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 December. From Jason Atherton’s fifth and final opening to the west London migration of a Mayfair staple, here are six to add to your list.
Row on 5
As the first restaurant to open on Savile Row in over 350 years, a name like ‘Row on 5’ seems, suitable. But Jason Atherton’s ‘Row’ stands for ‘refinement of work’, signalling that his fifth and final new opening of the year is set to be his most, well, refined yet. It’ll serve a 15-course tasting menu divided into three acts – a curated journey through the best of British produce.
5 Savile Row, W1S 3PB
Motcombs
It’s not often that a new opening feels so familiar. But for anyone whose regular haunt is Belgravia’s Motcomb Street, Motcombs is such a big part of your life it’s practically on your Christmas card list. But in all its 40-or-so years in operation, it’s never added a second site. Until now. The second-ever Motcombs will be in St John’s Wood and serve even more of its well-loved hits – from Dover Sole to shepherd’s pie – alongside an additional New York-style pizza menu.
3 Circus Rd, NW8 6NX
Babbo
St John’s Wood is the place to be this month. Not least because Mayfair stalwart Babbo (an Albemarle Street alum) packed up its parmesan and, after a brief hiatus, moved to St John’s Wood High Street. This new iteration of Babbo has a more chilled vibe; it’s all burgundy leather and patterned tiles, with a menu stretching from breakfast all the way to late-night bites. The spaghetti con vongole is set to be a highlight, as is the huge display – and selection – of fine wines.
29–31 St John's Wood High St, NW8 7NH | Images ©lateef.photography
AngloThai
AngloThai opened in November but humour us for including it in December’s list: this British-Thai restaurant has been a long time coming. Chef and co-founder John Chantarasak is serving his signature English-accented take on Thai cuisine, cooked using British produce and served alongside European wines selected by his wife, Desiree. And you can read our full review here.
22–24 Seymour Pl, W1H 7NL
Nipotina
What’s in a name? In the case of Nipotina, which means ‘granddaughter’ in Italian, everything. The stylish new Italian is the latest addition to Samyukta Nair’s family of restaurants and its name nods to Nair’s relationship with her grandfather – as well as the recipes head chef Somaia Hammad learnt from her nonna. It’s a laidback spot serving comforting cooking; the kind of place you could drop in for a breakfast frittata and then return to at 3pm for a Nipotina Negroni.
49 S Audley St, W1K 2QD
SiLVA
In a word, SiLVA is polished. But in a few more, SiLVA is a two-floor, all-day restaurant on Bruton Place (where you’ll also find The Cocochine and The Guinea). Plenty of marble, mixed woods, and moss-green accents add a subtle forest feel, and the private dining room – with its herringbone floor and floral castings – is stunning. Breakfast is set to be a highlight here, with dishes like gratinated crab and Gruyère omelettes, as is the ‘broker’s list’ of blowout wines.
