BEFORE summer’s out, make sure to visit an exciting new pop-up that combines fabulous Thai cooking, mellow beats and an immersive video installation, all set within what can only be described as an urban oasis.
When you walk into Outcrop, located just steps away from Waterloo Bridge, you’ll genuinely forget that you’re in one of the city’s busiest spots. Surrounded by numerous plants and a shaded outdoor lounge, it’s the perfect place to stop by for a leisurely lunch or low-key fancy evening outing.
Outcrop at 180 The Strand, Photography Ben Broomfield
Outcrop, which continues its residency at 180 The Strand until the end of September, describes itself as a new type of gathering place, specifically a “green social club in the city” which brings people together to eat, drink and have fun, while being mindful of its impact on the planet.
At the heart of the operation is a fabulous restaurant called AngloThai, run by the renowned Chef John Chantarasak. As its name would suggest, the restaurant is inspired by John’s Thai-British heritage. The ingredients he has chosen for this menu highlight UK summer vegetables, native bred meats and line-caught local fish.
The cooking is carried out in an open-plan kitchen that has been fitted outdoors, which you see as you enter Outcrop’s courtyard, and all of the dishes are cooked over charcoal. It has to be said: the fragrance certainly creates a special ambiance. It’s pretty exciting stuff and really sets the scene.
AngloThai x Outcrop, Photography Ben Broomfield
During our visit we tried some truly delicious offerings, including stir fried aubergine with chilli and basil, tender monkfish balls dressed in a long pepper green curry, and some delightful Pink Fir potatoes that had been tossed in spicy Thai chimichurri. Also look out for the flatbread served with shrimp paste butter and Brixham crab, as well as the fig leaf sorbet and coconut ash cracker (pictures of which have spread across Instagram like a wild fire).
AngloThai x Outcrop, Photography Ben Broomfield
AngloThai x Outcrop, Photography Ben Broomfield
After you’ve eaten, make sure to step inside to see a striking video work by Marshmallow Laser Feast. The London-based art collective has emerged as one of the leading virtual reality creators in the recent years and their large-scale project “Sanctuary of the Unseen Forest” is certainly worth checking out.
Sanctuary of the Unseen Forest at 180 The Strand, Marshmallow Laser Feast
Marshmallow Laser Feast, in collaboration with Outcrop, will be hosting a special series of dinners from September 10th to 17th, where invited chefs, including celebrated innovators such as Chantelle Nicholson and Brad Carter, will create a menu that has been inspired by Britain’s ancient trees. This “Lost Giants” dinner series is the cherry on the cake of what has been one of London’s best summer pop-ups. Let’s hope there’s more to come from Outcrop and co.
by Derby Jones
Outcrop is at 180 The Strand, 1 Surrey Street, London WC2R 2ND
For reservations, call: +44 7596 065 787