Despite having left school, well, quite some time ago, September always seems to bring with it that back-to-school feeling. It's a month for ploughing fresh, replenished energy into new endeavours and, here at Tonic, this really is the case.
We have three exciting new openings to share with you today, from a music-fuelled restaurant by one of the world's most exciting chefs, to a restaurant inside a celebrated London arts institution. We also proudly announce our first Edinburgh client too – The Palmerston, which has already garnered an excellent national review this week.
For those of us who are still fervently and firmly in holiday mode, we've picked the best restaurants across the UK for facilitating that dolce vita feeling – all without enduring a single second at Heathrow.
Bon voyage!
Latest News
John Javier launches The Tent at 17 Little Portland Street
Celebrated chef John Javier has opened The Tent (at the end of the universe), his new London restaurant located at 17 Little Portland Street. Having made his name with an irreverent, playful take on Chinese cooking at his restaurants MASTER (Sydney) and Happy Paradise (Hong Kong), this is Javier's first foray into Middle Eastern food. His modern representation of the cuisine is served in The Tent's intimate concept dining room, featuring a seated DJ and acclaimed sound system. Read more here.
Piazza at the Royal Opera House to open to the public for the first time
Piazza at the Royal Opera House, the Covent Garden restaurant and terrace set within the spectacular surroundings of one of London’s most beautiful buildings, relaunches on Tuesday 27th September. Previously open exclusively to ticket holders, Piazza is now open to all, offering a brand-new menu of seasonal, modern British dishes from Executive Chef Richard Robinson (formerly of Tom’s Kitchen, The French Laundry, and Per Se), refreshed interiors and a terrace with panoramic, landmark views of Covent Garden.
Tutto to open this month, serving regional Italian dishes in Brighton
Tutto, a new Italian restaurant from one of Brighton's brightest hospitaity businesses, will open on September 15th. Acclaimed restaurateur Razak Helalat (Burnt Orange, The Coal Shed, The Salt Room) has teamed up with Head Chef Mirella Pau, who has previously lead the kitchens at Cafe Murano and Padella, to serve regional Italian dishes inside a beautifully restored, 1930s former bank on Marlborough Place. Book your table here.
Tonic now working with top Edinburgh restaurant, The Palmerston
We are pleased to announce that Tonic is now working with top Edinburgh restaurant The Palmerston. Having opened in Edinburgh’s West End in August 2021, The Palmerston is the first restaurant from Lloyd Morse (Spring) and James Snowdon (Harwood Arms), and champions both nose-to-tail cookery and local produce from Scottish farmers. Meat is prepared on-site, while the 60-cover restaurant inside a 19th century former bank also includes an in-house bakery. Book your table here.
Where to eat like you're still on summer holiday
School may not be out anymore, but there's no reason why you can't get that holiday feeling for a little longer. With al fresco-appropriate weather set to continue for a little while yet, and a whole world of food at your fingertips, let some of the most transportive restaurants in the UK take you on a late summer getaway (even if it's just for your lunch hour).
Escape to an Italian garden at Luca, Clerkenwell
If you're longing for the romantic embrace of a Tuscan villa, find it at EC1's Luca, where the al fresco terrace makes for a stylish escape. Surrounded by olive trees and jasmine, this secluded courtyard is the perfect foliage-filled spot for enjoying plates including the restaurant's renowned parmesan fries, monkfish crudo and rigatoni with pork sausage ragù. Book your table here.
Explore the Philippines at Sarap, Mayfair
For a far flung getaway without the long haul flight, travel to the other side of the world at Sarap, where chef Budgie Montoya is showcasing Filipino flavours in Mayfair. From vinegar-soaked adobo rice to its famous roasted lechon suckling pig, Sarap pays ode to the sour, salty and sweet characteristics of the unique south east Asian cuisine, all in the leafy surrounds of 10 Heddon Street. Book your table here.
Taste the Iberian peninsula at Paco Tapas, Bristol
Swap the Mediterranean for the River Avon at Paco Tapas, the Michelin-starred tapas bar from Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, which overlooks Bristol's quaint Bathurst Basin. Outside on its new waterside terrace, enjoy the likes of classic tortilla española; gorgeous, plump gambas al ajillo; stuffed quail with sobresada and dates; presa Iberica pork cooked over coals, and daily changing specials. Book your table here.
Fashion some Parisian chic at The Laundry, Brixton
Sitting street-side, watching the world go by with a glass of wine in hand is one of Paris's greatest pleasures – and one perfectly possible to replicate in Brixton at The Laundry. Relax and enjoy heavenly all-day dining dishes from chef Sami Harvey, such as duck rillettes with anchovy and parmesan pesto, alongside bottles from founder Melanie Brown's superlative wine list. Book your table here.
Live la dolce vita at Cin Cin, Fitzrovia
Channel the Amalfi coast at critically acclaimed Italian restaurant Cin Cin, which has launched a new summer terrace at its London site. Alongside cafe-style street seating and an aperitivo-ready cocktail menu, Chef Patron Jamie Halsall has an al fresco menu especially for the terrace, featuring Courgette flower and truffled ricotta fritti and Crispy Calabrese chicken wings. Book your table here.
Be beside the seaside at Burnt Orange, Brighton
You don't need a passport to get that holiday feeling – for both visitors and locals, Brighton's Burnt Orange makes the British seaside extra special. Situated just moments from the seafront in a 16th century former coach house, its relaxed courtyard with candy stripe awning is the perfect setting for al fresco dining, with dishes delivered straight from the wood-fire grill. Book your table here.
The Auld Reekie Report
How to spend 24 hours in Edinburgh
With so much to explore in Edinburgh, it seems a shame to condense the city’s best restaurants, cafés and bars into just 24 hours. But recently we gave it our very best shot, as Frances joined Geena for the ultimate day trip to Tonic’s newest HQ. Take a look at our top recommendations for spending a very food-filled day in Scotland’s capital. Read more here.
Chef Spotlight: Amy Poon
For Amy Poon, food is very much a family affair. Born and raised in London and Geneva, Amy's father is seventh generation chef Bill Poon, the man behind Poon’s, the restaurant which dominated the London Chinese dining scene from 1973 to 2003. Poon's gained both a cult following and a Michelin star in 1980.
Having worked in her parents' restaurants before going on to international careers in advertising and the contemporary art world, Amy returned to revive the beloved restaurant in 2018. Poon's relaunched as a critically acclaimed pop-up in Clerkenwell, followed by a Poon's Wontoneria pop-up at Stevie Parle's JOY at Portobello.
In 2021, Amy launched Poon's first retail range of sauces, making their signature chilli vinegar dressing and extraordinary chilli oil available for home pantries for the first time. In addition, Amy has now launched her signature pork wontons – described by Nigella Lawson as "the best wontons I have ever had" – for nationwide home delivery.
Order Amy’s sauces and wontons here, now with nationwide delivery.
