Taste Newslettre – Avril 2023

Taste, toutes les nouveautés de la scène gastronomique britannique (contenu en anglais).

Britain’s foodie scene is heating up, and we don’t just mean chefs grilling up flavours on an open fire. Embrace retro vibes in Liverpool or look across London’s skyline while paying homage to the roots of the culinary craft. Whether guests choose to pull up a chair at an immersive Chef’s Table experience, or slip into the night at an intimate speakeasy bar, here’s the latest new openings for those looking to get a foodie fix.

Just opened

Nord, Liverpool

Opened March 2023

Showcasing the bounty of northern England’s food is Nord, a new collaboration between GSG Hospitality –the industry masterminds behind Duke Street Market and Salt Dog – and Liverpudlian chef Daniel Heffy. The destination restaurant is located on the ground floor of the 18-storey Plaza building, located off Old Hall Street. With retro interiors, a showpiece bar and banquette seating, expect a relaxed, friendly environment that pays tribute to northern heritage through its flavours and atmosphere. There’s plenty for diners to get their teeth into on the menu, including black truffle pasta, vegan fig and rosco­ onion tart tatin and Liverpool Bay seabass paired with ginger.

Maene, Spitalfields, London

Opened March 2023

A foodie addition to Spitalfields’ already flavoursome scene, Maene serves up an all-day menu inspired by European bistro culture. Housed in a former Victorian clothing factory, this eatery oozes character. The 54-cover restaurant is decked out with counter seating, an immersive open kitchen, 24-cover cocktail lounge and 50-cover rooftop terrace offering views of London’s iconic skyline. The food pays homage to the roots of the word Maene, which signifies community in old English. Dip into seasonal plates of Mersea oysters, burnt lemon chicken and sweet Yorkshire rhubarb. Maene is the second addition to Nick Gilkinson’s restaurant portfolio, following the opening of Townsend in Whitechapel Gallery, Aldgate in 2022.

Pearly Cow, York

Opened March 2023

Following the introduction of No.1 GuestHouse in December 2022, the on-site restaurant Pearly Cow opened its doors to diners in March. The first restaurant to launch in the GuestHouse venture from brothers Tristan, James and Tom Guest, Pearly Cow is inspired by hyper-local produce and utilises themes around ice and fire. Harnessing the power of Yorkshire’s herds, crops and seasonal harvest, the menu features local lamb shoulder, North Sea-sourced Lindisfarne oysters and coal roasted aubergine. Inside, diners can expect natural hue interiors and local art and decorations, showcasing connectivity to the surrounding area. Alongside four adjoining dining rooms and alfresco dining in fairer weather, there’s a 12-cover private room that’s ideal for larger group bookings. Pearly Cow Margate is also set to open in 2023, while Pearly Cow Brighton is set to open its doors in 2024.

Nessa, Soho, London

Opened March 2023

Former Duck and Waffle chef Tom Cenci has launched Nessa in London’s Soho, bringing global flavours to British dishes. Having teamed up with Guy Ivesha, founder of Mortimer House private members’ club, the 98-cover restaurant is located on the ground floor of new sister members’ club 1 Warwick. Boasting a sophisticated yet art-deco vibe, diners can expect marble features, natural textures and vintage furniture. Cenci cooks up an all-day menu, featuring aged beef tartare, wild chestnut mushroom ravioli and wood-fired leeks with almond ricotta. A carefully crafted cocktail menu contains East London gin martinis and blended scotch with honey syrup.

The Parakeet, Kentish Town, London

Opened March 2023

Aptly named after the birds that call London their home, two North Londoners, Ben Allen and Ed Jennings, have launched gastropub The Parakeet in Kentish Town. Diners in the 60-cover eatery can expect a mix of local and seasonal dishes, including poached oyster, smoked chicken terrine and glazed mutton. The Parakeet has sensitively restored a once 1860s pub and pays homage to its history by keeping original features, stained-glass windows, open fireplace and Victorian tiling.

What’s new

Commons Club, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Introduced March 2023

Pull up a seat at The Chef’s Table, the newest immersive dining experience at Edinburgh’s Commons Club. As Virgin Hotel’s flagship restaurant, sitting alongside vibrant on-site eatery Eve, Commons Club offers authentic seasonal Scottish cuisine in a relaxed environment. The Chef’s Table experience features a menu created by chef Emma Handley for up to ten guests, providing a unique look into the culinary craft. The bespoke five-course offering is inspired by worldwide ancient recipes and locally foraged and sourced ingredients. In addition to the Chef’s Table, guests can enjoy a Bartender’s Table experience that offers a masterclass in mixology, provided by Head Bartender Leon Back.

Paradise, Soho, London

Introduced March 2023

Delve into a new intimate bar experience at Sri-Lankan restaurant, Paradise, by chef Dom Fernando. The late-night concept, Paradise: After Dark, draws inspiration from speakeasy bars, with mixology flavours brought to the table in collaboration with Sri-Lankan distillery Rockland. Erin Mulkerrin-English, Paradise’s Head Bartender, mixes up the likes of a pol-roti old fashioned and smoky Bloody Mary’s. A short-eats menu features dishes including truffle and green chilli kimbula banis and Ceylonese prawns doused in mango and seaweed butter. Discover Paradise: After Dark each Thursday-Saturday from 10pm-1am.

Opening soon…

The Midland Grand Dining Room, Kings Cross, London

Opening May 2023

A collaboration between hotelier and restaurateur Harry Handelsman, chef Patrick Powell and designer Hugo Toro, The Midland Grand Dining Room is set to launch in May. Due to take over the space in the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, previously occupied by The Gilbert Scott, the emphasis will be placed on restoring the gothic features and design of the original 19th century hotel. Expect subtle orange hues, a standalone gothic bar, private dining room, Chef’s Table experience and an outdoor terrace. The menu is set to bring flavours such as crab and elderflower perdu, Welsh lamb and Epping honey madeleines.

Outpost, Cardiff

Opening summer 2023

From the minds of Cardiff’s DEPOT – the vibrant warehouse space bringing festivals, screenings and live music to the city – comes bar and kitchen Outpost, due to open this summer. Focusing on a laid-back dining and drinks approach, the 85-cover restaurant will be a new addition to the city’s Laundry Quarter in Pontcanna. Chef Adam Charles’ menu is expected to hone in on owner Nick Saunders’ time spent in New York City. Inside, there’ll be cool and calm interiors with raw urban textures, mixed seating and a private dining room, providing an additional events space that can accommodate up to 16 covers.