Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, London - Southbank - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - TripAdvisor Want the lowest hotel prices? You're in the right place. We check 200+ sites for you. Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, London Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie Write a Review Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie #380 of 17,608 Restaurants in London Certificate of Excellence Is this an Italian restaurant? Yes Are the prices at this restaurant high or expensive? Yes Is this restaurant good for lunch? Yes Is this restaurant good for dinner? Yes Is this restaurant good for breakfast? Yes Does this restaurant offer delivery? Yes Is this primarily a bakery? Yes Is this a dessert shop? Yes Is this primarily a coffee shop? Yes Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info.

Reset zoom Barge House Street | OXO Tower Wharf, London SE1 9PH, England +44 20 7803 3888 Sun 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm Mon - Sat 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm See all travel guides Read reviews that mention: All reviews chateaubriand scallops sea bass pudding lamb special occasion london skyline window table st pauls birthday celebration set menu lovely evening three courses booked a table waiting staff thames sommelier champagne Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Start your review of Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie Click to rate Reviewed yesterday NEW via mobile We went to OXO brasserie to have 'not afternoon tea' as part of my husbands 30th birthday celebration. The staff were attentive, professional and always greeted you with a smile. It was very busy. The brasserie had a live pianist and singer as background music. The food was delicious although some refinement could be made for the Salmon dish we... More Helpful? “Good Food and Location” Reviewed yesterday NEW Visited the Oxo Tower Brasserie on a Friday night.

Table booked for 7.45. Was informed at time of booking that there would be a time limit on the table of two hours and fifteen minutes. We were told again when we arrived. Very busy as you would expect. However staff were very attentive and friendly. Food reasonably priced as was... More Helpful? “Excellent meal and venue” Reviewed 2 days ago NEW We wanted a special occasion with family on our visit from Australia. Everything was beyond our expectations. Food, service, view were all exceptional. Thank you to all the staff who looked after us on December 11th. Helpful? “Great Al Fresco Dining” Reviewed 2 days ago NEW via mobile I heard this place was out dated but boy was I surprised just how good it was. Granted, we were blessed with fantastic weather but the out door dining with fantastic views of the London skyline was exceptional. Good food, nice cocktails, and brilliant staff. Looking forward to going back. Helpful? “Evening at the Brasserie, Oxo Tower” Reviewed 2 days ago NEW The service from the cloakroom lady to the manager was perfect. Friendly, engaging and polite. Our waiter Nelson was very professional and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening.

We were not hurried and felt we had a very special evening. Set dinner menu was excellent value. Helpful? “Birthday treat” Reviewed 2 days ago NEW via mobile The OXO Team were excellent. Everything from the booking and setting up the evening to the delicious food and the wonderful service. Thank you! Helpful? “Celebration dinner.” Reviewed 4 days ago NEW via mobile Overall a bit disappointing. Lovely setting, perfect ambiance and attentive staff. Round our table of three the food was good without being stunning (mine was bordering on not hot enough though) so all ok there. But it was expensive. Even for a London 'destination' restaurant I really didn't feel it was good value for what we paid. I won't rush... More Helpful? “Wonderful experience” Reviewed 4 days ago NEW via mobile We had a birthday party here the staff were brilliant the meal was fabulous and they even made a small cake with a candle Really good would go again Helpful? “Expensive for average food ” Reviewed 4 days ago NEW via mobile The food was well presented but not enjoyable to eat. Fish was overcooked, my wife's feta starter mentioned 'spiced' but was so hot that all other flavours were obliterated.

