Update 20/3/19 with opening date and booking details
What: Endo at Rotunda
In a nutshell: High-end sushi
Summing it all up: The former executive sushi chef at Zuma is opening a tiny sushi restaurant in the Television Centre at White City development. With just 15 seats expect this to be a restaurant booking to boast about.
The low-down
There have been a fair few restaurant openings at the former BBC TV centre in West London. But the arrival of a high-end sushi spot there is something rather special. Endo Kazutoshi, Master sushi chef (and also director of Ichibuns, the Japanese ramen and burger restaurant) is opening his own restaurant at White City.
The 15 cover sushi restaurant - Endo at the Rotunda - is named after the space it will occupy, the rotunda of the former BBC headquarters.
And there's fighting talk already with regards to the goals for the restaurant, as they're already stating their "ambitions to obtain Michelin starred status." Looking at Endo's background suggests that goal is quite likely. The third-generation sushi chef has 20 years experience working at El Bulli in Spain and Zuma restaurants in London, New York, Miami and beyond.
Indeed, they're in the rare situation of having a rave review before the restaurant has even opened - with Giles Coren invited in for a special preview. He's already said it was "probably the most perfect meal I have eaten in a restaurant in more than 20 years as a critic." So yes, that's not a bad way to start.
The new West London restaurant is being opened with the same partners Kazutoshi joined forces with at Ichibuns - namely Benjamin Goldkorn and ex-Nobu Busaba Eathai’s Robin Leigh. And they've brought in Kengo Kuma on the design front, who also designed Sake No Hana and the now-defunct Cha Cha Moon. By all accounts, the place looks pretty special.
As for the cost - that'll put you back £180 for the signature 18-course omakase - or £150 if you're only looking for 15 courses. Lunch might be the way to go, then - with a £60 seven-course omakase.
Expect this to be London's hot new ticket.
More about Endo at Rotunda
Where is it? White City House Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, W12 7FR.
When does it open? 9 April 2019
How to book: call 020 3972 9000 or email reservations@endoatrotunda.com.
Find out more: Visit their website or follow him on Instagram @kazutoshi.endo.
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