Arjun Waney and Rainer Becker to open Oblix restaurant in The Shard
Oblix, located on the 32nd floor of the iconic London Bridge venue, is the latest restaurant from the leading chef restaurateur duo who previously partnered on both Roka and Zuma.
The restaurant concept is inspired by a traditional New York grill - an idea that came to Becker when he saw the structure of the tower itself.
“The building is quite incredible and I was immediately struck by the power of its design," said the German chef. "The more I looked at it, the more I thought of New York and the height and boldness of the buildings there.
"The idea for Oblix grew from that really," he added.
Everyday dishes
The menu itself will feature a balance of New York, British and European influences with the kitchen containing a spit roast, charcoal grill and wood-fired oven. Dishes will include pizzas and slow-roasted joints served alongside freshly-baked breads as well as a set of everyday dishes conceived by Becker.
The wine list will be complemented by an interactive sommelier station, described as 'the first of its kind in London'. The station will allow guests to be more hands-on with their wine choice and will also be used for tastings and master classes when the main dining space is free.
Becker and Waney will be joined in The Shard by two concepts from Aqua Restaurant Group which was confirmed last August as one of the two restaurant operators taking up spaces in the tower.
Live music lounge
At the time of the announcement, it was suggested that the pair's latest project would combine a restaurant and a lounge bar with 'live music' and a 'lighter menu'.
Today, a statement confirmed the lounge at Oblix would feature both live music and a selection of spirits and cocktails served with ice hand-chiselled from purified and filtered blocks which chills, but does not dilute, the drink. The food menu in the lounge area will be available all day.
The restaurant will be the first venue to open under the pair's leadership that is not branded as either Zuma or Roka. Becker said the view from the 32nd floor would be the unique highlight of the project - the interiors will be created in partnership with designer Claudio Silvestrin.
"You can’t compete with the view. The energy is too dominant and it’s what being in The Shard is all about. It has to be respected. We used warm colours and shaped both the restaurant and the bar to achieve the balance between the view and the interior.
"The 32nd floor is especially significant, as you still capture the enormity of the panorama, but not such that you miss the detail. Every time I’m there, I notice something different," he added.
Zuma, which was co-founded by the pair in 2002, now has six restaurants around the world, while the Roka brand has three eateries to its name including two in London. There are more international openings planned for the Zuma concept.
