The Best London Restaurant Openings Of 2018
By Something CuratedHighlighting 2018’s most promising restaurant launches, Something Curated takes a closer look at the founders and proprietors behind London’s anticipated new openings.
Sabor || Nieves Barragán Mohacho & José Etura (Opening TBC)
The name Sabor, meaning ‘flavour’ in Spanish, reflects the restaurant’s focus on the flavours of Spain, through the use of traditional ingredients and cooking methods, and a relaxed approach to dining. The restaurant is being backed by JKS Restaurants, the London restaurant group behind Gymkhana, Lyle’s and Bao. Spread across two floors, the ground floor will feature a dining counter surrounding an open kitchen and fresh seafood display.
Kudu || Amy Corbin & Patrick Williams (Opening 12 Jan)
Peckham continues to prove itself as a burgeoning young neighbourhood food hub, with the imminent launch of Kudu. Fronted by Amy Corbin and Patrick Williams, this new eatery promises a menu rooted in the pair’s South African heritage. Amy, who grew up working in hospitality is daughter of Chris Corbin, of Corbin & King, while Patrick, who will head up the kitchen at Kudu, was previously sous chef at Paradise Garage.
Gunpowder Market Market || Harneet & Devina Baweja (Opening Spring)
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Husband and wife duo Harneet and Devina Baweja are setting-up shop over the river, opening Gunpowder Market Market at One Tower Bridge, following much success in east London. The new site will serve up Calcutta inspired Indian dishes, and include a bakery that turns into a wine bar at night.
Kettner’s Townhouse || Nick Jones (Opening 18 Jan)
The latest project from the Soho House group involves the meticulous restoration of the historic Kettner’s Townhouse, led by Soda Studio. This includes the restoration of its iconic dining spot, Kettner’s, to its former grandeur, and the complete refurbishment and revitalisation of the original Soho House club, including a redesign of its three signature ground floor restaurants and the creation of a new entrance space. In addition to the restaurants, there’ll be a separate Champagne bar with a late licence.
Roganic || Simon Rogan (Open)
Simon Rogan’s Roganic re-launches on the same street as the original, but this time as a permanent fixture. Returning with a number of the original Roganic team members, including Oliver Marlow as Head Chef, and James Foster, the menu “promises to be a renaissance of the original pop-up and will deliver an informed dining experience, serving innovative dishes that draw upon Simon’s trademark visionary and pioneering cooking.”
Bread Ahead Café, Soho || Matthew Jones & Justin Gellatly (Open)
Bread Ahead, founded by Borough Market bakers Matthew Jones and Justin Gellatly, continue to pop up throughout London with their sourdoughs, pastries and hearty breakfasts. Famed for their doughnuts, their latest Soho bakery-come-café will offer brioche French toast with bacon and syrup, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on demi-brioche for breakfast, as well as a build-your-own porridge menu featuring cashew butter, quinoa and chia seeds.
L’Ami Malo || Emilien Lesourd & Vincent Couvreur (Opening 16 Jan)
L’Ami Malo, the brainchild of co-founders Emilien Lesourd and Vincent Couvreur, is a modern crêperie and bar inspired by Breton flavours and the small town of St Malo in northwest France. From healthy, gluten-free dishes and great craft ciders, to indulgent, creative crêpes, galettes, and bowls, L’Ami Malo brings a slice of Brittany to Spitalfields.
184 Green and Grill || Alex Giri & Oscar Harris (Opening 1 Feb)
Owned by mother and son team Alex Giri and Oscar Harris, the family run restaurant is located in the heart of Notting Hill, on the picturesque Kensington Park Road. 184 Green and Grill is a neighbourhood, all day restaurant and bar that will specialise in wood-fire grilled fish and meat, as well as creative and inspired plant-based dishes that will hold their own on the menu – not just as an afterthought for vegetarians.
Brigadiers || Karam, Sunaina & Jyotin Sethi (Opening Spring)
The Bloomberg Arcade in the City of London, now open, is set to house ten independent restaurants staying open seven days a week. The covered pedestrian arcade sees a second Koya site, as well as expansions from all-day cafe Caravan, wine bar Vinoteca, Homeslice pizza, Ahi Poke, Bleecker Burger and a new concept from the JKS Restaurant group. Brigadiers is set to be an Indian BBQ tavern which will show live sport in private and semi-private areas, have a pool room and serve Amrut whisky sodas from a trolley.
Brat || Tomos Parry (Opening TBC)
Brat marks the first solo opening from chef Tomos Parry. Following a stint as head chef at Mayfair’s Kitty Fisher’s, Parry, with backing from Smoking Goat’s Ben Chapman and Brian Hannon, is launching his own venture inspired by the seafood grill restaurants popular in Northern Spain. The menu is set to include a delicious range of fish and meat, such as whole-roasted turbot, slow-grilled red mullet, and a very special Welsh mutton dish.
Red Farm || Ed Schoenfeld (Opening TBC)
Ed Schoenfeld’s modern Chinese restaurant Red Farm have now secured a London site, eighteen months after the announcement of their intention to open their first location outside of New York City. Red Farm first opened six years ago on Hudson Street in a former townhouse in the West Village, a collaboration between Chinese food expert and restaurateur Ed and ‘dim sum master’ Joe Ng, championing a playful and inventive take on Chinese food.
Feature image via Simon Rogan