Get the scoop. Paloma Lacy and Jo Aspin round up the need-to-know restaurant openings and news in London and beyond. Read on for December highlights, with the dining scene showing no signs of slowing as we head towards the end of 2023.
The Butcher Tap & Grill - Chelsea
Celebrity chef, Tom Kerridge, has done it again and made fine dining accessible to all. Well, at least those willing to spend a bit more, in return for a lot more in terms of quality and sustenance. His latest Chelsea outpost brings a slice of relaxed Marlow vibe to Central London. It's all about meat here, with a sensational array of cuts available. Once that decision is made, it's just a question of whether to go for ordinary fries or a pimped version. As with so many places these days, truffle and parmesan seem to be proving popular. PL.
Now open
25-27 Tryon Street, Chelsea, SW3 3LG
Roti King Waterloo
A third site of the Malaysian street food offering, Roti King, opens in Waterloo this month. Tasty hot roti canai is made freshly daily, right in front of diners. Four daily curries are also on offer to soak up your roti with: chicken, mutton, dahl and fish. You can pick up other Malay classics too, like coconut rice, Beef Rendang, and Kari Laksa with egg noodles in a warming coconut broth, served with seafood and tofu. South Asian beer by the bottle and cute canned cocktails by Moth are also available. JA.
Now open
25 – 27 Tyron Street, Chelsea, SW3 3LG
Ottolenghi
Hampstead is fortunate to welcome Yotam Ottolenghi's newest deli and neighbourhood restaurant this month. Further highlighting the area's culinary credentials, Ottolenghi opens with his signature dedication to hugely fresh and high-quality ingredients. The menu takes diners from breakfast, to home-made cakes throughout the day to some of the best salads for lunch, finishing up with a la carte dining and cocktails in the evening. PL.
Now open
32 Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 1NH
Rudy's Shoreditch
Rudy’s dough is made fresh daily by their in-house pizzaioli, using Caputo ‘00’ flour which takes over 24 hours to make, before being topped with the highest-quality ingredients from Naples, the birthplace of pizza. This includes San Marzano tomatoes grown on fields at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, and traditional Fior di Latte mozzarella. Staying true to Naplese tradition, pizzas are cooked to order, for just 60 seconds – to create a soft and light pizza with an airy and raised edge. PL.
Now open
2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6GY
Sune
Sommelier Honey Spencer and partner Charlie Sims have opened a neighbourhood wine bar Sune in Broadway Market. The pair have worked at many notable restaurants prior. Charlie was Restaurant Manager at Noma in Copenhagen and back in London, they've worked at local spots Lyle’s and Brawn. Head chef is Michael Robins, who previously headed up the kitchen at Pidgin. The menu features fresh bread baked daily, a ‘Cold, Raw & Cured’ section of seafood such as Galician sea urchin and preserved tomato, and fruits de mer. Homemade pasta such as linguine vongole with fried garlic and bottarga; and za’atar spiced lamb ribs, honey, harissa and salted yoghurt also feature. JA.
Now open
Sune, 129A Pritchard’s Road, London, E2 9AP
The Black Farmer
The Black Farmer has opened a farm shop in Brixton Village, blending urban accessibility with rural charm. The store offers high-quality produce, ready-to-eat meals, food on the go, gifts, and a café bar. Founded by Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, the brand is known as much for its high-quality product range as it is for its activism in the agricultural space. The store stocks The Black Farmer range as well as other comparable brands, both established and up-and-coming. PL.
Now open
25-27, Market Row, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9