February's new openings feature patisserie works of art, all the chops and the return of one of London's top restaurants to the scene.
Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley
Knightsbridge - Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL
Taking pride of place on the Knightsbridge side of the hotel, world-renowned pastry chef Cedric Grolet is opening his first patisserie outside of France in The Berkeley. He has a huge following and creates some of the most beautiful looking cakes and pastries you'll ever see (his "fruit" creations are showstoppers). Expect to see this all over Instagram.
The Ledbury
Notting Hill - 127 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AQ
At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a worry that the two-Michelin-starred Ledbury was closing forever. However, it's making a triumphant return with a brand new design (meaning a few new seats), a new head chef and a whole new menu. Will it retain its stars - and maybe get another one? We'll have to see.
One Hundred Shoreditch
Shoreditch - 100 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JQ
This Shoreditch hotel is taking the place of the Ace, but has a few aces up its own sleeves. As well as seafood restaurant Goddard Gibbs (with massive sculptures as you can see from the photo), there's also a bar from Mr Lyan and the promise of a new rooftop bar opening later in the year.
More about One Hundred Shoreditch
Blacklock
Covent Garden - 16a Bedford Street, London WC2E 9HE
This will be the fourth Blacklock, opening in Covent Garden, and should be a massive hit from day one. As ever, expect their amazing chops (the "all-in" is a must), proper Sunday lunches and great-value cocktails (as well as the cocktail trolley, of course). This location adds a huge ice cream sundae to the menu.
Richoux
Mayfair - 172 Piccadilly, St James, London W1J 9EJ
Another restaurant that was feared to be closed forever is Richoux. The 100+ year-old institution has been saved and is opening under new owners Jamie Butler and Lewis Spencer. They have a wealth of top-restaurant experience under their belt and it sounds like their signature "cruffins" will be another big new pastry worth trying in town.
Roji
Mayfair - 56b South Molton Street, London W1K 5SH
There have been previews in January, but February sees the full launch of this 10-seater Japanese restaurant from the people behind Chisou. It'll be an intimate experience, featuring seasonal British produce with a focus on sushi, pickling and preserving and charcoal-grilled items.
Em Sherif at Harrods
Knightsbridge - 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL
Em Sherif is big in the Middle East and this fine-dining Lebanese restaurant is making its European debut in Harrods (along with a deli). The original restaurants have earned much praise for their 30-course menu of hot and cold mezze, grills and desserts. Expect dishes like Sambousek Lahme (Lebanese meat pies) and more.
Walter's
West Dulwich - 84 Park Hall Road, Dulwich, London SE21 8BW
This is the next restaurant from The Oystermen, who already have a hit on their hands with their Covent Garden restaurant. The menu here will be focused on British-inspired classics, but there's also a strong seafood offering, including a Bloody Mary crab salad. English wine will also be at the forefront of the menu, with a basement wine cellar being used for tastings.
Also opening in February
- Emilia's Crafted Pasta (Canary Wharf) - The fresh pasta restaurant comes to Canary Wharf with games attached
- Lahpet (Covent Garden) - The second opening for this popular Burmese restaurant
- Itaku (Fitzrovia) - Celeb restaurateur Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini arrives in London
All London's newly opening (and upcoming) restaurants...
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