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Created on Wednesday, 15 May 2013 10:00
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Written by Gavin Hanly
Want to have your finger on the pulse of what's new in the London restaurant scene? Enjoy keeping one step ahead of friends and colleagues on where's going to be the next must-try new place to eat?
This is where you'll find constantly updated news and gossip on what gastronomic delights are heading our way as we take you through the best new London restaurants coming to the capital.
Dates are subject to change (and some are "TBC" - if exact dates are waiting to be confirmed) but we update this page on a daily basis, so always check back for the latest info.
Porky's
In a nutshell: BBQ in Camden
Where is it? Chalk Farm Road, Camden Town
Why should you care? Camden Town is getting itself a BBQ joint. Porky's - an all-American smokehouse. The people behind it are husband and wife team Joy and Simon Brigg who also own Fogg's on the same part of the road. Dishes are expected to include dry rub Memphis-style beef ribs, 16-hour-smoked pulled pork, traditional spiced catfish and more. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? May 17
The Five Fields
In a nutshell: All star Chelsea restaurant
Where is it? 8-9 Blacklands Terrace, SW3 2SP
Why should you care? This fine dining restaurant in Chelsea will be run by a team with a very impressive background. The head chef is from Marcus Wareing, the pastry chef and sommelier were both at Tom Aikens and the chef patron/owner was at NYC's two Michelin starred Corton. Expect modern seasonal cooking which will pay "particular attention to Britain’s finest artisanal produce". Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? May 21
The Fish & Chip Shop
In a nutshell: Posy chippie in Islington
Where is it? Upper Street, Islington
Why should you care? This new "posh" fish and chip restaurant is from Des McDonald, ex CEO of Caprice, together with Lee Bull, ex Head Chef of Caprice. They'll be offering a mix of take away and eat in options including a range of butties (including crab and in-house saveloys), lobster rolls and a changing range of seasonal sustainable fish. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? May 27
Pelt Trader
In a nutshell: Craft beer and food in the city
Where is it? Cannon Street, EC2
Why should you care? Little is known about this place yet, possibly from the people behind Bloomsbury Lanes and the Holborn Whippet - other than they're planning to serve a range of craft beer and food.
When can you try it for yourself? Mid May
Galeto
In a nutshell: Brazilian in Soho
Where is it? Dean Street, Soho
Why should you care? Galeto will be serving up Brazilian street food in Soho - more info soon.
When can you try it for yourself? May
Tommi's Burger Joint
In a nutshell: Icelandic burger Joint reborn
Where is it? Boxpark, Shoreditch with Marylebone (Thayer Street) to follow.
Why should you care? The first of Tommi's Burger Joints in London was a short-lived but huge success. Their original (always intended to be temporary) venue has closed, but they'll be opening two more locations. One in Shoreditch's Boxpark, before returning to Marylebone this summer. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? May 2013 (TBC)
Shangri La at the Shard
In a nutshell: Highest rise dining and drinking
Where is it? The Shard, London Bridge Quarter
Why should you care? The Shangri La hotel is taking up 18 of the upper storeys of what is fast becoming London's most famed skyscraper - and is adding a gourmet deli, a cake shop, a destination and a cocktail bar right near the top on the 52nd floor.Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? May 2013
Koya
In a nutshell: Noodle bar expands next door
Where is it? 50 Frith Street, Soho
Why should you care? Ever since it opened, Koya has been a firm favourite in London, selling Japanese Udon noodles that are pretty much unrivalled in London (and great value too). Now they're opening a second bar - only next door! It'll be even more stripped back than Koya, seating only 25. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? May 2013
LeCoq
In a nutshell: Rotisserie in Islington
Where is it? 292-294 St Paul's Road, N1
Why should you care? This new opening in Islington is right next door to the still heaving Trullo, and is billed as a simple neighbourhood rotisserie, offering a weekly changing, two or three course set menu. Starters might be anything from charred whole broad bean pods with dill crème fraiche to jasmine tea-cured char with beetroot remoulad followed by rotisserie free-range chicken with a seasonal side dish like braised fennel or rainbow chard with pancetta. And there'll also be triple-cooked chips too and changing desserts too. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? May/June 2013
VOC Grill
In a nutshell: Punch house adds a grill
Where is it? Varnisher's Yard, King's Cross
Why should you care? This bar from Fluid Movement (who are also behind Purl) is adding a new grill next door, which will speacialise in grilled meats "presented with quirky and unusual combinations". They'll be doing their own VOC burger too. Find out more.
