Gilroy’s Loft rooftop seafood restaurant opens in Covent Garden for seafood and Guinness pairing

Gilroy’s Loft, a new rooftop seafood restaurant led by chef Pip Lacey, officially opened its doors this week at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden. Located atop the newly launched brewery on the historic site of Old Brewer’s Yard, the venue offers panoramic views of London and a food offering focused on British and Irish coastal cuisine. It forms part of the wider brewery development, which offers a tour, two retail spaces and another place to eat called The Porter’s Table.

The restaurant seats 75 and features a central 20-cover bar where oysters are shucked to order. The menu highlights sustainable, line-caught fish sourced from Wright Brothers, alongside native oysters and seafood platters. Lacey, co-founder of Hiccea in Coal Drops Yard, former head chef at the Michelin-starred Murano and winner of the BBC’s Great British Menu, brings her modern culinary style to the new venture, with signature dishes such as Grilled Half Native Lobster with Tomato and Pine Nut Brown Butter and a Fruits de Mer Platter with rope-grown mussels, palourde clams, sea bream, king prawns and Jersey oysters. Starters include Beer and Potato Bread with Butter and Seaweed Salt and Guinness-Rarebit Chicory with Pink Grapefruit, Carrot, Pickled Walnut and Coriander, and for dessert there are options like Blood Orange Mousse served with Guinness ice cream and a malt biscuit.

Pairing seafood with Guinness beers is an integral theme. Master brewer Hollie Stephenson has developed a range of craft beers designed to complement the food, among them The Brewer’s Lager and Piazza Pale Ale. A short cocktail list and a wine list featuring English and international wines are also available.

Gilroy’s Loft is named in tribute to John Gilroy, the artist behind the brand’s iconic mid-20^th-century advertising illustrations – the famous toucan being familiar to many. Original artwork by Gilroy’s grandson, Jim, is displayed throughout, and the interiors reflect the company’s heritage with natural materials and vintage-inspired design.

Commenting on the launch, chef Lacey said: “Working with one of the world’s most loved and historic brands to bring Gilroy’s Loft to life has been incredible – and Guinness is the perfect match for seafood. I’ve worked very closely with some of the very best British and Irish producers on the menu, and I feel like we’ve created a joyful restaurant right in the middle of Covent Garden.”

Food Desk

To book a table at Gilroy’s Loft, Old Brewer’s Yard, Shelton Street, London WC2H 9PU, visit the restaurant’s website here.