As energy prices soar and a cost of living crisis rages on, there isn’t a huge margin for error: restaurateurs have to earn punters’ loyalty by being better than ever. These are the new concepts –
either just opened or about to – that we think have what it takes.
Scott’s Richmond
At the tail end of September, this Mayfair stalwart opened its doors in its new riverside location, delivering immediately on its promise to be an instant classic. There is a crustacean bar at which to delight in oysters and champagne; a sublime terrace for the summer months; and an exquisite, atmospheric and positively glittering dining hall set over two floors. Simply, it fizzes with luxury and old-world elegance and you must go. OPEN NOW. Book it.
Nessa, Soho
Tom Cenci, founder of Duck & Waffle and latterly chef at Stoney Street in Borough, is the man behind Nessa, for which he’s teamed up with Mortimer House’s Guy Ivesha. Housed inside the 1910 former site of classic Soho pub, The Warwick, its ground floor restaurant will merge the best of British produce with culinary inspiration from his travels. Upstairs, meanwhile, will be home to a members’ club. OPENING SOON. Find more info here.
The Holland, Kensington
For such an affluent area of the city, Kensington doesn’t do brilliantly when it comes to restaurants. We are all the more thrilled, then, at the arrival of The Holland on Earl’s Court Road, on the site that was formerly The Princess Victoria pub. Its interior has been designed by Tortie Hoare, and features old church pews, exposed bricks and a symphony of soothing greens. The dishes, meanwhile, include the likes of spiced brown crab on toast, smoked tofu and almond tart with cream. Foodies of Kensington, rejoice! OPEN NOW. Book it.
St John, Marylebone
Almost twenty years after their last restaurant, super duo Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver have unveiled a new venture and to say that we are excited is an understatement. They say, ‘Inspired by the local bars of Paris or Florence, which are all things to all people at all moments through every day - coffee and wine, toast and three-course meals, babies, lovers and bankers. Each St. JOHN sings with its own voice, dictated by the environment and community in which it finds itself. This new addition to the family will provide a rolling feast of many parts, with ample good wine as you would expect.’ Nab a table, immediately. OPEN NOW. Book it.
Bacchinalia, Mayfair
Richard Caring’s Caprice Holdings is set to add another winner to its star-studded belt, this time in an old Porsche showroom on the corner of Berkeley Square. Damien Hirst and designer Martin Brudnizki are working on the interiors, which will include ‘Sistine Chapel-style frescoes on the ceiling’, while the food will be a luxe Italian and Greek affair. Whatever way you slice it, it’s going to be lavish. OPENING LATE 2022. For more info, check here.
art'otel London Battersea Power Station powered by Radisson Hotels
Battersea has, over the past decade, emerged from an under-frequented culinary wasteland (bar the lovely old but now departed Ransome’s Dock) to something genuinely exciting. As the Royal College of Art, Vivienne Westwood, and the sadly missed Doodle Bar moved in, so the place changed, paving the way for thrilling newcomers. art'otel London Battersea Power Station restaurant on the fourteenth floor of the new art’otel development is where diners can expect extraordinary views as they wolf down extraordinary food – with an onus on seafood, rice and pork. Opening in February 2023. Find more info here.
Headed Out Of Town? Try These…
Tutto, Brighton
From the folk behind the acclaimed Coal Shed and The Salt Room comes Tutto, the latest addition to Brighton’s thriving restaurant scene, this time serving up the big flavours of classic Italian cuisine, calling on memories of meals at revelatory Tuscan roadside trattoria. Head Chef Mirella Pau is behind the pass at the 70-cover restaurant, which is housed within a grade II-listed 1930s former bank. OPEN NOW. Book it.
Fort Road, Margate
Chef Daisy Cecil takes inspiration from her culinary heroes – Jane Grigson, Elizabeth David – to deliver a classic British menu with some Mediterranean overtones. Seasonal, classic, simple and beautifully done, this is a great addition to Margate’s dining scene. OPEN NOW. Book it.
Rows & Vine, East Sussex
Situated right on the edge of the South Downs on picturesque Ditchling Common comes this new restaurant from stellar winemaker, Ridgeview. Opened in August, its latest addition overlooks the Chardonnay vineyard and is set amid a beautiful landscaped garden. Expect tapas-style food to wolf down in accompaniment to the array of exceptional wines. Idyllic. OPEN NOW. Book it.
By Nancy Alsop
October 2022
