Fiend is a restaurant and bar from chef Chris Denney, who previously wowed critics with now-closed 108 Garage.
Occupying the former site of Portobello institution Santo, Fiend is a rustic-chic space set across two floors. On the ground floor, a large open kitchen allows Denney to hold court and entertain guests as they watch his cooking up close, while warmth is created via tan leather banquettes, a red and brown colour scheme and a bespoke Rosewood bar. Downstairs, guests will find an after dinner lounge kitted out with velvet chairs, low slung tables and soft lighting, providing a place for guests to relax with a digestif after their meal has finished.
Fiend serves both an a la carte and a six-course tasting menu, with dishes seemingly created with Michelin inspectors in mind. The offering changes seasonally, but refined plates you might come across include wagyu short rib with smoked tomato and Colston Bassett stilton or bulgogi sweet bread with kefir cabbage and green onion.
As for the drinks list, expect a run of house cocktails, specially selected artisanal wines and cold premium beers. From the cocktail list, explore the likes of a Garibaldi made with Campari, orange, lime, passion fruit and mandarin soda or the Monte Carlo, an after dinner drink which blends Knobs Creek Bourbon, Benedictine and angostura bitters.
Denney brings a wealth of culinary experience to the role, having previously worked alongside the likes of John Campbell, Eric Chavot and Aaron Paterson in the UK, as well as Enrico Crippa at the three Michelin starred Piazza Duomo in Italy. Denney and long-time collaborator Luca Longobardi had planned to open a second restaurant in the same neighbourhood called Southam Street, but the concept closed after just a few months. Denney has often stated his desire to win a Michelin star and it seems Fiend is his latest attempt to win the prestigious accolade.