1251

It’s been awhile since Islington had some foodie arrivals of note, but James Cochran’s new Upper Street opening has got us planning a hike north. 1251 is an all-day affair, taking place across two floors (check those double-height windows upstairs) with a carefully curated funk-heavy playlist to help take the restaurant from (almost) dawn to dusk. Michelin star-trained James has chosen to channel his West Indian and Scottish heritage through his menu at 1251 – and as with anything so personal, we can’t help but think the draw here is that there won’t be anything else like it. Expect to see James championing small scale producers on the menu, focusing on his hometown of Whitstable and independent suppliers dotted across the Kentish countryside. We’ve got our eyes on the smoked kipper and leek toastie and the 1251 negroni, with vermouth made from sweet cicely James foraged for himself.