12 Unmissable International Arrivals In London
With London still attracting some of the best talent from around the globe, 2017 has seen an influx of international arrivals on the bar, restaurant and hotel scene. From our cousins across the pond in dw York, to as far-flung destinations as New Dehli, the world’s best venues are bringing their wares and setting up shop right here in London. So, whether you’re looking for the best place to eat, drink, or stay, here’s our pick of the most exciting globe-trotting ventures to have arrived in the capital this year.
The Henrietta
What: The Henrietta
Why: The ultra-cool French owned Experimental Group (four childhood friends with a repertoire spanning international cocktail bars, restaurants and hotels), have opened The Henrietta, a new Covent Garden hotel. With quirky design falling somewhere between thirties style and shiny futuristic, this international arrival will play host to Ollie Dabbous’ restaurant (also named Henrietta), featuring seasonal dishes, and paying tribute to the former gardens of Covent Garden, with a vaulted glass roof and indoor flora and fauna to match.
Where: 14-15 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8QH
Website:
www.henriettahotel.com
The Lalit
What: The LaLit
Why: A new international arrival with hotels in Bangalore, Goa, Jaipur and Mumbai among many others, The LaLiT London is bringing Asian opulence to Tower Bridge Road, and is perfect for those looking for a little Eastern therapy (without the £500 airfare). With a majestic idol of Ganesha presiding over the hotel, the decor is plush and sophisticated – all that’s missing is sandy beaches and balmy temperatures of LaLiT’s Asian venues. Close enough!
Where: 181 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2JR
Website:
www.thelalit.com
The Ned
What: The Ned
Why: New York Hotel’s group, Sydell, (think The NoMad New York, The LINE Los Angeles, and Freehand Miami) has joined Soho House to create a hot London collaboration. An international arrival completely reviving the Midland Bank to its former glory, The Ned is all about luxurious art deco vibes, and has all the extravagance of the roaring twenties to match. With nine of its own restaurants, you can enjoy a different cuisine for every night of your stay – without ever leaving the hotel. The Ned offers multiple experiences that are available to hotel guests and members, as well as a diverse selection that are available to the public.
Where: 27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
Website:
www.thened.com
Nobu Hotel Shoreditch
What: Nobu Hotel
Why: Nobu Matsuhisa already has hotels in Las Vegas, Manila, Chicago and Malibu, so it’s about time he brought his beautifully designed and highly-stylised venue to London. Nobu Hotel Shoreditch is everything you’d expect from that combination of words; effortlessly cool and impossibly chic, Nobu Shoreditch might not have the plush excess of other luxury hotels – but it feels all the more exclusive for it. As if we even need to add, Nobu Shoreditch will have its own restaurant, London’s newest reincarnation Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion of international fame.
Where: 10-50 Willow Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4BH
Website:
www.nobuhotelshoreditch.com
Red Rooster
What: Red Rooster
Why: Harlem has flown across the pond and landed in our very own Shoreditch, like half the other new openings this month. Red Rooster describes itself as Southern soul food meets New York diversity and the menu certainly has some best of US creations – Sammy’s Chicken N’ Waffles serves up a whole Harlem-style fried chicken with pickles, waffles, smoked maple syrup and Rooster sauce. You might also spot the ‘Obama Short Ribs’, a nod to the Harlem venue’s most famous fan – the ex-POTUS himself.
Where: Red Rooster Shoreditch, 45 Curtain Road, EC2A 3PT
Website:
thecurtain.com
Indian Accent
What: Indian Accent
Why: International arrival Indian Accent, a restaurant with New York and New Dehli locations already in its repertoire, is bringing its fine flavours and award-winning dishes to Mayfair. Looking to follow the success of its international venues, Mayfair’s Indian Accent menu will be curated by Manish Mehrotra, star chef of the New Dehli location, in line with London’s culinary scene.
Where: 16 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4HW
Website:
www.indianaccent.com
Serge et le Phoque
What: Serge et le Phoque
Why: Having already conquered Hong Kong with their Michelin-starred restaurant, Charles Pelletier and Frédéric Peneau are bring their success story to the UK, opening a Serge et le Phoque within new boutique hotel, The Mandrake. The menu will change daily to suit the freshest ingredients, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, all inspired by French fine-dining.
Where: 20 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1PG
Website:
www.themandrake.com
Villa Mama’s
What: Villa Mama’s
Why: Roaya Saleh, already running a successful restaurant in Bahrain, will be bringing the tastes of the region to a new London venue. Chelsea’s most delicious international arrival, Villa Mama’s will be serving up home-style dishes that encourage social eating and traditional sharing plates, all influenced by Roaya’s Gulf and Bahraini heritage. Due to open on 25th September on Elystan Street, Villa Mama’s will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Where: 25 Elystan Street, Chelsea, SW3 3NT
Website:
www.villamamas.com
By Chloe
What: By Chloe
Why: Another American import, by Chloe is a vegan restaurant straight from NYC that throws shade on all those who have ever called vegan food bland or ‘rabbit food’. With a colourful menu including the Guac Burger, quinoa taco salad, matcha kelp noodles and mac n cheese, by Chloe will be arriving in Covent Garden ready to fulfil all your plant-based needs. Opening Autumn 2017, the new venue will offer unique options created especially for its London location.
Where: Drury House, 34-43, Russell Street, WC2B 5HA
Website:
eatbychloe.com
Jamavar
What: Jamavar
Why: Jamavar’s venues across India are testament to its authenticity, with restaurants in Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Mumbai and New Delhi – and now, London. Based in Mayfair (opening at the tail end of last year) Jamavar London is the restaurant’s first overseas outpost, and will be showcasing the best of flavours and food from across India. The menu features dishes from the Royal Kitchens of the North, alongside succulent options from the shores of the South. With the Head Chef Rohit Ghai having worked in Michelin-starred kitchens such as Gymkhana and Benares, Jamavar is an international arrival well placed to become one of the best Indian restaurants in London.
Where: 8 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 3NF
Website:
www.jamavarrestaurants.com
Jean-Georges at The Connaught
What: Jean-Georges at The Connaught
Why: The Connaught has drawn in another big name this year, this time Jean-George Vongerichten. With an array of venues already operating across the US, Jean-George has opened his self-titled restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as cocktails and afternoon tea. Jean-Georges’ signature dishes are inspired by South-East Asia, but the menu will take into account the Connaught classics and use the best of British ingredients. The afternoon tea, another British institution, will serve up traditional finger sandwiches with innovative fillings typically of Jean-Georges’ playful take on culinary classics.
Where: The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL
Website:
www.the-connaught.co.uk