Almost two years in the making, and now two weeks away from opening: Stevie Parle's restaurant, Town, is on our minds this May. Having partnered with Stevie for over six years on Pastaio (and his various, brilliant iterations of JOY) it's clear that this project - its design, menus and approach to sustainability - is his most ambitious to date. We look forward to introducing you to Town very soon.
We're also thrilled to be announcing ADOH! from the Kolamba founders, and a fantastic project called SINO (read on to learn more about this impressive, Ukrainian-inspired restaurant).
LATEST NEWS
Stevie Parle to launch restaurant and bar TOWN on Drury Lane on 12th May
We know you've been waiting for this one - chef Stevie Parle will be opening the doors to Town this month, his highly anticipated new restaurant and bar on Drury Lane. Town will pioneer a new kind of relationship with regenerative British producers (investing in, and growing alongside them too), with an ingredient-led menu served to the buzzy backdrop of striking, design-forward interiors. We're going to Town, and you should too. Read more here.
SINO - a refined, Ukrainian-inspired restaurant - to open in Notting Hill on 21st May
We're excited to welcome Ukrainian-inspired restaurant SINO to Notting Hill this month, from chef Eugene Korolev and founder Polina Sychova. The Ukrainian duo will serve contemporary takes on classic dishes from their home country, elevated by Eugene's extensive experience working in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe. We can't wait to get our fill of Vareniky dumplings with house made mushroom garum, and more. Read more here.
New Sri Lankan street food concept ADOH! to open in Covent Garden this summer
Prepare for a summer of Sri Lankan street food: ADOH! is set to channel the country's colourful roadside eateries via Covent Garden's Maiden Lane. From Kolamba founders Aushi and Eroshan Meewella, the new concept will put kothu - a classic dish of chopped roti, vegetables, and eggs, tossed together on a grill and finished with curry sauce - at the heart of the quick-but-hearty menu, alongside snacks like Chilli prawn toast with tamarind sauce. Read more here.
Islington bar LITTLE BAT introduces new restaurant menu from James Cochran
We're pleased to announce that beloved Islington bar Little Bat - from the team behind Callooh Callay - is launching a new food offering from celebrated chef James Cochran. From 7th May, get your hands on the likes of Toasted truffle bread pudding, Isle of Mull cheese and Guinness; and Cochran’s signature Crisp buttermilk fried chicken with jerk spiced hot honey glaze, alongside a refreshed cocktail menu from founder Richard Wynne and the team. Read more here.
WHAT'S ON THIS MONTH
Warm, light evenings are back - and how better to spend them than with al fresco dining? We're heading straight to the new terraces at Hackney's SESTA (for natural wine and Cajun ham chou farci) and Belgravia's Wildflowers (for an Amalfi spritz and a Calamari sandwich). We're doing frozen desserts two ways this month: at Pastaio, Soft & Swirly's limited edition sundaes include Lemon and olive oil ice cream, whipped ricotta cream, fresh strawberries and toasted almonds, while Oriole's collaboration with Ice Cream Union will see three flavours of Champagne sgroppini available to enjoy on the bar's terrace.
CHEF SPOTLIGHT: RYAN COLE
Ryan Cole is Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Cape Town's critically acclaimed restaurant, Salsify. Set within the storied walls of national monument The Roundhouse, Ryan's work celebrates a contemporary take on seasonality and sustainability whilst celebrating the country's rich culinary history.
Ryan's journey with food began in his native South Africa, but it was in the UK that he began exploring the world of fine dining, starting with a role at Launceston Place under Tristan Welch, before moving on to two Michelin-starred The Square with Phil Howard, and then with Rob Weston at La Trompette.
Returning home to the top-ranked La Motte in Franschhoek, Ryan then joined Luke Dale Roberts's The Test Kitchen (then ranked 48 on the World’s 50 Best List), where he would go on to become Head Chef.
In 2018, Ryan launched Salsify, where his menus showcase the best hyperlocal produce, inspired by the locale's dramatic mountainous landscapes and Atlantic waters.
