Richard Corrigan and Searcys to open National Portrait Gallery restaurant

Chef Richard Corrigan and caterer Searcys are teaming up to launch a restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery in London when it reopens on 22 June.

The gallery, which was founded in 1856, has announced new additions to its catering offer after being closed for a three-year refurbishment.

Corrigan and Searcys will relaunch the top-floor Portrait restaurant, which has views across the London skyline and will be decorated with sculptures from the gallery's collection.

The chef's menu will feature dishes created throughout his career and reintroduce some "forgotten classics" to gallery diners.

The bar will serve wines and cocktails alongside an all-day snack menu, with dishes set to include crispy oyster croque monsieur; and classic Irish soda bread from Bentley's Bakery.

Corrigan was appointed a chef partner by Searcys and BaxterStorey, both part of the WSH Group, last year and he has worked with the caterer in the past.

"Any chef would give their right arm to cook in such a historic building so for me to be opening a restaurant, under the same roof as all this world-class art, well, it's truly a privilege," said Corrigan.

The gallery will also be home to Audrey Green by Daisy Green Collection, which will trade across the ground floor and exposed brick vaults of its Weston Wing.

The restaurant will have its own street-level entrance and serve coffee, lunches, and cakes during the day, before switching to cocktails and small plates in the evening.

Prue Freeman, founder of Daisy Green, said the group was given "unlimited access" to the gallery's collection to furnish the restaurant.

Bookings for Audrey Green and the Portrait restaurant open in late spring ahead of the National Portrait Gallery reopening in June.

Image: William Barton / Shutterstock