We know you’re a sucker for a new opening. Just the word ‘new’ in the title of this article was enough to lure you in, the promise of fresh drinking and dining spots too enticing to miss. And luckily, London has one of the most exciting food scenes in the world; an ever-changing tapestry of fusion flavours, best-in-class chefs, and ritzy, glitzy openings you simply must try.
So, as we’re the world’s leading luxury lifestyle group, we’ve selected the finest new restaurants this November. On the menu this month: posh pub grub, silky small plates, and large portions of lobster linguine. From The Hart to The Trafalgar Public House, here are five you won’t want to miss.
The Hart
Where: Marylebone.
Best for: posh pub grub.
Order: the bubble and squeak.
What do a Pelican, a Badger, and a Hart have in common? Well, apart from being animals, they’re all part of the Public House Group (aka gastropubs serving some of London’s most luxurious Sunday roasts). The Hart – although the newest addition to the pack – is nostalgic in other ways, with classic bar snacks like pork scratchings and childhood favourites such as bubble and squeak. Word of warning: there’s no winging it, so you'll need to book in advance.
Opened: 1st October | thehartw1.com
56 Blandford St, W1U 7JA
Oranj
Where: Shoreditch.
Best for: small plates.
Order: the trout sashimi.
It might come as no surprise that a spot called Oranj is a candlelit, clementine-hued haven – and equally unsurprising that most of the dishes on the menu revolve around citrus. Case in point: beetroot ceviche swimming in a blood orange sauce (vegan-friendly) or trout sashimi with citrus ponzu. Once a wine bar, it's now a small-plate-serving spot with cheeky tangerine-coloured washroom posters that perfectly predict the evening: starter, wine, wine, wine, main...
Opened: 13th October | oranj.co.uk
15 Dray Walk, E1 6QR
Motorino
Where: Fitzrovia.
Best for: Italian-inspired dishes.
Order: the Amalfi lemon meringue pie.
London might be littered with Italian restaurants, but few come with tables tucked next to chapel-like windows. Motorino, headed up by ex-Lita chef Luke Ahearne, is already drawing diners from across the city. On the food front: honey-glazed fingers of fluffy focaccia with whipped butter and extra virgin olive oil. And for dessert? Our eyes are firmly on the Amalfi lemon meringue pie – or the Irish whisky tiramisu.
Opened: 20th October | motorino.london.com
1 Pearson Sq, W1T 3BF
The Trafalgar Public House
Where: Chelsea.
Best for: bar snacks that mean business.
Order: the Chateaubriand for two.
Something’s been brewing in SW3: a gorgeous, nautical-themed gastropub named after the big battle of 1805. As you’d expect, the two-floor space looks straight out of the 19th century: curly-wurly wrought-iron chandeliers hang above maroon, painting-clad walls with portraits of Nelson. Only in Chelsea could you order oxtail and black truffle croquettes as appetisers. And when we popped into the launch event, we could easily picture ourselves scooching into a leather booth and sharing the Chateaubriand for two.
Opened: 22nd October | thetrafalgarchelsea.com
224–226 King’s Rd, SW3 5UA
Sale e Pepe Mare
Where: Marylebone.
Best for: pre- or post-Regent Street shopping sprees.
Order: the linguine all’ aragosta.
You might recognise the name Sale e Pepe – and if you do, you'll know it’s one of Knightsbridge’s best restaurants. After over half a century in SW1, the much-loved trattoria is opening a sister seafood-leaning site inside The Langham, London. And like the original spot, there are three things on the menu you need to get your claws on: the gamberi scottati (warm red prawns), lobster linguine for two, and a tray of tableside tiramisu.
Opening: late November | saleepepe.co.uk
