Island Restaurant, Lancaster Gate, London

Island Restaurant, Lancaster Gate, London

Island, just the name alone conjures up an exotic, serene location, agreeably isolated from the heady whirl of London life and thus providing an oasis of calm, tranquility and tropical comforts...
By Vanessa Threapleton-Horrocks

But forget any crass reference (fake palm trees anyone?) in honour of the tropical tag, Stiff + Trevillion have masterminded a fresh, sophisticated and modern interior to tempt weary travellers. Built on two levels and easily accommodating up to 90 diners, Island Restaurant & Bar oozes space and purity thanks to the huge floor-to-ceiling windows and glass frontage. Its simplicity on the decor front belies its tropical treats once the menu is opened (but more on that later...). Island’s cooling mix of white, grey and mahogany tones soothe the busy London soul upon crossing the threshold.

Definitely a point of pilgrimage for the more intrepid in spirit, Island Restaurant & Bar (discovered almost on top of Lancaster Gate tube station!) is indeed quite a little find. There are no bright lights to herald its street-entrance so one can easily walk past without realising, but visitors soon realise that the modicum of effort needed to reach Island is more than repaid once inside. Tucked away from the tourist-fed West End yet deliciously close to the shopping havens of Oxford Street, Portobello and Westbourne Grove, the Island Restaurant & Bar has elevated the dining-out options in the neighbourhood, notwithstanding its enviably verdant views of Hyde Park directly opposite.

Aside from the nature-filled prospect, it probably suits the Robinson Crusoe-type, eager to step away from the predictable and conventional (think Wagamamma's on every major London artery) to sample a more distinctive brand of dining combining the traditional with a contemporary twist, as well as eschewing the more celebrity-infested quality restaurants of The Ivy variety, for example.

Island tantalisingly conceals its fruity, award-winning kernel in the form of Head Chef, Jean-Claude Vydelingum, whose gastro talents have previously delighted diners at Michelin-blessed icons, Chez Bruce and The Square. The restaurant name, “Island” may not be familiar to all eager foodies yet, but the dishes from the seasonal menu presented rivals any of the top names in town. With its friendly, easy and agreeable service (I was almost expecting a welcoming lei or garland of hibiscus flowers upon arrival!) and the food uncomplicated, impressively presented and absolutely delicious - just what you'd expect from this talented chef - the restaurant has been quietly making waves with food-guide giants, including Tatler and Harpers & Queen, ever since it opened in September 2004.

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