My ravioli main was very bland. Puddings were ok. Service felt rushed with plates attempted to be taken before we finished. Had a much more enjoyable meal at Aqua, Shard for... More Helpful? Reviewed 4 days ago NEW via mobile Amazing atmospheric restaurant with Fantastic views . Throughly enjoyed meal ,extensive wine menu excellent service Highly recommend Helpful? Write a Review Add Photos & Videos Is This Your TripAdvisor Listing? Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks Restaurant features Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations Good for Scenic view, Bar scene, Business meetings, Local cuisine, Romantic, Special occasions, Large groups Open Hours Address: Barge House Street | OXO Tower Wharf, London SE1 9PH, England Location: Europe > United Kingdom (UK) > England > London> > Southbank Neighborhood: Southbank Phone Number: +44 20 7803 3888 Description The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie is located on the eighth floor of the iconic OXO Tower building. It houses three unique areas: the Restaurant, the Bar, and the Brasserie, which all have stunning terrace spaces. OXO Restaurant: Offers guests a relaxed dining and afternoon tea experience with a modern British menu focusing on flavour, provenance and high-quality produce. The acclaimed wine list and stunning views of St Paul's and the City of London make it the perfect place to celebrate, whatever the occasion.

OXO Brasserie: Offers diners the opportunity to eat from midday until late with its no-fuss all-day dining menu with British dishes. Stop by in the afternoon to experience the now infamous 'Not Afternoon Tea' - a delicious pairing of cakes and cocktails - or join in the evening to enjoy live jazz music. OXO Bar: Sitting in between the Brasserie and Restaurant, this is the perfect spot for a quick lunch or after-work drinks thanks to its cutting-edge cocktails and inventive bar snacks. Enjoy drinks in the sunshine on the Bar terrace or watch the city sparkle from the comfort of the Bar as the nights draw in. The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie is owned by the Harvey Nichols group.

Opening Hours are as follows: Restaurant: LUNCH Monday - Saturday 12 midday - 3pm Sunday 12 midday - 3.30pm AFTERNOON TEA Monday - Friday 3pm - 4.30pm DINNER Monday - Friday 6pm- 11pm Saturday 5.30pm - 11pm Sunday 6.30pm - 10pm BRASSERIE Monday - Saturday 12 midday - 11pm Sunday 12 midday - 10pm BAR Monday - Thursday 11am - 11pm Friday - Saturday 11am - Midnight Sunday 12 midday - 10.30pm Questions & Answers Here's what previous visitors have asked, with answers from representatives of Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie and other visitors 57 questions Hotels near The OXO Tower, London - BEST HOTEL RATES Near Monuments and Landmarks, London - United Kingdom Hotel Area: Waterloo and Southwark 0.07 km.

Designed for both business and leisure travel, Mondrian London Hotel is ideally situated in Waterloo and Southwark; one of the city's most popular locales. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. At Mondrian London Hotel, every effort is made to make guests feel comfortable. To do so, the hotel provides the best in services and amenities. A selection of top-class facilities such as 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests can be enjoyed at the hotel. Mondrian London Hotel is home to 259 bedrooms. All are tastefully furnished and many even provide such comforts as television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless (complimentary), non smoking rooms, air conditioning, heating. The hotel offers fantastic facilities, including fitness center, spa, massage, steamroom, to help you unwind after an action-packed day in the city. Discover an engaging blend of professional service and a wide array of features at Mondrian London Hotel.

Hotel Area: Waterloo and Southwark 0.09 km. Situated in Waterloo and Southwark, Veeve City 1 Bed On The River Thames Blackfriars is the perfect place to experience London and its surroundings. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Veeve City 1 Bed On The River Thames Blackfriars also offers many facilities to enrich your stay in London. The hotel offers access to a vast array of services, including free Wi-Fi in all rooms. All guest accommodations feature thoughtful amenities to ensure an unparalleled sense of comfort. Besides, the hotel's host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay. With an ideal location and facilities to match, Veeve City 1 Bed On The River Thames Blackfriars hits the spot in many ways. Hotel Area: Waterloo and Southwark 0.12 km. Designed for both business and leisure travel, Southwark Serviced Apartments is ideally situated in Waterloo and Southwark; one of the city's most popular locales.

