We're delighted to announce that this week brings a flurry of new openings, from a Soho grill and a Borough Market institution heading east to the biggest Bubala yet! Elsewhere, all 20 regions of Italy are descending on Islington, and our favourite wine pub is celebrating its birthday in French fashion. Here's what to eat and drink in London this week.
Bubala Gets Bigger
Calling all veggies! Although, based on Bubala's popularity, meat-eaters may want to listen up too. The much-loved Middle Eastern restaurant is opening its largest location yet in Covent Garden today, Monday, on Garrick Street. The familiar favourites will be on the menu, think five pound skewers, golden crisp confit potato latkes, and of course their signature Spicy Marg which, if you're early enough, you might get a chance to order for free. The £39 'Bubala Knows Best' sharing menu is also making an appearance, ideal for anyone who finds choosing from a menu unnecessarily stressful. If you can brave the cold snap, there's outdoor seating overlooking Floral Street, too!
Monday 19 October | Covent Garden
Solis Opens Its First Standalone Restaurant in Soho
Another opening today in central London is Solis, the South American-inspired grill from the team behind TĀTĀ Eatery. You may have come across it as one of the food stalls at Arcade Battersea, where its chicken and steak grills have become a firm favourite. However, this branch will be first standalone restaurant, on none other than Soho's Kingly Street. Expect the same signature chicken and steak grills alongside Uruguayan prawn cocktail, croquetas and grilled corn with all the trimmings. Soho's lunch options just got considerably more interesting.
Monday 19 October | Soho
Roast Heads East After 20 Years in Borough Market
After two decades feeding Londoners and tourists alike at Borough Market, Roast has decided it's time for a second home. The British restaurant is opening in Shoreditch on Tuesday, taking up residence inside the Virgin Hotels building on Curtain Road. The menu will celebrate the sort of British classics that have made the original restaurant something of an institution. Think hearty, comforting cooking and, naturally, a very good roast beef dinner. Just in time for roast season.
Tuesday 20 October | Shoreditch
Former Kiln Chef Opens a Thai Restaurant in Farringdon
Many flock to Soho or Shoreditch when planning a dinner out, but real ones know that Farringdon is where its at. St JOHNS, Sessions, Vesper, Morchella... the list goes on. This week, another is added, and automatically bumped up to the top, courtesy of Karla Knowles. The chef, formerly of Soho's much-loved Kiln, is set to open her own Thai restaurant on Charterhouse Street on Thursday. The new venture promises a playful approach to Thai cooking, drawing on the chef's experience in one of London's most celebrated Thai kitchens. Given Kiln's reputation for bold flavours and inventive dishes, we're expecting good things.
Thursday 22 October | Farringdon
Lucky Grill Brings Dry-Aged Meat to Kensington
Kensington is getting a new destination for meat lovers this Wednesday. Taking over the former Krokodilos site on Kensington Church Street, Lucky Grill will specialise in dry-aged meat, with foie gras sandwiches also among the attractions. Not exactly a destination for anyone looking for a light lunch, then. But if your idea of a good meal involves a serious cut of beef, this might be one to add to the list.
Wednesday 21st October | Kensington
All 20 Regions of Italy Come to Islington
A trip around Italy without Stansted Airport? We're listening. From Thursday to Sunday, the Business Design Centre in Islington will play host to ItalyFEST, a four-day celebration of Italian food, wine and culture. From the organisers of SicilyFEST, the event will bring together producers and regional specialities from all 20 Italian regions, with tastings, entertainment and plenty of opportunities to eat your way around the country. There's even a Spaghetti Disco, which sounds like a very good use of a weekend. Tickets start at just £5.
Thursday 22nd-Sunday 25th | Islington
Godet is Throwing a French Birthday Party
Islington wine pub Godet is turning two, and it's celebrating by going completely, unapologetically French for one night only. On Saturday 24th October, the Essex Road favourite will be swapping its usual international wine selection for an exclusively French list, with a few harder-to-find bottles making a special appearance. There'll be homemade vin chaud to keep everyone warm, French craft beers from Fauve on tap and a French-only vinyl soundtrack playing into the evening. Resident kitchen Ling Ling's is getting involved too, serving what promises to be its most ambitious menu yet, combining French cooking techniques with Chinese ingredients. Think beef tartare with tapioca crackers, seabass with lemongrass, chilli and ginger beurre blanc, and chicken supreme with oyster sauce and shimeji mushrooms. French wine and Chinese-inspired food? Sounds like a birthday party worth attending.
