26/2/13: Updated with opening date and soft launch details
Almost immediately after its opening in early 2012, 10 Greek Street won itself a loyal Soho following. Now they've announced a soon-to-open follow up - 8 Hoxton Square (where Master & Servant was). Both Luke Wilson and Cameron Emirali from 10 Greek Street are running the new venture and we caught up with Wilson to find out more about the imminent opening.
What made you decide to open 8 Hoxton Square and why choose Hoxton?
We felt it was the right time to look for a second restaurant. We really like the site and the location in Hoxton Square and hope that we will fit in well there. Some really interesting and like minded places have opened nearby recently including The Clove Club, Merchant's Tavern, Sagar & Wilde and, of course, Happiness Forgets which is right next door to us!
What can we expect from the menu?
The menu will be similar, but not identical to 10 Greek Street - a daily changing menu using seasonal ingredients. My business partner, Cameron Emirali, will head up both kitchens at Greek Street and Hoxton Square.
And what approach are you taking to the wines at 8 Hoxton Sqaure?
The same approach as Greek Street: exciting wines with low mark-ups, regularly changing and a broad range of style, grape and region. Like Greek Street, there will also be a little black book of rarer odd bottles that we have in our cellar.
What can you tell us about the place itself?
There is a small bar to eat at, as well as a counter overlooking the kitchen, where customers will be served by the chefs.
There is a courtyard at the front of the restaurant with about 10 covers for al fresco dining. Inside is the main dining area, seating roughly 35 and the bar seats four more diners. Downstairs is the counter, which seats five and there's a kitchen table for larger groups up to eight.
We will be taking bookings, but will also leave roughly half of the covers for walk-ins
8 Hoxton Square opens on Friday 28 February at - no surprise there - 8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU. Reservations can be made on 020 7729 4232. On Thursday 27 February they're offering a soft launch offer of 50% off the food bill. Dinner is already full (although there's a few spaces for walk-ins) but there's still room at lunchtime. To get the latest information, follow them on Twitter @8hoxtonsquare.
