Endo Kazutoshi announces five-month residency at Annabel's (and the first two months are already fully booked)

Third-generation sushi master Endo Kazutoshi has unveiled his next project, a Mayfair residency at one of the capital’s most elusive private member’s clubs. The news marks the chef’s long-awaited return after his flagship restaurant, Endo at the Rotunda, was forced to close last September following a devastating fire.

The Michelin-starred chef, whose parting statement promised ‘a great comeback’ is living up to his word. Launching on 20 February, the residency - officially titled Endo, Upstairs at Annabel’s - will run for five months, offering one of the most intimate dining experiences in the capital. The chef, however, has chosen to refer to the project as ‘Untitled’.

From Tuesday to Friday each week, Endo and his team will host two sittings per evening, with just ten seats per sitting. This pared-back approach stays true to the chef’s signature style, offering an intimate style of service that Endo is known for.

Announcing the project on Instagram, Endo described it as ‘a special moment for us to gather with you once more’.

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He added: ‘The time has come for us to prepare to stand in front of you once again.

‘There are feelings here that cannot be easily put into words - gratitude to our guests, the desire to see you again and melancholy and longing for the time we lost.

‘Reuniting with the Rotunda team in a temporary home, I am deeply grateful and very much looking forward to having a place where I can once again serve you the sushi that represents the essence of my work.

‘I sincerely look forward to seeing you.’

A sell out event

As expected, demand has been immediate. Reservations for February and March opened Tuesday 20 January, and were fully booked within hours. However, there is still a chance to bag a booking at the pop-up...

Those unable to secure a seat can still enjoy Endo’s cooking elsewhere, with NIJU and Kioku by Endo both operating as normal.

In other news, this two Michelin-starred restaurant has received a shock one-star hygiene rating - but chef patron says he is ‘not embarrassed by it’.