Situated only 1.8 km from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. At Southwark Serviced Apartments, every effort is made to make guests feel comfortable. To do so, the hotel provides the best in services and amenities. A selection of top-class facilities such as free Wi-Fi in all rooms, facilities for disabled guests, Wi-Fi in public areas, family room, coffee shop can be enjoyed at the hotel. Hotel accommodations have been carefully appointed to the highest degree of comfort and convenience. In some of the rooms, guests can find television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless (complimentary), non smoking rooms, heating, desk. Besides, the hotel's host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay. Southwark Serviced Apartments is your one-stop destination for quality hotel accommodations in London. Hotel Area: Waterloo and Southwark 0.15 km. Located 900 metres from Somerset House in London, this apartment features free WiFi. The apartment is 1.1 km from Lyceum Theatre.

The unit equipped with a kitchen with an oven and microwave. Towels and bed linen are offered in this self-catering accommodation. There is a private bathroom with a bath. London Eye is 1.1 km from Rustic River Court, while Savoy Theatre is 1.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is London City Airport, 11 km from Rustic River Court. Hotel Area: Waterloo and Southwark 0.17 km. Located in the lovely area of Waterloo and Southwark, The Mad Hatter Hotel enjoys a commanding position in the sightseeing, culture hub of London. The hotel lies 2.0 Miles from the city center and provides accessibility to important town facilities. Visitors to the hotel can take pleasure in touring the city's top attractions: Jedeco, Snowden Flood, Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf. The facilities and services provided by The Mad Hatter Hotel ensure a pleasant stay for guests. To name a few of the hotel's facilities, there are free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas. In addition, all guestrooms feature a variety of comforts.

Many rooms even provide television LCD/plasma screen, desk, telephone, fan, satellite/cable TV to please the most discerning guest. Besides, the hotel's host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay. Whatever your reason for visiting London, the The Mad Hatter Hotel is the perfect venue for an exhilarating and exciting break away. Grace I Tastemaker Featured Three courses for £34 at lunch isn't exactly a bargain, except in London, and the food's better as are the views at Oblix lounge in the Shard for slightly less money, but the OXO Tower restaurant is a lovely place to relax and celebrate a special event. The views of the river and north bank are impressive, and the service is deferential and very pleasant. The regular menu at lunch is large enough to peruse at length, but the three course menu offers a good option. The portions are not huge but are just enough for lunch, and it's all quite elegant and quiet enough for good conversation with your lunch date. Helpful? KJ Tastemaker Featured Managed to swag the perfect corner table on the balcony on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

The service was, as expected, flawless with the friendly staff being incredibly attentive and offering many ways for our table to spend our money. The brunch menu is short and to the point with some extra delicious looking cocktail options. Majority of the table went for eggs royal and were not disappointed with crispy English muffins and free flowing runny yolks all swimming in creamy hollandaise sauce. The cocktails, including the non-alcoholic, were a real treat and I would return to enjoy a few drinks at the bar or on the balcony regardless of food. The OXO tower is always a treat with views towards St Paul’s cathedral from the restaurant, unique design shops and a trendy industrial courtyard to the rear, it’s always worth a visit. Helpful? Nicole tastemaker Featured We had a truly unique dining experience at the OXO, overlooking St. Pauls and watching the sun set over London. The food was not on the cheap side, however we were here to celebrate. Our meals were delicious and the cocktails were lovely (although we did have our own wine waiter who was not impressed with our choice of beverage to accompany the meal). We found the service to be friendly and attentive by not intrusive and the atmosphere pleasant.

After our meal we went to the terrace to enjoy the last of our drinks. I left very satisfied and would recommend it highly. Helpful? Sheens86 Tastemaker Featured Came to the OXO Tower restaurant for dinner to celebrate an anniversary, the staff were pleasant and we were seated at a relatively good table with a nice view (although obscured by some giant blinds!). Atmosphere was enjoyable, you could tell people were either there for a special occasion or were regulars to that kind of restaurant! The food was really nice, well presented and of a very high quality which is what you pay for. I had the veal and my partner had the scallops, desserts were coconut macarons with a rice pudding and pistachio ice cream with poached pear and little madeleines. All in all a great experience and you should probably go at least once! Helpful? Richard S Featured Went here for a birthday meal, we both went for the Vegetarian/Vegan menu and both very disappointed in the food. Sweet potato waffle and Polenta dish for starter, both very salty, greasy with overpowering cheese.

