Welcome to Bon Vivant’s latest article on the current news, openings and recommendations for London’s restaurant, bar and hotel scene. If you would like further information or to make a reservation, please contact us.
Dine Out, Dine In with Brasserie Joël
Just in time for the holidays, the team at Brasserie Joël invites London foodies to Dine Out in December and Dine In in January. Those who enjoy a lunch or dinner at Brasserie Joël under the Dine Out, Dine In promotion during the month of December will have the opportunity to win a complimentary, private VIP Dinner for four specially prepared by the chefs at Brasserie Joël and served in a luxurious penthouse overlooking Big Ben during the month of January.
After the four-course meal with wine pairings, they will be able to stay the night in the two-bedroom penthouse suite and enjoy breakfast in the morning. To participate in the Dine Out, Dine In Promotion, reservations must be made at www.brasseriejoel.co.uk or by telephone at 0207 620 7272 quoting Dine Out, Dine In.
Cocomaya will open a new site in Sloane Square in December
Following the success of Cocomaya’s artisan bakery and fine chocolatier in Connaught Village and it’s temporary boutique ‘A Chocolate Wonderland’ at Liberty, the team behind Cocomaya will be opening a new store on Pavilion Road off Sloane Square. This new location will integrate both a bakery and chocolate shop with seating for up to sixteen inside and eight outside. For further information visit www.cocomaya.co.uk
Quo Vadis to launch The QV Bar in January
The Soho restaurant and members’ club Quo Vadis will be launching a new bar in January 2011. The QV Bar will be located on the ground floor of the building next to the restaurant and will be overseen by mixologist Paul Mant. The QV Bar will have its own distinct food featuring new bar dishes including Salt Cod Fritters with Tartar Sauce, Montgomery Cheddar and Smoked Trealy Ham Toasted Sandwich and QV Burger with Triple Cooked Chips.
VERRU brings Scandinavia to London
VERRU is set to open in Marylebone in January 2011 with only 26 covers. Head chef and owner Andrei Lesment, previously of Baltic, brings the flavours of Scandinavia to the West End. Designed by LSM Design, the decor mixes raw brickwork and distressed glass to give a rough and smart finish.
Texture: guilt-free Michelin fine dining for January
If you want to detox after Christmas but still want to eat out, Texture, the Michelin starred restaurant on Portman Street, is committing to not using any butter or cream in the starters and main courses, resulting in a lighter, healthier lunch or dinner. Texture’s lunch menu is priced at £19.50 for two courses and £23.50 for three.
The Henry Root opens in Chelsea
Situated in the heart of Chelsea, the contemporary wine bar The Henry Root opened on Wednesday 1st of December, offering an all day grazing menu with excellent wines to match.
Salt Yard and Dehesa Spin-Off
The owners of London tapas restaurants Salt Yard and Dehesa will launch a third venture, the Opera Tavern, at a new site on the edge of the Covent Garden Piazza, in January.
Housed in a former 19th century pub, the 80-seat restaurant will be spread over two floors, comprising a downstairs bar and restaurant with an open kitchen as well as an upstairs dining room with a capacity of 40.
Pop-Up Chalet at The Well
The downstairs of The Well, a gastropub in Clerkenwell, has been transferred into a winter Chalet for December, providing a great space for a party. Decked out chalet style with vintage skis, moose antlers and wooden logs, you’ll also be eating and drinking Scandinavian. The Well Swedish Ski Lodge can host parties of up to 70 people, with no hire charge. Canapés cost from £12 per person for six.
Sketch at the Royal Academy
For the second year, Sketch will be running a pop-up at the Royal Academy alongside the exhibition GSK Contemporary. Sketch’s chef Pierre Gagnaire will create a host of sandwiches, viennoiseries, cakes and pastries in a perfect melding of art, fashion and food. The pop-up will run until the end of January.
Experimental Cocktail Club in Soho
Paris’s Experimental Cocktail Club has opened in Soho, partnered with Hendrick’s Gin’s Xavier Padovani, to offer a great cocktail spot for Soho with a 3am license, old-school drinks list and quirky design.
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