Book now: a Kengo Kuma rooftop redesign overlooking all of London

The great Kengo Kuma has brought added weight and warmth to the glassy development at the former BBC Television Centre in West London. His redesign of Endo at the Rotunda, an omakase on the eighth-floor rooftop of the circular building, dials back his original scheme to make room for tiered lounge seating along a bank of windows.

The gentle curves and stacked wood steps of the lounge area echo the room’s striated walls as well as the curved wood counter, which seats 10 diners. They also create a dialogue with the existing false ceiling, made from leaves of gauzy, neutral-toned fabric. Together, they work hard to soften the large, airy space and enhance its intimate feel.

The architects used light, tactile wood to recall the small, traditional sushi restaurants seen across Japan, in which the presence of wood adds to the earthy, welcoming sensory experience.

Endo recently reopened after a five-month refurbishment, during which its capacity was reduced by one and its menu edited into an 18-course affair. The restaurant still has one of the city’s best skyline views.