Openings, transfers, events, and coming soon – here are our picks of the latest and greatest of everything.
New/ Just In
Padella has moved to Soho and it’s looking greeeeeat! It’s kind of crazy it’s taken this long for them to make the move – it’s been a decade since their first Borough opening – but it was definitely inevitable. Unique to this location, they’ll also have cocktails like cherry cosmos and affogato martinis, in collaboration with Mr Lyan.
Also in Soho, Comedian Nigel Ng, aka Uncle Roger (with 10 million TikTok followers), has partnered with a chef previously at the Hakkasan Group, to open Kawan, an Asian family-style restaurant imagined through a British lens, with spice, and of course, fried rice (he’s known to tease Jamie Oliver and Gordon R about their attempts on the dish). Kawan officially opens today.
In Covent Garden, there’s a new Arcade, which has a UJ fave, Plaza Khao Gaeng, next door (it has it’s own entrance), as well as a dining room for rotating experiences. Also in Covent Garden, coming 22 May is a new Greek Cypriot tavern, Zylia, from Nick Molyviatis of Singburi/Kiln/Agora – that is sure to be a hit.
In Borough, Aktar Islam, from the two Michelin star Orpheem in Birmingham, has made his London debut with Oudh 1722, which is set over three floors in a listed Victorian building. Along similar lines is Trèsind in Mayfair, a new Indian restaurant from the team behind Dubai’s three Michelin starred Trèsind Studio.
Also in Mayfair, MA/NA, from the team behind Los Mochis, Viajante87, and Sale e Pepe, has just opened, with a sleek dining room, contemporary Japanese menu, and a late-night cocktail bar.
Bar Etna is the new east coast US-style pizza spot (a partner here is behind the well-known pizza restaurant, Pizzeria Beddia, in Philadelphia) from Ed Mcilroy of the Four Legs team in Newington Green; Ornella is the new Milanese restaurant from the Lupa team (Theo James and Ed Templeton) in London Fields.
Songbird – looks a little glossy, a little theatrical– is on soft launch now in Canary Wharf.
Transfers/Change of Hands
Bar Des Pres has moved, but it’s still in Mayfair, just now on South Audley Street, and the dining room looks beautiful (ex-home to Socca). IGNI, a new seafood-focused restaurant, has taken over the space that was HUMO in Mayfair.
Coming Soon
Jackson Boxer is opening Vesper, a new restaurant in Exmouth Market, soon, with a bistro JB-style menu, which seems like the perfect fit. Follow them on social for news.
Buvette is trying London again (remember the small one in Notting Hill) – this time, in Covent Garden (seems like there’s reason to head to CG soon).
Events
NYC’s Magnolia Bakery – home to the cupcake and SATC moments, is coming to LDN, 19 May-10 June, at Café Cecil (Sunday-Tuesday). Borough has a new after hours… seafood event, 6-9PM, 20 May.
