This month sees us launch the much anticipated Outcrop venture at 180 The Strand: a space that aims to connect guests to the natural world through food, drinks, art and music. We think there's nothing quite like it in the capital, and were really moved and energised when we tried it out last week.
North of the border, we're launching Lannan, a new bakery from Darcie Maher, who we're tipping to be the next big thing. We're also gearing up to open Kolae, a brilliant new Thai restaurant coming to Borough from the som saa founders. And we're still beaming from the National Restaurant Awards, and watching our friends and clients from Luca, Kitchen Table and The Palmerston be recognised for their hard work and commitment to excellence. Nothing short of inspirational.
Latest news
SOM SAA founders to open Kolae in Borough Market this October
We're excited to announce that Kolae, from som saa founders Andy Oliver and Mark Dobbie, will launch in Borough Market this autumn. Their second restaurant will celebrate the kolae style of cooking from Southern Thailand, which sees meat, fish and veg coated in spiced coconut marinades before being grilled over an open fire. Expect kolae chicken fragrant with turmeric and lemongrass, scintillating salads and fiery relishes. Read more here.
Kitchen Table, The Palmerston and Luca listed in top 100 at National Restaurant Awards
We were recently thrilled to receive the news that three of our amazing restaurant clients were listed in the National Restaurant Awards' list of the Top 100 restaurants in the UK. Kitchen Table was listed at 11 and Luca came in at 48, while The Palmerston climbed an incredible 56 places to land the 41 spot. A huge shout out to Peter Sanchez-Iglesias and his new Italian restaurant Casa too, which was shortlisted for best new opening.
Hackney Bridge, one of London's biggest beer gardens, opens its canalside doors
Summer is tasting even sweeter in east London this year, thanks to the full launch of Hackney Bridge. The size of three football pitches, it's home to one of London's biggest beer gardens and top indie street food traders such as NYC-style patty spinners Bovine Burger and South Indian-inspired Tamila. Throughout summer, look out for BBQ pop-ups, live music, film and sport screenings, vintage markets and too much more to list, so read more here.
What's on this month
Outcrop, the must-try new restaurant and arts venue with food from AngloThai's John Chantarasak, will open its doors at 180 The Strand on 7th July. Sundays are now extra special at Brighton restaurant Tutto with a new Domenica Italian feasting menu, while The Counter's Notting Hill street terrace has a new al fresco lunch offering of light Turkish bites, such as manti with whipped yoghurt. Tom Kemble's new menu at Chalk explores the best summer produce from Wiston Estate, with dishes such as asparagus, smoked cods roe and seaweed. Koya Ko's new Makanai specials are inspired by staff meals: try head chef Rita's Portuguese-inspired Açorda udon with salted cod until 9th July. At The Beaumont's Le Magritte, new bar snacks come paired with cocktails, because mini lobster rolls are even better with a citrusy Pilgrim 1966.
The Auld Reekie Report
Lannan confirms July opening date
We're very excited to get our first taste of Darcie Maher's new bakery, Lannan, in the coming weeks. Pastry fans will know her beautifully laminated goodies from The Palmerston, and will be able to try them at her own bakery in Edinburgh's Stockbridge later this month.
Dish spotlight: Strawberries & cream
Wimbledon ice cream sundae at The Colony Grill Room
The Beaumont's restaurant is serving an ace with its English strawberry ice cream, topped with Tahitian vanilla chantilly cream, strawberry sauce and chocolate tennis rackets.
Vanilla panna cotta with English Strawberries at Luca
This impossibly elegant dessert from newly Michelin-starred Luca is an Italian summer in a coupe: creamy panna cotta topped with fresh strawberries, rhubarb and a beignet.