When can you try it for yourself? June 7
Grain Store
In a nutshell: Bruno Loubet in King's Cross
Where is it? Granary Square, King's Cross
Why should you care? This is the second London restaurant from one of Hot Dinners' faves, Bruno Loubet. It's taking pride of place in the newly revamped Granary Square in King's Cross and will be a more informal restaurant than Bistrot Bruno Loubet. Expect a more worldly feel to the menu, plenty of guest chefs and an enormous outside dining area. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? 10 June 2013
Casa Negra
In a nutshell: Sister restaurant to Mexican La Bodega Negra
Where is it? 54-56 Great Eastern Street London, EC2A
Why should you care? This is the sister restaurant to Soho's La Bodega Negra, which will also be designed by NYC's Serge Becker, taking over the former Great Easter Dining Rooms in Shoreditch. This time, the interior is being modeled after a traditional English house in which " some Mexicans moved in and opened a “pop up” restaurant." Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? 2nd week in June
10 Cases Wine Store
In a nutshell: Popular Covent Garden bistro expands
Where is it? Endell Street, Covent Garden
Why should you care? The 10 Cases has been a Covent Garden hit since it opened and is now expanding next door to open a few more cases for selling. Alongside wines which can be taken into the restaurant for a corkage fee, they will serve food all day - a selection of charcuterie, cheeses, pâtés and terrines designed to match with wine as well as a takeaway selection of tartines and salads. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? 18 June 2013
Nanban London
In a nutshell: MasterChef winner goes Japanese
Where is it? Shoreditch
Why should you care? Another MasterChef winner Tim Anderson is looking to open a 60 seater restaurant in Shoreditch. He'll be opening a restaurant focused on southern Japanese food, from a region where Anderson lived for two years. There will be plenty of noodles and dessert will include Japanese cakes and soft serve ice cream in traditional Japanese flavours.
When can you try it for yourself? June 2013
Aqua Hutong at the Shard
In a nutshell: Aqua gets a clearer view of London
Where is it? The Shard, London Bridge Quarter
Why should you care? Aqua already has some enviable terraces at its Oxford Circus location, but this new venture at the Shard will definitely rival the very impressive views from the Hong Kong Aqua, particularly the bar which will be against the glass wall of the three storey Atrium. As well as Aqua (coming later), they're also launching Hutong here - the first European venture of Aqua's sister restaurant. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? June 2013
Happenstance
In a nutshell: Bar and deli overlooking St Paul's
Where is it? One St Paul’s, London EC4M 8AJ
Why should you care? This new bar from Drake and Morgan (behind The Parlour and more) is right next door to St Paul's (with great views of the Cathedral thanks to huge windows) and brings together a bar and deli - and even adds a mixology table in the evenings.Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? June 2013
Notting Hill Kitchen
In a nutshell: Portuguese/Spanish mash-up in Notting Hill
Where is it? 92 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W11 2PN
Why should you care? Luis Baena, a famed Portuguese chef who has worked with Paul Bocuse is taking over the space once occupied by Notting Hill Brasserie and replacing it with Notting Hill Kitchen. The new restaurant will be focus on a mix of seasonal Portuguese and Spanish food, such as pork cheek confit with truffled bread & bacon crumble. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? Mid June
Tom's Kitchen Canary Wharf
In a nutshell: Tom Aikens feeds City boys
Where is it? Units 1 & 2 11 Westferry Circus, London E14
Why should you care? This will be the third location for Tom Aikens' British brasserie (with more planned).The original was launched as an informal counterpart to the Michelin starred Tom Aikens restaurant and this will carry on that theme.
When can you try it for yourself? June
Royal Quarter Café
In a nutshell: Chelsea Cafe moves to Victoria
Where is it? Wellington House, 70 Buckingham Gate
Why should you care? This new restaurant is the Victoria outpost of the Chelsea Quarter Cafe (plus outposts in Fitzrovia and Battersea), taking over a large spot in the recently redeveloped area. Expect a similar menu to the Chelsea equivalent - so cooked breakfasts all day, plenty of pastries and sandwiches for lunch.
When can you try it for yourself? June
Picture
In a nutshell: Ex Arbutus Chef goes solo
Where is it? Wellington House, 70 Buckingham Gate
Why should you care? This "informal" restaurant features former head chefs from both Arbutus and Wild Honey as Alan Christie and Colin Kelly go it alone. It'll be on Great Portland Street (an area always in need of a good restaurant) and divided into a bar area at the front and more traditional dining down the back.
