar, where one can have delicious cocktails. 
Our reservation was at the Grill, and since it was at 21:30, we opted for the post-theatre menu, which is great value for money with three courses for £23.50. We had the salmon and garden salad for starters: the salad was refreshing and very summery, while the cured salmon had beetroot cubes which gave it a spicy taste. We both had the chicken Caesar with hand-cut chips as a main. We were pleasantly surprised when our plates arrived: it was not a salad with chunks of chicken, but a perfectly cooked chicken drumstick accompanied by tasty chips and a bowl of lettuce with seasoning.
But the big surprise was the desserts. The pannacotta was light and refreshing, while the iced banana mousse with caramel pop corn was the best dessert I’ve had in a while. A perfect way to end an excellent dinner. Our French waiter provided attentive service, the ambiance was relaxed and convivial, and the views were simply beautiful. Ideal for a romantic date night and intimate dinner. More info: Skylon Grill & Restaurant, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank
About the author: Alexia is French/Greek and works as a translator. She lives in southwest London with her husband and their toddler boy. She can be found writing about exploring London, life with kids, travelling and beautiful things at her blog A Mum in London.
