By Jonathan Hatchman, Food Editor, @TLE_Food
With plenty of exciting restaurant openings constantly taking place across the Capital, here’s our pick of the best new restaurants arriving in London over the coming month.
Balls & Company – Soho
The brainchild of Australian-born chef Bonny Porter, Balls & Company will be the first Soho restaurant to offer a gourmet menu that’s focused on Meatballs. For most Londoners, Meatballs evoke the idea of either Italian Buffets (most underwhelming) or Ikea, yet Balls & Company aims to bring something completely new to the Capital’s casual dining scene. The 50-cover space will add a touch of finesse to the dish in hand, with a variety of balls on offer, including Wagyu Beef, Confit Salmon and Quinoa, Beetroot and Feta, served in portions of four and priced at an accessible £8. While a variation of accompanying sauces will be on offer, allowing diners to tailor their experience even further.
Balls & Company is set to open in July and can be found at 58 Greek Street, London, W1D 3DY
Crab Tavern – City
Just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Station, Broadgate Circle is becoming a hot bed for new restaurant openings within the city. The most exciting of which, is Crab Tavern, which will open its doors this month. Set up as the first London restaurant from Russian entrepreneur Igor Krayushkin, the all-day Seafood restaurant and bar will feature a distinct New York focus and the menu will be formed, mostly, of Crab. Expect sweet and savoury King Crab Brioche Doughnuts, West Coast “Bucket Boil” (featuring Crab Claws, Mussels, Lobster, Ratte Potatoes, Merguez Sausage and Sweetcorn) and a Breakfast menu that will feature some mouthwatering Crab Hashbrowns.
Crab Tavern is set to open in July and can be found at Unit 7, Broadgate Circle, London, EC2M 2QS
Egg Break – Notting Hill
Opening in West London this month, Egg Break comes from the same team behind popular restaurants Chicken Shop and Dirty Burger, in a joint launch with Ennismore (the ‘Hoxton’ Hotel Group). Thus far, the details of the new restaurant are scarce, but we do know that a wide range of Egg-based dishes will be available (naturally), a selection of Buns will be on the menu, including Bacon, Pork Belly, Fried Chicken and more, and there will also be some “Basic” dishes, small plates, and Salads.
Egg Break is set to open on July 1st and can be found at 30 Uxbridge Street, London W8 7TA
NY Fold – Soho
Already somewhat of a food legend in his native America, with 10 artisan Pizzerias across the US, and six World Pizza Championship titles to his name, Bruno DiFabio is set to open his first London restaurant this month. Simply named after the way that Pizza is eaten in New York, NY Fold aims to bring incredible tasting, authentic New York Pizza to Central London. The chef’s signature creation – “Big Daddy” – featuring toppings of fresh Spinach, Artichoke hearts, Garlic, White Onion, Mozzarella and Lemon already looks to become a favourite, and diners will even be able to witness the theatrical tossing of the dough which is made using Bruno DiFabio’s own secret recipe.
NY Fold is set to open on July 3rd and can be found at 103 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DT.
Oldroyd – Islington
Best known for his work as Chef Director of the Polpo group, Tom Oldroyd is finally set to open a restaurant of his own, this month. Set to takeover an old Sandwich bar in the heart of Islington, the eponymous Oldroyd will be set across two floors with a no-reservations restaurant downstairs, while an upstairs Bistro will be more easily accessible to the neighbourhood locals. The food menu is set to change daily, featuring a focus on small and medium plates at lunch and dinner and all of the food used in the Kitchen will be locally-sourced British seasonal produce, where possible, and plates are set to range between the reasonable £4-£9 mark.
Oldroyd is set to open in July and can be found at 344 Upper Street, London, N1 0PD.
Pidgin – Hackney
Following the success of their supper club – The Secret Larder – James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy are set to open their first official restaurant – Pidgin this month. Set to offer a four-course set menu, which will change regularly, featuring some delicious food served up by Head Chef Elizabeth Allen from The Smokehouse in Islington. The opening menu includes the likes of “Pork Fat and Peas”, “Octopus and Apple”, “Beef and Embers”, and Strawberry Panzanella to finish, all priced at £35. Meanwhile, the opening week’s drinks list includes four cocktails (notably the London Fields – Vodka, Sorrel and Lime Blossom Syrup, Celery Bitters and Rosemary, priced at £6), six Wine choices, and Harbour Pils beer on tap (£4).
Pidgin is set to open on July 7th and can be found at 52 Wilton Way, London E8 1BG.
Red’s True BBQ – Shoreditch
Fresh from their pop-up at The Old Blue Last, Red’s will open their first London restaurant just down the road from their current position. The brand has already become established in Northern cities such as Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham, but their London restaurant looks set to become hugely successful. As for the menu, it’ll be the same as the restaurant’s previous openings, so expect gargantuan portions of delicious Meats smoked low and slow for optimum flavour. Expect Swine Fries (Sweet Potato Fries topped with Cheese, Sour Cream, Jalapenos and Pulled Pork), a selection of different Ribs, the “Sleepy James” Sandwich, comprising Chicken Breast and Bacon in Waffles, and the Donut Burger: two Patties, Cheese, Bacon and crispy Onions served between two glazed Doughnuts. If you can’t wait until the end of the month, the Red’s True BBQ Pop-Up will be open on every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until July 4th.
Red’s True BBQ is set to open on July 24th and can be found at 52-54 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EP.