When can you try it for yourself? June
Aqua Shard
In a nutshell: Aqua gets an even clearer view of London
Where is it? The Shard, London Bridge Quarter
Why should you care? This is Aqua's brand new concept for London, with a focus on comtemporary British cuisine from exec chef Anthony Garlando, who has worked with Pierre Gagnaire to create the menu, which combines British ingredients with "Garlando’s innovative international cooking techniques". Expect the cocktails to reflect the British focus too. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? July 2013
Lincoln's Inn Bar and Kitchen
In a nutshell: Benugo takes over the Terrace
Where is it? Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2
Why should you care? This is being opened on the site of the former Terrace restaurant by the Benugo group who also run the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen in Hyde Park and The Riverfront at BFI Southbank. The new all day restaurant will feature a brand new dining room where you can opt for table service or serve yourself - plus there's plenty of outdorrs space for Summer. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? July
Bilbao Barria
In a nutshell: MasterChef winner goes Spanish
Where is it? Lower Regent Street
Why should you care? MasterChef winner Ash Mair is working with this Spanish Pinxtos restaurant to bring the brand to the UK. it will be a mixture of pinxtos (Basque tapas) and more formal dining with Mair hoping to put his own stamp on it too. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? Summer 2013
Five Guys
In a nutshell: US Burger chain starts up here too
Where is it? 1-3 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9AD
Why should you care? Following on from Shake Shack, another hugely popular US chain is starting up here too. The Covent Garden site is just the start - expect a rollout across London and the UK to follow with at least five more venues planned for 2013-2014 (uncluding one in Islington).
When can you try it for yourself? Summer 2013
The Big Easy
In a nutshell: More barbecue
Where is it? 12 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden
Why should you care? The original Big Easy has been a hit on the King's Road and this forms the first part of a rollout for the brand. Expect lobster, barbecue, burgers and loud music.
When can you try it for yourself? Summer 2013
Shake Shack London
In a nutshell: NYC's famous burger comes to London
Where is it? Market Building, Covent Garden
Why should you care? Shake Shack is the famed US burger chain from one of New York's big name chefs, Danny Meyer. The Madison Square Park version is the most famous single burger joint in New York (arguably the world) and is a must-visit for any NYC-headed burger fans. The London outpost will feature the same mix of burgers, hot-dogs, shakes and ice-cream that's made it such a success in the States. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? Mid 2013
28:50
In a nutshell: Latest incarnation of the "wine workshop & kitchen"
Where is it? 5 St James's Street, SW1A
Why should you care? Following successful openings on Fetter Lane and Marylebone, their latest opening will be more in the heart of Mayfair, close to Goodman, Pollen Street, Hibiscus and others. This restaurant will be spread over two floors and offer a similar French bistro menu to the others.
When can you try it for yourself? September 2013
Boulestin
In a nutshell: London fave gets revived
Where is it? 5 St James's Street, SW1A
Why should you care? This popular restaurant closed in 1994 (after opening in 1927) and is now being revived by Joel Kissin - who used to be Terence Conran's partner at Conran restaurants. It will be a luxury French bistro with a separate cafe called Café Marcel, offering "lighter fare".
When can you try it for yourself? September 2013
Chotto Matte
In a nutshell: Kurt Zdesar takes over ex Giraffe spot
Where is it? 11-13 Frith Street, London
Why should you care? The man behind Ping Pong has taken over this large ex-Giraffe site and is allegedly creating a high-end Japanese restaurant here (the name means "please wait a moment" or something similar, apparently). it will be spread across three floors with a restaurant, sushi bar and cocktail bar with a menu by Hiroki Takemura, formerly of Nobu. Expect this to be much more affordable than Nobu though.
When can you try it for yourself? September 2013
Union Street Cafe
In a nutshell: Gordon Ramsay heads south of the river
Where is it? Intersection of Union Street and Great Suffolk Street, SE1
Why should you care? This informal restaurant from Gordon Ramsay will be his first venture with his mate David Beckham, who's apparently a bit of a foodie. It will have a Mediterranean menu in "a large warehouse space". Find out more.
When can you try it for yourself? September 2013
Sticks n Sushi Covent Garden
In a nutshell: Danish Japanese restaurant
Where is it? TBC Covent Garden
Why should you care? Sticks n Sushi was a big hit in Denmark and its first outlet over here - in Wimbledon - was a big hit too. Expect a similar menu of sushi/sashimi/yakitori when they open their second restaurant in Covent Garden. Find out more.
When can you try it for yourself? September 2013
Rosewood Hotel
In a nutshell: Former Chancery Court hotel gets revamped
Where is it? Holborn
Why should you care? Ultra luxe hotel group Rosewood have just announced they’re opening a hotel in London – and the restaurant promises to be something quite spectacular. It'll have a new bar and restaurant redesigned by Martin Brudnizki who worked on 34 and Scott’s for Caprice Holdings as well as Dean Street Townhouse and Hix Soho. Find out more.
