THE SAVANNAH BAR & RESTAURANT, ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE, TASTY

ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE, TASTY

This is Euston’s newest, most spacious and relaxed restaurant with an a-la-carte menu featuring European food combined with the flavours of Africa and Asia, alongside some of the best-loved classic dishes. The bar has its own menu of Small Plates and Sharing Dishes, a superior wine list including biodynamic and organic wines, artisanal beers, over 20 whiskies and a large selection of unusual vodkas, rums and gins.

It is arguably London’s most ethical and eco-friendly space with strong credentials to prove it. (see décor section)

The area north of Euston Road has long been regarded as a ‘gastronomic desert’ – albeit well-known for its Indian curry houses in Drummond Street. However, with new restaurants recently opened at the revamped Euston Station, and now with the opening of The Savannah, Euston is set to become a game-changing area in London’s fast growing restaurant scene, following the upward trend in good-quality openings.

DÉCOR

With its own separate entrance and set on two floors flooded with natural light, The Savannah is located within the Wesley Hotel (see later). The décor tells a story inspired by nature and sustainability, with ‘time’ as the theme. From the guest taking time to escape and relax, to the venue taking time to prepare food and drink that deliver an exceptional experience. Two eco-friendly artists have created some stunning features. The Trees of Time – highly impactful silhouettes created by British designer-maker Stephanie Cole, whose work explores nature and its shapes and patterns, seem to stop, frame, record and suspend time.

The Bird of Prey has been hand-crafted by ethical artist Ptolemy Erlington, well-known for transforming scrap metal in works of art, mainly animal forms. The ‘bird’, made of recycled shopping trolleys, is a dynamic art piece and stands majestic in the main restaurant. The sculpture integrates with the wall design which features a grey panel turning onto birds scattering – an unusual visual twist which continues onto the ground floor.

Most of the furniture is made from recycled material and the bar uses reclaimed wood. The subtle, calming colours are enhanced by a state-of-the-art lighting system which creates different moods during the day and night. The Savannah also cultivates emerging creativity and the work of upcoming animators, film makers and artists will be projected on the walls.

THE WESLEY HOTEL

The Wesley Hotel is named after John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, who was inspired to recreate in England the same hospitality he found on his preaching travels. Many ‘hospitable spaces’ were subsequently transformed into hotels. Today The Wesley continues to support social transformation, social enterprise and ethical principles, and is the winner of several sustainability awards. John Wesley preached in the town of Savannah, Georgia, and the restaurant pays homage to him with its name.

Both The Wesley Hotel and The Savannah Bar & Restaurant are members of the SRA (Sustainable Restaurant Association).