Prepare to have your breath stolen! Views of London like you’ve never seen before delivered within a design that’s set to impress! Vicky Lewis explored the exceptional majesty of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants’ newest venture in the capital.
No less than five destinations are on offer at 22 Bishopsgate under the Gordon Ramsay Restaurants’ name – three restaurants, an unmissable rooftop bar and a Gordon Ramsay Academy powered by HexClad. And whilst the interiors are set to impress, it is the unparalleled view of the capital that really sets this venue apart.
A favourite of the Gordon Ramsay brand, the interiors for the utterly spectacular venue have been created by the exceptional talent at Russell Sage Studio. The team are also responsible for the design of a number of the brand’s other restaurants, including Lucky Cat Manchester, Pétrus and Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, Battersea. The detail in the design and ability to make a guest feel completely immersed in a space shows that the relationship between the brand and designer is going from strength to strength.
The fastest elevator in Europe transports guests from the ground floor of the building – which also houses the free viewing platform, Horizon 22, at level 58 – to the highest restaurant in Europe at level 60. The elevator opens directly into Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay – the chef’s third incarnation of the Asian-inspired eatery in the UK – where guests are treated to beautiful banquette seating in thoughtfully positioned spaces to offer prime opportunities for taking in the pièce de resistance of this space – the panoramic views of the city that stretch as far as the eye can see. Floor to ceiling windows ensure that, wherever a guest is poised, the famous rooftops of London can be seen from every seat.
Light has been carefully considered here. Black wooden panelling plays the role of ‘deliverer of darkness’, juxtaposing the streaming light coming in through the open vantage point. This design, alongside cleverly positioned and coloured lighting allows the dark yet soft and mysterious yet sexy interiors that the Lucky Cat brand is synonymous with come out to play. The red hues of the branding can be seen at various touchpoints, and the Lucky Cat itself can be found within the tile designs in the bathrooms. The restrooms are a destination in themselves – the only cubicles that I can recall which feature individual windows that are purposefully positioned to allow a view of the Thames from above!
Within the restaurant, the exposed kitchen allows for an interactive and elevated (pun intended!) experience for diners, and the open-plan design which spans window to window across the space means that no matter where guests are positioned, they are part of the theatre on show.
For those requiring a more intimate experience, Lucky Cat offers its own private dining space. Seating up to 20 guests, the design reflects that of the rest of the main restaurant, with the same black wooden panelling reducing reflection from the vast yet intimate view which is fully at the disposal of the room’s patrons. Stunning curved downlights provide a central focal point and mirror the golden weaves throughout the room’s carpet.
Within the main space of the floor is the Lucky Cat bar. The space offers individual seating which, again, plays to the venue’s biggest asset. The bar design is reminiscent of a 1930s club, with detailed glasswork and curved lines, along with flattering lighting and opulent features. The space feels incredibly exclusive, one teaming with luxury and lust.
Later in the year, Lucky Cat will extend to the building’s 61st-floor and will be the highest rooftop bar in Europe. During warmer days, the retractable roof will allow guests to socialise within a sun-drenched haven, all-whilst experiencing views across the capital
Positioned alongside Lucky Cat on the 60th floor is an exclusive 12-seat Chef’s Table – ‘Restaurant Gordon Ramsay – High’ which is an extension of the chef’s three-Michelin-starred Chelsea establishment, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. The journey across the floor to ‘High’ mimics that of the winding river below – a window-side walkway offering guests further chance to sample the views on offer and marvel at the sheer majesty of the city. In a unique design, the singular table in this restaurant does not face the chefs in the kitchen – it would have been inconceivable for the designers to have guests positioned with their backs to the full vantage window overlooking the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Instead, the chefs’ work, whilst open and visible, is completed behind the seats of the diners. This space offers the most unique experience for guests, with a carte blanche menu and money-can’t-buy ambiance.
Below on level 59, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar by Gordon Ramsay will serve its signature dishes, cocktails, and a new afternoon tea experience. Gordon Ramsay Academy powered by HexClad will also be established at 22 Bishopsgate, where culinary enthusiasts can hone their skills.
Gordon Ramsay said: “I’ve been lucky enough to open restaurants all over the world, but there’s something truly unique about London. It’s where my journey began, and it’s the city I’m proud to call home. Watching it evolve into a global culinary powerhouse has been remarkable. Building this beautiful space has been an ambitious project, but that’s exactly what makes Gordon Ramsay Restaurants so special— we never stop pushing boundaries. I couldn’t be more excited to open three of our most iconic restaurants, all reimagined, taken to new heights, and built under one roof, it’s a dream come true and a major milestone for our business. All that and a place where anyone can come and level up their skills in the kitchen, it’s unbelievable. To offer exceptional food and drinks with some of the most stunning views of London’s skyline is truly amazing. It’s about creating something extraordinary for those who share our passion for great food and this incredible city.”
With unbeatable views and a design that perfectly infuses the vibe of the brand, this destination fully embraces the concept of experiential design and is set to become a core venue within the capital’s hospitality landscape.
