17/4/22 - Updated with the opening date
It's been eight years since The Marksman launched in Hackney, very quickly becoming one of the best pubs and restaurants not only in the area, but in the whole of London. Now they're getting ready to stretch their wings as far as the South Bank, where they'll be opening Lasdun at The National Theatre.
The new restaurant will be a big change from the original Hackney pub. Taking over from what used to be the House Restaurant inside the main theatre (but with its own entrance), it'll fit 90 people, both around a central bar and in the dining room that surrounds it. There will also be a marble oyster counter in the front of the room from which they'll serve up London cured smoked salmon and smoked eel. They even have room for a separate private dining room.
As for the food, that's being billed as "brasserie style dishes brought to life through a classic yet contemporary lens" so it's a similar approach to the original Marksman. And, talking of the pub, you will be able to order some of its signature dishes here too. They'll have seasonal pies, their buns and most importantly (to us, anyway) the amazing Brown Butter & Honey tart. That's hands-down one of the best desserts we've ever had, so if you haven't made it to the Marksman yet, it'll be a must-order here.
Also on the menu will be grilled chops, baked whole fish and more yet to be revealed. They will, of course, have a pre and post-theatre menu, which will be very handy if you're popping down to catch a play. And if you just fancy a quick drink, you'll be able to grab a seat at the bar, which will have its own menu including shellfish and, as they describe them, "small plates of delicious things"
To open the restaurant, they've teamed up with KERB, who already manage the food both inside and outside the theatre. The opening is also noteworthy as it sees the original Marskman team, Jon Rotheram, Tom Harris, joined by John Ogier. Ogier you may know as one of the founders of Lyle's but this new group have history, as all three of them first met when working for St John.
And if you're wondering about that name? It's named after architect Denys Lasdun who was behind the modernist design of the National Theatre building.
Coming hot on the heels of the opening of La Gamba at Royal Festival Hall, dining in the area is really starting to go up a notch. With this team and that location, the opening of Lasdun is going to be a game-changer for the South Bank.
More about Lasdun
Where is it? National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX
When does it open? 11 May 2023
Find out more: Follow them on Instagram @lasdunrestaurant.
Photo by Harriet Clare
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