Following on from successful launches in Hampstead and St Katharine Docks, dim sum specialists Ping Pong are celebrate the launch of two City branches this Autumn. The first opened on Bread Street, in the shadow of St Mary-le-Bow’s Church this September, giving local suits the chance to take a break from the credit crunch to savour Ping Pong’s affordable and delicious cuisine. Read more
Wahaca Westfield – Mexican market-style eating
Thomasina Mier’s award-winning Wahaca has just opened its second venue in London’s hotly anticipated Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush. She has already won the hearts of Mexican food fans with her market-style street food at the original branch in Covent Garden.
Chilango opens in London
After the success of the cheap-and-cheerful Benito’s Hat in Goodge Street, the latest budget burrito emporium goes by the name of Chilango and boasts an enviable location in the heart of the City.
Nordic cuisine renaissance with Madsen
Aiming to bring a new Scandinavian food experience to London, Madsenhas opened at 20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, SW7. Conceived by Charlotte Kruse Madsen, a talented caterer who has been running her own catering company here in London, Madsen Food for two years, the restaurant is the fulfilment of a precise and specific aspiration
Artisan du Chocolat at Selfridges
Artisan du Chocolat is set to launch their second and long awaited shop on 10th November, a luxury concession at Selfridges on Oxford Street situated on the ground floor in the confectionery hall.
The Clissold Grocer
Just opened on Fortis Green in Muswell Hill, The Clissold Grocer is a great new delicatessen and grocery shop from the owners of The Clissold Arms gastro pub next door.
Sushinho opens on the King’s Road
Inspired by two unique cultures and cuisines, sushinho will combine Brazilian chic with the elegance and efficiency of Japan. It’s opens on the King’s Road in Chelsea and will undoubtedly be a hit with diners looking for something a bit different.
Min Jiang restaurant in Kensington
Min Jiang is definitely a room with a view. This space used to be called, rather unimaginatively, The 10th Floor Restaurant, and while the cuisine may have changed the wall of windows still look out over Hyde Park. Drink in the view at leisure in the bar with a cocktail or speciality tea, or turn into the new airy space that is understated yet crisply luxurious, clean and fresh and with staff that seem genuinely pleased to see you. Go at lunchtime and you get the see the view at its best, but even at night the twinkling lights of London landmarks invite you to play guessing games, ‘Is that Canary Wharf? Is that the Eye? Is that your ex-husband’s house on fire?” Read more
The Stag Restaurant in Hampstead
The Stag is the second culinary venture from the Peritt brothers – Andrew and Jonathan – who have already won the hearts of Kensal Green locals with laid-back gastropub, The Regent. The new project follows the same formula but with the added bonus of an impressive outdoor space – open all year round, thanks to cosy heaters and covered cabanas. On a breezy October day, we resisted the temptation to sit outside but the leafy garden will undoubtedly be a big hit with Hampstead’s youth and neighbouring hospital staff once the weather improves. Read more
The Exhibition Rooms Restaurant in London Review
Cross the rubicon of Clapham, regarded by some people as a part of North London that got accidentally cut off by the Thames, and you’re in the deep Sarf proper. Crystal Palace is as south as it gets really and yet only a few stops by mainline from London Bridge or Victoria, as any resident will tell you. It was this closeness and airy height above sea level that led to the great Exhibition Rooms of 1851 being moved here from Hyde Park. The Crystal Palace was a major attraction until the whole lot burnt to the ground in 1936, cheered on by my father who was allowed to stay up late in his winceyette pyjamas. Read more