The main no better, Mezze and Ravioli, far too sweet Mezze, very salty pitta, although Ravioli (1 tiny ravioli) was very nice, the accompanying burnt apple, pears and again very salty Artichoke, reminiscent of those in oily jars just made the dish very poor, add that to the price and a pretty poor affair...... The deserts Pineapple tarte Tatin and Apple caramel with profiteroles though were very good, so at least we ended on a high. The atmosphere was great, the view also but we came for food too, and this, for OXO and its reputation, was pretty dire. If you cant do vegetarian dishes - DON'T - certainly not recommended on this basis. Helpful? Ismat J. Amin,Restaurant Critic Featured Although not this restaurant but of this group formerly,Zinc Bar and Grill on Heddon Street, now known as Piccolini,s, I believe the decor hasn't changed ,still strikingly of blues and zincs giving it a contemporary and stylish feel to the place. Great for a eating at lunchtime rather than a sophisticated three course evening meal.

Also great for parties and pre- dinner cocktails as it specialises in cocktails as the 'Lurve Hurts'. The wine list is also impressive with Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc,Merlot and the very expensive Dom Perignon champagne. The meals however are snacks and could serve very well as starters with lovely warm grilled tamato salads though spoiled by bland Pumpkin Veloute. For an ex- Conran restaurant, this place is more famous for the owner than the menu. I don't believe the change in name has done this bar/restaurant any credit. Helpful? Chris Perrin Featured I went here for my Birthday treat. The service was very poor. There was lots of staff however they all seemed to be rushing about doing very little and were very inattentive. I had to wait 10 minutes for a glass of water from asking. If you sit inside it is very noisy and there isn't a very good ambiance, fortunately we managed to get moved outside which was a lot more pleasant. Now for the food. We had the chateaubriand which to be honest was probably the worst I have had in any restaurant. One couple who had it actually sent it back and had something else.

The meat wasn't cooked to medium rare very well and came out cold. The meat was also very very fatty which is not usual for this cut of meat. Drinks The 2 wines I wanted off their list were not available and also their half bottle or single glass wines were limited. For example i prefer a Chilean or Argentinian wine with red meat but neither were an option. They command a high price for the views but even sitting outside its hard to see (unless you get placed on a table right on the edge). Very disappointed overall and wont be returning. Helpful? Cate Featured I really don't get some of the reviews for Oxo - what are your expectations that you would come to Oxo and leave disappointed? Had dinner at the Brasserie last night with a friend. Duck egg starter was perfectly cooked with a still runny centre and crisp coating, the beetroot was delicious according to my friend. The Cod main was beautiful and again, perfectly cooked with a nice firm texture, the accompanying smudge of puree and baby octopus salsa although they looked small were just the right amount and complimented the fish really really well. Gorgonzola tortelloni parcels were incredible, so smooth and sweet.

Chestnut ice cream was amazing, as was the pistachio pannacotta. The service was good, the staff were all charming without being over the top, we were left at our table and not hurried, they filled our glasses. Again, I don't see what more you could want from a very well known central London restaurant, but I left very satisfied and would recommend it highly. And I haven't even mentioned the view.... Helpful? Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells Featured I don't often review restaurants, but this one is so bad that I think it's important to warn people. The Oxo Tower Restaurant has pleasant views over the Thames and across London, but that's where the niceness stops. The food is bad, the waiting staff are quite uniquely unpleasant, the decor is naff and the prices are just stupid. My fillet steak was grey and overcooked, and the accompaniment was confused and poorly made. The fish was oversalted, served with stodgy risotto and some nothingy little patch of damp spinach. We were seen to by several different waiters, none of whom were particularly warm and all of whom seemed intent on selling us things we hadn't asked for.

