In the deep east, where nightfall sharpens appetites, Big Night steps into a fresh chapter.

Big Night—already admired for its democratic pleasures and smoke-kissed swagger—welcomes Joe Lippman for a three-month residency that nudges the dial towards refinement without dimming the lights.

Often regarded as a refuge for those who prize flavour over formality, Big Night has built its following on seasonal skewers, house ferments and a hum of convivial disorder. Now, the fire burns a little brighter. Lippman’s menu moves with the confidence of restraint: raw and lightly cured dishes slip between plates touched by flame, ingredients allowed to speak clearly, if not loudly.

There are oysters from Porthilly, chilled and sharpened with blue rhubarb; wild bass, barely handled, dressed with tomato ponzu and yuzu oil; octopus pressed into translucent carpaccio, lifted with lemon, shallot and shiso. Comfort follows close behind—rich, reassuring plates designed for lingering—while Big Night stalwarts remain loyally on call, from the signature pork skewer to hispi cabbage slicked with seaweed and lime butter.

With 17 years at the pass, Lippman brings both polish and mischief. His influence has helped shape Cornwall’s rise as a serious dining destination, not least through Duchy Grub—Michelin Guide-approved—and collaborations with some of the region’s most respected kitchens. Here, his cooking feels attuned to the room: thoughtful, unfussy, quietly assured.

This limited residency distils Big Night at its most persuasive—seasonal food, served late, built for sharing and the long conversations that follow. Open fire, ferments and a relaxed, communal spirit remain the backbone, alongside grilled sourdough and small plates that reward curiosity well into the evening

 www.bignight.info

Menu highlights include:
Porthilly oyster with blue rhubarb
Don Bocarte anchovies with smoked olive oil
Gabagool
Octopus carpaccio with lemon, shallot and shiso
Wild bass crudo with tomato ponzu and yuzu oil
Truffle arancina with truffle mayo
Pork skewer
Hispi cabbage with seaweed and lime butter
Labneh with roast pear, honey and wheat

Opening times
Thursday–Friday: 6pm till late
Saturday–Sunday: 3pm till late

Address
177 Morning Lane, London E9 6LH
Walk-ins welcome.

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Instagram: @reallybignight