Ian Howard’s career started at a variety of members’ clubs including the Savoy under Anton Edelmann and the Cumberland and W1 Brassiere under Gary Rhodes. Ian then went on to become the Head Chef of the Woodlands Park Hotel in Cobham, Surrey – which explains Ian’s flair for creating dishes using fresh and in-season produce.

Ian’s ability for producing sustainable dishes has contributed towards top London restaurant Babylon achieving a three-star rating with the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) over two consecutive years, and winning ‘Most Sustainable Business’ at the 2013 SRA Awards.

When did you start working with The Roof Gardens and what has kept you here since then?

I have been at Babylon, The Roof Gardens for 5 years.  In that time there has been a big growth in the restaurant industry which has opened up opportunities for creativity. I have been able to implement different concepts such as transforming our terrace into a seafood bar during the summer months and hot baked cheese bar in the winter months, allowing guests to dine alfresco all year round. Being able to implement new ideas and seeing them succeed keeps you engaged and makes you want to stay. There is always something new to try!

5 words that describe the Roof Gardens? 

Spectacular, mouth-watering, glamorous, exciting, fun

What is your advice to a first time visitor to London? 

London has such a big variety of top restaurants so try as many as you can afford.

Your favourite dish at Babylon? 

Sautéed scallops with cauliflower, truffled milk foam, golden raisins and coriander.

What’s new and happening at the Roof Gardens as we speak in 2014 and 2015?

From the 15th October we will be opening our Winter Terrace for the colder months of the year, where guests can cosy up and enjoy an assortment of delicious cheeses and freshly baked breads, garnished with nuts,dried fruits and preserves to complement their flavours. 

Also available is a selection of finely chosen wines to accompany the range of cheeses. To ensure guests stay warm, our skilled bar team have created some delicious hot cocktails including Black Magic, a rich, spicy, Christmas cakey hot beverage made with Calvados, Cassis Dijon, honey and apple juice and black walnut bitters - a great match with baked cheese. 

We even provide blankets and hot water bottles! Look out next year for the return of Proms on the Roof and an array of special events!

To book your table visit the Roof Gardens!

To find out more about the Roof Gardens please click here.