There’s nothing we like more than finding a new foodie fave in London, so you can imagine our joy at the slew of upcoming openings.
From an urban sanctuary in Clerkenwell to an innovative fishmonger-come-restaurant in Hackney, these brand new spots are sure to get your guests talking.
We’ve chosen six of our favourites, perfect for smaller events or private dining to ease you back into the swing of things post-‘Freedom Day’.
Sucre – Soho – Now open
Two of Buenos Aires’ most respected hospitality names are behind the opening of Sucre and Abajo in Soho this summer. Fernando Trocca opened Sucre in Buenos Aires in 2001 and is now bringing his combination of international influences with traditional open fire techniques to London.
The restaurant space is a former concert hall, in what used to be the London College of Music, that has been redeveloped with Japanese Noriyoshi Muramatsu at the helm. With bespoke chandeliers, original features of the building and a nod to Latin American textures and patterns, it’s a beautiful and original interior.
Beneath Sucre, you’ll find Abajo, cocktail bar inspired by the colours and sounds of 80s underground Buenos Aires, created by Trocca’s friend Tato Giovanonni. Named Bartenders’ Bartender by the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2020, a cocktail at Abajo is one you won’t want to miss.
The Pem – Westminster – Now open
The Pem gets it’s name from Emily Wilding Davison – nicknamed ‘Pem’ by her close family – a prominent suffragette, known for the impact she made toward equal rights for women in the UK.
Why have they chosen a suffragette as a namesake for a restaurant? Well it comes down to values, ‘Dedication. Commitment. Passion. Care. All of these things Emily Davison embodied, and all of these things are translated into the food at The Pem.’
You’ll find The Pem at the Conrad St James’ in Westminster, a space that exudes a sense of luxury with its deep red walls and pink accents. The food focuses on seasonal British produce with a modern twist.
Seating up to 24 guests, the Harben Room – named after Henry Harben, a key supporter of women’s suffrage – is an elegant, discreet and intimate space in the heart of The Pem. You can pre-select three courses from the a la carte menu, or for the ultimate culinary experience, Chef Sally Abé and her team can create a fully bespoke menu for your private event or celebration.
Ivy Asia Chelsea – Chelsea – Now open
The second Ivy Asia has now arrived in Chelsea following the success of the first in St Pauls.
With similar ornate interiors and the famous onyx floor, Ivy Asia is set to be a hit in its new home. Serving up the same Asian-inspired menu from the St Paul’s outpost (sushi/sashimi, small and larger dishes like miso black cod and wagyu beef) but they’ll also be adding some new dishes to the menu too.
It’s sure to be the new place to be seen and the perfect spot for a special occasion dinner or party.
La La Land – Shoreditch – August
LaLaLand, a former truck yard in Shoreditch, will be transformed into a multi-level street food market experience opening later this summer, date tbc.
Taking over the old Dinerama site in Shoreditch, LALALAND will be a similar set-up with various street food traders but the look and feel will be completely different. We’ve heard on the grapevine that the space will feature a lush garden, living walls, a plunge pool, fire pits and even a waterfall.
Sounds dreamy to us!
Sessions Art Club – Clerkenwell – August
Sessions Arts Club is an urban sanctuary that sits in the old judges’ dining room at Sessions House, a grand Grade II* listed building in Clerkenwell.
The venue featured various spaces including a dining room surrounded by three terraces with fireplaces, a rooftop bar, garden and swimming pool. Built on a studio ethos, with the restaurant, bar, art and performance space moving and shifting with the seasons via its curated collective program.
The idea is to bring good food, wine and art together in one spot – so there’ll be impressive exhibitions throughout the year alongside an impressive food and beverage offering by Alex Vines, (40 Maltby Street, Rochelle Canteen and Sardine).
The Sea, The Sea – Haggerston – September
This Chelsea fishmonger/restaurant opened a second venue in Hackney last month, right next to Regent’s Canal.
Housed in a huge railway arch next to Berber & Q, the space will be used first and foremost as a fish processing facility (like a fishmonger, but bigger) and a product development lab. A restaurant counter where you can try these creations is set to open in September and will have head chef Leo Carreira at the helm.
According to founder Alex Hunter – the venue will be something between an “art installation, restaurant, laboratory and factory”. Certainly one to watch!
We’ll be back next month with our favourite new venues, perfect for Christmas parties.
