Updated 19/5/21 with menu details
Boutique hotel chain NoMad are taking over the Bow Street Magistrates Court in Covent Garden, a 19th Century listed building that should look pretty damned impressive once kitted out.
If you're unfamiliar with the original hotel, one of the best reasons to visit the NoMad in New York is the restaurant that was originated by Daniel Humm (11 Madison Park and Davies and Brook at Claridge's).
Originally, he was confirmed to be in charge of the food at the London NoMad, together with restaurateur Will Guidara in what was to be the pair's second London restaurant. However, they parted ways after the first announcement, so things have changed on that front. In charge of the food is Ashley Abodeely, who was previously Executive Sous Chef at NoMad in New York, so there will definitely be a connection with the food at the original.
NoMad New York also had an excellent bar (its cocktail book won a James Beard award), and there are three bars at the London hotel (in addition to one at the main restaurant). Side Hustle is their take on the British pub - so that'll have a separate food menu too - and there's also the Library (although that one is just for guests). Finally there's Common Decency, their basement "cocktail bar meets stylish lounge" - we think that will be the one to watch.
We've just seen the menus for both Side Hustle and the NoMad restaurant itself and they are very enticing indeed. At Side Hustle it's all about Mexican dishes to accompany the focus on agave-based cocktails. Snacks include guacamole with English peas and warm tortilla chips and oysters with clamato granita and jalapeno. There's tostados, tacos and two large sharing dishes for the table of Pescado a la Parilla and Lamb Barbecoa. From the dessert section the ice-cream sandwich made with horchata ice-cream and passion fruit dulce de leche.
As for the main atrium restaurant, that looks to be inspired by local produce but with a distinct NoMad New York vibe. As with NYC where fruits de mer is a big thing, there'll be the NoMad plateau alongside caviar served with bonito cream and parker house rolls and venison tartare with fermented currents.
Other dishes on the launch menu include:
- Avocado soup with crab and lime granita
- Sea bream crudo with radishes, mint and pickled strawberries
- Cauliflower roasted with vadouvan, figs and almond
- Suckling pig confit with wild greens and smoked bacon jam
Frankly, even the sides sound amazing like the Korean yam from the embers with smoked butter and salda verde.
Years ago we were lucky enough to try the signature chicken with truffles dish at NoMad New York. In London they'll be serving a NoMad chicken dinner featuring
- The Egg - mushroom custard and chives
- The Chicken - brioche stuffed with lemon and Parmesan
- The Pudding - peach sundae with vanilla custard and honey oat shortbread
Here's a look inside the new hotel.
Side Hustle - the hotel's British pub with a focus on Mexican agave based spirits (and a menu to match).
The Magistrate's Bar
An extremely photogenic events space
This is the hotel's Library Bar - but you'll need to be a resident to get in here.
More about NoMad London
Where is it? 4 Bow St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7AT
When does it open? 25 May 2021
Find out more: Visit the NoMad website.
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