As another year begins, it's time to look forward to some of the most promising new restaurants due to open in 2018 (that we know of). And it's already looking like an interesting year, with the likes of Nieves Barragan and Tomos Parry opening their own places and the return of Simon Rogan, amongst others.
So without further ado - here's what to keep an eye out for...
What: Simon Rogan returns to London
Where? 5-7 Blandford St, Marylebone, London W1U 3DB
Last year, Simon Rogan parted ways from his main London restaurant, Fera at Claridge's. But it seems the man can't stay away from London for too long, as he's already returning with a blast from the past, Roganic. This will be a smaller spot than Fera, with a big focus on some very seasonal tasting menus (if it follows the template of the original Roganic).
When? 9 January 2018
What: "Press for Champagne" in the city
Where: 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V
We have a special spot in our hearts for Bob Bob Ricard and its infamous Press for Champagne button, so we've high hopes for their upcoming City venture, Bob Bob Cité. Expect it to be just as opulent as the west end branch, with plenty of booths and special private rooms; it even has a mini sushi restaurant inside. And those buttons, of course. Bob Bob Cité also heralds the return of top chef Eric Chavot, who's in charge of the menu - and you can try some of his dishes in the original Bob Bob Ricard right now if you can't wait.
When? Early 2018
What: French food, Champagne and a Soho boutique hotel
Where: 29 Romilly St, London W1D 5HP
Last year, Soho House had a pretty spectacular opening with The Ned, so we're particularly interested to see what they pull off on their home turf with Kettner's. The restaurant originally opened nearly 150 years ago, and was one of the first restaurants in London to serve French food, so there's a lot of history here. Expect plenty of opulence and a place to stay, with 33 rooms upstairs. Oh, and a late-night Champagne bar too.
When? 18 January 2018
What: The famed greenhouse restaurant comes to the centre of town.
Where? 27-31 King St, London WC2E 8JB
Petersham Nurseries is making the leap from Richmond to central London and they're not doing things by half. While the deli, cellar and cafe have already opened, it's the restaurants coming later this year that we're really interested in. Opening together, there's La Goccia (Italian food, cichetti and aperitivo) and The Petersham which promises to be a central London version of the original Richmond restaurant. And you can expect the room to look spectacular.
When? Spring 2018
What: Newly Michelin-starred chef Andrew Wong comes to the City
Where: Bloomberg Arcade
At the moment, little is known about Andrew Wong's follow up to Victoria's A Wong, which only recently won its first Michelin star. We understand it's called Madame Wong and we definitely know it'll be among the most eagerly-awaited restaurant openings at Bloomberg Arcade, and that it'll serve up "premium casual, all-day dining menu based on Andrew's creative interpretation of classic Chinese dishes."
When? April 2018
In a nutshell: Barbecued Indian food from the Gymkhana folks
Where is it? Bloomberg Arcade, 3 Queen Street, London, EC4N 8BN
Another newcomer to Bloomberg Arcade is the latest from the Sethis - the people behind Gymkhana, Hoppers and Trishna - and this time they're opening their version of an Indian pub in the City. Expect all manner of dishes charred, smoked and grilled with kebabs, chops, tikka and feasting options on the menu. And, of course, a pretty decent beer selection too.
When can you try it for yourself? Spring 2018
What: Tomos Parry goes it alone
Where: Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JJ
All eyes have been on Tomos Parry when he left Kitty Fisher's with a view to starting up on his own. He's finally found a place - that's right upstairs of the new Smoking Goat In Shoreditch. There, he'll be bringing together Welsh and Basque cuisine with an emphasis on cooking on fire. And with the people behind Noble Rot on the wine list, expect a great choice on the wine front.
When: Spring 2018
In a nutshell: Ex Barrafina chef Nieves Barragan opens her own restaurant.
Where is it? 35 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BR
For years, Nieves Barragan was a driving force behind the menus at Barrafina and now she's opening up her own place, teaming up with another Barrafina Alimni José Etura. Exepct the food and experience here to mix influences from the tapas bars of Andalucía, the asadors of Castile and the seafood restaurants of Galicia. There's a separate bar - and it should be a place for some top counter dining action.
When can you try it for yourself? 2018
Also look for
- Cora Pearl - the next restaurant from the people behind Kitty Fisher's is coming to Covent Garden (Spring)
- Sorella - The Manor is no more, but in its place is the new spot from the Dairy crowd with food influenced by the cooking on ghe Amalfi coast (January). Also keep an eye out for the next restaurant from them - planned for central London.
- Din Tai Fung London - The famed Taiwanese dumpling restaurant looks like it's coming to the revamped Centre point. (TBC 2018)
- Scully - This St James's Market restaurant from an ex Nopi head chef sounds extremely promising.
- By Chloe - This vegan fast foot joint is an American import, but one that has a huge following. Expect this to be big news. (January).
- Neptune at the Principal - The Richmond is gone, but Brett Redman is opening the restaurant in this Russell Square hotel.
- Red Farm - more dumplings, this time it's the London offering from a New York fave (TBC 2018).
- Hicce - Still looking for a site at the time of writing, but this restaurant from Pip Lacey, the former head chef at Murano is one to watch. (TBC 2018)
- Quique Dacosta's InPaella London - three Michelin starred chef Quique Dacosta brings his paella to Fitzrovia (TBC 2018)
- Ollie Dabbous may have opened Henrietta in 2017 - but he should also be announcing his main follow up to Dabbous in 2018
- And keep an eye out for news of Elizabeth Allen's Shibui (she's the ex head-chef of Pidgin), late in 2018.
Read the entire list
And even that's not all - as there are plenty more new restaurants planned for 2018. There's only one place to catch up on them all - our Coming Soon feature. Bookmark that page - you'll need it throughout 2018.
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