A Food Hall, a Roof Top and a World Class Venue

I took the opportunity a few weeks ago to have my first look at the recently opened, regenerated Olympia UK in Kensington. The £1.3 billion redevelopment of the 140 year old venue, has created London's newest creative and cultural hub, combining arts and entertainment, hotels, quality gastronomy, office space and public realm - a truly mixed use destination.

Entertainment sits at the heart of the new Olympia with the AEG operated, 3,800 capacity British Airways ARC creating the capital's newest live music venue, soon to be followed in 2027 by a 1,575 seat theatre, the largest permanent new theatre in London in over 50 years.

Where there's abundant entertainment, there's a strong demand for foodservice, and Olympia has this in spades. From the D3 Collective operated offers in the Grade 2 listed Pillar Hall, to the Incipio Group curated Arbour Food Hall and associated Restaurants, foodservice provides the glue that sticks all the elements together.

I have to admit, I visited primarily to see the Food Hall, London's newest, but it was the rooftop bars and restaurants which were the star of the show, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, the 300 cover Food Hall was very good - a quality fit out and high spec - but on a gloriously sunny day there was only 1 place to be and that was on the roof. There was a choice of 2 venues - the Japanese kitchen and bar, Wolves of Tokyo, and the Mexican influenced Bar Arriba - I opted for the latter and was treated to a delicious pair of octopus tacos with salsa verde. The setting of both restaurants was superb - semi open from the 'floating' roof to allow the space to naturally ventilate (although I'm not sure what happens when it rains to some of the seating area), naturally lit form the glazing, and a perfect spot for people watching and socialising.

An overall impressive development, making great use of the rooftops - but don't just take Coverpoint Foodservice Consulting word for it, drop by if you get the chance and have a look for yourselves.