The onset of September signals a time of change, and despite what’s happening in the world, this year is no different. Along with jumper weather and the return to school, we are excited to welcome several new restaurants to the capital. As life continues to take place closer to home, we look forward to discovering these new favourites just outside our doorstep.
Stanley’s, 151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT
Stanley’s beautiful space off King’s Road opened in June—if you haven’t visited yet, you must. Different dining areas allow for different experiences; we love to tuck into a long lunch in the Orangery or enjoy evening drinks and snacks in the lush courtyard. Reminiscent of the English countryside, the heated space is gorgeous and transportive.
Maison François, 34 Duke Street, SW1Y 6BN
An all-day French brasserie and wine bar, Maison François will bless St James with delicious Gallic eats this autumn. Classic dishes and a raw bar will preempt an extensive dessert selection—served via trolley—and will sit atop a cosy, basement wine bar called Frank’s. Don’t miss breakfast: all pastries and bread will be made in-house.
Louie, 13-15 West Street, WC2H 9N
A lively ode to multiculturalism, Louie—named after Louis Armstrong—comes courtesy of Guillaume Glipa and Paris Society, and features influences from New Orleans, Paris and NYC. The beautifully designed four-storey townhouse hosts delicious Creole and French cuisine courtesy of chef Slade Rushing, of Brennan’s New Orleans fame. And stay tuned; Louie will eventually feature live music, including brass bands, as part of their nightlife component.
Jolie Chelsea, 459 King’s Road, SW100LR
This French-influenced salon has a relaxed, lounge-like atmosphere with sofas, banquettes and vibrant decor that encourages lingering over drinks and long dinners. The food is served tapas-style, and different regions in France influence the cocktails. Playful and fun, an evening at Jolie is a welcome antidote to a long week.
Tavolino, 2 More London Riverside, SE1 2DB
In a picturesque location at the Thames with a view of London Bridge, Tavolino’s Italian menu spotlights the best produce from both the UK and Italy, as well as ingredients by niche and speciality suppliers. The cocktail list is made for aperitivo, and the wine list—featuring only Italian bottles—is intelligently arranged by tasting profile. The reasonable prices reflect what the restaurant aims to be, neighbourhood-oriented and a regular go-to.
Bellanger, 9 Islington Green, N1 2XH
Just reopened after a potential closing, Bellanger has been reinvented with a new menu and a more relaxed attitude. Featuring all-day Prix Fixe menu options and enclosed outdoor dining space, it’s the kind of place you can visit for lunch but stay at until dinner. Breakfast and brunch are served on Saturday and Sunday as well.
Rondo, 199-206 High Holborn, WC1V 7BD
Serious food and drink meet a relaxed, neighbourhood-esque atmosphere at Rondo, a new restaurant in The Hoxton Holborn. Open from morning till evening; the European menu serves to complement the wine list; both the normal and the reserve lists feature an eclectic and thoughtful selection of wines across the Old and New Worlds.
Manzi’s, 1 Bateman’s Buildings, W1D 3EN
Corbin & King’s large seafood restaurant on Soho Square pays tribute to the iconic (now closed) restaurant of the same name. The two-storey space is set to have expansive windows, with a white and blue interior in homage to the seafood-focussed menu, and there will be a large covered terrace.
Darjeeling Express, Covent Garden
After being forced to close due to the pandemic, Asma Khan’s beloved Indian restaurant will reopen this autumn in a new, larger location. Building upon their ethos of donating a portion of each check to charities in India benefitting second-born daughters, the new, bigger space will serve to incubate and train female talent in all areas of the hospitality industry—whilst still serving the loved cuisine, of course.
For more information on the above restaurants or to make a booking, please contact your lifestyle manager.
