By Jonathan Hatchman, Food Editor, @TLE_Food
With plenty of exciting restaurant openings constantly taking place across the Capital, here’s our pick of the best new restaurants and bars arriving in London over the coming month.
The Ivy – Covent Garden
Iconic celebrity favourite – The Ivy is set to reopen this month, following a five-month closure for renovation. This re-work ties in with the 100th anniversary of the restaurant and internally we can expect quite a bit of change. Everything apart from the famous stained glass windows have been renewed, with the likes of previous artwork, cutlery, glassware and linens having been auctioned at Sotheby’s, with all of the proceeds from the sale (which amounts to more than a flabbergasting million pounds) going towards the charity Child Bereavement UK. What’s more, the stained glass windows now have a mirrored effect, there’s a new “dining bar” and some new artworks from the likes of Damien Hirst and Ian Davenport.
As for the kitchen, Executive Chef Gary Lee has designed a brand new menu that comprises some Ivy classics, which will be joined by a selection of internationally influenced modern dishes. Expect the likes of Yellowtail Tuna sashimi, Togarashi popcorn rock Shrimp, Bang Bang Chicken, as well as the venue’s classic Shepherd’s Pie, The Ivy Hamburger, and a Steak menu that features daily cuts.
The Ivy is set to re-open on June 1st and can be found at 1-5 West Street, London, WC2H 9NQ
Kricket – Brixton
With a local food community that’s already thriving, a brand new space that’s focussed on supporting local enterprise – Pop Brixton – opened its doors at the weekend. And situated just a stone’s throw from Brixton station, Pop Brixton is set to project a spotlight on some of the community’s most exciting food and drink startups. One of the institute’s featured dining establishments is Kricket, an Indian restaurant that specialises in tasty small plates that fuse British seasonal ingredients with authentic Indian recipes and spices, all courtesy of chef Will Bowlby, having learnt his trade in Mumbai before moving to London’s Cinnamon Kitchen. A unique “kick-off” menu has already been shared and it features the likes of Bhel Puri (raw Mango, Sev, Tamarind and Yogurt), Kerelan Fried Chicken (£6) and Vindaloo Bavette with Coriander, Cassava Chips and burnt Onion (£8). A number of cocktails and delicious non-alcoholic drinks will also be on offer.
Kricket is set to open on June 3rd and can be found at Pop Brixton, 53 Station Road, SW9 8PQ
The Marksman – Hackney
Next in line for a string of East London pubs that have been revamped and turned into quality restaurants this year, is The Marksman in Hackney. The pub, which is on the entrance to Columbia Road, is set to re-open this month after having been renovated by two St John veterans, Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram. The menu is set to focus on the best of British and is inspired by the history of London. Unsurprisingly, the pub will feature plenty of Beers and Ales, as well as a few Victorian and Edwardian inspired cocktails, meanwhile the downstairs tasting room will offer the likes of cooked Hams, Salt Beef, Pickled Fish, and Mutton Curry, whereas the all day Saturday Brunch and Sunday Lunch menus will include the likes of Suckling Pig and ‘Beer Mustard’, served in soft English Milk Buns.
The Marksman is set to open in June and can be found at 254 Hackney Road, London, E2 7SJ
MEATliquor – Islington
Already operating one of London’s most popular restaurants, just behind Oxford Street, MEATliquor are planning to open their fourth UK restaurant proper in Islington this month. The new outpost will mark the first London opening from co-founders Scott Collins and Yianni Papoutsis since the opening of MEATmission, which will be spread across an old garage space as well as including space for 40 alfresco diners. Expect plenty of colossal protein portions including some of the City’s best burgers and plenty of potent cocktails to accompany.
MEATliquor Islington is set to open in June and can be found at 133b, Upper St, London, N1 1QP
Patty & Bun – London Fields
Speaking of hugely popular Burger Restaurants, Patty & Bun have revealed plans to take over a new premises in London Fields. The new space is primarily intended to serve as a prep kitchen from their two already open restaurants (and their truck), and although the new East London outpost won’t serve as a fully-fledged restaurant, Patty & Bun are planning to use the new space as a neighbourhood Patty & Bun which will serve a selection of menu favourites from its limited menu, as well as some occasional specials.
Patty & Bun is set to open in June and can be found at 397 Mentmore Terrace, London, E8 3PH
Social Wine and Tapas – Marylebone
Massively acclaimed chef Jason Atherton is set to open two restaurants in London this year, the first of which features that ‘S’ word (unsurprisingly) and will be located in Marylebone. Social Wine and Tapas is set to allow the Sommelier to take the spotlight, with all front of house employees set to have an expert knowledge of Wines. Featuring a ground floor Wine Shop and Tapas Bar that seats 30, with a downstairs Restaurant and Wine Bar big enough for 40, set to offer an accessible wine list that champions small growers and plenty of international Wines. As for the food menu, Social Eating House’s Frankie Van Loo has created a modern Tapas style menu with dishes made from the best of British produce.
Social Wine and Tapas is set to open on June 9th and can be found at 39 James Street, London, W1U 1EB