A revival of the sixties, VIVI is a new restaurant that has recently transformed the Centre Point development. Crushed pinks with hues of teal, finished with polished wood touches create a chic 1960s that ensure it makes an entrance into London’s restaurant scene.
Four zones make up VIVI – including The Dining Room, The Gallery, the Liquid Lounge and The Bar, each adapting themselves throughout the day. Dishes are in keeping with the 1960s theme too; with contemporary twists to keep VIVI up to speed with our demanding modern palate. Think of your grandmother’s retro cookbook with a futuristic edge – from a rich and delicious twice baked Cheddar soufflé, chicken Kiev and mash or a fruity duck à l’orange with full on kitsch desserts including a Black Forest gateau, sherry trifle and apple & rhubarb crumble.
The Bar could be the set of your favourite Hollywood movie with striking teal stools surrounding a gold polished bar which serves suitably screen-worthy cocktails with old school bartending techniques. Inspired by cultural touchpoints of the era, cocktails to choose from include ‘Wild Honey on the Beach’ (Bulleit Rye whiskey, Pimento Dram, lemon thyme infused honey, lemon) – a homage to The Beach Boys, and ‘The Weeping Guitar’ (Gin Mare, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, cucumber, elderflower, lime, tonic water) – a toast to The Beatles. These can each be paired with shamelessly vintage bar snacks which include cauliflower cheese croquettes, coronation chicken beignets, fish finger sandwiches and ‘VIVI’ wagon wheels.
Turning our attention to the Liquid Lounge, this space carousels itself around the day. From 8am smoothies and americanos from its barista station to one of its trendy breakfast bowls, and as the day goes on this lounge turns into a casual lunch spot before becoming a full on 1960’s afternoon tea destination. Guilty pleasures that you may not have indulged in years gone by are on the agenda here – from Battenberg cake and chocolate éclairs, flourless chocolate cake and coconut bon bons. Whilst overlooking New Oxford Street, there is The Gallery which has been designed for private bookings and events, separated by a striking copper chain mail curtain.
Inspired by the year that Centre Point was built 1966, VIVI (roman numerals for 66) was previously a conference space where Margaret Thatcher and Nelson Mandela once spoke. With big shoes to fill in terms of its space at the foot of Centre Point and once London’s tallest sky scraper when first built in the 1960s, Gordon Young Architects Ltd were tasked with creating this 1960s inspired space, with an objective to capture the essence of the decade.
From rhubarb (the creative team behind Sky Garden), it’s impossible to not open Instagram at VIVI. From extravagant cocktails topped with candy floss to its clever retro touches, this new all-day dining destination I expect will soon mark its territory on our digital feeds.
Address: Centre Point, 11 St Giles Square, London WC2H 8AP, vivirestaurant.co.uk
F: @vivirestaurantlondon T: @VIVIRestaurant I: @vivirestaurant
