1. ROVI
Ottolenghi opens a new restaurant and bar, ROVI, in Fitzrovia.
Ottolenghi no longer needs an introduction – restaurant NOPI puts London on the map; the chef seamlessly shows vegetarian cooking can be just as exciting as nonveg; and sweet treats are certainly no afterthought (you only need to step inside one of Ottolenghi’s delis to realise that). His new restaurant, ROVI, differs slightly from what we’ve become accustomed to see, focusing on fermentation and cooking over fire.
The design is decidedly louder than Ottolenghi’s other restaurants, fitted with red sofas and black chairs, while still featuring pale oak furnishings and tons of natural light. As you step inside, you’ll find counter top seating in the front and a large oval-shaped cocktail bar at the centre, which is surrounded by plenty of dining tables. If you can’t stay, ROVI comes with a small deli with salads and baked goods to take away.
2. BRIGADIERS
Indian barbecue restaurant Brigadiers is now open in the Bloomberg Arcade.
It’s the biggest project yet for restaurant group JKS Restaurants, which owns Michelin-starred Trishna and Gymkhana, and Michelin Bib Gourmand Sri Lankan restaurant Hoppers.
The venue has seven rooms, which will include two designated bars (Blighters and the Tap Room), a Pool Room and a private dining room called Kukri. They’ll host live sport and ticketed events throughout the week, kicking off (get it?!) with a World Cup screening.
There is also a wraparound terrace, which seats 34 for year-round outdoor dining.
3. MOONSHINE SALOON
Immersive cocktail experience Moonshine Saloon is open now in Chelsea.
It’s from the team behind Alcotraz, the BYOB bar themed around a prison. This time, it’s a Wild West saloon on the King’s Road, running until August 25th.
First thing’s first in this undercover moonshine empire: you’ve got to look the part, or you’ll be spotted by the Sheriff. Visit the town tailor and get kitted up in Stetson hats and cowboy outfits, and then head into the covert bar, where you’ll find dice and games, and can enjoy your drinks while trying to avoid the long arm of the law.
4. SMITHS OF SMITHFIELD
Master chef John Torode (get it?!) first opened Smiths nearly 20 years ago, and its new look will feature a different restaurant experience on each of the four floors.
The top floor of the Grade II-listed building is home to No. 3, a rooftop restaurant and bar with fully retractable glazing and an outdoor terrace with views over the dome of Smithfields market. On the second floor, you’ll find The Grill – a more modern style of décor with exposed brick- and pipework and leather booths.
5. BANCONE
Restaurateurs William Ellner and David Ramsey – of Joanna’s in Crystal Palace – launch Italian restaurant Bancone in Covent Garden.
While William Ellner has practically grown up in the restaurant industry – his family opened Joanna’s in 1978 – this is his first foray into Central London. Bancone serves modern Italian cuisine, with a strong focus on pasta – this newcomer is definitely a strong contender for our guide to London’s best pasta restaurants.
The space is bright and modern, complete with living walls and glass cabinets for dried pasta, while a bar allows you to enjoy aperiviti and cicchetti (Italian appetizers paired with drinks such as Campari or Aperol).
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