Back in the autumn, a pop-up in Shoreditch created genuine buzz for a new brand, Yum Bug. The principal was simple - they were going to introduce the London dining scene to the joy of edible crickets. And it worked, with the whole thing being a complete sell-out.
Now the team behind that, entomologist Aaron Thomas and designer Leo Taylor, are getting ready to open a permanent restaurant in Finsbury Park. As Leo explains: "This time, the bugs are back for good. We're here to prove that insects are delicious, criminally underrated and fantastic for the planet. Our brand new Finsbury Park restaurant will be serving innovative small plates designed by the UK's top chefs to showcase how incredible insects actually are."
The list of chefs they've got involved are impressive, from Sam Clark of Moro to Jay Patel, founder of Legare and MasterChef winner James Nathan. They've also got gelato by Sophia Brothers from Nonna's Gelato.
A look at the sample menu includes dishes like:
- Caramelised onion & cricket mince topped hummus
- Sesame cricket polpette with kohlrabi, apple & pecan salad
- Spiced cricket mince & pomegranate flatbread
- Spiced apple pie gelato made with powdered and whole crickets
You'll find the restaurant on Fonthill Road, where Coqfighter used to be. The soft launch week has already sold out, but you should be able to get tables for the week after.
More about Yum Bug
Where is it? 110 Fonthill Road, London N4 3HT
When does it open? 20 February 2024
Soft launch: 50% off food 20-24 February. Open fully 27 February.
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @_yumbug
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