What's better than having one successful restaurant in Aldgate? Having two of course. That's the trajectory London restaurateur Murat Kilic is hoping for when he opens Ara just down the road from his already bustling business Amber.
But while Amber focuses on Middle Eastern food, Ara will broaden its horizons with a menu influenced by Murat's "love of travel and experimentation".
If you're interested to know how that might translate to the plate then dishes on the launch menu we're told will include:
- Grilled potato flatbread with homemade cultured butter
- Mussels skewers with roasted chicken wings in butter sauce
- Blackened leeks with muhammara and XO sauce
- Slow-cooked short rib with date demi-glaze
Loads of restaurateurs pay lip service to sustainability, but it sounds as though Murat's actually putting his money where his mouth is, bringing in designer Nina Woodcroft (who also designed Silo). She's using pineapple leather from pineapple farm discards for upholstery, galvanised steel offcuts to create light installations and recycled plastic for the table tops.
And the bid to be as earth-friendly as possible extends to the drinks list which will feature cocktails made with Discarded Spirits Co's drinks and an organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wine list.
More about Ara
Where is it? 1 New Drum St, London E1 7AY
When does it open? 1 May 2025
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @ara.
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