We like the sound of a new opening we've only just heard of that'll hit Hoxton Square next week. Master & Servant is the first solo venture by Matt Edwards, a former Masterchef finalist who's worked for both St John Hotel and Hix Soho. He'll be joined in the kitchen by Head Chef Luke Cleghorn (ex-St John Bread & Wine, St John Hotel).
They say the new restaurant which is New York-inspired (isn't everything?) will "bring a slice of Manhattan style to the burgeoning Hoxton dining scene - our Heath Robinson charcoal grill and spit just arrived and we are very excited about opening!" says Matt.
With the grill in place you can expect various chargrilled dishes as well as their own smoked meats and home-made charcuterie. Signature dishes will include surf clam chowder (£6.90), ox cheek, celeriac and horseradish (£17.80), Grilled quail smoked with fennel twigs £13.80, crab claws and chipotle mayonnaise (£11.50) and pistachio doughnuts in honey syrup (pictured here) (£7.40). All of which sounds fine and dandy.
They're working with neighbour Happiness Forgets on a cocktail list which will include ‘the Nolitan’ – a sour fizz made with Manzanilla sherry, Kamm and Sons ginseng spirit, lemon juice and egg white; and the Caesar, vodka, Master & Servant’s house clamato juice, horseradish, smoked chilli, lime juice and pikkapeppa.
For all the American focus - wines will be mainly European, which seems like a missed opportunity. A regularly changing 40 bin list will start at £19 for a bottle and from £5.50 by the glass. For serious wine buffs, the restaurant's exclusive access to a few private collectors’ lists, should be attractive as they'll be on for knock-down prices (for serious wines).
In addition to the ground floor restaurant there'll be a dining bar in the basement overlooking the open kitchen with its own bar snacks menu featuring items such as potted haddock with pickled cucumber (£4.90), and back fat on toast with caper leaves (£4.60). The tables downstairs can be booked - and are in a great spot - but the counter dining is for walk-ins only.
Master & Servant opens at 8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NH on Monday, 4th March. To book call 0207 729 4626 or email bookings@masterandservant.co.uk and you can also follow them @servantfood
To see our full set of pictures from inside the restaurant - check out our First Look gallery on Facebook for Master & Servant.
