Company of Cooks relaunches Portrait Restaurant

Company of Cooks is set to re-launch the Portrait Restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery, following a month-long closure for refurbishment.

The rooftop restaurant overlooking Trafalgar Square will open on 12 February, with a new menu created by head chef Steve Beadle in partnership with Helena Puolakka, culinary director of Company of Cooks.

The re-launch of the Portrait Restaurant is the first major project Puolakka has worked on with the company since her appointment to the role in September last year. Her past experience includes stints at Aubergine and, La Tante Claire and D&D London's Skylon.

Commenting on the collaboration with Beadle, previously at River Café, Babington House and Chiswick's High Road Brasserie, Puolakka said: "It has been a joy to take inspiration from this historic and iconic establishment. Together, Steve and I have worked hard sourcing producers from across the UK to highlight the best of the British Isles throughout the new modern menu."

The seasonal menu aims to celebrate the best of British produce, including rare breeds such as Middle White pork and Hereford beef , with flexible dining options that includes small dishes in the bar, light meals for a quick working lunch or and an extensive à la carte.

The new interiors have been designed by Linda Turner. A feature stone and bronze bar will act as a focal point, alongside new bar tables that offer additional seating, while charcoal grey banquettes and chairs in the restaurant are offset by accents of bronze.

Mike Lucy, founder of Company of Cooks, said: "We are honoured to have the opportunity to revive this much-loved restaurant and hope to create a very special London dining experience."

Company of Cooks was awarded a £20m five-year deal to operate both the Portrait Restaurant and Portrait Café in July 2013. The caterer, which scooped the contract from long-term operator Searcys, announced at the time its plans to revamp both food and drink operations.

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