Introducing dazzling new heights to the term ‘multi purpose’, Wild by Tart is a recent and much- welcomed addition to the Belgravia neighbourhood. For locals and visitors alike, the venue is a dynamic restaurant, retail and event space launched in 2019 by culinary power duo Lucy Carr-Ellison and Jemima Jones, marking their first permanent outpost.
The story goes back to 2010 when the pair first met in New York, both working in the fashion industry where a bond would form by their mutual passion for cooking. Two years’ later, they returned to London’s fashion industry where they recognised a gap in the market for nourishing food on fashion shoots. Thus followed Tart London, a bountiful catering company that soon became one of London’s most in-demand caterers with clients including Stella McCartney, Versace and Vogue magazine quick to grace their loyal portfolio.
With ambitions to form more-permanent roots by opening a restaurant in the future, Lucy and Jemima dipped their toes in the water by Tart’s Kitchen – a two-month pop up in Queen’s Park in collaboration with iconic British pottery firm Wedgewood. The opening granted the pair to truly showcase their culinary talent, serving unique dishes unique to them both that infused the finest ingredients aligned with the seasons. Notably sourcing produce from their respective family farms located in Somerset and Northumberland to satisfy the appetites of their growing clientele with the addition of host of supper clubs to the mix.
“Ingredients that are in season are particularly delicious, rich in nutrition, and carry the vibrant colours of their unique time of year. We are all about exploring these colours, tastes and textures – through the presentation and combination of dishes, and the elevation of contrasting and complimentary colours. Moreover, eating with the seasons makes it easier to keep to our buying local mantra” – Lucy and Jemima.
Branching their talents further, Lucy and Jemima became media stars in 2016 by securing the weekly recipe column for the Evening Standard’s weekly publication, ES magazine. Serving a nutritious concoction of heavenly recipes and original culinary tips with a modern-day twist, their industry standing would ensue a debut cookbook, published in 2018 and by the name of A Love of Eating. Encapsulating their take of eating and cooking, each page was a taste of their colourful, fresh and wholesome meals.
In pursuit of the perfect site in line with their culinary ethos, the pair opened Wild by Tart in spring 2019 within the London neighbourhood of Belgravia, tucked down a cobbled street in Eccleston Yards, moments from Victoria station. Housed within a former power station and coal store, the historical 9,000 sq ft multi-purpose space is a magnificent sight to behold. With high, glass-panelled ceilings, the warehouse-style site speaks to their New York days to offer breathtaking natural light and a variety of feature walls, ensuring it the ultimate photographic location.
Enlisting the force of B3 Designers, the London-based firm celebrated the original architecture of the building to deliver a fresh and natural aesthetic that marinates with warm hues and textures throughout. Lush planting and homely features further complement the stripped-back industrial features of the original building. Inviting theatre into the space, the restaurant is at one with the open kitchen to evoke a bright and immersive vibe developed specifically for relaxed all-day dining. With both counter seating and banquettes that cushion the walls, diners are granted various dining options.
For those seeking liquid satiation, an elegant modern bar invites with a back bar display as the focal point to its design. Warm white timber and mild steel-framed bar stools and chairs are placed around low marble dining tables to further complement the relaxed dining experience. A grab-and-go proposition beckons in the courtyard where diners can pick up a coffee amongst other things. Exhibiting both a fresh and rustic design, mosaic tabletops and high stool feature throughout with pendant lights and flanked plants welcoming customers into the space.
Versatile yet with brimming with charisma, the innovative, free-flowing space successfully accommodates not only a restaurant, but also a bar, coffee kiosk, retail store selling bits and pieces for your home, events space, private dining area and photography studio. With private events a key ingredient of the Wild by Tart offering, the pair continue to host an incredible range of events by their three private hire options, including lavish parties, city weddings and product launches for their corporate clients. In addition, the pair are cooking up a public events schedule to host events ranging from floristry workshops, wine tasting, yoga brunches, panel discussions and intimate film screenings.
Today, Wild by Tart’s menu showcases the pair’s sustainable and season approach to food, with a focus on charcoal grill cooking and a wood oven. With a philosophy of “cooking food that excites us, using ingredients we know work well together, we look to work with suppliers who have unique stories of sustainability or craftsmanship”, quote the pair. From Devonshire crab tagliatelle to charred octopus, or the restaurant’s pork, game and lamb from Lucy and Jemima’s family farms, the menu embraces notes of Mediterranean, British and Middle Eastern cuisine to be a diverse taste sensation.
The space continues to be much-favoured by local residents as a go-to for a glamorous dining experience that is at the same unpretentious marking it an ideal place for a special occasion. With rumours circling a weekend brunch is on the cards, mark our words that this is a spot not to be missed when in town.
Wild by Tart, 3 – 4 Eccleston Yards, London SW1
wildbytart.com
@wildbytart
