Hide Above London

A Wildlife Hide Reimagined for Fine Dining

Hide's conceptual brilliance lies in its architectural metaphor: a hide is where ornithologists conceal themselves to observe birdlife, and this restaurant translates that idea into an exclusive dining sanctuary. Located on the first floor at 85 Piccadilly, the space is designed with neutral tones of sand and stone, accented by wood panelling and a wood floor that carries the gentle clatter of the champagne trolley. The name becomes immediately apparent upon arrival—the large, almost anonymous wood-panelled entrance and wooden stairs create an air of discovery, leading diners to an unexpected vantage point overlooking one of London's most prestigious addresses.

Panoramic Views and Sophisticated Ambience

The dining room's most striking feature is its panoramic view across Green Park, with Piccadilly stretching below and the grand Ritz Hotel visible to the left. Diners seated at window tables can observe the endless flow of tour buses and London's vibrant street life while enjoying their meal. The room seats approximately 65 guests, with an additional private dining space accommodating up to twenty. The lighting design, though occasionally dark in the evening, contributes to an intimate atmosphere that encourages guests to linger. The overall aesthetic strikes a balance between understated elegance and contemporary refinement, creating an environment where exceptional food and service take centre stage.

Chef Ollie Dabbous and Innovative Cuisine

Chef Ollie Dabbous brings a distinctive culinary philosophy to Hide, one marked by imagination and technical innovation. His dishes are stamped with personal authorship, combining unexpected flavour pairings with meticulous execution. The menu structure offers flexibility: diners may choose from tasting menus of varying lengths or select from an à la carte menu. Signature dishes showcase Dabbous' approach—a first course might pair Tropea onion and Graceburn cheese with textural variations on cantaloupe melon, while mains feature treatments such as lobster with bisque-flavoured purée, pickled fennel and curry oil beurre blanc, or monkfish with sweetcorn, sea herbs and truffle. Desserts follow an imaginative, sometimes playful aesthetic, with creations like cherry-blossom teacake served alongside vanilla cream and maraschino garnishes.

Tasting Menus and Culinary Experience

The tasting menu format allows diners to experience the chef's full creative range across multiple courses. Options typically include five-course and seven-course versions, with some courses offering choices and premium supplements for ingredients such as wagyu beef. The menu also features a dedicated caviar section, reflecting the restaurant's position at the luxury end of London's dining landscape. Wine pairings, curated by the restaurant's sommelier team, offer carefully selected accompaniments ranging from Northern Spanish bubbles to rare varietals from Eastern Europe, enhancing each course with thoughtful beverage choices.

Service and Hospitality Standards

Service at Hide is characterised by meticulous training and extensive sommelier knowledge. The front-of-house team demonstrates seamless collaboration with the kitchen, creating an environment where attention to detail is evident in every interaction. Staff are trained to balance professionalism with warmth, engaging guests in genuine conversation while maintaining the refined standards expected at this level of dining. The sommelier team, in particular, brings expertise and enthusiasm to wine pairings, introducing guests to unexpected discoveries and explaining selections with genuine passion.

Michelin Recognition and Culinary Standing

Hide achieved Michelin star status within six months of opening, a recognition that reflects the restaurant's immediate impact on London's fine dining scene. The restaurant quickly gained attention for its innovative and refined cuisine, as well as its stunning interior design. This accolade positioned Hide among London's most significant culinary destinations, attracting diners seeking cutting-edge modern European cooking in an environment that balances sophistication with accessibility. The restaurant continues to evolve its offerings while maintaining the core principles of technical excellence and creative vision that define Dabbous' culinary approach.