Welcome to Bon Vivant’s latest article on the current news, openings and recommendations for London’s restaurant and bar scene. If you would like further information or to make a reservation, please contact us.
London Restaurant Festival
In celebration of London Restaurant Festival’s partnership with American Express, 10-10-10 is a new landmark Festival event for 2010. Taking place on 10 October 2010, the event will see 20 of the UK’s most celebrated chefs cast aside their creative competitiveness and work side-by-side to create 10 never eaten before collaborative Sunday lunch menus. One of the pairings is Steven Smith from Freemasons Country Inn in Wiswell, Lancashire, who is teaming up with Matthew Foxon from Criterion in London, with dishes including lemon tart, Pugh’s Piglet and scallops with pork belly.
Restaurant Re-Opening – Elysee
Elysée, one of the oldest Greek restaurants in London in Fitzrovia, has had a major refurbishment and has re-opened with the addition of a roof garden and a cocktail bar.
New Bar at OXO Tower
The OXO Tower Restaurant is currently working with Shaun Clarkson on a new bar, which will launch in November, situated between the 8th floor Restaurant and Brasserie with its own views of the river.
The Savoy Grill to Re-Open
The Savoy Grill will re-open on 29 November under the direction of Gordon Ramsay Holdings. Chef Director, Stuart Gillies, alongside Head Chef Andy Cook, have created a menu that is inspired by classic British and French dishes of old.
New Weekend Brunch Menu at Circus
Circus in Covent Garden have launched a quirky new weekend brunch menu, which they describe as being hosted by the world’s grumpiest dragon, Piff and his sidekick Piffilicious, who have recently completed a sell-out Edinburgh comedy and magic tour and supported Stephen Merchant, Simon Amstell and Jessica Hynes in the West End.
Free Beefeater 24 Cocktails
Beefeater 24 have come up with the idea of asking 24 top London bars to create new cocktails that convey ‘Daring, London, Glamour’. They then set out to identify 24 of the capitals most promising young photographers by visiting grad shows and speaking to industry insiders. They selected 24 of the most promising photographers to become involved with the promotion and allocated each of them with a bar/photo shoot with the same themes for inspiration: ‘Daring, London, Glamour‘. These images are available to view at: www.beefeater24.com/ldn24. If you vote for your favourite, you will receive complimentary vouchers for free cocktails at any of the bars.
The Betsy Smith
The team behind the Winchester in Islington and The Lodge Tavern in Ealing Broadway have opened The Betsy Smith in Kilburn. The concept is inspired by fantasy, including a giant Narnia style wardrobe which has been re-designed into a quirky seating area, a wall garden with pink flamingos, and Sailor Jerry’s rum toilets.
Bar Battu in The City
Bar Battu is a new natural wine bar in The City, which also offers a Mediterranean menu.
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