Last week I went to visit Crisp at The Devonshire for their anticipated opening day. I thought 2pm would be a good idea — skip the lunch rush and miss the post-work flurry. How naive of me. By the time I managed to dig into my pizza, it was dark outside. Review coming soon…
Leo
Lilibet’s, Mayfair: Decadence in style and taste – 4.5/5
Image credit: Lilibet’s (via lilibetsrestaurant.com)
In a city filled with minimalistic, oversimplified menus and interiors, Lilibet’s shows why being unabashedly over the top is timeless.
Turkish — with style.
Nora | Canary Wharf | Now open
Nora is an ode to the city of Istanbul. It launches under brothers Ozgur Akyuz and Sidar Akyuz (of Café Beam) with chef Daniel Alt at the helm. Expect dishes rooted in recipes that trace back to the Ottoman era. Think in-house sesame & caraway pide, spiced lamb börek, Adana köfte on the grill and 1kg sharing turbot. And it will be in style to say the least — mid-century interiors, atmospheric lighting and vinyls perched across the wall. You don’t see this often at your local Turk spot in London.
Another hit in Chelsea’s comeback year
Chelsea Grill | King’s Road | Now open
Chelsea Grill is the next addition to a long-list of stylish openings in King’s Road this year. Set in a former townhouse and serving premium meat, fish and seafood — it’s led by chef Sophie Pallett (formerly at Hedonist) in a Martin Brudnizki designed interior — one of Architectural Digest’s top 100 creatives. Think Dover sole goujon, côte de boeuf carved tableside, and a wine list that’s just as thoughtful.
Evenings in W12, sorted.
The Bush Tavern | Goldhawk Road | Open 20 November
Bush Tavern, the pub spin-off from No Drama (the cult West London burger) is setting shop by Goldhawk Road. Expect their signature beef patties alongside fried chicken sando’s and a scrambled eggs bun to pair with a fresh pint. The team have been sharing their journey revamping the place on their Instagram. It used to be a Brewdog (ew) — so we can collectively agree this is a much better place to head in for a pint.
More to come…
Viral spot Noodle Inn has opened a much larger Spitalfields site — hopefully this one has much shorter queues.
Ivan Ramen — born in Tokyo & raised in NYC is openings its London home on 19 November.
Plaza Khao Gaeng is expanding to Borough Yards on 19 November with new southern Thai dishes, Dorset-grown ingredients and a striking railway-arch dining room.
The Corinthia’s grand dining room gets a Calabrian overhaul from Francesco Mazzei — think chilli, ‘nduja, truffle tortelli and a newly toned, terracotta-soft interior. Open 20 November.