The sommelier actually raised his eyebrows in surprise when we said we weren't drinking and the man who took our order asked us twice whether we wanted a £4.50 side of French beans. When we'd said no twice, he asked "are you sure?". The decor, as previously mentioned, is naff. Blue neon, like a bad club in a provincial town, dominates the bar, ceiling and even the little mobile ice bucket on wheels. The ceiling is a sort of slatted Venetian blind affair, through which chickenwire and ducts are visible. You can only see the beautiful views if you're on the balcony - the interior is crammed with as many tables as physically possible, so most people don't experience the view. And the prices? Food starts at £30 for a main, £20 for a starter. I'm no stranger to the quality establishments and faine daining available within a ten minute taxi ride of the Oxo Tower - this doesn't even come close, yet they're asking two Michelin star prices. You'd be better off taking a cab to Le Gavroche, or the Ledbury, or Marcus Wareing, or Hibiscus.

Frankly, you'd even have more joy at the crepe place around the corner or the little pizzeria on the waterfront. London has some fantastic restaurants on offer, some of which are expensive - this isn't one of them. This is a nasty little place with bad food and rude waiters. I know this is a bit of an essay but it's actually hard to overstate how dreadful this restaurant is. Avoid. Helpful? Tom Featured I have had dinner at OxO about six times in the last year. Aside from the lounge music in the Brasserie, the restaurant always satisfied. The wine list (from the restaurant side) is also solid, and they will gladly serve it in the Brasserie. Tonight, we were seated next to the piano in the Brasserie and couldn't bear it. it was either the proximity, or it was unusually awful. We went for our coats but were encouraged to have dinner on the restaurant side. We were told we would be seated in 15 minutes. we waited an hour without being seated. Why do restaurants do this? We would have been happy to leave and dine elsewhere this evening, and we would have returned another night. As it turned it, we left annoyed and will NEVER return.

Helpful? Neill Featured We had an excellent evening. A menu with an interesting selection, something to appeal to everyone. The food was truly delicious, all of my party (some of whom are not easy to please) were in agreement, cooked to perfection. Really good wine list - if a little pricey - the two we chose with the help of the somelier were superb. The service was just as it should be, friendly but not obtrusive, attentive but not over-attentive. Nice little attentions to detail like presenting my wife with Happy Birthday dessert with a candle (the staff had discerned themselves that this was the occasion). Plus a lovely ambience and spectacular views. Really, nothing about this experience that we could fault. Helpful? val Featured I usually never rate restaurants, but this time I just have to: the worst place I've been so far in London. Lets start with the nice things about it: great view from the balcony over st pauls and nice, home made bread with salted butter they serve before dining. now the bad things: the food was just awfull.

"duck salad" consists of two tiny slices of tasteless duckbreast, 4 rocket leaves and a strange whishy-washy sauce (around 25 gbp) and the scallops dish was just a joke (two old, stinky scallops with two tiny "risotto-balls" that don't even deserve the name "rice"..around 30 gbp).. then the main dishes: I had venison. Ordered it "rare", received it overcooked and the taste was beyond words: it tasted like gall. place was totally understaffed plus they were rude (apart from the freindly eritrianian lady at the bar). Don't go! Helpful? Dev Featured We went to the Oxo Tower for our second anniversary about 10 days ago. The service was really good and the food was scrumptious. I was very impressed with the service...until I realised (when I got home!) that I had been overcharged by £15. Embarrassingly, I rang up and mentioned the error. I received an apology and a promise that the matter would be sorted with urgency.

It has been over a week since I rang - and I have called again since but to no avail. No-one seems to acknowledge the owed money, I receive an apology from new people that seem to answer, but I have no refunded money. I'm left with a sour taste in my mouth Helpful? Oxo Tower Gallery on the Southbank hosts Americans in London exhibition Oxo Tower Gallery on the Southbank hosts Americans in London exhibition A celebration of five exciting American artists at a vibrant, landmark venue – gallery@oxo – on the cultural banks of the River Thames. Sophisticated art lovers and those just looking for something a little different can feel the joy of life itself, as absorbing colour and charisma invigorate the air of gallery@oxo on the Southbank open from 20th-24th July. The five artists – David Harry, Michael Katz, Chris Reichenbaum, Tiril and William Braemer – are represented both by Art Fusion Galleries in Miami, USA and Abba Gallery in Europe.

