This week, London is thriving with new openings across the city, from an exciting new Vietnamese joint to aesthetic delis that perfect a wholesome Sunday. As well as this, the UK Black Chefs Network are hosting a Soulful event to sweeten up your Saturday, and Diwali celebrations are already in full swing! Read on to find out what to eat (and drink) in London this week.
Bethnal Green Road's Newest Opening
On the same street that houses One Club Row and The Knave of Clubs, you'll find a freshly painted Indian yellow shop front that will open as Clara's Deli and Bistro this week. Tomorrow, the deli will open for coffee, pastries, and sandwiches, while the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant will follow suit on Friday, led by head chef Elie Fourcroy.
The deli is stocked up on all those lovely things we enjoy picking up during an afternoon stroll; think cold cuts, cheeses, aesthetic tinned fish and Perello olives. For something more substantial, a must-try is the lunchtime staple: a tower of Mortadella dressed with pistachio mayo, (yes, that's a thing) sandwiched between two pillow soft potato buns. The restaurant's dishes will include Conejo en Salmorejo (rabbit braised with pimentón, herbs, and Tenerife red wine vinegar) and Manchego Fritti (a fusion of Spanish manchego and French panisse batter, fried until golden and topped with Italian parmesan). Choose a low-intervention wine from artisanal producers from across Europe to pair with your meal- from chilled reds to elegant gastronomic wines, they've really covered everything.
Covent Garden's Exciting New Vietnamese Opening
Cô Thành, Hong-Kong's highly-commended Vietnamese restaurant, has officially arrived in London. Brian Woo, the founder, trained for three years under the late Mrs Nguyễn Thị Thanh. Mrs Thanh, also known as The Lunch Lady, rose to fame after her feature on Anthony Bourdain’s show, No Reservations, and this restaurant will continue her legacy whilst celebrating regional Vietnamese cuisine. Covent Garden’s Cô Thành will feature both signature dishes from the Hong Kong venue as well as specials unique to London. Expect multiple variations of everyone's favourite roll, the Bánh Mì, including the Bánh Mì Truyền Thống, a baguette filled with not one, not two, but five types of pork charcuterie.
Doors are set to open this Wednesday!
Southern Soul with Chef Sascha
This Saturday, the UK Black Chefs Network is hosting a night to celebrate America’s soul food in Brixton. Born in Georgia to Haitian and Ugandan parents, Chef Sascha will be bringing soul food straight from the heart- think classic Southern favourites with a Haitian-Caribbean twist. Expect the likes of BBQ ribs & brisket, Gumbo, Cornbread & hush puppies and Collard greens. Meanwhile, Marcy Mixes will be shaking up complimentary Togolese-inspired mocktails, showing how West African flavours run deep in American soul food traditions. The event will be taking place at Parks Edge Bar & Kitchen and tickets are still available!
Diwali Celebrations Begin at Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum and Mason are starting the Diwali celebrations early with a Diwali Supper Club hosted by Maunika Gowardhan. Throughout the feast, the cook and best-selling author will be sharing more about her new book Curry, which shines a spotlight on the regional curries of India, and is a definitive guide to eating your way across the country’s incredible flavours. Tickets start at £100 and includes a drink and canape on arrival and a three-course menu with drinks pairing.
A Food Emporium Comes to King's Road
The team behind Belgravia's The Prince Arthur are making their name in Chelsea's restaurant scene, opening two restaurants and a deli under the same roof on Thursday. Arthur's Market will house a high-energy Japanese handroll bar led by Chef Shaulan Steenson, a pintxo grill serving up Mediterranean-inspired dishes under Chef Haydn Payne, and an upscale deli selling everything from seasonal fruit and veg to breakfasts of french toast topped with caviar (it's King's Road, after all.)
