May sees a notably large amount of big-name openings, including the latest from The Marksman and Patrick Powell in King's Cross. Here's our round-up of what to watch for in May.
Midland Grand Dining Room
King's Cross - St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Rd, London NW1 2AR
This sees Patrick Powell (Allegra) taking over the huge dining room that was once The Gilbert Scott. Much like Booking Office 1869 (in the same hotel, from the same designer) it should be an impressive revamp and also comes with a separate cocktail bar. Expect the truffle chicken pate en croute (pictured here) to be very popular.
More about Midland Grand Dining Room
Lasdun
South Bank - National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX
This is a brand new opening from the people behind The Marksman, Jon Rotheram and Tom Harris, who have teamed up with ex-Lyle's/Flor's John Ogier for this new restaurant inside the National Theatre. It's a much bigger affair than the Hackney pub but you can expect to see a few of their classics make the jump to the South Bank, including their buns and the almighty Brown Butter & Honey tart. And if you're looking for a proper pre/post theatre option, you won't find anything better than this.
Carlotta
Marylebone - 77-78 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5JX
Barely a few months after opening Jacuzzi, Big Mamma is at it again. This time they're coming to Marylebone with a smaller space than usual (it's being described as "intimate") but you can expect the out-there nature of their other restaurants to be there in force. As for the food, this time it'll all be about traditional Neapolitan and Sicilian classics with an Americano twist.
The Campaner
Chelsea - Chelsea Barracks, 1 Garrison Square, London SW1W 8BG
The team behind Barcelona's Terraza Martinez is behind this new London restaurant taking over the space at Chelsea Barracks. It will look to its Barcelona heritage, but with a big focus on British suppliers, although a few of Terraza Martinez' signatures will be making it over to London including their monkfish and lobster casserole.
BAO Mary
Marylebone - 56 James St, London W1U 1HF
This is the latest outpost of BAO and just like their last opening (the noodle bar in Shoreditch), they like to have a specific focus for the restaurant. This time around it'll be on dumplings, with new boiled prawn dumplings and pan-fried mushroom guo tie dumplings appearing on the menu. There will, of course, be bao buns too, as well as small plates like the Taiwanese fried chicken chop.
Joké and Friends
London Bridge - 8 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL
While we wait for the arrival of the brand new Chishuru, chef Adejoké Bakare is popping up at London Bridge for two months, showcasing new dishes from the upcoming restaurant. She'll also be running some great-sounding collaborations with chefs that include Sirichai Kularbwong from Leytonstone hot spot Singburi and Anna Higham from Quince Bakery.
Harvest
Kensal Rise - 68 Chamberlayne Road, London NW10 3JJ
Jesse Dunford Wood is the chef behind Parlour and Six Portland Road and this will be his third restaurant. Hi second in Kensal Rise, this will be an all-day affair featuring a British-led menu with a focus on vegetarian dishes, British coastal fish and direct-from-farm meat. Expect dishes like duck liver profiteroles and Tamworth pork schnitzel on the menu.
Lilienblum
Old St - 80 City Rd, London EC1Y 2BJ
The man behind Miznon, Eyal Shani, is also behind this restaurant that's taking over the space that used to be Passo. They say it will be a celebration of all things Tel Aviv as well as being more of a family-friendly affair than Miznon, with sharing-style platters and a bit of flair. The menu still sounds a little mad, mind, with dishes like "a slice of cabbage cake that melts into itself" and "ribeye steak the way God intended" planned.
Leo's
Clapton - 59 Chatsworth Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0LH
March brought the news of the demise of Bright, but its chef Giuseppe Belvedere is already gearing up for his next restaurant. He's teamed up with Julian Porter and Lauren Johns of Juliet's Quality Foods for this Clapton bar and restaurant. The restaurant will be drawing from old-school Italian cafe staples, with dishes cooked over a wood hearth.
Also opening...
- Passyunk Avenue (Nine Elms) - The latest location for the American dive bar with Philly cheesesteaks is right beside the American Embassy
- Blacklock (Canary Wharf) - Pltes of chops and lots more as the latest Backlock goes east to Canary Wharf
- Noci (Battersea) - A fresh pasta bar comes to Battersea Power Station
- Emmanuelle (Clerkenwell) - Wine bar from the restaurant formerly known as The Drunken Butler
- 20 Berkeley (Mayfair) - Seasonal British cuisine from the group that's behind Endo at the Rotunda, Sumi and Humo.
- The Beefsteaks (Islington) - Hopefully this month will see the opening of The Beefsteaks full renovation of a classic Islington pie shop
- Cantinetta Antinori (Knightsbridge) - Classic Italian food from a top winemaker
All London's newly opened and upcoming restaurants...
Subscribe to hear the latest from Hot Dinners
