Beach Blanket Babylon

Mediterranean Restaurant in Notting Hill
Beach Blanket Babylon image
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4 / 10 from 5 reviews
Address
45 Ledbury Road
Notting Hill
London
W11 2AA
Map
Telephone
020 7229 2907
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Region
Notting Hill
Nearest Station
Notting Hill Gate
0.35 miles
Opening Times
Monday Open 18:00 - Closes 00:00
Tuesday Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Wednesday Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Thursday Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Friday Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Saturday Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00
Sunday Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00

The fantastic theme does not stop with the name in this extraordinary venue. Through the bar at the front is the restaurant located inside Sleeping Beauty's tower; tables balance precariously on the various different levels up the spiral staircase. They serve a modern British menu with Mediterranean influence. They can cater for private parties of up to 100 guests. Outside seating is provided on the pavement.

All In London Review

Glammed up pub food accompanied by fantastic service and ambience

Having been here for exorbitantly expensive cocktails with names like Natalia Vodianova, and sat in gilded chairs by the fireplace, my friend and I decided we would have our joint birthday meal here. The fabulously decadent interior was definitely one we wanted to experience, without giving a second thought to the menu.

We arrived on a Friday night and had to squeeze our way past the multitude at the bar, BBB had certainly drawn in the crowds on this cold January evening. We were ushered to our table in the dimly lit eating area, the ornate arches surrounding us giving the place an almost Arabic feel. After more Vodianovas and wine we proceeded to order from the sparse menu.

My Caesar salad was good, but nothing out of the ordinary, and was served in one of those hatefully modern thick white plates which resemble a washbasin. Two of my dining companions ordered the salmon with seasonal vegetables, one without the accompanying sauce. When it arrived one was considerably smaller than the other. 'Excuse me!' said my friend in her fabulously French accent, 'I asked for no sauce, but not no salmon!' The waiter attempted to explain that both portions weighed the same, which led to much tipsy comparing of plates and laughter. She did however get a free desert of luscious strawberries and ice cream, not bad at all.

Almost the polar opposite of Hakassan, the food though tasty enough was merely glammed up pub fare, however the service and atmosphere were fantastic. We were treated luxuriously and our glasses were never empty, the waiter - who we had likened to Mark Ronson - hovered around at our service throughout the evening, not once becoming irritating. At around £50 a head including drinks, Beach Blanket Babylon is perfect for a special treat or to impress a date.

Reviewed by Leila
Published on Jul 24, 2008


User Reviews

GerryMouse

Feb 28, 2011

One of the best atmospheres to eat in! I think the food is little expensive for what you get, but it is good food. Enjoyed eating here twice now and I might go back if I'm in the area.
david tuomey

May 2, 2006

I have been to BBB three times and each time it gets worse…… OK to be honest I have never recommended it to anyone so I can only blame myself for going back [there are just too many other good restaurants in London].
I went again this Saturday for some brunch with friends [thought they could not mess up brunch and I would not risk bringing a client there]. When we went in I asked the manager if they were still doing brunch and he said yes [on reflection, I think I could have asked him if he was big bird and he would probably have said yes] however it also says on the menu that on Saturday + Sunday brunch is served until 5.30 pm.
When we were sitted, we were then told that as it was gone
frederique le roux

Jan 27, 2006

I had my christmas party at BBB and was thrilled to find BBB back in it's former glory. The music was great, the new cocktail list fun and we were spoilt with a delicious menu to choose from. I heard great things about the new chef and his cooking certainly hits the spot.There's nowhere else quite like it. If you want an antidote to dull, modernist london life, then BBB is like a sumptous world of glitz and glamour. The staff are friendly and I loved the chandeliers and roaring open fires. I will definitely come back soon and look forward to reintroducing my friends to the place to be in W11.
case

Jan 6, 2006

Review picture
You know those bars you hear about in Notting Hill with rude staff, ridiculous prices, and hopelessly-made cocktails that you'd be embarrased to serve at a bakyard lunch? Well they're talking about this place. Used to be great, but has gone to the dogs. Spend your £9 a drink somewhere that might actually put some alcohol in it.
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