14 Venues That Opened in August
As August and the latest Game of Thrones series simultaneously come to an end we’re reminded that winter really is coming! Hopefully we can still eek out a few more days before the summer disappears. While you were on your sun lounger, though, this handful of very special venues were opening across the capital.
Brick and Liquor
After rave reviews for their Tooting bar, Brick and Liquor have added another brick to their hod as they opened this month in Clapham. Located just off the common on Balham Hill, Brick and Liquor is perfect for a South West London cocktail or grazing dishes.
Flavour Bastard
Yes, that is its real name. Brought to you by chef Pratap Chahal (Chez Bruce, Cinnamon Club, The Hungry Chef and Claridges) and restaurateur Vic Singh, it’s going to be serving ip a mix of cuisines – hence the name. Dishes are said to include a Mayan-spiced milk chocolate and brownie mousse with lavender ice-cream and white lentil, chorizo and pecorino doughnuts.
Jean-Georges at The Connaught
Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has found a new home at The Connaught where he’s opened his all day restaurant. Jean-Georges combines the legendary chef’s signature Asian flavours to take on classic British dishes, including a full English.
Salon
That mainstay of the Brixton brunch scene, Salon, has re-opened with a fully revamped look, a new bar and a shop next door, handy for picking up a bottle of wine to drink in or take home.
Jacob the Angel
Named after the founder of the nation’s caffeine addiction, Jacob the Angel is a unique little coffee shop in Neal’s Yard. Despite it’s tiny size it’s got big ambitions being set up by the founders of The Palomar and The Barbary. A must-stop shop if you’re in Covent Garden.
P.F Chang’s Asian Table
P.F.Chang launched a brand new concept this month – P.F Chang’s Asian Table, a sultry restaurant with a unique spin on the typical brunch offering. Giving classic dishes an Asian twist you’ll find dishes such as Everything Bao, sliced smoked salmon and boiled egg nestled in a doughy honey lotus bun with a basil horseradish smear. As well as serving lunch and dinner there is also be a gold vinyl record lined bar, a nod to co-founder Philip Chiang’s passion for music.
Roni’s Bagel Bakery
Started by Roni Avital in 1989, the latest Roni’s Bagel Bakery opened this month in Connaught Village. Specialising in bagels and Jewish baked goods, the menu also includes Shakshuka and a Greek poached egg dish as well as cakes, breads and pastries.
James Cochran N1
Star chef James Cochran just opened another restaurant and we’re expecting big things. The eponymous eatery, James Cochran N1, is the second iteration of his winning Carribean/Scottish cuisine that has proved such a hit in E2. Look forward to plenty of jerk chicken.
www.jamescochran.co.uk
Coal Rooms
Peckham Rye Station’s ticket office has somehow morphed into a new venue. Inspired by the railway heritage of the station The Coal Rooms is a restaurant, bar and cafe specialising in charcoal-cooked meat and fish. As a Brucie-bonus they also sport an onsite butchery.
MEATliquor Kings Cross
The MEATliquor family is expanding again, this time to Kings Cross where the burger, cocktail and milkshake joint will take residence just opposite the station. With a fast expanding stable of MEAT (and occasionally CHICKEN) liquors this should be a great addition to an already buzzing food scene in the former red light district.
Core by Claire Smyth
You may remember Clare Smyth from Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road restaurant where she was Patron Chef. Well she’s gone out on her own and it’s one of the most anticipated restaurant launches of the year. We can’t wait to get our mouths round the tasting menu and the extensive wine list.
Evans and Peel, Pharmacy
This is one pharmacy you can pop into late in the evening and not raise eyebrows! Following on from their success with Detective Agency in Chiswick, Evans and Peel have opened their next offering, Pharmacy, also in Chiswick. The American 1920’s speakeasy-style bar looks set to be a lot of fun.
Cubé
Cubé (note the mysterious e-acute) is Mayfair’s latest sushi restaurant and one which we expect to punch above its diminutive size (it’s only got room for 18 diners) given the chef comes from Nobu and Sake no Hana. A bar/restaurant hybrid, Cubé is a must.
The George & Dragon
Advertised as ‘The West End’s Only Brew Pub’, The George & Dragon is a project under the expert eye of Aiden McGee, formerly of the Truscott Cellar. As well as their home-brew beer and array of craftier fare is a selection of bar snacks (we’re especially looking forward to the Scotch Eggs) and a sumptuous menu of McGee’s signature roasts.
