We’re being spoilt rotten with a slew of new restaurants at the moment, so we’ve cut through the noise to find the only six that matter…
Words Hannah Hopkins
Bonnie Gull
If you like your seafood a bit more interesting than your bog standard cod and chips, then you cannot miss Bonnie Gull’s latest Seafood Shack in Soho. With standout dishes like squid toast with ink aioli and ember-cooked mussels on the menu and cool drinks like the Bonnie Mary (which comes topped with a fresh oyster), it’s the ideal place to sample modern takes on classic dishes. Best get there early though, there are only 23 covers, so you can expect some queues.
Casita Andina
Our favourite new hidden spot is Casita Andina – another total winner from Martin Morales of Ceviche and Andina fame. Traditional Peruvian recipes and culinary techniques headline at the informal canteen and pisco bar, which has a carefully crafted menu of sharing plates that will make your tastebuds go pop. Even better, it’s very reasonably priced, leaving you change left over for a Pisco sour or two.
Ember London
Based on the lane where the Great Fire of London started, the aptly-named Ember has been designed to perfection by Ross McNally, founder of Scarinish Studio. Glowing copper, charcoal metal, warm woods and shining candles come together to create an Instagram-worthy hotspot, which also boasts a delicious pan-Asian menu. Camera at the ready.
Tandoor Chop House
Hearty comfort food is the order of the day at Tandoor Chop House – a meeting of a North Indian communal eatery and a classic British chop house. To this end you’ll find tandoor ovens, Indian spices and marinades inside, along with a menu of select prime cuts of meat, and a buzzing atmosphere. We’re already dreaming about the Dexter ‘dripping’ keema naan with green chilli and yoghurt and the Masala boti rubbed ribeye.
The Kitty Hawk
Described as a ‘department of dining’, The Kitty Hawk is hub of bespoke dining experiences all under one roof. With no less than five ‘departments’ the social hub caters for everything from early morning coffees and breakfasts to confessions over evening cocktails. We love the decor, a heady blend of London cool and New York glamour – think polished concrete, exposed iron and tiled interiors.
28-50
Just when we thought bottomless brunch couldn’t get any better, 28-50 have gone and launched one with flutes of Irroy Champagne by Taittinger. Named after the latitudes within which most of the world’s vineyards are located, 28-50 have already proved they know their stuff when it comes to tipples and their brunch menu certainly matches it. We recommend the southern-style barbecue pulled pork sandwiches with red cabbage slaw, cheddar cheese and gherkin and the Cornish cod with black rice, all enjoyed with several flutes of bubbles.
