With Halloween out of the way, it's time to get into the festive spirit, whether you like it or not. Southbank has been sufficiently cozied up with fire pits and fondue to help with the transition. If you're not quite ready for jingles and mulled wine, why not try one of London's exciting new openings instead. Indulge in a midnight feast in Soho, visit the revival of an iconic 70's Chinese restaurant, try an award-winning burger by live-fire experts... We're spoilt for choice this week.
Fire-Side Fondue at Southbank
Fire & Fromage from Jimmy’s Pop Up has returned to Southbank, transforming the riverside into a magical Alpine escape. The place is decked out with weatherproof cabanas complete with cosy fire pits, marshmallows, and most importantly, fondue. Jimmy Garcia ran ski chalets in the Alps, so he knows a thing or two about Alpine hospitality. His ultimate cheese experience includes classic cheese fondue served with new potatoes, freshly baked artisan bread, salad and cornichons, followed by mini chocolate doughnuts with house-whipped cream for just £35 per person. For something more casual, the Street Food Menu offers alpine-themed mains such Raclette Burgers, Chicken Schnitzel, Loaded Fries and Baked Camembert. Wash it all down with a mulled wine or a boozy hot chocolate and head home to Novembermas on Food Network- why wait to get into the festive spirit?
Bonheur by Matt Abé
The site which was once home to Roux's beloved Le Gavroche has found a new life. Bonheur by Matt Abé has opened its doors as a restaurant where "every choice is deliberate. Every detail is considered." This will be Chef Matt Abé’s first solo venture after working under Gordon Ramsay for 18 years, securing Restaurant Gordon Ramsay three Michelin-stars. Expect elevated fine-dining, with handmade crockery and ingredient-led, seasonal dishes. There is an a la carte, as well as a five and seven course menu to chose from. For a truly special occasion, you could opt for the Petit Bonheur option- a rare opportunity to dine in close conversation with Chef Matt Abé. The chef himself will present each course and share the stories, inspirations, and techniques behind it... We can't quite think of a more impressive first date.
Poon's Makes a Come Back
Frequented by the likes of Mick Jagger and Barbara Streisand, Poon's was an iconic establishment in London's West End, dating back to the 70's. The Poons retired in 2006 and almost twenty years later, Amy Poon will be carrying on the legacy of her parents with her first permanent location after a series of successful pop-ups. Opening within the New Wing of Somerset House, the brand new Poon's will revolve around dishes that are cooked in Chinese homes, as well as some dishes from the original menu too, like the claypot rice and "magic soup". The space will seat 60 and feature an open kitchen, as well as a bar where one can order "Siu Sik", a selection of Chinese snacks, whilst sipping on a Chilli Oil Marteeny.
Whole Beast Open a Permanent Spot in Brixton
Nose to tail dining is having a real moment, and Whole Beast are here to ensure it doesn't die down anytime soon. Live-fire experts and Meatopia stand-outs Sam and Alicja will open their permanent spot in Brixton on Thursday, serving up tasty, chargrilled dishes from all parts of the animal. Of course, there will also be their award-winning burgers, as well as chorizo tacos, fatboy potatoes, an apple & cheddar pie, and a selection of natural wines, beers and cocktails to quench the blissful, salt-triggered thirst. For this week only, you can take advantage of the "settling in" period and grab your dinner for 25% off!
A New Late-Night Spot in Soho
It's a Friday night in Soho. The last orders have crept up, and so too have the hunger pangs. Before, you might've admitted defeat and made your way to the nearest kebab shop. Now, you can continue the night at TANGRA, a new restaurant that brings the electric energy of modern India’s food scene to Soho, right up to 1.30am. The menu is a vegetarian take on Indo-Chinese cooking and a blend of street eats, cult classics, as well as bold new flavour statements made to share. By day, indulge in juicy momos and fiery woks. At night, feast on hakka noodles, honey chilli waffle aloo, and chilli cheese quesadillas. With an extensive drinks list of quirkily-named cocktails such as 'Rickshaw Reviver' and 'Piña Kolkata', consider this the new place to start and end your night.
Ria's Opening in Soho
There has been a few pizza joints popping up on the map lately, perhaps not all worth a visit. Ria's extension to Soho, however, is certainly note-worthy. The Notting Hill location proved that Detroit-Style pizzas and natural wines are, in fact, a pairing to be reckoned with, and so we welcome the second branch with open arms. The new restaurant will feature the fan-favourites on the menu, such as Dave's Hot Pep (pepperoni, Calabrian chillies, pickled jalapenos, stracciatella, hot honey and Parmesan) and the Smokey Nico (including a bechamel base, Chianti pancetta and smoked provolone). Plus, some new varieties created just for Soho. The wines will remain natural and sourced from small, independent producers.
