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London’s hottest restaurant openings: November 2023
From the first new Jamie Oliver joint in four years to a three storey whisky bar in Soho, November is shaping up to be another exciting month for food and drink fans in London.
Dram Bar – 1 November
Tucked within a 17th century Grade II listed building on Soho’s Denmark Street, over three floors Dram Bar will offer two bars, a private pool room (as in for playing games of pool, not swimming), a whisk(e)y shop, an RTD cocktail vending machine and an outdoor terrace.
The brainchild of Chris Tanner, Martyn ‘Simo’ Simpson and Jack Wallis, Dram Bar promises a wide selection of cocktails and spritzes, though, as the name suggests, whisky/whiskey from around the world is very much the star. The founding trio were formerly of whisky specialist Milroy’s, so expect some excellent quality drams indeed.
To find out more, click here.
Camino King’s Cross – 16 November
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Having originally opened in 2007, tapas restaurant Camino in King’s Cross will be undergoing something of a revamp inside, but also, crucially, a new aperitivo bar. This walk-in only bar has been designed by B3 Design (who also recently worked on the interior for Camino Group’s nearby Bar Rioja). In addition to a range of vermouths, tonics, dry Sherries and Cava, there is also a plethora of small plates to complement, including jamón, artisanal cheese, and lunchtime specials of Catalan Coca flatbreads and, what no tapas experience would be complete without, tortilla.
To find out more, click here.
Jamie Oliver Catherine St. – 28 November
The Naked Chef’s return to the restaurant scene after the collapse of his restaurant empire in 2019 will be an interesting one to watch. While Oliver’s previous efforts were at the more casual end of the dining spectrum, this new restaurant next to Covent Garden’s Theatre Royal seems to be a much more upmarket affair. Head chef Chris Shaill, who previously worked alongside Oliver for eight years at Barbecoa, has developed a menu that places the emphasis firmly on British produce: devilled eggs with Exmoor caviar, Loch Duart salmon cured in beetroot and vodka with horseradish soured cream, a mound of roast Sutton Hoo chicken, Royal Windsor Park venison ragù, and hot apple brioche pudding served with caramelised cinnamon apples and vanilla custard.
Filipe Bhering, formerly of Annabel’s and KOL, has curated the wine list, with an extensive by-the-glass offering thanks to Coravin. Jay Rivera, formerly of Fifteen and Barbecoa, has developed the cocktail selection, including a Margarita utilising mezcal, yuzu sake and smoked jalapeños.
Oliver said of this new project: “The emotion of food, family and home is what I want to bring to life in our Catherine St restaurant. We want every single guest to feel cherished and welcomed, knowing they will be tucking into incredible food, made from the best ingredients, prepared with love and served in an inviting and comforting space.”
To find out more, click here.
Walmer Castle – 1 November
After a fair bit of restoration, this almost 180-year-old Notting Hill public house will be reopening to the general public. Jack and Poppy Greenall, publicans behind The Surprise in Chelsea, worked with Isabella Worsley Ltd on the redesign, as well as a number of other craftspeople, including Rupert Bevan, who made the bar, and Jack Penny, who created some of the artwork that hangs in the snug. Dishes on the menu include celeriac & truffle pie, and North Yorkshire venison carpaccio.
To find out more, click here.
Bar Levan – 23 November
The team behind Levan in Peckham will be adding a 34-seater natural, organic and biodynamic wine-focused bar next door. Drawing inspiration from the wine bars of the French capital, there will be, in addition to the list of bottles and ‘one offs’ by-the-glass, small plates including rillettes, charcuterie, cheese and, perhaps most excitingly, a croque monsieur described in a press release as “very naughty”. Chef takeovers have also been teased.
Co-owner Mark Gurney said: “Our love of Paris, and the wine bar scene over there is no secret, we wanted to bring a slice of that to South London. We’re hoping Bar Levan will be somewhere you want to hang out, it’s got a banging sound system and some wicked wines – we’re looking forward to opening the doors in November.”
To find out more, click here.
Sune
Opening soon, Sune, near Broadway Market, is the work of former Noma manager Charlie Sims and Studio PASKIN wine director Honey Spencer, who commented: “In recent years, so much emphasis has been put on who’s cooking in the kitchen, and while, of course, quality food is hugely important, its focus often leaves a restaurant’s hospitality overlooked. Our service will always be thoughtful and warm, leaving our guests feeling nourished and truly at home.”
As for who actually is in the kitchen, chef Michael Robins, formerly of Pidgin, will be whipping up grilled pagnotta with whipped lardo and rosemary, Galician sea urchin with preserved tomato, smoked eel Caesar salad, and za’atar spiced lamb ribs, to name but a few. The seasonal wine list has been developed by Spencer.
To find out more, click here.
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