There are lots of new restaurant doors flinging open this month to keep you busy as the year draws to an end. Jo Aspin and Paloma Lacy have been hitting the streets to hunt down all that is festive, shiny and new, along with the best winter terraces to toast the season.
HERA
A grand Greek restaurant and cocktail bar HERA has opened at Stratford East London. Named after the Greek goddess Hera, the restaurant’s menu takes you on a journey through Greecian cuisine featuring all the best in Greek dips - Tarama, Tzatziki, and Melitzanao, veggie faves such as Moussaka, Gemista (stuffed courgettes) and Feta Sagnaki and signature specials grilled octopus, wild sea bass and calamari. The vast cocktail bar decked with rows and rows of bottles of spirits is an eye to behold and we’re already mad about their signature Kapuzi Island cocktail (vodka, melon mix, mint, and lime).
Now open
4 Arber Way, Stratford, London, E20 1JS
The Brave
Exact details on what diners can expect from a new restaurant are often scant. When the man behind the stove is seasoned chef, James Cochrane, it's reassuring. He's a pro, sure to take the palate on one heck of a culinary tour. Word sets wild British produce at the heart of the menu. We have been unable to get hold of a menu as yet but the word on the street is that Whitstable rock oyster, smoked bone marrow vinaigrette, dill and coal-roasted Harrietsham leeks, confit onion, truffle hollandaise feature.
Now open
The Brave, 340 - 342 Essex Rd, Islington, London, N1 3PB
Toum
As if it were needed, yet more reasons to love Lebanese food. Lebanese rotisserie restaurant Toum has just opened. Arriving in Mayfair, Lebanese rotisserie restaurant Toum comes from the same team behind Aline, which is just three doors down the same street. Plates of perfectly juicy chicken and fries are already arriving on the breakfast bar-style dining tops. Alongside the restaurant, there's a terrace, and a downstairs listening bar.
Now open
18a Maddox St, London W1S 1PL
Fat Phill’s
Known for their legendary smash burgers, American-style sandwiches, and indulgent loaded fries, Fat Phill’s has built a cult following across the Netherlands—and now they’re bringing their bold flavours to South West London. Burgers are smashed to perfection and beef options include the signature ‘Double Cheeseburger’ - which can be tripled as you please and the ‘Big Belly’ – a quadruple cheeseburger with crispy bacon. Or get involved in the bestseller ‘Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich’ - thinly sliced ribeye steak topped with cheese, onions, jalapenos and Phill’s secret sauce. Buffalo Wings are served with Fat Phiil’s ‘Truffle Mayo’ or their own signature sauce’, which will rotate daily.
Opens 11 December
16 St John's Hill, Clapham Junction, London
Winter Roof Terraces
Restaurants are undergoing a re-invention with winter terraces taking centre stage in London. Think twinkly lights, sparkly and cosy furnishings, with a festive vibe under the stars. When it comes to winter-themed terraces, London seems to have cornered the market this year. Here are Chatting Food's favourites:
Deck The Halls
Deck The Hall is back at Pergola Brixton. Billed as the Winter Wonderland that beats them all, revellers can expect a lot of glitter, twinkling lights, glowing Christmas trees and candy canes galore, complete with a snow machine. Festive cocktails include Cinnabon Daiquiri to the Spiced Cranberry Margarita, as well as a warming boozy hot chocolate and mulled wine. Open evenings only Tues to Sun throughout December.
Pergola - Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS
1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen Goes Festive
Oxford Street shoppers can take the weight off at John Lewis flagship store by heading up to 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, with views of the festive lights from the comfort of heated igloos. Each holds up to eight guests and sit alongside chalet-inspired private wooden huts.
A partnership with Grey Goose has yielded a cocktail list, full of festive flavours, including Chocolate Orange Martini, and Winter Queen, created using Xante Pear cognac liqueur, Benedictine DOM, and oriental sencha. There's also a selection of non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails. An a la carte menu from Benugo features a selection of small plates including Chorizo croquetas with Manchego; and sweetcorn and tarragon fritter with smoked chilli salsa; alongside larger plates including pulled chicken, shredded kale, gem hearts, crispy pancetta, Piedmontaise dressing, aged Parmesan, and chives.
John Lewis 300 Oxford Street London WC1 1DX
Winter Rooftop Menu at Boundary
At Boundary Shoreditch, the new Winter Rooftop menu can be enjoyed in a cosy heated retreat, with enviable views over East London. The decadent dishes are inspired by the comforting flavours of the Alps, including cheese fondue and raclette.
Boundary Shoreditch - 2-4 Boundary St, London E2 7DD
Christmas at Kibele
It is perhaps at Christmas more than any other point in the year that expectations of entertainment are higher than ever. Every Friday and Saturday night, Turkish restaurant, Kibele, on Great Portland Street, offers cabaret, including belly dancing. Choose between la carte and Christmas party options, depending on group size.
Kibele Restaurant, 175-177 Great Portland St, London, W1W 5PJ,
Features Editor, Chatting Food: Jo Aspin
Jo Aspin is a freelance writer specialising in UK restaurants, travel, food and drink. She is also a Director at hospitality PR agency Amy Williams Consultancy, based in London.
Follow Jo at:
Instagram: @welovechilli
Contributor Paloma Lacy
Paloma Lacy has been writing on food and restaurants for 15 years. Follow her on Instagram: paloma.lacy
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