Last month there was change afoot at one of Gordon Ramsay's central London restaurants, the York & Albany, as the usual hustle and bustle city scenario was interrupted by a scene straight from the coast with York & Albany's Beach Hut. Step into the restaurant and be transported from London to the sunny coast of Cornwall, pull up a deckchair or chill with a drink in hand on the sand surrounding the candy-coloured striped hut.
Enjoy seaweed Martinis and Barcardi rum slushies served in mini buckets with spades for spoons as well as Pimm's-spiked ice-lollies. Banish the thought of overcast days on the dunes eating sand-filled sandwiches and soggy chips whilst enjoying traditional treats with a twist. A selection of tempting savouries includes mini fish 'n' chips, fun-sized Cumberland sausage rolls and pots of pickled seafood.
If basking in the sunshine isn't a sweet enough deal, a choice of sugary desserts will put a pep in your sandal-strapped step including banana split ice-cream, raspberry custard doughnuts and a D.I.Y ice-cream machine offering soft serve scoops of strawberry cheesecake with candy floss and caramel popcorn – a 99 for the 21st Century. No trip to the sea would be complete without a little stick of rock to take home as a sweet souvenir.
Don't wait for the hottest day of the year for a shoreline sojourn; take advantage of a great British holiday at the first sign of a sun ray in central London. Relax among friends with a drink and your feet in the sand – no one will guess that the postcard-perfect 'wish you were here' selfie at the beach was taken in Camden!
Grab your bucket and spade and head to the York & Albany for the snacks, sights and sounds of the seaside this summer.
The Beach Hut is available for exclusive bookings for up to 12 guests, from £30 per person including a selection of savoury and sweet snacks and two cocktails each.
Available every day from 1pm - 10pm
Afternoon Sessions: 1pm - 3pm or 3pm - 5pm
Evening Sessions: 6pm - 8pm or 8pm - 10pm
Find out more on the York & Albany website.