Two openings, one week.

There aren’t a lot of spots for homely Chinese that fall in that middle between high-end and takeaway. London desperately needs it. Here, it’s done authentically with elegance.

The Poon’s family legacy lives on to new heights and we hope to see a happy, long tenure at Somerset House.

December is synonymous with the festive period. And there is certainly plenty of things to do. But if you’re like me — you’ll know that December is also synonymous with crowds, queues and watered down mulled wine. With that in mind, I’ve spent the past few months making little notes of places that had that scarce feeling of space and calm. Something that I think is essential — if you really want to get into the spirit.

Martino's and Dover Street Counter mark not just two new restaurants, but the start of a busy stretch for restaurateur Martin Kuczmarski — the former COO of Soho House whose first independent venue, The Dover (opened 2023, Mayfair), quickly became one of London’s buzziest tables.

Martino’s channels the golden age of 1950s–’60s Italian trattorias — picture Milanese wood-panelled warmth, ricotta pancakes at day, short-rib ragù at night.

And as you make your way Northeast, past Hyde Park Corner, you’ll find Dover Street Counter — more ’50s LA diner-meets-music spot. Casual plates (fried chicken, disco fries, lobster, sandwiches), a stainless-steel counter, and a ’90s-R&B soundtrack that lasts until 2am Thursday to Saturday.

Essex Road’s latest opening from the Goodbye Horses team features a wine shop upstairs with a low-lit bar carved into a former bank vault below. The focus is natural, low-intervention bottles curated by ex-Noble Fine Liquor’s Nathalie Nelles, with cheese, charcuterie and a few small plates to match. Volcanic stone, oak counters and quiet design cues give it a calm, intimate feel that feels like the closest and most needed alternative to the cellar arches of Gordon’s Wine Bar.

This wine-and-listening bar is built around 27 rotating wines served strictly by the glass, grouped into clean categories like “Easy,” “Playful,” and “Wild.” A vinyl setup sets the pace, with guest chefs dropping in for small plates. There’s even a mineral-tweaked water bar, which tells you what you need to know. You’re best joining their WhatsApp group to be in the know for their latest happenings.

This pizza joint started its journey in 2022 in Hertfordshire — a modest pizzeria by Tom Vincent who had a love for New York slices and Neapolitan craft. Now, it’s coming to Shoreditch with the usual classics alongside spanakopita, vodka-sauce and burrata-topped experiments.