MAY NEWSLETTER

And as fast as 'I am Maximus' romping over the finish line at this year's Aintree Grand National, we're into May.  April wasn't around 'furlong' ! but it was a solid month across the Industry, with more hot new openings, a wealth of new deals and a number of Industry movers and shakers hitting the headlines. 

FACT

The 'Season' historically starts with the annual Grand National race in April  and, (although the events today, spell a very different version to the original calendar, augmented in the 17th century), it is still a  highly anticipated and important time of year for the Industry...so, blinkers off, it's running from April to August and we love it.

What's more, there is a change in seasonal flavours, with some heralded as firm British favourites. Our pick of the month is 'Rhubarb' - this bitter-sweet fruit creates connotations of syllabubs and crumbles and growing under old chimney stacks.  But it's come a long way since then.....featuring in many of the capitals hottest cocktails bars and menu's, it is fashionably  in pole position this month.  

And now, for the restaurants making the headlines this month...

HOT NEW OPENINGS 

Cocochine - No. 38 Brunton Place, Mayfair

Larry Jayasekara, formerly head chef at Petrus by Gordon Ramsey is co-owned by Tim Jefferies.  The restaurant is entirely a la carte and the ground floor dining area has just eight tables, with a chef’s counter on the first floor.  

What is interesting about this new opening is that it will be the fourth building they own on the street. Jayasekara is very keen to make waives in creating a harmonious space for staff to work.  There will be a staff canteen and changing rooms with showers, giving the team a space to feel like home.  The kitchen itself has also been specially designed to be flooded with natural light, for the same purpose. 

This marries up with the recent survey on employee health - published by Propel.

Mental and physical health issues are on the rise in the workforce. When it comes to the importance of food among workforce health, 97% of employees surveyed said that taking a lunch break improves their workday, while 64% said that a meal at work gives them the energy to continue their day.

Big hands to that, leading the way in re-shaping the working environment for the industry.

Roe - Canary Wharf, E14

From the team behind Fallow in St James, comes Roe.  It is a much bigger offering than it's inaugural counterpart and can seat over 500 diners across three floors. It includes a mezzanine private dining room and a wraparound terrace overlooking the South Dock Canal - dreamy.

They are set to continue with their sustainable theme and will even be open for breakfast, what a treat!

The Counter - Kingly Street, Soho

Turkish chef and restaurateur Kemal Demirasal is set to open a second site following the success of The Counter, a contemporary ocakbasi restaurant in London’s Notting Hill, last year. We love the cocktail idea and this will open in the basement, called  'Under The Counter'. The restaurant itself with have 60-covers internally and a 20-cover terrace outside. The downstairs bar will have 30. Demirasal said: “We're really excited to be bringing the flavours of the Aegean, which unites Greece and Turkey, to central London.   We wholeheartedly agree !

Niju - 20 Berkely St, W1

The Creative Restaurant Group - have returned to one of things they do really well, Japanese food.  Endo Kazutoshi, arguably one of the UK's best sushi chefs is leading the way in this contemporary, cool Japenese Grill. 

Kioku Bar - Whitehall

Before Endo Kazutoshi opens The OWO on the rooftop in Whitehall.. this beauty (if you're into Sake) is opening on the ground floor. There is a large sake collection of over 100 bottles, as well as Japanese-inspired cocktails. And to set the mood, if you're drinking here you'll be able to influence the playlist - small but perfectly formed space.

And other greats to note are:

OMA (Borough Market) - Banging Greek-inspired food from the man behind Smokestak

Lina Stores (South Kensington) - The Italian restaurant and deli opens on Exhibition Road

Movers & Shakers soon to be opening...

Cocotte  - 30 Hill Street, Richmond

Opening towards the end of June, the space will comprise 65 covers. The group  are hoping to expand their portfolio to 7 this year. - The Richmond site, will be the sixth for the French inspired group.  Chef Romain Bourrillon, launched Cocotte in Notting Hill in April 2016, with a second site, in Shoreditch, two years later.  Restaurant Property were delighted to have been partnered with MRK Property  in securing the roll-out of this next site for them.                  

The Hero (Of Maida) - 55 Shirland Road, W9

From the team behind The Pelican in London’s Notting Hill, comes The Hero, opening later this spring.  Phil Winser and James Gummer, together with Olivier van Themsche, ( the business and acquisitions lead for Public House Group), will re-open the four-storey space, comprising pub, grill room, cocktail bar and a top-floor events area - this will be hot !

Chez Roux - Palm Court, The Langham W1

Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr is to open a new restaurant in May at The Langham.  The new restaurant has been inspired by the chef’s childhood memories  - sitting alongside the newly opened Mimosa at The Langham, this is going to elevate the venue further (if that's possible!).

Undercroft - Mayfair

Chef Brad Carter and former music publisher Martin Priestnall are to open their first London restaurant. The site site below St George’s Church in Mayfair, a 16th century building off Hanover Square, aims to deliver “the best in art, design, music and food, and as such will be more than a standalone restaurant”. The idea is to provide a “sanctuary” for guests, away from the hectic streets of central London. It is housed in a vaulted underground space accessed by a side door and stairway open for lunch through to late evening. The space will also feature a bar and “eclectic” cocktail list, and a varied selection of champagne and fine wine.  

And international moves..

Sexy Fish Dubai - Hub Tower, in the DIFC Centre

Caprice Holdings, backed by Richard Caring has confirmed plans to open Sexy Fish in Dubai. The company has said that: “A luxurious dining and entertainment destination that will be located in the heart of the vibrant DIFC scene. Inspired by our iconic London counterpart, Sexy Fish Dubai will offer exquisite fusion of innovative cocktails, world-class cuisine, and captivating ambiance.” 

Restaurant Property were the agency behind Sexy Fish opening in London.