11 NEW SOUTH WEST LONDON RESTAURANT & BAR OPENINGS
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RACHEL MANTOCK GETS THE LOWDOWN ON THE HOTTEST NEW RESTAURANT AND BAR OPENINGS IN SOUTH WEST LONDON IN 2020
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LONDON STOCK – WANDSWORTH
Think succulent Asian cuisine meets the best of British dining. This new foodie spot makes all its noise with its flavour, after it opened somewhat inconspicuously in the Wandworthâs Ramâs Quarter development, replacing a Youngâs brewery.
Both snazzy Cordon Bleu alumni, Assem Abdel Hady and Andres Bernal are at the helm of this new opening, curating a seven course menu and three course menu featuring nautical flavours and ingredients like crab, wild sea bass, quail, pork belly, yuzu, beetroot puree, miso and barley.
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ST CLAIR –Â CLAPHAM
With seafood favourites, overtones of Nikkei flavours and undertones of fancy French fare â The Pavementâs latest restaurant addition doesnât disappoint by any stretch, upholding the streetâs notoriety for food that goes above and beyond.
Replacing Madeleineâs bakery, St Clair is a predominantly Peruvian affair, but with a slight twist, as all ingredients are prepared in a special way with Japanese influences.
Squid ink and lemongrass concoctions meet tuna sausages and black bean mole, with interesting flavour profiles that all complement each other, while the wine and sake is the lifeblood of this fish boutique. Brunch will feature the likes of stuffed sea bass and dill hollandaise crab benedict, so weâre sold!
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SARAP – BRIXTON
After a series of smash hit residencies, chef Budgie Montoya has finally given south west Londoners what they didnât know theyâd been craving â a permanent Filipino barbecue and lechon foodie spot.
Slow roasted stuffed pork belly oozing with ginger, garlic, chilli and lemongrass flavours, with a dash of coconut vinegar, and pickled carrot and daikon are waiting for you at this new, understated cosy spot.
With 25 covers and some outdoor seating, make sure to grab a table while you still can. This place will be packed.
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LOST SOCIETY – PUTNEY
After a home run with its Battersea opening, Lost Society has landed in Putney. The interiors deliver a dose of industrial meets botanical, while the menu boasts an impressive array of craft beers and wines, with a small food menu on offer too.
And because thereâs always one side of the office thatâs more into a beer, while the other prefers a glass of vino, this might be our new go-to after work joint.
lostputney.co.uk
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MUSE – BELGRAVIA
Marking his return to fine dining, Muse is the latest offering from acclaimed chef Tom Aikens, set inside a 25-cover converted muse house with an ever changing menu thatâs everything youâd expect from an Aikens spot and more.
The food offering is said to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane for Aikens, inspired by notable people, places and moments in his life and career.
At 26, Aikens was the youngest ever chef to be awarded two Michelin stars, and his impressive upwards trajectory has taken him to more than one food landmark in Paris, as well as to David Cavalierâs in Battersea.
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COCOTTE – PARSONâS GREEN
With a candyfloss, baby bubblegum pink exterior and with a menu thatâs all things comfort food and wholesome, Fulhamâs Cocotte is one to have on your radar for date night, brunch weekends and those burnt pasta bake moments when going out for dinner suddenly looks so much more appealing, especially when youâre guaranteed a homely setting and dishes that make you feel fuzzy inside.
With a March launch date, weâll bet that Cocotteâs Parsonâs Green offering will be in keeping with its other London locations, but with a local twist. Theyâve described their new opening as operating a âfarm to tableâ concept, with sustainability at the forefront and staple, signature dishes, along with some one off creative specials to keep you on your toes.
Founder chef Romain Bourrillon draws inspiration from all the places his food journey has taken him, from France, to Belgium, London and New York â so expect modern innovation meets European classics, always with a fresh twist.
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MOZZASANDO – CHELSEA
Wagamama founder, Alan Yao is the brains behind this Italian inspired katsu sando bar that will fuse the traditional Japanese Sando with Milanese style ingredients like breaded veal and chicken, as well as mozzarella, served with French fries and beef ragu.
Yao was inspired by Frank Salvoniâs former British meets Italian sandwich bar that was located along Wardour Street.
Lip smackingly good sandwiches with fusion flavours to eat in while you gossip with friends or to take out when youâre in a rush? Count us in.
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STEVEN EDWARDS BINGHAM RIVERHOUSE – RICHMOND
While his popular Hove restaurant Etch will carry on going strong, MasterChef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards is set to revive Richmondâs Bingham Riverhouse restaurant this March with a spectacular seasonal British menu.
Enjoy guinea hen, poached Williamâs pear with pistachio, kale doughnut and coriander ice cream in an eclectic setting. His Etch spot only offers a tasting menu, but Edwards will be switching things up at the Bingham by offering an a la carte on weekdays and a tasting menu on weekends.
Watch this space.
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BLACK BEAR BURGER – BRIXTON VILLAGE
This Brixton spot is the latest opening from Black Bear Burger, its first south of the river, with locations already in Shoreditch and Canary Wharf. Committed to âhigh welfare, high qualityâ British beef, they describe their burgers as no frills but bursting with flavour.
The founderâs family own a small beef farm in Devon, and they source Black Bear Burgerâs meat from an award winning butcher with the same commitment to animal welfare.
Starting out as street food vendors, these guys are making a name for themselves around town slowly but surely, with brisket, blue cheese covered, and veggie burgers all on offer â good vibes and Canadian style service all round.
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ATLER AT COUNTER CULTURE – CLAPHAM OLD TOWN
With a focus on a vegan menu that doesnât rely so heavily on meat substitutes, bringing out the real beauty of plant based grub, Atler was founded by Andy Hogben. He was inspired to create this menu after becoming vegan and feeling frustrated by the vegan offering from restaurants and the way it often misaligned with veganismâs wider connotations.
Running until Saturday 28 March at The Pavementâs Counter Culture, be prepared for bold, contrasting flavours and global influences. While thereâs a set menu, itâs subject to change, so expect twists and turns from week to week.
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BOTTLES – CHELSEA
With a first location in Spitalfields, this new wine enthusiast bolthole serves up glorious Italian wine with seasonal food pairings. A quiet spot to unwind along Draycott Avenue, prepare to be spoilt for choice with an extensive wine menu thatâs great for those who like to discover new wines and expand their palettes. Order by the glass or by the bottle options. Plus, weâve heard the pasta dishes are sensational.
Itâs well worth a visit, even if just to brush up on your wine knowledge.
Cook up a taste of the Mediterranean at home with these tasty mezze recipes.