In London, the National Portrait Gallery’s East Wing recently reopened as the Weston Wing after a three-year restoration to convert office space into galleries and gathering spaces. Among them are two spots to dine, drink, and take in art, both designed by interiors firm Run for the Hills. The first is Audrey Green, a Breakfast at Tiffany’s–inspired café that blends the 1896 building’s original shutters and mosaic floors with a light-filled airiness and an exhibition of the museum’s ballet portraiture. Its all-day assortment of coffee, cakes, pastries, and lunch will eventually give way to bottomless brunch seatings on weekends.
A few floors down, in the gallery’s vaults, Larry’s Bar brings a bit of rock’n’roll rebellion and West End glamour to its interiors. Moody lighting plays off of the winding, vaulted arches and alcoves, while a sunlit atrium brings airiness and levity to the sensual palette of velvet, brass, and leather accents. In addition to the art on the walls, the cocktail menu pays homage to a nostalgic era of musicians and film stars with The Hepburn: a signature gin drink named in honor of Audrey Hepburn’s cabaret performances nearby in 1949.
