Alex Dilling, the British chef behind London’s two Michelin starred restaurant at Hotel Café Royal, is bringing his mastery of fine dining to Searcys with a new menu that reflects his signature style. The collaboration marks the launch of ASCEND – by Alex Dilling at Horizon 22. This is Horizon 22’s first-ever partnership with a Michelin-starred chef which will run for 12 months, with the potential to extend.
Alex’s Michelin-starred approach has shaped the menu, with a carefully crafted selection of canapés, bowl food and fine dining dishes. Highlights range from lobster brioche with charred lemon and basil, and buttermilk fried chicken with Stilton crème fraîche and celery, to olive oil–poached cod with fregola sarda and shellfish, and beef cheek bourguignon with pomme purée and smoked Alsace bacon. Alex Dilling’s refined approach to cuisine aligns seamlessly with Searcys’ heritage and expertise, making Horizon 22 the perfect setting.
Located on Level 58 of the City of London’s tallest building, 22 Bishopsgate, Horizon 22 is Europe’s highest free public viewing and events gallery and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city. With a capacity of up to 280 seated guests or 500 standing, Horizon 22 is an exceptional venue for events and gatherings. The space can host a wide variety of events, from standing receptions and seated dinners. In its first full year, the venue has hosted a record number of events, including award ceremonies, product launches, gala dinners, and receptions for brands such as Intact, VodafoneThree, and Under Armour, as well as unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations.
ASCEND by Alex Dilling is entirely bespoke, offering the freedom to create a private, exclusive experience on your own terms. With Horizon 22 as a blank canvas, each event is shaped by personalised menus, exceptional wines and thoughtful details, from co-branded caviar tins to tailored service. Supported by an expert team of event specialists, every experience is designed to feel effortless, indulgent and unmistakably personal, exceptional food, in a memorable setting.
Alex Dilling commented ““The challenge was translating the discipline of a two-Michelin-star kitchen into an events environment where consistency, speed and replication matter just as much as flavour. Every dish has been designed to perform operationally, holding well in service, delivering clarity of flavour at scale and allowing teams to execute with confidence, without compromising on ingredient quality or technique.”
Alex grew up between London, England and the US. He has worked alongside some of the finest chefs in the world. Alex uses classical French references to create modern dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients. Alex returned to the UK in September 2022 to open his eponymous restaurant at Hotel Café Royal, which was awarded two Michelin stars within months of opening.
