The former head chef of the Ivy today promised a “foodie retreat” for Londoners as he opened his latest venture on the roof of Selfridges — an al fresco restaurant inspired by a Cornish fishing village.
On The Roof with Vintage Salt, Des McDonald’s pop-up on the fifth-floor terrace of the store, is a “celebration of the best produce and British summer time”, he told the Standard.
Designed to look like a traditional seaside town, it will serve predominantly seafood.
East London-born McDonald, who also worked at The Ritz and launched The Fish & Chip Shop in Upper Street in 2013, said: “All of the food on offer is sustainable and British from a number of producers I have worked with at the Fish & Chip Shop, which was the inspiration for Vintage Salt, as well as from elsewhere.
“We wanted the menu to be full of top seasonal produce like strawberries and asparagus to showcase British food.
“Vintage Salt will be a secret foodie retreat offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of London.”
The restaurant offers brunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
Brunch, which starts at 11am, includes Cornish crab and chilli omelette for £14.50 and duck egg on toast with West Country black pudding for £8.75.
Dinner highlights include a seasonal British asparagus starter for £12.50, Jersey Rock Oysters at £32.50 for 12 and Camden Hells fish and chips for £15. There is a separate drinks area — The Drift Bar — where customers can enjoy views across the capital from a deck chair while drinking gin mixed with speciality teas from the G&Tea bar.
The launch marks the start of Selfridges’ Great British Outdoors campaign. The store will host stalls championing British food.
Seating 120, Vintage Salt opens today at 11am and will run until late September. It is full for bookings this weekend, but open for walk-ins. @LizzieEdmo
