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 to book this December. From a viral pizzeria to Clare Smyth’s Core 2.0, there’s a lot on the menu this month. Tuck into five openings you won’t want to miss below.
Salvador at Arthur’s Market
Where: Chelsea.
Best for: Spanish-leaning small plates.
Order: the pan con tomato with raw gambas and amalfi lemon.
Shore to impress is a handroll bar, pintxos bistro, grocer, butcher, and fishmonger all in one that’s just washed up on the King’s Road. Front and centre is the latter: a sprawling display of oysters, scallops, sea urchins – caught off the Cornish coast that morning, Head Fishmonger Tristan tells us. To your right is Spanish-leaning Salvador, serving small plates of XL carabinero prawns, pan con tomato crowned with raw gambas, and the creamiest whipped cod’s roe with crisps. And impress it did.
Opened: 16th October | salvadorrestaurant.co.uk
279 King’s Rd, SW3 5EW
Crisp Pizza at The Marlborough, Mayfair
Where: Mayfair.
Best for: pints of Guinness and gooey pizza.
Order: the Vecna Pie (pepperoni, Parmesan, burrata, and hot honey).
Coming in piping hot: one of London’s most hyped-about openings of the year – everyone is grabbing a slice (or two) of the action. The Devonshire and Crisp Pizza W6 have collabed inside a Grade II-listed pub in Mayfair. The basement pizzeria guarantees gooey burrata and golden crusts galore, while the pub pours some of the capital’s best pints of Guinness. We, on the other hand, can’t promise there won’t be any more cheesy puns...
Opened: 10th November | crisppizza.com
24 North Audley St, W1K 6WD
Hawksmoor St Pancras
Where: St Pancras.
Best for: martinis and meat feasts.
Order: the Sunday roast.
Hawksmoor hasn’t just shaken up London’s dining scene – it’s been causing quite the stir. And that’s thanks in part to the group’s first-ever 007-approved Martini Bar. Since this is a steakhouse, you’ll find all the usual bits and bobs – charcoal-grilled T-bone, Chateaubriand for two, sirloin, etc. But our eyes are on the (Sunday roast) prize: slow-cooked rump with fluffy Yorkshire puds, glossy bone-marrow gravy, and glorious cauliflower cheese (ordering this is a non-negotiable, by the way).
Opened: 22nd November | thehawksmoor.com
Euston Rd, NW1 2AR
Mazarine
Where: Mayfair.
Best for: fancy French flavours.
Order: the smoked eel croquettes.
Bonjour, Mazarine. In case you haven’t been introduced, Le Gavroche’s former head chef has opened a French restaurant on Hanover Square. First impressions count, and this spot is already giving London’s best French restaurants a run for their money. Since it’s in Mayfair, the South of France-inspired, seafood-leaning menu features dishes such as smoked eel croquettes and Cornish crab ravioli with lobster broth. And anyone who's a sucker for shucking oysters will love the raw bar.
Opening: 2nd December | mazarinerestaurant.com
22 Hanover Sq, W1S 1JA
Corenucopia
Where: Chelsea.
Best for: comfort food with a Clare Smyth twist.
Order: the fish and chips (trust us).
If this restaurant’s name rings a bell, it’s because it’s the encore to Clare Smyth’s three-Michelin-starred Core, one of Notting Hill’s best restaurants. It’s a tough act to follow, but the chef is getting the show on the (Chelsea) road with a chic bistro. There’ll be dishes like fish and chips on steroids: finger-like, battered fillets of Dover sole filled with lobster mousse and served with mushy peas and triple-cooked chips – miles better than your bog-standard chippy.
Opening: 3rd December | corenucopia.com