William Braemer, artist and Director of the successful Miami gallery, ArtFusionGalleries and Vito Abba, curator of the show “Americans in London”, have worked together for a number of years and the stimulating idea of bringing ‘Americans to London’ appealed to their sense of enterprise. As curator Vito Abba recounts “When I was in Miami last December for Art Basel week and William suggested the idea of an exhibition in London for a particular group of American artists, I accepted this stimulating proposition without ado”. Vito Abba continues “who will have the opportunity to visit this beautiful exhibition will see, emerging from the diversity and originality of the artists, a fil rouge, a constant reference, a common denominator: American Abstract Expressionism, with its European roots. The title of the exhibition, ‘Americans in London’, underlines the influence of the movement that gained a lot of space on the large walls of American museums and proudly stole the limelight from Paris”. David Harry – Sapphire Michael Katz – Blast from the past Chris Reichenbaum – Eyes Open Tiril’s paintings – highly personal and almost transcendent in her use of colour – reveal aspects of Robert Motherwell and Franz Kline in the heavy black brushstrokes, sometimes with scratches.

Tiril then adds a surprising green or a spiritual, gold streak, that reminds one of Byzantine mosaics. The use of colour is also dominant in David Harry’s art where one sees notes of Sam Francis, David preferring ‘anti-action painting’, with his large precise brushstrokes that infuse movement and depth into the large canvases. William’s paintings offer Rothko-like colours, warmed by the sun of Miami, with a nod to the Impressionists whilst clearly looking to his American abstract expressionist predecessors. In his sculptures we find forms worthy of 4th century B. C. Athens combined with flashes of Dadaism and Nouveau Réalisme. Dadaism, that paved the way for abstract expressionism, can also be seen in the work by Michael Katz. Here the medium is different: he uses photography and digital art but the connection to abstract expressionism is in its very roots: Surrealism and Dadaism. In the ephemeral images in Michael’s work, we see a direct reference to Paul Citroen and Raoul Hausmann, taking us back to the early photo collages.

Once again, we find a reference to abstract expressionism – this time in the art of Adolph Gottlieb and William Baziotes – in the chromatic choices and shapes in the paintings by Chris Reichenbaum. Her artistic production has a notably American matrix, with a clearly abstract expressionism formation. In short – visitors can revel in a potent combination of vision and genius, literally stepping into each artwork to feel the vibe for themselves. All five artists will be in London prior to the opening reception, so please contact Vito Abba at Abba Gallery or Cristina Muniz for any press inquiries or to arrange an appointment with the artists or curator. William Braemer & Art Fusion Galleries Located in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood Art District this “Chelsea” style 8,000 square foot gallery is representing artists from around the globe. Art Fusion Galleries opened its doors in 2003 and a year later the second and largest gallery opened and it is still growing. William Braemer is the director of Art Fusion Galleries.

Vito Abba & Abba Gallery For many years the team at Abba Gallery, based in Florence Italy and headed by owner Vito Abba, has organised and curated successful collective and solo shows of contemporary artists of international fame in many cities worldwide, including Paris, London, Madrid, Shanghai, Venice, Monte-Carlo. Since 2014, Abba Gallery has a permanent exhibition space within the Art Fusion Galleries in Miami. gallery@oxo is situated on the Riverside Walkway at the heart of one of the richest cultural areas of London, between the London Eye, The Hayward Gallery and Tate Modern. Oxo Tower Wharf is a landmark building on London’s South Bank. Address: Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH Exhibition dates and times: Was The Oxo Tower Really An Oxo Factory? | Londonist Was The Oxo Tower Really An Oxo Factory? By M@ Last edited 6 months ago M@ Was The Oxo Tower Really An Oxo Factory? The Oxo tower complex opened to the public 20 years ago this year.

