TASTE Newslettre - Décembre 2019

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

Winter might be here, but Britain’s restaurant scene continues to serve up a delectable array of hot new openings offering hearty menus and warming dishes. Discover the latest additions to the nation’s culinary scene, as well as several that are due to open their doors in 2020.

Recently opened

London

14 Hills, Fenchurch Street

Marking the latest addition to the City’s square mile, 14 Hills launched in mid-November under executive chef Thomas Piat. The restaurant, bar and deli, owned by D&D London and located on the 14th floor of 120 Fenchurch Street, offers spectacular panoramic views of London and landmarks including the Shard, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf. An interior packed with trees and shrubbery from award-winning international designer Robert Angell has created a tranquil indoor garden space, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the streets below. The deli serves an array of freshly baked cakes, fresh sandwiches and artisan salads, while the restaurant revolves around a central oval bar offering classic and signature cocktails. Expect a menu full of British flavours enhanced by French flair, with signature dishes including a sharing dish of venison and a white crab seafood starter.

FishWorks, Covent Garden

Visitors to London’s Theatreland can now tuck into an abundance of responsibly sourced British fish and seafood at FishWorks. Found in the heart of Covent Garden, diners can relax in a luxurious private dining space while enjoying an à la carte menu offering lavish sharing platters and a range of classic and modern fish dishes. Sommelier Tim McLaughlin-Green has curated a set of small-batch wines and champagnes to pair with the dishes, while a ‘spritz’ collection features premium spirits and award-winning mixers. A dedicated oyster bar runs the length of the dining area, with nautical inspired décor adding to its charm, while an in-house fish counter displays fresh catches every day at the entrance to the restaurant. Three courses with bottomless prosecco or wine is available every Sunday for £38.50 per person.

Oyster Masterclasses including 12 different oysters and wine pairings are held regularly, as are Sommeliers Dinners, which focus on pairing wines from around the world with a range of delicious seafood.

Fafa’s, Covent Garden

Bringing a taste of the Middle East to the heart of Seven Dials in Covent Garden, Fafa’s started life as a street food kiosk in Punavuori in Finland. Now boasting 40 sites across three countries, its new venue in Monmouth Street is the chain’s first UK branch. Choose from breakfast dishes including avocado and fried egg with chilli and mint, or fill hungry bellies with all-day pitas, falafel or slow-cooked short rib with beetroot and harissa. Add to that low carb mezze boxes and creative cocktails all served within its jewel-coloured walls, and Fafa’s is set to become a new favourite for hungry shoppers in search of fuel.

Mamago, Fenchurch Street

Restaurant giant Wagamama launched its new concept, Mamago, near Fenchurch Street on 26 November. Described as Wagamama’s ‘little sister’, the venue offers a range of made-to-order, grab and go dishes from breakfast through lunch. With a distinct focus on health and freshness, the restaurant prides itself on its environmentally-friendly credentials too – straws are biodegradable, bowls 100% compostable, and the restaurant itself powered by renewable electricity. Dishes are modelled on the flavours of Japan, meaning there’s a delightful mix of wraps, bowls and salads to enjoy, either al fresco or back at the office.

Bills, Victoria

Having undergone a full refurbishment, Bill’s Victoria reopened with a vibrant modern look in early November. Inspired by the golden age of cruise liners, in addition to contemporary décor, decadent chandeliers and lavish velvet seating, the new look restaurant in the heart of Cardinal Place Shopping Centre also houses a mezzanine dining floor. The outdoor terrace has also been transformed in partnership with Hendricks Gin, while the refreshed menu features a host of seasonal delights, in addition to an emphasis on vegetarian food – something the brand is renowned for after founder Bill Collison’s early career as a greengrocer.

Wild Tavern, Chelsea

Having launched at the start of December, Wild Tavern is the brainchild of the team behind Goodman, Beast, and Burger & Lobster restaurants. Expect a Mediterranean focus in the Italian-inspired neighbourhood restaurant, with wild seafood and grilled meats set to be paired with an array of classic wines, all tucked away in the heart of Chelsea.

Lake District

Henrock, Linthwaite House

Following hot on the heels of Linthwaite House’s £12 million refurbishment, renowned chef Simon Rogan has launched Henrock at the luxury country house hotel in the Lake District. Named after the Hen Rock outcrop that juts out into Lake Windermere, the restaurant joins Rogan’s two Michelin-starred establishments in the region, Rogan & Co and L’Enclume. Guests can relax in the elegant setting that overlooks the landscaped gardens of the house, before tucking into small sharing plates of local produce from head chef Brian Limoges, influenced by techniques gathered from around the world. Produce from Rogan’s farm, Our Farm, is a key ingredient on a menu featuring signature dishes like Jerusalem artichoke custard with elderberries, Brussel sprout and turnip, and Dover sole with shiso salsa verde and broth of citrus and radish.

Hampshire

Winchester City Mill, Winchester

Winchester’s historic watermill, a rare example of an urban working corn mill, with origins dating back over a millennium, has a new café that opened in late November. Thought to be Britain’s oldest running watermill, the café at Winchester City Mill will sell goods baked from flour that is ground on site. Run by the National Trust, efforts to enhance the unique heritage asset on Bridge Street have been underway since it suffered from extensive flooding in early 2014.

Opening soon

Davies and Brook, Mayfair

Opening 9 December

Chef Daniel Humm returns to London’s restaurant scene and the location where he first started his career to launch Davies and Brook, in the scenic surroundings of Claridge’s. Named after the two roads leading to the hotel, the restaurant is set to offer a relaxing yet refined setting, with a menu that reflects London’s diverse culture. Expect British seasonal produce alongside global inspiration, with signature dishes including honey and lavender glazed duck, buttermilk fried chicken and grilled short rib of beef. A bar menu with imaginative cocktails and small plates will provide an alternative for those not wanting the complete dining experience.