Great Court at the British Museum

Lunch in a landmark at the British Museum with the opening of a wonderful new restaurant.

Benugo+British+Museum+197.-3020149016-OIf you haven’t visited the British Museum before, you will be wowed by your first glimpse of the light-filled space beneath the huge glass ceiling of the Great Court. Designed by Foster and Partners, the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court opened in 2000 and has transformed the museum’s inner courtyard into the largest covered public square in Europe. Now, you can really make the most of this magnificent space with the opening of the Great Court restaurant.

Climb the spiral staircase above the famous Reading Room and you’ll arrive at a hidden oasis of tranquility. Wooden tables, beautiful crockery and pots of herbs cluster around a central bar groaning with cheese and charcuterie. It is all bathed in light from the curved steel and glass panels of the ceiling, which up here provides a bright continental atmosphere, even in the middle of winter.

Benugo+British+Museum+174Whether you need a breather between bursts of exploring the wonders of the museum or are simply in the area looking for the perfect spot for lunch, this is a wonderful find. Sample dishes from the main menu include starters such as razor clams with chorizo or warm globe artichokes with chargrilled baby gem, simply cooked, swimming with herby butter and full of flavour, and mains such as roast hake or spiced rubbed lamb chops. A traditional afternoon tea menu will offer a selection of delicate finger sandwiches and homemade cakes and pastries, accompanied by a selection of loose leaf teas.

The British Museum’s major exhibitions are a rich source of culinary inspiration for special menus to run alongside the à la carte throughout the year. A menu with South American flavours complements ‘Beyond El Dorado: Power and Gold in Ancient Columbia’ (until March 2014) and a menu with Scandinavian influences will coincide with ‘Vikings: Life and Legend’ (March to June 2014).

Benugo+British+Museum+245Great Court Restaurant is located at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG. For reservations call 020 7323 8990. For further information, visit http://www.benugo.com/restaurants/great-court-restaurant/

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