It is many things to many people: a good restaurant for dates, a swanky bar with a view, a leading example of cooperative housing or a place to browse galleries and craft shops. To some, it's the hug-kiss-hug building. To others, taking one's partner up the Oxo Tower has an altogether saucier meaning. But why is it called Oxo Tower Wharf, and what's with that distinctive tower? We climbed to the very top, to find out. The tower is accessed from a hidden, locked door near the kitchens of the restaurant. It contains a series of concrete floors connected by spiral staircases. The tower is as tall as the building it sits upon — an eight-storey climb to the pinnacle. It is otherwise empty, and has the character of a film set — a brutalist Batcave, or the entrance to Torchwood. The space is rarely open to anyone except maintenance workers, so if you're going to conquer the Oxo tower you need to watch your step and have a head for heights. The staircases get increasingly slender as we rise. You might not have noticed it, but the building tapers for its final 'O' (see top photo).

The final floor leads out onto a viewing gallery, offering gorgeous panoramas north, south and west. The view to the east is blocked by the Sea Containers building, but the City skyline refuses to be hidden. The roof garden of the recently refurbished Sea Containers building, with the City skyline behind. The tower is crowned with a copper bauble. Behind, the recently stretched South Bank Tower rises still higher into Southwark skies. Our guide now recounts the building's fascinating history. Oxo Tower Wharf was originally built at the end of the 19th century as a power station for Royal Mail. A couple of decades later, it was acquired by the Liebig Extract of Meat Company , makers of Oxo stock. Yes, the great O-X-O running down the side of the tower really is related to the meaty cubes. The company largely rebuilt the wharf, adding the distinctive tower as a landmark in 1929. Now here's the fun bit. The company originally applied to decorate the tower with illuminated signs spelling out Oxo. Its planning application was turned down, thanks to a ban on advertising along the South Bank. Instead, the three letters were incorporated into the structure of the building.

This was architecture, not advertising, and it allowed the company to circumvent the rules. That, at least, is the story, reaffirmed by a representative of Coin Street Community Builders , who now own the tower. Even so, we've never been able to find any paperwork to confirm the story. There may be some truth to the tale, but take it with a pinch of salt — or stock. Photos just a few years later show the building with additional advertising. The tower complex in 1935. Note the additional OXO signage. Courtesy of Coin Street. The colourful history continued. In December 1945, one of the more peculiar armed robberies in London's history took place at the factory, then called Stamford Wharf. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of The British Library Board. Presumably, the birds would have fetched a handsome price on the Christmas black market, with rationing still in place. Today, the tower complex is no turkey. It remains a popular destination with diners, drinkers and shoppers. It's also home to 78 flats in a cooperative, low-rent housing scheme — just one part of the 13 acres owned and developed (mostly as housing) by Coin Street.

Looking down on oblivious customers in the OXO bar. Sadly, the tower isn't open to public tours, but you can get a hint of the views by visiting the eighth-floor bar or restaurant at any time. Oxo and turkey are both absent from the menu. The complex during its refurb in the early 1990s, courtesy of Coin Street. Americans in London: Inspiring Contemporary Art Exhibition at gallery@oxo on the Southbank Americans in London: Inspiring Contemporary Art Exhibition at gallery@oxo on the Southbank Share Article Americans in London isn't just an exhibition – it's an ode to Abstract Expressionism Past News Releases Art and Science: The Absolute... London, UK (PRWEB) July 15, 2016 A celebration of five exciting American artists at a vibrant, landmark venue - gallery@oxo - on the cultural banks of the River Thames. Sophisticated art lovers and those just looking for something a little different can feel the joy of life itself, as absorbing colour and charisma invigorate the air of gallery@oxo on the Southbank open from 20th-24th July.

The five artists - David Harry, Michael Katz, Chris Reichenbaum, Tiril and William Braemer - are represented both by Art Fusion Galleries in Miami, USA and Abba Gallery in Europe. William Braemer, artist and Director of the successful Miami gallery, ArtFusionGalleries and Vito Abba, curator of the show “Americans in London”, have worked together for a number of years and the stimulating idea of bringing ‘Americans to London’ appealed to their sense of enterprise. As curator Vito Abba recounts “When I was in Miami last December for Art Basel week and William suggested the idea of an exhibition in London for a particular group of American artists, I accepted this stimulating proposition without ado”. Vito Abba continues “who will have the opportunity to visit this beautiful exhibition will see, emerging from the diversity and originality of the artists, a fil rouge, a constant reference, a common denominator: American Abstract Expressionism, with its European roots. The title of the exhibition, 'Americans in London', underlines the influence of the movement that gained a lot of space on the large walls of American museums and proudly stole the limelight from Paris”.

