September is the gift that just keeps giving, London's food scene is thriving at the moment. This week, there are restaurants popping up all over the city, from a focaccia window in Southfields to a swanky rooftop in Paddington, with of course a taste of the Med and some fried chicken in between.
Chick’n’Sours at The Big Chill, Kings Cross
If you were out and about this summer, it's likely you came across Chick'n'Sours- they were serving their crispy, golden chicken across 52 festivals, in fields, on roofs and at late-night stages. On Wednesday, they'll settle into their new London home, taking over the food menu at The Big Chill. From Kung Pao Disco Wings to a K-Pop Fried Chicken Sandwich, the menu is fun, vibrant, and bursting with flavour. A selection of their sours cocktails will be on the menu too, including an exclusive Big Chill Sour. Plus, there's 50% off until Sunday the 21st.
A New 'Secret' Food Window has Arrived
Something as simple as operating through a 'secret' hole in the wall can generate quite a lot of hype amongst us Londoners. The proof is (literally) in the pudding given the success of Secret Layers, Paddington's tiramisu window. Now, there's a new spot in town trying it out. La Finestra are opening their own window on Merton Road, Southfields, to serve authentic Italian focaccia sandwiches through it. Ring the bell and order your filling of choice, ranging from parma ham and grilled artichokes to speck and rocket, not to forget a selection of elite Italian cheeses. If you're thirsty, you can order a can of Birra Moretti to wash it all down. A focaccia sandwich and a beer for lunch? Meal deals could never.
The West Gets its Highest Rooftop Restaurant Yet
CÉ LA VI, the restaurant, bar and club at the top of the infamous Marina Bay Sands Singapore, opened its London branch at the top of the new Renzo Piano building over the weekend. Unlike anything else of its kind in West London, this restaurant is sat on the 17th floor of the building, with a private dining room and lounge bar on the top floor. Dine on sizzling skewers and a selection of artisan nigiris and makis overlooking the twinkling lights of the city. The menu also features a raw section of fine oysters and tataki, and a varied selection of mains, from wagyu ribeye to udon noodles.
Pachamama Gets a Makeover
Pachamama East has gotten a Mediterranean makeover and will be reborn as Lagana on Monday. The Shoreditch addition to their Greek-inspired restaurants will be more laid back than the others in the Pachamama group (think Bottarga on King's Road and Zephyr in Notting Hill). Lagana is a spot where one can scribble on the tablecloths whilst indulging in a puffed, toasty flatbread, creamy spreads and dips, £8 cocktails (which is, by the way, a rare find in 2025's food scene).
Kudu Re-Opens in Mayfair
Unfortunately, the three beloved Kudu restaurants of Peckham and Nunhead closed their doors in August. On the plus side, however, we don't have to wait long until we could get our Kudu fix again. The business is moving to Marylebone and will be opening their doors on Tuesday on Moxon Street. The new home will bring the 3 sites together under one roof. The new location will feature brand-new dishes alongside standout favourites from both Kudu & Kudu Grill.
An Opening in Queen Elizabeth's Birthplace
The townhouse that was the birthplace of the late Queen Elizabeth has opened its doors as a restaurant. Lilibet's is a restaurant that certainly lives up to its name. The interiors are elegant and royal-inspired with an oyster bar, a fireside grill, a heated terrace and a cocktail bar. Floral patterns and pastel pinks take the lead, while the crockery looks as though its come from a fine china cupboard. The food is primarily British sourced, and includes the likes of generous seafood platters, lobster tails over spaghetti, and an anchovy éclair for those more adventurous.