When can you try it for yourself? September 2013
Ceviche Shoreditch
In a nutshell: Peruvian goes east
Where is it? Shoreditch, address TBC
Why should you care?The original was a big hit in Soho and soon Martin Morales will be opening a second branch in Shoreditch. The new place will feature both a bigger Ceviche Bar and Pisco Bar and a dedicated BBQ for sizzling anticucho skewers. It will also do take away and entertainment in the form of live music and DJs. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? Autumn 2013
L'Anima Cafe
In a nutshell: Francesco Mazzei adds a caff
Where is it? 1 Snowden Street, EC2A 2DQ
Why should you care? Right next door to the original L'Anima this café will be a more casual affair focusing on quick pizza and pasta for those busy cityfolk and more regional Italian cooking, making good use of their Josper grill.
When can you try it for yourself? Autumn 2013
New Claridges restaurant
In a nutshell: Who will be Gordon's replacement?
Where is it? Claridges Hotel, Mayfair
Why should you care? As Gordon's giving up his restaurant at Claridges on June 30, speculation now grows as to who's in the frame to replace him. We hear that many big names have been in talks with the hotel, but whoever takes over will have one of the openings of the year. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? Late 2013
The Ape and Bird
In a nutshell: Russell Norman becomes publican
Where is it? 124 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2N 4HS
Why should you care? The man behind Polpo is taking over the site of the old Marquis of Granby on Seven Dials - with a new venue due to launch there later in 2013. Interestingly, it's currently being billed as a pub/bar/restaurant and the thought of Norman becoming a publican does sound interesting. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? Late 2013 TBC
Polpetto
In a nutshell: Florence moves house
Where is it? Soho TBC
Why should you care? Polpetto's time in the French House regrettably came to an end in 2012, but Florence Knight is rumoured to be moving to a new home in an, as yet, undisclosed London location. Expect a larger venue with the all-important addition of a bar.
When can you try it for yourself? 2013 TBC
Skye Gyngell London restaurant
In a nutshell: Skye comes back to London
Where is it? TBC
Why should you care? It came as quite a surprise when she left the Michelin starred Petersham Nurseries Café earlier this year, but Skye Gyngell hasn't stayed away for too long. In addition to working as Culinary Director at Heckfield Place in Hampshire, she's planning to open her own restaurant in town which will also be in partnership with Heckfield. All we know so far is that the bulk of it will be for walk-ins only and it will be supplied with produce from Heckfield Place’s estate.
When can you try it for yourself? 2013
Andre Balazs un-named restaurant
In a nutshell: NYC meatpacking glam in Marylebone
Where is it? Chiltern St, Marylebone W1
Why should you care? Andre Balazs, whose hotels The Standard and The Mercer are top destinations for NYC's hippest visitors is due to open a boutique hotel in Marylebone, taking over a disused fire station. The hotel itself won't be a "Standard" but it's yet to be it decided what restaurant will be featured in the hotel, with many hoping for a second outing for his NYC meatpacking district eaterie, The Standard Grill. We'll have to see if the A-list guests make it to Marylebone too.
When can you try it for yourself? Late 2013
La Esquina
In a nutshell: NY Mexican comes to town.
Where is it? TBC
Why should you care? Derek Sanders' La Esquina taqueria and cafe in NYC is a mixture of counter service and cafe, serving Mexican food. Details are thin on the ground for this London opening at the moment, but they have said that Notting Hill is a possibility. The La Esquina salsa will go on sale in the UK in Feb (stockists also TBC).
When can you try it for yourself? 2013 TBC
Sixty London
In a nutshell: New Drake & Morgan City joint
Where is it? Holborn
Why should you care? This is a new gastropub from the people behind the Parlour and the Folly. At Holborn Viaduct, Sixty London will have room for 478 souls. The three-floor bar will also feature a florist, cheese and wine room, deli and kitchen. Find out more.
When can you try it for yourself? TBC 2013
Edition
In a nutshell: Ian Schrager/ Marriott luxury hotel
Where is it? 10 Berners Street, W1
Why should you care? This new hotel will be taking over the site formerly occupied by the Berners Hotel in Fitzrovia. Expect a luxury hotel with a design by Ian Schrager with restaurants to be announced (although a collaboration with Jason Atherton is strongly rumoured).
