Only a few weeks after helping to relaunch TAQ in Notting Hill, Jackson Boxer already has a new restaurant nearly ready to go. The chef, best known for Dove in Notting Hill and Brunswick House in Vauxhall, will be opening Vesper in Exmouth Market next.
There's actually a link with TAQ here too, as Vesper is opening in what used to be the Exmouth Market outpost of Taqueria. Vesper, however, sounds more like it's going to be an East London version of Dove, with a bistro-style menu. Just how they're categorising the menu itself seems a little vague, with it being described like London, i.e. "naturally cosmopolitan in outlook, fiercely proud of its native produce, at ease in its own unique skin, confidently hospitable to all".
How that all translates into a menu seems to be a selection of small and large plates, with a familiar style to anyone who's had Jackson's cooking at either Dove or Brunswick House. So smaller dishes include a very intriguing croquette Arnold Bennett with tarragon mayonnaise or sole fritters with pickled radish and curry sauce as well as a potato pizzette with salame rosa. Larger dishes include a glazed lamb shoulder with merguez, devilled kidney and burnt aubergine along with grilled gurnard, crab butter and pickled peppers. Desserts include canalé with milk and rum and a chocolate porter cake.
There will also be a bar area here by the entrance, so the whole place could be a handy alternative to the well-reviewed Quality Wines around the corner.
More about Vesper
Where is it? 8-10 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QA
When does it open? May 2026
Find out more: Follow Jackson on Instagram @jackson_boxer.
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