Bankside Hotel London’s restaurant, Art Yard Bar & Kitchen, has announced a new chef alongside an entirely new menu in time for the summer season.
Newly appointed executive chef, Sofiane Kaced, has taken inspiration from his homeland, Southern France, to create dishes that play with the vibrant colours, textures and tastes of the Mediterranean. The wood oven takes a prominent role in the menu, its culinary effects being present in many of the art-inspired dishes.
The menu strikes the perfect balance between creativity and purity that allows the inherent flavours of the ingredients to shine, presented in an imaginative manner that draws on the art that surrounds the restaurant, a ‘visual treat’. Signature dishes include roast bass and clams, with samphire, grilled pepper and basil leaves, and slow cooked, wood-fired beef brisket, with a BBQ glaze, corn on the cob and coleslaw. In turn, the creativity informs Art Yard’s gastronomic experience – be it a light lunch or grazing dinner, dishes can be mixed and matched, eaten solo or shared. Similar to the cuisine itself, the stylish, art-filled restaurant maintains a relaxed atmosphere with refined touches, welcoming families, couples or groups of friends to enjoy the menu.
Kaced brings with him a wealth of experience in luxury hospitality, with over two decades of experience in luxury hotels and establishments across London, the Middle East and the south of France. Highlights of his career includes three years as Head Chef of the Royal Opera House, as well as time working at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill in Mayfair.
Commenting on his appointment, Sofiane noted: “I am excited to be working in such a creative environment that inspires me to push the boundaries of my cooking. Being surrounded by art, and having the opportunity to collaborate with the artists in residence, has inspired the colours and textures of this new menu. “
In addition to the main menu, Sofiane and the hotel’s latest Artist in Residence, will combine their skills to create a special set menu that echoes this collaboration. The next Artist in Residence, Lana Matsuyama, is a Japanese-American contemporary artist, designer and creative director based in London and New York.
Specialising in abstract mixed media paintings and drawings, she aims to retain a sense of minimalism in her work whilst simultaneously creating movement, emotion and complexity through repetition, texture and patina. Together, Kaced and Matsuyama will collaborate on a dish, while highlighting Sofiane’s signature style of fresh, authentic cooking.
For more information on the new menu or to book, please visit here.
