ZSL London Zoo has invested £4.6m to create its new The Terrace Restaurant, an integral element in the restoration of the Zoo’s historic Regent’s Building.

It features a 40ft ceiling spanning the dining area and is overlooked by a mezzanine level that leads onto an upper terrace deck designed to afford views across the zoo.

The new restaurant marries architectural sensitivity with culinary scale – the overall seating capacity is 700 covers, which makes it one of the UK’s biggest day visitor restaurants.

The menu by Ampersand, part of CH&Co, takes its inspiration from the concept of ‘feeding time at the zoo’ and offers fresh and nutritious meals considered appropriate to the venue.

The kitchen includes a clay pizza oven and an indoor/outdoor barista coffee bar that serves customers either enjoying the sun on the ground floor terrace or relaxing in the main restaurant.

Ampersand won the £22m, five-year contract in June last year and 30 of its staff provide catering services at a venue that attracts 1.1 million visitors every year.

Paul Jackson, managing director of Ampersand said: “We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone in our partnership with ZSL London Zoo.

“Make no mistake, this is one of the globally iconic destinations in London, and its restaurant has had significant investment to make it the envy of other venues. The eyes of the world will be on us, and it’s our job to leave each and every customer satisfied with their experience.

“We promised that we would deliver leading edge, creative ideas and services to enhance visitors’ experiences, and in turn deliver financial return for our client. Now is our chance to show what we can do.”