I’m writing this edition en route to Austin, Texas for the New Media Summit. Lots to learn on the newsletter world and hopefully I’ll meet some Londoners along the way.
The French, gluten-free specialist bakery, Copains, opened their first UK site in Covent Garden. It’s proving a success. They’ve just opened their second site in Islington and Marylebone is expected in a few months time.
Nieves Barragan Mohacho, who recently celebrated another Michelin star for Legado (on top of Sabor), is taking over the Donovan Bar in Mayfair’s Brown’s Hotel for a residency across March.
If you’re a Finsbury Park local, you might have picked up a big, fat sandwich from Max’s. Well, they're now doing side quest Wednesdays between 12—3PM in the form of hot-dogs. The dogs come served with Gwatkin’s cider mustard made in-house.
The Michelin 2026 winner's rebrand
Sushi Amamoto, Mayfair | Now open
Taku recently retained its Michelin star in the 2026 list for its omakase offering. What follows next is a ballsy but exciting move — they’ve closed the chapter on Taku in favour of a relaunch, known as Sushi Amamoto. It's sure makes a great way to keep the job always exciting for the team — who stay put, headed by chef Jongho Park. This time around, they'll be joined by executive chef Shogo Amamoto — Taipei’s very own sushi master, who holds two Michelin stars with his eponymous restaurant that has a year long waiting list and a menu that charges $2,000 per head. In Mayfair, this will be an intimate 16 seat affair with either 17 or 22 courses at £180 and £380, respectively.
Taqueria's 20 year reign is long-overdue a relaunch
TAQ, Notting Hill | Opens 3 March
Their tacos have been a Notting Hill favourite for quite some time. Truth be told, I discovered this spot when Salma Hayek name dropped it in a TikTok a few years ago. But last year I noticed a substantial dip in quality. I was quite happy to hear about this relaunch, especially after finding out Eduardo Yishima is attached to the project — who designed the menu for CDMX tacos. TAQ is expected to have the usual classics, alongside some new bites incl. chorizo & jalepeno croquettas and fried shrimp taco dorados.
Soho’s new cross-region Italiano
Osteria Vibrato, Soho | Now open
Greek Street has a new Italian in town by the man behind The Laughing Heart in Hackney — who I am told was a beloved gem. The menu is linked to the diverse ranges of Italian regions that have put their historic and unique stamps on gastronomy. Take Emilia Romagna, home of Parmigiano-Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, and Prosciutto di Parma. You’ll notice a piano, which on occasion is host to a pianist from Ronnie Scott’s — if you’re lucky.
Private viewing: Paul Hodgson at Varvara Roza
ZOT at Varvara Roza Galleries, Mayfair | 4 March
Varvara Roza Galleries is hosting the private viewing of Paul Hodgson’s debut exhibition, ZOT. The show will bring together 20 works spanning drawing, painting, digital print and sculpture.