London - June 09, 2006

Orient Expressed

Gilgamesh Opens

Superman stopped by. Batman flew in and out. And the X-Men keep coming back.

But all should beware: there’s a new superhero in town. Gilgamesh, which opens tomorrow, is a vast new pan-Asian restaurant from Ian Pengelley (formerly of Pengelley’s and E&O). It takes its name from the ancient Babylon king who was two-thirds god, one-third human, and regarded as a superhuman force.

And appropriately so. For a start, it cost around £12 million to build. But even more because of the food — divine dishes like Alaskan king crab hand rolls and gao choy dumplings, duck and watermelon salad, and baked silver cod wrapped in a hoba leaf — as well as sushi and sashimi. Puddings are just as exotic, with a sweet Thai banana parfait or an even sweeter caramel or chocolate bento box. If you’re thirsty, a sake sommelier is on hand at all times.

Cocktails can be found at the 50-foot-long lapis bar, and then there’s the tearoom, where full tea ceremonies are performed for every cuppa poured, accompanied by authentic Asian cakes.

The crowning achievement, however, is the retractable ceiling, which means when the weather’s warm you can eat alfresco, right under the stars.

And feel that much closer to the heavens yourself.

Gilgamesh, Camden View, Camden Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd., NW1 (020-7482-5757 or gilgameshbar.com).