Top 5: Hottest London restaurant openings

It’s no secret that London likes to eat. Whether it is traditional British, popular Indian or something a little more obscure like Ethiopian, there are more restaurants and variety in the capital city than any other region in the UK. 

Like anything, the culinary scene is dictated by trends. For instance, recently London has seen a prevalent trend for Americana and gourmet fast food with openings such as Patty & Bun and Bubbledog, as well as more Pho restaurants as you can take a stick at. 

But as trends come and go, the capital makes way for a new wave of haunts. Naturally with our fingers firmly on the pulse, we reveal what are going to be the hottest tables in town in the up-coming months. 

Rotary Bar and Diner 

One of the most exciting openings of the year is sadly a pop-up venture, but with the promise of a 10-month stint we are sure we will be making the most of it. Located on the infamous Old Street roundabout, Rotary Bar and Diner will breathe some much-needed life into this arm of City Road. The concept is ‘New British Diner’ set over two floors, consisting of an open diner on the ground floor and a members lounge and wine room in the basement. Carl Clarke of Disco Bistro will take care of the main kitchen serving favourites such as fish tacos, buttermilk fried chicken wings and ‘Crackled Scallops’. The gastronomy will not stop there, with East London favourite street food vendor Yum Bun selling their famous pork buns in their own shop next to the ground floor bar. We’ll see you in the queue! Official opening 1st March, soft opening 25th-28th February, 70 City Road, EC1Y 2BJ @RotaryBarDiner 

Beagle 

Launching next month is Beagle, a restaurant, bar and coffee shop housed in beautifully renovated railway arches in Shoreditch and taking its name from an old North London locomotive. Head Chef James Ferguson will present seasonal British ingredients to create fresh daily menus with a Mediterranean twist, using a traditional wood grill for much of his cooking. Diners can expect dishes such as grilled octopus and green sauce and whole wild sea bass with samphire and cucumber. There is even a large South-facing outdoor seating area made from reclaimed railway sleepers to while away those summer days. Opening March 2013, 397 - 399 Geffrye Street, London, E2 8HZ, www.beaglelondon.co.uk 

Notting Hill Kitchen 

Portuguese chef Luis Buena is taking on the role of Head Chef at the brand-new Notting Hill Kitchen, opening next month. Specialising in Portuguese and Spanish cuisine, dishes will include slow cooked Iberian milk-fed baby lamb and sauteed fillet of Atlantic turbot with sweet potatoes and celery purée & garlic chips. There will be a main a la carte menu for both lunch and dinner as well as grazing plates and sharing dished for those lighter meals with friends. To wash down this Mediterranean feast will be over 200 wines including vintage; glass of Rioja anyone? Opening March 2013, Notting Hill Kitchen, 92 Kensington Park Road, W11 2PN 

Homeslice 

Casual dining lives on as previous street food vendor Homeslice sets up a permanent home in Convent Garden’s Neal’s Yard. Vowing to ‘keep things simple’ all food at the 50-seat restaurant will pretty much be priced at £4, from a slice of pizza to a glass of wine. A whole pizza will cost £20 for 20 inches and for those ladies that lunch Prosecco will be on tab as well as double magnums of house wine. There is also no issue of wasting money as tables will be fitted with a measuring stick so that customers only pay for what they drink. Margherita will be the resident flavour whilst there will be five special options every night, from artichoke and courgette with lemon and parsley to fire roasted spring onion and watercress. See you there, homeslice. Opening March 2013, Neal’s Yard Convent Garden, @homesliceLDN 

Social Eating House 

Doing exactly what it says on the tin is London’s newest social hub, Social Eating House. Brought to us by Super-chef Jason Atherton, Social Eating House will be an affordable and informal dining experience in the heart of SoHo. Food will be a contemporary British menu with an international flourish with dishes such as ravioli with wild boar bolognese and peppered hearts and kidney. The menu will be complimented by relaxed and attentive service in a chilled out setting and there is an additional bar on the top floor called the Blind Pig for the ultimate socialising experience. Opening April 2013, Social Eating House, 58 Poland Street, W1, www.socialeatinghouse.com

Words: Katie Grange

Photo: Beagle, Roast Beef Forerib with Bone Marrow

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