Tiril’s paintings - highly personal and almost transcendent in her use of colour - reveal aspects of Robert Motherwell and Franz Kline in the heavy black brushstrokes, sometimes with scratches. Tiril then adds a surprising green or a spiritual, gold streak, that reminds one of Byzantine mosaics. The use of colour is also dominant in David Harry’s art where one sees notes of Sam Francis, David preferring 'anti-action painting', with his large precise brushstrokes that infuse movement and depth into the large canvases. William’s paintings offer Rothko-like colours, warmed by the sun of Miami, with a nod to the Impressionists whilst clearly looking to his American abstract expressionist predecessors. In his sculptures we find forms worthy of 4th century B. C. Athens combined with flashes of Dadaism and Nouveau Réalisme. Dadaism, that paved the way for abstract expressionism, can also be seen in the work by Michael Katz. Here the medium is different: he uses photography and digital art but the connection to abstract expressionism is in its very roots: Surrealism and Dadaism.

In the ephemeral images in Michael’s work, we see a direct reference to Paul Citroen and Raoul Hausmann, taking us back to the early photo collages. Once again, we find a reference to abstract expressionism - this time in the art of Adolph Gottlieb and William Baziotes - in the chromatic choices and shapes in the paintings by Chris Reichenbaum. Her artistic production has a notably American matrix, with a clearly abstract expressionism formation. In short – visitors can revel in a potent combination of vision and genius, literally stepping into each artwork to feel the vibe for themselves. All five artists will be in London prior to the opening reception, so please contact Vito Abba at Abba Gallery or Cristina Muniz for any press inquiries or to arrange an appointment with the artists or curator. William Braemer & Art Fusion Galleries Located in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood Art District this “Chelsea” style 8,000 square foot gallery is representing artists from around the globe. Art Fusion Galleries opened its doors in 2003 and a year later the second and largest gallery opened and it is still growing. William Braemer is the director of Art Fusion Galleries.

Vito Abba & Abba Gallery For many years the team at Abba Gallery, based in Florence Italy and headed by owner Vito Abba, has organised and curated successful collective and solo shows of contemporary artists of international fame in many cities worldwide, including Paris, London, Madrid, Shanghai, Venice, Monte-Carlo. Since 2014, Abba Gallery has a permanent exhibition space within the Art Fusion Galleries in Miami. gallery@oxo is situated on the Riverside Walkway at the heart of one of the richest cultural areas of London, between the London Eye, The Hayward Gallery and Tate Modern. Oxo Tower Wharf is a landmark building on London’s South Bank. Address: Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH Exhibition dates and times: The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie SOCIAL Harvey Nichols chose the South Bank as the spectacular location for its first standalone restaurant. The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie opened in September 1996.

The OXO Tower Wharf, originally built as a power station for the GPO, has housed many businesses over the years, but most notably was home to the OXO cube in the 1930s. The landmark tower, which ‘subtly’ advertised the product in its art deco windows, was built to avoid an advertising ban imposed by the LCC. Occupying 12,500 feet, the OXO Tower Restaurant Bar and Brasserie is situated on the eighth floor of the OXO Tower. The central tower acts as a natural focus dividing the space into two equal halves. To the East lies the Restaurant and to the West the Bar and Brasserie. Both spaces are linked by a spectacular 250-foot garden terrace which offers some of the most breath-taking views of London. The OXO Tower Restaurant Bar & Brasserie was designed by award-winning architects Lifschutz Davidson. The design incorporates sleek, natural materials but remains influenced by the art deco style of the building and by the presence of the Thames. X

Question: The OXO Tower is a landmark in which European city?
Answer: London