The Park, The Arlington & Simpson’s In The Strand
This is a three-in-one thrill: super restaurateur Jeremy King is set to return in spectacular style with not one, not two, but three new and spectacular restaurants. The first is The Park, an American-style grand café in Hyde Park; the next is Arlington, a revival of Le Caprice; and the third will see him breathe new, and undoubtedly swoon-worthily gorgeous, life back into Simpson’s in the Strand. A year dripping with luxury and exuding elegance glitters ahead.
Josephine
Claude Bosi is not a chef-restaurateur to sit still for long. Having only last year opened Socca in Mayfair, swiftly following it up with rooftop restaurant Brooklands at the Peninsula London, this year will see him opening the doors to Josephine on the Fulham Road. Named after his grandmother, he brings us this latest concept alongside his wife, Lucy, and promises that it will specialise in Lyonnaise food. We, in turn, promise that we’ll be first in line when the doors open this month. Discover more here.
Restaurant Story
Not so much an opening as a reopening, the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Story on Tooley Street is set to return in stellar style following a £2.5m refurb. For anyone who lamented the restaurant’s closure last year, it’s time to rejoice: Tom Sellers’ exquisite establishment will soon be firing on all cylinders once more, complete with a 16-seater chef’s table experience. Discover more here.
Singapulah
Having first dipped a toe in the water with a pop up at Arome cafe, restaurateur Ellen Chew’s new concept comes fully road tested as it moves into its new Shaftesbury Avenue home. With four floors dedicated to displaying the diverse culinary landscape of Singapore, it is being launched in conjunction with the Singaporean tourist board and will also feature a deli groaning with delicious treats to take home. Discover more here.
Akira Back London
Akira Back, the internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred Korean chef, makes his UK debut at the Mandarin Oriental on Park Lane early this year. Expect sensational food and dazzling creativity as he whips up bento boxes for lunch and all of his stellar signature dishes for supper. Discover more here.
ABC at The Emory
New York legend Jean-Georges Vongerichten opens his first London outpost at Old Barrack Yard hotel this year, fresh from celebrating some 50 years of culinary excellence last year. Now he brings the sum of his extensive experience and skill to the capital, which diners can devour amidst sultry rooms designed by Rémi Tessier that are adorned with works from Damien Hirst and offer views that stretch across Hyde Park. Discover more here.
Camille
This new Borough Market eaterie comes from the prodigiously talented Clare Lattin and Tom Hill, the duo behind the legendary Ducksoup and Little Duck. Think French cooking with British produce, it is sure to be a mega-hit and a brilliant new addition to an already exceptional gastro hot spot when it opens its doors in February. We are awaiting images of the new restaurant, but for now will content ourselves with this wholesome beauty from Ducksoup.
By Nancy Alsop
January 2024
