An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman walk into London, in search of something brand new to satiate their terrible hunger. They stumble upon Square Meal’s London restaurants opening this week article, and all rejoice. Nope, no punchline, but a useful lesson to all you Londoners nevertheless. Enjoy…
Yum Som, Monument (above)
When: Monday 2 November. At noon on 3 November, the first 200 people served will receive a free lunch (either a Yum Sub or one of the menu's freshly prepared salad choices, along with a Press cold-pressed juice), then on Friday 6 they’ll be giving away 200 egg and bacon shao bing flatbreads from 7am.
What: If your usual lunchtime meal deal has lost its appeal, this Leadenhall newcomer could be the answer to your pitiful calls. Open from 7am to 7pm, start the day with smoothies and spiced porridge, or a shao bing (an unleavened Chinese flatbread), while lunchtime means healthy and zingy salads.
Where: Leadenhall Court, 1-6 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 1PP
Urban Coterie, Moorgate (above)
When: Monday 2 November
What: Despite the Franglish name, this seventeenth-floor restaurant at Shoreditch’s M by Montcalm Hotel is a celebration of all things British, with a distinctly metropolitan feel to the menu. A collaboration between the distinguished catering and restaurant company Searcys (of The Gherkin and St Pancras Grand) and the equally notable chef and restaurateur Anthony Demetre (of Arbutus and Wild Honey), diners can expect on-point dishes.
Where: 17th Floor, M By Montcalm, 151-157 City Road, EC1V 1JH
The Ivy Café, Marylebone (above)
When: Tuesday 3 November
What: The latest venture from Caprice Holdings sees Richard Caring bring a more relaxed Ivy offering to Marylebone Lane. All-day dining will commence with international breakfast standards, followed by snacks, while the carte will offer up choices such as fennel-infused lobster risotto. There will also be a small cocktail menu.
Where: 96 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2QA
Darbaar, Moorgate (above)
When: Open for soft launch from Wednesday 4 November until Friday 6 November with 50% off food at the bar (3-6pm) and 50% off a la carte (12N-2.45pm 6-10.30pm). Due to fully open Saturday 7 November.
What: This new addition to the City’s dining scene comes from Abdul Yaseen, who has spent the last 15 years in the kitchens of The Cinnamon Club and its associated restaurants, Cinnamon Soho and Cinnamon Kitchen. You can expect to see the influence with Yaseen’s debut here, namely a melding of eastern and western foods, flavours and techniques.
Where: 1 Snowden Street, EC2A 2DQ
Big Easy, Canary Wharf (above)
When: Wednesday 4 November
What: The Norman Foster Crossrail terminal at Canary Wharf has more than architectural prowess and sensible travel links to recommend it – it will also have a Big Easy (the third site, following Big Easy Covent Garden and Chelsea) occupying a third of its top floor. There’ll be an oyster and raw bar to keep it bang on-trend, as well as plenty of barbecued meat.
Where: Upper Level 1, Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5AR
Below & Hidden, Clerkenwell (above)
When: Friday 6 November
What: The secret’s in the name and this bar-cum-club beneath Clerkenwell’s Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings is sure to play host to some sinful revelry. The subterranean lair is no bigger than a living room, but has been transformed into a modern version of a 90s-style drinking club, complete with bottled cocktails and table service.
Where: 42 Northampton Road, EC1R 0HU
Appetite still not satiated? Check out our Coming Soon list for even more new openings to look forward to.
This article was published on 2 November 2015