When can you try it for yourself? 2013
Nobu Shoreditch
In a nutshell: Nobu gets into the hotel business
Where is it? 10-50 Willow Street, EC2
Why should you care? This new development from Nobu will have 143 bedrooms and a massive 5 metre high basement restaurant. The design, by industrial designer turned architect Ron Arad, looks frankly astonishing, with a sort of metal exoskeleton protruding out on one side. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? 2013
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
In a nutshell: Forrest comes to London
Where is it? Trocadero 13 Coventry St, W1
Why should you care? The Forrest Gump inspired seafood chain is a staple in the USA and now it's coming to the Trocadero, the first appearance this side of the Atlantic.
When can you try it for yourself? 2013 TBC
Barrafina Covent Garden
In a nutshell: Tapas expansion
Where is it? 43 Drury Lane, WC2
Why should you care? The Hart Brothers (also behind Quo Vadis and Fino) are opening a second venue of Barrafina, the Soho tapas restaurant. With strong competition from the Opera Tavern around the corner, Barrafina adds another quality restaurant to an area that was once, surprisingly, a culinary wasteland. Find out more
When can you try it for yourself? 2013 TBC
OKKU
In a nutshell: Dubai Japanese restaurant comes to town
Where is it? 16 St James's St, SW1
Why should you care? This popular Japanese restaurant from Dubai is opening its second venue in London. Expect plenty of glitz and modern Japanese food.
When can you try it for yourself? 2013 - date TBC
The Pinnacle
In a nutshell: Skyscraper dining in the city
Where is it? Bishopsgate
Why should you care? Chris Corbin and Jeremy King are rumoured to have taken a lease for a massive 13,000 square feet restaurant and cocktail bar on levels 58-93 of this new city tower, but we understand Corbin and King's involvement is, as yet, unconfirmed.
When can you try it for yourself? TBC - building on hold
And there's more...
Other upcoming London restaurant openings and rumours
- Goodman restaurants are planning to open a new restaurant at One Chapel Place - this will be a new "premium concept" with a cigar courtyard.
- Jason Atherton is in talks to take over the restaurant at Tower 42 (inside the Nat West building) and also plans to open in another London hotel in the next year.
- Alan Yau is taking over the site of Automat to build Park Chinois (which used to be in the Gramercy Hotel in New York).
- Trishna are looking to expand, possibly intio Soho
- A new Terroirs is rumoured to be taking over the Green and Blue on Lordship Lane.
- Pizza Pilgrims are will be opening a restaurant on Dean Street - we'll have much more news about this soon..
- Vinoteca are rumoured to be opening in Chiswick.
- Jamie Oliver is opening a new chain, The Dog House and Diner on Shaftesbury Avenue.
- Ollie Dabbous has said he's looking to announce a second venue soon.
- The first venue isn't even open yet, but it's rumoured that there will be a second Shake Shack soon after.
- Richard Caring's next venture will be a "quality, fast, casual, counter service grill restaurant" called Grillshack.
- Chris Evans has told the Mail he dreams of taking over Langan's, and is going so far to have meetings about it.
- The second Chicken Shop might be below the original Pizza East in Shoreditch.
- Burger and Lobster is rumoured to be heading to Canary Wharf next.
- Russell Norman is rumoured to be opening a big pizza place in Soho in 2013/2014
- Ferran Adria is planning to open a cocktail bar in London, probably 14 Degrees (based on the Barcelona version)
- Thomas Keller is rumoured to be bringing a restaurant to London, probably his American restaurant Bouchon.
- Restaurant consultancy Truffle Hunting will be opening its first restaurant on Goodge Street.
- Another version of MEATLiquor/Mission is allegedly planned for Brighton.
- Atul Kochhar may be looking at London to revive Vatika (formerly in Hampshire).
- Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield, of the Spotted Pig in NYC, are allegedly looking to open in London at some point in 2013. An Ace Hotel is planned in Shoreditch, and as Bloomfield is attached to NYC's ACE, the smart money is on them being part of that.
- Marlon Abela has plans to open two new restaurants in London - one of them a British outpost for his Manhattan spot A Voce.
- The Sahara Hotels group have just bought Grosvenor House and are planning to bring their Mumbai restaurant Namak over to London.
- Gordon Ramsay is rumoured to be launching his "Fat Cow" brand in the UK.
- A Mondrian hotel will open on the South Bank in 2014 and will include a restaurant and both a ground-floor bar and rooftop bar from The Light Group who have restaurants in Vegas.
- Desperate Housewives' Eva Longoria is rumoured to be bringing her Vegas "boutique steakhouse" SHe to London.
- Bill Grainger is looking for a second London site.
- A second Cecconi's is rumoured for the Midland Bank building on Poultry.
- Nuno Mendez is looking to start work on another casual restaurant in East London (with the Corner Room staying open).
To find out which noteworthy establishments have just opened their doors, check out our recently-opened new restaurants in London page.
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