It's been closed since the first lockdown but now the longstanding Covent Garden restaurant Joe Allen is making a comeback - this time with a little help from Russell Norman (also busy opening his own restaurant) and ex-Ivy Executive Head Chef Gary Lee.
The new Joe’s Bar at the front of the restaurant will be mainly Russell Norman's domain where his cocktail menu has a focus on the traditional. So there will be a Jerry Thomas Manhattan - with an original recipe from 1884 - as well as "bone-dry" Gin Martinis, Negronis and, of course, the Joe Allen Margarita.
Norman is also in charge of the snacks menu here, which includes parmesan and marmite cheese straws, steak tartare toasts and potato cigars with truffled blue cheese. If you've been missing his Spuntino, one of their top dishes will also be back - the Truffled Egg Toast which is white bread with an egg yolk centre, covered in melted Fontina cheese and infused with truffle oil. You're right, that does sound like the perfect bar snack.
Gary Lee has joined to take charge of the menu in the main restaurant. He'll be bringing back favourites like the oak-smoked baby back ribs and the legendary off-menu burger. Brand new to the menu are:
- Portland crab and sweetcorn soup
- Shaved fennel, chicory and pecorino salad
- Crispy duck with watermelon, cress and cashews
- ‘3 minute’ USDA steak with peppercorn sauce and goose fat potatoes
- Brick flattened chicken with black eye bean salsa and corn muffin, chicken gravy and plantain crisps
- Plus desserts that include Pumpkin Pie Brûlée and a ‘flipped’ apple tart with pecan pie ice cream
All this sounds like a very welcome revamp which guarantees that one of London's classics should be around for a lot longer.
More about Joe Allen
Where is it? 2 Burleigh St, London WC2E 7PX
When does it re-open? 17 September 2021
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @joeallenlondon.
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