December Hot Restaurant Openings and News

Corenucopia

Michelin starred chef Clare Smyth has opened a 'luxury bistro' in Chelsea. Corenucopia - a traditional symbol of abundance, nourishment, bounty, will reflect the philosophy of the new restaurant's offering of plentiful, seasonal, British food. The name also incorporates a nod to her original restaurant Core. Menu reveals on their Instagram mention Lobster bisque, Thermidor and aged cheddar toast; Toad in the Hole - made with Cumberland sausage, black pudding, smoked bacon lardons and a rich charcuterie sauce; and baked Alaska, caramelised apples and Somerset cider brandy.

Now open

Chelsea - 18-22 Holbein Place, London SW1W 8NL

More info: Here

Roti King, Edinburgh

Cult Malaysian roti brand - Roti King opens its first site in Scotland this month. Guests can watch roti being hand-stretched and cooked to order in the open kitchen. Signature dishes include roti canai, served with dhal, chicken, mutton, or fish kari and the Malaysian fried chicken, marinated in garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, served with homemade spicy sambal.

Opens 12 December

Roti King, 8 South St Andrew Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AZ

More info: Here

Freak Momma

Chef Scott Hallsworth’s has launched a new Japanese super-diner Freak Momma in Parsons Green. His former restaurant Freak Scene has had a makeover into a louder, wilder Tokyo-meets-diner mash-up serving Singapore Butter Ribs, Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, crispy duck Freak Momma Burger, miso-cheese-loaded Izakaya Smash, and Elvis Toast layered with peanut butter mousse, blueberry jam, banana crème and crispy pancetta.

Now open

28 Parsons Green Lane, London SW6

More info: Here

Vincenzo's

Credit: James Moyle

NYC-style pizzeria Vincenzo’s has opened on Bethnal Green Road. Founded by Tom Vincent in 2022, Vincenzo’s pizzeria in Bushey, Hertfordshire, quickly made its mark with its signature crispy, thin-crust pizza. Slices start at £5, with classics like Margherita, Tomato and Pepperoni and more inventive flavours such as Spanakopita, Vodka Sauce and Burrata. Each slice is cut from a generous 20” pie, while whole 16” pies will be available for takeaway. The Shoreditch shop channels the nostalgic feel of New York slice bars with an East London edge. A traditional Victorian shop front opens onto a warm, characterful interior with nods to both Italian delis and mid-century design. The focus is on grab-and-go slices, though there are a few seats for those who prefer to eat in.

Now open

122 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch , E2 6DG

More info: Here

Festive pop ups

Limin Southbank Winter Lodge

Limin Southbank has had a winter makeover. Welcome to Shamonix - a cute play on well-known ski resort Chamonix - named after Mr Charisma himself, Chef Sham. It's all the fun of the Caribbean, in the cosiest Alpine-inspired venue. Think faux fur throws and comfortable seating. But what's on the menu? There's an Alpine-inspired Cheese Fondue, with a dash of West Indian flair, which I assume must be a tot of rum. You'd be pushed to find a richer cheese fondue in the Capital. Done the Limin way, the dish manages to somehow seem light. No mean feat, given the combination of Emmental, Gruyere, Gouda, Applewood Smoked Cheddar. Perhaps, it's because its served as a conservative portion for six people. A great way to share the joy and the calories, too.

Despite the snowy twist to the menu, Chef Sham has remained faithful to the a la carte menu that's made his restaurant it's name. All the favourites, including Trinidad's national dish - doubles, Caribbean Chinese fried chicken and Auntie's chicken curry are all still available.

Nothing sums up the Limin experience quite like a glass of rum punch. However, Limin has always believed in giving the fast-growing 0% alcohol crowd greater choice than the average bar. The winter menu takes this initiative a step further, with a range of six cocktails that pack a punch on the flavour front, while leaving alcohol to one side. Coconut Dream

Limin Southbank Winter Lodge

56 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP

More info: Here

London Bridge Rooftop

If incredible London skyline views are the required vibe, London Bridge Rooftop's Apres Bar has it all. The Shard, The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and the city - all in sight. Fully covered and heated to protect against, let's face it, unpredictable winter weather, its vintage Alpine theme makes it stand out. Its Alpine lodge feels all the way with cable car booths, and a food & drinks menu inspired by the snowy slopes. Warm up with mulled wine filled teapots or a Winter Spied Negroni. Decorated with vintage ski memorabilia, including wooden skis, vintage poles, boots, goggles and photographs, it’s the ideal hang-out for those looking to cosy up on a cold winter night. The rooftop also comes fully covered and heated, with cosy blankets to ensure maximum comfort.

What's on the menu? Double Smash Burger, with bacon, brie, bacon jam & red onion chutney, the Chicken Burger served with bacon, stuffing and spicy cranberry sauce, or Veg Burger, combining stuffing, red onion and spicy cranberry sauce. A tasty selection of sides will also be available, including Mozzarella Sticks & Hot Honey, Pigs in Blankets and Loaded Waffle Fries. For dessert, Churros, served with a selection of dipping sauces. 

London Bridge Rooftop Bar

Colechurch House Rooftop, Bridge Walk, London SE1 2SX

More info: Here

KöD

Scandinavian steak house has launched its Danish Winter Feast, a celebration of hygge, flavour and Nordic indulgence. Both London restaurants have been transformed into glowing winter hideaways, serving a festive menu available for lunch or dinner at £27 per person. What can you expect? Slow- cooked pork belly with berries and rosemary, 40-day dry-aged Australian rump steak, and rich sharing sides like Burning Love, creamy mash topped with smoked bacon and onion compote sautéed in wagyu fat, alongside braised red cabbage, roasted winter roots, and KöD’s signature Madagascar pepper sauce.

KöD City

9A Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YN

KöD Soho

2 St Anne’s Ct, London W1F 0AZ

More info: Here