What: Summers
In a nutshell: Ex St John chef goes it alone in Kilburn
Summing it all up: St John Bread and Wine chef Ruairidh Summers has moved on, opening his first solo restaurant about the Colin Campbell pub in Kilburn. Expect lots of Irish cooking.
The low-down
Being of Irish descent ourselves, we are immediately interested when we hear of a new Irish restaurant opening in London, let alone one from an ex St John Bread and Wine chef. So the eponymously named Summers by Ruairidh Summers sounds very interesting indeed.
Opening above the just-revamped Sir Colin Campbell pub in Kilburn, we're told to expect "humble country cooking, elevated." In practice, this means there will be plenty of use of game, seaweed will be making an appearance and dishes like crubbeens, rolled breaded pigs’ trotters will be on the menu. They won us over with that, to be honest, but there's more to get excited about:
- Smoked Eel Croquette, Irish Mustard
- Wild Nettle Soup, Soda Bread Crumbs
- White Pudding, Sour Cabbage, Beer Mustard
- Creamed Kale and Onions on Toast
- Braised Leeks, Gubbeen, Jersey Royals
- Cider Brined Old Spot Belly, Champ
- Beef Shin and Guinness Pie (for two)
- Roasted Apple, Porter Cake Crumble, Malted Barley Ice Cream
We'd like all of that now, please. And they'll also have soda bread and Irish stew int he pub downstairs over the weekend, where traditional Irish music will be playing. We also love this comment about the upstairs space by Summers:
"Discovering the dining room above the Sir Colin Campbell was like opening Tutankhamun’s chamber. It was untouched since the 1950s. Originally lived in by the legendary landlady, we kept the layout and much of the interior as we found it. Her beautiful pantry, complete with the original cooling terracotta tiles, is now my pantry and it is a joy to use."
So yes, one to put on your list.
More about Summers
Where is it? Sir Colin Campbell, 264-266 Kilburn High Rd, London, NW6 2BY
When does it open? 5 April. 50% off food until 16 April.
How to book: On their website.
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Twitter @summersdining.
