This month sees two food focused relaunches. Notting Hill’s The Lonsdale is being reborn as The Lonsdale Bar and Restaurant – a brand new W8 steakhouse presided over by head chef, Jason Wallis and then, although it launched only last year, roaring 20s speakeasy, Proud Cabaret has just emerged from an extensive overhaul as a fully fledged City restaurant.
Hailing from Hawksmoor and The Palm, Jason Wallis has a great track record as a perfectionist, forging relationships with master butchers to ensure any meat he touches is of the highest standard and has, unsurprisingly, chosen free range beef cuts from one of the UK’s top suppliers, Allens of Mayfair. Marinated & Roasted Tamworth pork ribs and Roasted Rack of lamb on sweet potato and coriander puree offer further treats for carnivores while Seared scallops & chorizo on butternut squash puree is a lighter option with clout. He’s just as particular about his veggies too, mind, and seasonal fair is top of his agenda.
Interior design company, Dtwo may appear to be missing a consonant but is certainly not missing a trick when it comes to its accolades – thrice winner of Theme Magazine’s ‘best new late-night bar’ category and also clinched this year’s ‘Ones to Watch’ award. Then Director, Tim Gardner and Head Barman, Alex Palumbo, both have stellar nightlife pedigrees from The Wellington Club to Momo.
Across town, Proud Cabaret, beloved of Helena Christensen, Graham Norton, Alice Dellal and Vanessa Feltz, has added to its authentic vintage interior of plush booths and velvet curtains with a brand new raised VIP area of tiered banquettes overlooking the stage and that, coupled with a serious kitchen extension, means it can now wine, dine and entertain up to 250 covers.
To celebrate, Michelin-trained chef Finlay Logan has stepped up to the mark with new seasonal menus featuring such delights as Sweet potato stuffed piquillo pepper with mozzarella & basil, Slow roast pork belly with glazed root vegetables & truffle and Caramelized Bramley apple crumble. The Proud Lamb & Chorizo Burger is a worthy bar bite.
Joining old favourites, the Globe Girls are new star residents including Missy Fatale of the notorious fire-tassels, devilishly charming Tempest Rose and Hocus Pocus Theatre’s incredible No Strings Burlesque Showcase. And then if you fancy your chances, so to speak, The Slap and Tickle Girls are set to launch the Burlesque Queen talent hunt where bawdy vaudeville meets Over the Rainbow.
Dinner is certainly served!
