The London Guide: March 2011

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.

Polpo’s New Sibling

Spuntino is the new venture from the team behind Polpo and Polpetto, the successful Venetian ‘bacaros’ in Soho, opening on 14 March. Spuntino will also feature sharing plates, but inspired by New York instead of Italy.  Like its sister restaurants, Spuntino has a no reservation policy for dinner, so expect to queue as this place is bound to be as popular.

The Modern Pantry Goes West

From 21st March for four weeks only, Anna Hansen’s acclaimed Clerkenwell restaurant The Modern Pantry will bring its fusion cooking to Meza in Soho, where the bar will also feature some of The Modern Pantry’s most popular cocktails.

Pollen Street Social

Jason Atherton, formerly of Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and one of his brightest protégés, will open Pollen Street Social in Mayfair, which will also feature London’s first dessert bar. Reservation lines are set to open on 31st March, three weeks before the doors open to the public on 18th April.

New Italian in Chelsea

Venosi, on Sloane Avenue in the heart of Chelsea, is the new venture from Luigi Venosi, who has worked in the restaurant industry for 40 years. Venosi is an elegant Italian restaurant full of old school charm and hospitality, combining simple, quality cooking and ingredients with the kind of service that will make you return again and again.

Bistro Du Vin Opens in Clerkenwell

On Friday 8 April, Bistro du Vin Clerkenwell will open next to Smithfield Market, which will be Hotel du Vin’s first foray into the London scene. One of the winners of Michel Roux’s ‘Service’ featured on BBC television, Danielle Meenagh, will be one of the sommeliers. The Bistro will be open all day, from breakfast until 3am.

Boisdale Expands into Canary Wharf

Boisdale, the Scottish restaurant and jazz bar, which currently has locations in Belgravia and Bishopsgate will expand its offering in April with a 12,000 sq ft site in Canary Wharf. Boisdale of Canary Wharf will feature two restaurants, a caviar and oyster bar, the world’s largest whisky bar, a Cuban cigar shop & sampling room and a 1,000 sq ft cigar terrace, with Jools Holland as Patron of Music.

The Corinthia Hotel

The Corinthia near Whitehall is due to open on 2 April and will have a bar and restaurant designed by David Collins. The restaurant, Massimo’s, will be overseen by Italian chef Massimo Riccioli, who also runs La Rosetta in Rome. The menu will be focused on seafood, with crudo, antipasti and oysters served at the bar throughout the day.

The Zetter Townhouse

In Clerkenwell, The Zetter is due to open a sister property in April across the road from the original boutique hotel in a Georgian townhouse which will have the feel of a private residence rather than hotel with just 11 rooms, two suites and a lounge and cocktail bar, all designed by interior designer Russell Sage, with cocktails from renowned mixologist Tony Conigliaro from 69 Colebroke Row.

New Bar at Semplice

Michelin starred Italian restaurant, Ristorante Semplice, will be launching a new bar and a private dining room at the end of March. The bar will serve a selection of classic Italian snacks for those who only want to visit for a drink.

The London Sky Bar Launches

The London Sky Bar situated on the 29th floor of Milbank Tower in the heart of Westminster, right next to the London Eye, The Houses of Parliament and The Thames has recently opened. The venue commands stunning 360-degree views of London and its prominent landmarks and features a cocktail ‘pharmacy’, listed in a menu under sections such as “aphrodisiacs”, “stress relievers” and “pain killers”.

The opening of The Gilbert Scott, Marcus Wareing’s British brasserie, has been postponed until May. For reservations or to make enquiries about the services that we offer, please contact us.

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