The summer menu at The Barbican Bar and Grill review

On sunny days the first floor terrace overlooking historic St Giles Cripplegate and the centre’s lakeside water gardens is a lovely spot – planted with herbs and aromatics that find their way into the delicious cocktails.

We visited on a drizzly early evening, but the light flooded in through the windows, the terrace looked pretty, and this being the press night of the Barbican’s big summer musical we found ourselves rubbing shoulders with two Knights of the stage.

The summer menu includes burgers, salads, fresh pasta and salmon fillet with hollandaise. (Image: Lis Isles) With its stylish stone tables and blue velvet curtains it does have a theatrical air and is run by Searcys – who trace their catering operation back to the 1840s. They are a reliable badge of high quality in restaurants at St Pancras station, the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery.

Serving an arts centre with multiple events means it’s easy-going dining from 12-9pm – you can tip up at 5pm like us and order what you like.

The staff are lovely and friendly but also I’m sure discreet, and didn’t turn a hair when Gandalf himself or (separately) Sir Lenny Henry appeared for pre-theatre dinner.

The first floor terrace overlooks the Barbican’s lakeside and the church of St Giles Cripplegate. (Image: Liz Isles) The fare is light and seasonal; think salads, smoked salmon, and mezze or charred beef heart tomatoes with green olive puree.

We started with two cocktails, the non-alcoholic Passion Fizz packed with passion fruit puree with the zing of lemon juice and sweetened slightly with lemonade.

My fresh and zesty Basil Smash, was a terrifically well balanced mix of Bombay Sapphire, lime juice, sugar syrup and basil – perfect for a summer’s eve, or even a damp one.

I opted for a creamy burrata with rocket and ribbons of courgette in a light dressing while my teen had a hearty dish of beef meatballs in tomato sauce with smoked mozzarella.

My main of perfectly cooked salmon fillet in hollandaise with fresh fennel and orange salad paired excellently with a side of herby new potatoes.

My teenager hoovered up her steak sandwich – tender sliced meat on ciabatta with a spiky mustard mayo, crispy onion rings and fries.

There are also burgers, a lamb leg steak and fresh pasta, with the emphasis on light and seasonal dishes.

Searcys is also renowned for its Champagne bars and the selection of wines is bar none. My glass of Cote de Provence rose proved a great pairing with both the salmon and dessert, which was inevitably Eton Mess.

We shared the rich fruit sauce and merengue swirled into a creamy bowl of sweetness but couldn’t resist ordering a duo of Sicilian Cannoli – the ends dipped in chocolate, filled with chocolate flecked cream.

Then, like Sir Ian and Sir Lenny, it was off to the opening of Fiddler on The Roof in the Barbican theatre to round off a lovely evening.

The Barbican Bar and Grill has a kids menu and pre-theatre menu and the terrace is open until September. www.barbican.org.uk