Cherry Knickerbocker Glory, Banana Split and Black Forest Gâteau head the menu at Fortnum & Mason’s redesigned Parlour, where illustrations by Jonathan Burton now fill the first-floor restaurant at the Piccadilly flagship.
The Parlour’s new look launched on 12 May, with Burton’s illustrations bringing colour, character and surreal detail to the room, so that guests experience the restaurant as a living artwork.
What’s on the menu
The refreshed menu focuses on classic dishes and nostalgic ice cream creations. Savoury dishes include Scotch egg with piccalilli, prawn cocktail and the Parlour hot dog with caramelised onion, and the regular ice cream flavours remain. To drink, there is a Gin and Tonic Float, Fortnum’s Royal Blend Tea and a selection of iced teas, including the Wellness tea.
Inspired by traditional 1950s ice cream parlours, The Parlour still serves the Knickerbocker Glory, which Fortnum & Mason first introduced to the UK in 1955. After dining, or buying an ice cream to take away, customers receive a token to use at an installation next to the restaurant, with the chance to win a discount on a future visit.
Bees and a flying caterpillar
Jonathan Burton is known for detailed illustration that builds on existing narratives with a playful and surreal edge. He has worked with heritage brands including Hermès and The Ritz Hotel, illustrated editions for The Folio Society and previously designed the menu at 45 Jermyn St., Fortnum & Mason’s restaurant on Jermyn Street.
“With such a large scale I wanted to engage the diners with detail and storytelling. While the overall decoration will be immersive in its atmosphere, the work really rewards those who look closely. Large animals are alongside tiny ones and characters travel from one wall to another. The many bees for example have an end goal and then there’s the flying caterpillar swooping its way around the background.”
Jonathan Burton, British illustrator
The redesign adds a new artistic layer to The Parlour’s food and drink at the Piccadilly store, where Fortnum & Mason has also announced a Biscuitorium.
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