Edible bowls, burgers and our favourite Thai barbecue; these are the new restaurants we can’t wait for this season…
Words Helen Brown
ICHIBUNS
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Ichibuns offers luxury fast food in an eclectic Tokyo rock and roll styled interior. The menu includes a selection of must-try dishes inspired by Japan’s food capital, Hokkaido. Signature dishes include the Ichiban wagyu burger; ramen, and melt-in-your-mouth CocoWhip soft serve.
HOPPERS ST CHRISTOPHER’S PLACE
Everyone’s favourite Sri Lankan restaurant is skipping into St Christopher’s Place this September. The Hoppers here will boast a larger space than its Soho sibling and sport interiors by Katy Manolescue of Article Design Studio. The menu will centre around Hoppers’ namesake dish, a bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, and the dosa, made from a fermented batter of ground rice and lentils. These will be served alongside a selection of new karis to include Lamb Shank, Aubergine, Crab, Cauliflower and Prawn.
AULIS
Award-winning restaurateur Simon Rogan is famous for his highly complicated, beautifully crafted dishes and his two Michelin-starred L’Enclume. This autumn sees him return to the capital with quite possibly London’s smallest restaurant. Aulis London will be a culinary workshop by day and a spectacular dining experience by night. The clandestine kitchen will be found in the heart of London via its unassuming doors. It will serve eight people at a time for the ultimate personal dining experience.
Email: [email protected] to make a reservation.
PASTAIO
You’ll know Steve Parle from Dock Kitchen, Rotorino and Palatino, amongst others. He cut his teeth in some of the world’s finest restaurants, including the River Café where he learnt the art of true pasta making. Pastaio translates simply as one who makes pasta by hand. It will combine striking interiors, art and eclectic music with comforting plates of pasta.
SMOKING GOAT SHOREDITCH
Smoking Goat’s little kid is setting up shop in Shoreditch. The second site looks to be smaller with an emphasis on the bar. Three or four of the signature Thai barbecue belters will be available at a time on the daily changing menu. On the drinks menu is beer, wine and cocktails that borrow flavours from the food.
CLAW CARNABY
After two years of trading at street level, Claw will be making its mark in bricks and mortar. Claw Carnaby will open in mid-Autumn in the heart of Soho with an all-day dining offering of breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is a homage to the best of coastal Britain, with most dishes celebrating at least one element from our shores.
