Jo Aspin and Paloma Lacy round up the culinary openings and events to get your teeth stuck in to across the capital and beyond. Dig into this:
Wildflowers
Photo: Cuttlefish fideua, grilled prawns & saffron aioli
Belgravia will get a bucolically named neighbourhood restaurant, wine bar, and deli this September. Wildflowers is the creation of chef Aaron Potter whose most notable kitchen roles prior have been overseeing the kitchen at Trinity in Clapham, under Adam Byatt and Elystan Street in Chelsea, under Phil Howard. This is his first solo venture and he’s teamed up with interior stylist Laura Hart on the project. Diners can expect simple seasonal Mediterranean cooking from trusted local suppliers, such as this Cuttlefish fideua, grilled prawns & saffron aioli pictured. Italian olive oils, focaccia and charcuterie are all available to take away at the deli. JA.
Opens 27th September
Unit 2, 57 Pimlico Rd, SW1W 8NE
Sael
Chef Jason Atherton and his wife Irha Atherton prove you can mix business with pleasure, unveiling the new British restaurant Sael in St James’s Market this September. The 85-cover brasserie is "Atherton’s homage to the diverse heritage of the British Isles, blending traditional flavours with global influence". Sael will only feature ingredients sourced from the British Isles, showcasing "a menu that is accessible and hyper-seasonal with interiors that 'exude the energy and swagger of the Cool Britannia!". Might we see Oasis at the launch? Atherton has assembled the entire team from his (now closed) Pollen Street Social restaurant. Dinner will be £85 per head, a set lunch menu for £35, and a pre-theatre option at £35 for three courses and two courses for £30. JA.
Opens 16th September
1 Carlton Street, London SW1& 4QQ
The Farmer's Dog
Jeremy Clarkson’s championing all things British too, with his opening of a new Cotswolds pub The Farmer’s Dog. Offering a commitment to British farming, every single item on the menu, from the meat and vegetables to the seasoning, will be sourced exclusively from British farms. The drinks are entirely patriotic too, featuring Hawkstone’s award-winning premium lager and cider, and vodka with Jeremy’s homegrown wheat and a selection of English wines. Diddly Squat Farm fans can pick up farm shop products in the barn and 'Hops & Chops' a new butcher and bottle shop will offers British-reared and locally sourced meat on site too. JA.
Now open
Asthall Barrow, Burford OX18 4HJ
Mignonette - Richmond
Richmond will be all the sunnier from 5th September 2024 when Mignonette opens its doors for the first time. A modern neighbourhood bistro, with French inspiration. It's the latest from chef John McClements, known for his previously renowned family of restaurants Ma Cuisine. Mignonette is a uniquely modern bistro in the heart of Richmond. Offering high-quality, but affordable French-inspired cuisine in elevated and comfortable surroundings from the founder and chef, John McClements, who was previously behind the award-winning Ma Cuisine group of restaurants across South West London. The lunch menu offers two courses for £16. How does grilled miso-glazed quail, wild mushrooms and caramelised salsify, followed by confit crispy leg, butternut squash puree and peppercorn jus, grab you? PL.
109 Kew Rd, Richmond, TW9 2PN
Opening September 5th
The Punchbowl
Guy Ritchie and Madonna's pub, The Punchbowl, in Mayfair has just re-opened, following a massive refurbishment. It's only fair to set the story straight, Guy sold it more than a decade ago but the association remains. The then couple's purchase of the pub in 2008 caused high excitement. No doubt, the unravelling of their marriage and subsequent divorce added to the mystery. The refurb has kept the style of the place - posh city pub with some country flair thrown in for good measure. But what's on the menu? High-end pub grub, of course. Fish & Chips, battered using Butcombe Brewery Beer (owner of the pub), prawn & crab cocktail, and great cuts of steak. Given the Mayfair location, little surprise starters will set you back around £15. Main courses cost 20-odd quid. PL.
Now Open
41 Farm St, London W1J 5RP
UMU, Mayfair Celebrates 20 Years
20 years in the restaurant business is a lifetime. Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant UMU in Mayfair celebrates a milestone 20 years in business this month. It sees the return of former UMU Executive Chef Yoshinori Ishii to cook with current Exec Chef Ryo Kamatsu to host three very special 20th Anniversary dinners. Guests are offered a rare chance to sample the finest selection of Sake wines and Moët & Chandon vintage champagnes plus a very special 2004 anniversary Jeroboam bottle of Moët & Chandon. PL.
Details:
Sake Partner dinner - Friday 13th September 2024. 6:45-10pm. £250pp.
Moët & Chandon dinners Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th September 2024. 6:45-10pm. £250pp.
Umu, 14-16 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6LX
Dinner at the Lost Estate Theatre is: "Elementary, my dear Watson."
A West London theatre company plays host to The Great Murder Mystery. This reimagining of the most famous Sherlock Holmes novel - The Hound of the Baskervilles, brings together London’s top chefs, mixologists, actors and musicians in the immersive experience of the year.
Guests watch the mystery at 221B Baker Street unravel, while tucking into a Victorian-inspired menu, devised by the talented Ashley Clarke. Dishes include Spring chicken, black truffle mousse, Pommes Anna, spring pea tart, chicken scratchings and thyme jus. A three-course set menu is included with every ticket purchased. PL.
Performances run Thursday – Sunday evenings from 7pm, until the end of September. Owing to great popularity, extended final dates have been added on Tues 17th, Weds 18th, Tues 24th and Weds 25th and an additional evening performance on Sunday 29th September. Tickets are £149, including dinner, and are available at: https://murdermystery.thelostestate.com/
The Lost Estate, 9 Beaumont Ave, London W14 9LP
Gabriel's Wharf Arts Festival
This autumn, explore Gabriel's Wharf Arts Festival for FREE. Guests are invited to discover this charming enclave on Saturday 14 and 28 September. This hidden corner of London is brimming with creativity. Many claim not to know it but most have wandered past it. It's time to remind people of its existence and place it firmly on Southbank's map. Established in the 80s as a cultural space to support small art, design and craft businesses, Gabriel’s Wharf remains home to a variety of artisan shops and galleries alongside a selection of independent eateries. Restaurants like Limin, Gourmet Pizza Co, Hola Guacamole, Hot Mess Toasties, Paradiso and Gabu Chocolate. PL.
Saturday 14th and 28th September
Location: Gabriel’s Wharf, Upper Ground, SE1 9PP (Accessible from the Thames Walkway between National Theatre and Oxo Tower Wharf). PL.
Contributor Paloma Lacy
Paloma Lacy has been writing on food and restaurants for 15 years. Follow her on Instagram: paloma.lacy
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
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