Our preview of the week’s forthcoming restaurant openings, including the Dirty Bones Soho and BIRD Islington soft launches, and the return of a rather overweight bird….
Dirty Bones, Soho
When: Soft launch from Monday 28 September with 50% off food, followed by 25% off food Monday 5 October until Sunday 11 October
What: The popular Kensington comfort food joint comes to Soho’s Kingly Court, with a 65-cover courtyard restaurant. Expect American classics such as The Mac Daddy Burger (a 6oz house burger topped with pulled beef short rib), mac ‘n’ cheese, or fried chicken in bourbon and marshmallow barbecue sauce. New to this outpost is a weekend brunch menu with meaty offerings including the Benedict Burger.
Where: Kingly Court, W1B 5PW
Le Pont de la Tour, Southbank
When: Monday 28 September
What: There was always something wonderfully sleek about the original Butlers Wharf restaurant and now it’s had a refurb to bring it bang up to date. Head chef Frederick Forster is at the helm; an ex-Roux scholar (he’s worked at Le Gavroche, Le Manoir, the Ritz and Pierre Gagnaire), diners can expect impeccable technique and a lightness of touch with dishes such as roasted Orkney scallops with violet artichokes.
Where: Butlers Wharf, 36d Shad Thames, SE1 2YE
The Fat Duck, Bray
When: Tuesday 29 September
What: After a six-month residency down under in Melbourne, the culinary world’s most famous duck is back in Britain and will be reopening its doors to the public, showing off the results of a nine-month refurbishment. After months of renovations, expectations are very high – Heston is promising an even more immersive experience than before, which will describe, in culinary and sensory terms, an English childhood holiday.
Where: 1 High Street, Bray, Maidenhead, SL6 2AQ
BIRD, Islington
When: Soft launch from Thursday 1 October with 50% off food
What: The first offshoot of Bird’s Shoreditch original, this former pub on a Holloway Road corner will major in fried chicken and craft beer, offering a high-quality alternative to London’s murkier fried chicken takeaways: founders Paul and Cara Cepetelli are out to challenge perceptions. If the original is anything to go by, this is set to be a good value and lively option for a quality fried chicken fix.
Where: 81 Holloway Road, N7 8LT
This article was published 28 September 2015