Taste update – November 2022
Authentic cultural flavours, a 400-year old building and decadent small bites to eat – these are just a few things that bring alive Britain’s foodie scene this season. From Latino feels with a dash of Japanese cuisine, and creative Italian artisan pasta, food lovers can get their fix across Britain.
Just opened
MNKY HSE, Manchester
Opened October 2022
Feel the Latin American vibes at MNKY HSE (Monkey House) Manchester, an all-in-one bar, restaurant and club that’s sure to bring the party. Located in the city centre, the restaurant joins the brand’s growing portfolio of destinations, including London, Doha and Riyadh. Delve beneath the surface to discover the subterranean bar and restaurant, which opens Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm, with the club opening until late. Moody lighting and dark feature walls offer a luxe, edgy and sophisticated vibe. In the restaurant, sample a fusion of Japanese and Latin American cuisine from Chilean sea bass, ceviche and tacos all curated by head chef Mark Morrans.
Rails Restaurant & Little Bar, King’s Cross, London
Opened November 2022
Escape from the hustle and bustle of King’s Cross and the Eurostar by heading into Rails Restaurant & Little Bar, an eatery that pays homage to travel links between Paris and London. French born executive chef Stéphane Cerisier cooks with creativity and flair to bring showstoppers such as baked St Marcellin – a creamy French goats cheese doused in truffle honey. The intimate interior is set with glowing table lamps and abstract artwork from multi-award-winning artist, Ed Burkes. For added Parisian flair, dip into their French-inspired cocktails and offering of French wines. Rails offers 80-covers and has replaced the former Plum + Spilt Milk.
Hiraeth Kitchen, Cowbridge, Wales
Opened November 2022
Restaurant come gastropub, Hiraeth in Cowbridge opened its doors in Wales this autumn. Born from a Kickstarter fund, chefs Lewis Dwyer and Andy Aston bring a seasonal menu full of flavour and flair to this market town. Thoughtfully transforming a 400-year building, and former pub, emphasis has been placed on reusing original furnishings and designs. Expect warm colours, relaxed dining and Welsh flavours, including local lamb and partridge breast, to Sunday roasts.
Spagnoletti, King’s Cross, London
Opened November 2022
Eclectically inspired by 19th century London engineer Charles Spagnoletti and King’s Cross and Camden’s heritage, this restaurant serves up artisan Italian food. From the mind of British designer and artist, Henry Chebaane, eccentricity flows throughout the space, from theatrical lighting, retro-futuristic furnishings and a bold yellow palette. Chefs Manuele Bazzoni and Girolamo de Gennaro focus on high quality produce, made fresh everyday in the pasta lab. Tuck into steamed clams doused in yellow tomato sauce, pumpkin gnocchi and creamy buffalo ricotta rigatoni.
Opening soon…
akub, Notting Hill, London
Opening December 2023
Palestinian flavours with a modern twist are cooked up by renowned Franco-Palestinian Chef and hotelier, Fadi Kattan. Following the success of his first foodie venture, Fawda in Bethlehem – a pioneering feat creating the region’s first food tours, which explore favours through farmers, artisans and makers – Kattan brings his skills to London’s Notting Hill. Working with local British ingredients, akub reinvents Middle Eastern culinary traditions and dishes, including roasted aubergines and slow-cooked lamb and skate kufta wrapped in vine leaves. Look to the bar menu for drinks inspired by the world’s oldest alcohol in the world, arak, alongside cocktails and wine.
The Black Grape, Edinburgh
Opening January 2023
Dip into small plates galore when The Black Grape opens its doors to diners in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. The 60-cover bar and restaurant is being brought to the city’s foodie scene by award-winning entrepreneurs Stuart Hunter and Cameron Tayler, alongside restaurateur Murray Ainslie. Serving up a menu of multiple sharing dishes, its ethos is to bring guests together in an immersive dining experience. Inside, expect natural blue and grey hues, windows that overlook the iconic Royal Mile and the sounds of soul, funk and blues. A world vineyard wine list is being curated by award-winning wine merchants Hallgarten, which looks to complement dishes such beef tataki and nduja arancini.