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Enormously popular with both Londoner's and tourists alike the Saatchi Gallery continues to provide an innovative forum for contemporary art, presenting work by largely unseen young artists or by established international artists whose work has been rarely or never exhibited in the UK.The audience for exhibitions of contemporary art has increased widely during the last ten years as general awareness and interest in contemporary art has developed in Britain.

When The Saatchi Gallery first opened eighteen years ago it was only those people who had a dedicated interest in contemporary art who sought out The Saatchi Gallery to see innovative work by new artists. The audience however built steadily over the years, with overall attendance reaching over two million visitors. Over 750 schools and colleges from the UK and overseas have organized student visits.

 
The Saatchi Gallery took 40,000 sq.ft. at County Hall in spring 2003 and transformed the former GLC headquarters into a museum for new art, to open Spring 2003.

County Hall was selected for the new Gallery because of its prominence on the South Bank, which is an increasingly important centre for culture and entertainment in the capital. The Saatchi Gallery also believes that new British art is the most exciting in the world and needs a dedicated showcase.

Covent Garden Grill
Covent Garden Grill (as the name suggests) is in London's Covent Garden and less than 10 minutes stroll from the Saatchi Gallery. Intimate yet bright, the grill is popular with both locals and tourists without ever becoming oppressively packed. The ground floor is divided up into sumptuous leather upholstered booths, hilst downstairs the ambience is slightly calmer with plenty of room and a feeling of exclusivity. Apart from the extremely tempting menu choices there is an excellent wine list (sensibly priced) obviously selected by someone with knowledge. The list of beers and lagers is equally interesting, there are about two dozen to choose from.

A choice of either starter and maincourse or maincourse and pudding from their excellent table d'hote menu is included along with coffee or tea. Your reservation can be made at any time between 12noon and 4pm.

Your Saatchi Gallery tickets are collected from Covent Garden Grill either on the day or in advance if that is more convenient.

*** Not recommended for children