Hospitality group Rhubarb has launched a 60s-inspired restaurant and bar called VIVI, located within London’s Centre Point skyscraper.
VIVI is divided into four dining zones to accommodate different size groups of guests: The Dining Room, The Gallery, the Liquid Lounge and The Bar.
Designed by Gordon Young Architects, the venue’s interior evokes the 1960s, with key features such as art deco dog tooth patterning, original 60s floor tiles, soft gold finishes and optical art and upholstery in tones of rich teal blue and blush pink.
A plexiglass chandelier, designed and hand built by Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt, is suspended over The Dining Room. The statement piece mimics the popular 60s children’s construction toy PlayPlax and is reminiscent of 1960s Italian design, French Art Nouveau and German Bauhaus modernism.
With a nostalgic British menu of modernised classics, The Dining Room serves everything from breakfast through to brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, and also offers a dedicated pre/post-theatre menu.
Head chef Arnaud Delannay’s signature dishes focus on bold flavours and fresh seasonal ingredients, and feature twists on the old classics such as Keen’s twice baked cheddar soufflé; Chicken Kiev and mash; Lobster Thermidor and Duck à l’orange. Retro desserts come in the form of a Black Forest gateaux, sherry trifle and apple and rhubarb crumble.
Vivi Bar’s creative cocktails are inspired by the music and history of the VIVI era. Examples include the Wild Honey on the Beach, a homage to The Beach Boys which blends Bulleit Rye whiskey, Pimento Dram, lemon thyme infused honey and lemon, and The Weeping Guitar, a toast to The Beatles, made with Gin Mare, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, cucumber, elderflower.
The cocktails can be paired with a selection of bar bites such as cauliflower cheese croquettes, coronation chicken beignets, fish finger sandwiches and VIVI wagon wheels.
