Restaurants to Watch in 2024
The new openings in London and Surrey that should be on your radar for this year
Josephine, Fulham
Claude and Lucy Bosi are set to bring a taste of Lyon to south west London with their new brasserie, Josephine, due to open early this year. The venture is inspired by Claude’s formative years in Lyon. It will feature all the charm of a traditional bouchon, with regional specialities and bistro classics.
Freak Scene Sushi and Grill, Balham
Australian Scott Hallsworth (former head chef of Nobu), has an exciting new restaurant in Balham opening 1 February (soft launch from 18 Jan). Freak Scene started as a pop-up in Farringdon before moving to Soho, where it thrived until the pandemic hit. It found a new home in Parson’s Green last year. The Balham menu will focus on sushi and robata grills.
Scott Hallsworth (c) David Loftus
Butcher’s Tap And Grill, Chelsea
Tom Kerridge’s new opening aims to combine the convivial appeal of the classic boozer with a meat-focussed menu, offering prime cuts from top suppliers. It’s open now and we can’t wait to head there to try one of the fabulous steaks.
Read our interview with Tom about the project here.
Butcher’s Tap And Grill, Chelsea
Botanica Hall, Clapham Junction
Recently opened in Grade-II listed former department store Arding & Hobbs, Botanica Hall offers coal-fired pizzas and sharing plates. There’s a vodka and gin distillery, too.
Botanica Hall – photo Mariell Lind Hansen
Akira Back, Mandarin Oriental
One of London’s most anticipated openings this year, Akira Back at the Mandarin Oriental is the first UK outpost for the acclaimed chef. His food brings together Japanese and Korean influences and you can expect a range of creative and beautiful dishes in a dramatic setting.
Akira Back, Mandarin Oriental
Dishoom, Battersea
The success story that is Dishoom has opened in south west London with an outpost at Battersea Power Station offering cool ‘retro-futuristic’ design. Dishoom, inspired by the Irani cafes of Bombay, offers everything from breakfast right through to late night tipples.
Sam’s Waterside, TW8
Restaurateur Sam Harrison continues his expansion across West London with the opening late last year of Sam’s Waterside at The Brentford Project. Sam’s other ventures include Michelin-listed Sam’s Riverside in Hammersmith. Sam’s Waterside features his popular take on a modern British menu with a focus on artisan suppliers.
Sam’s Waterside
The OWO: Endo and Langosteria
The transformation of the landmark Old War Office building has seen the opening of Raffles hotel, luxury private residences, and a host of restaurants and bars. Causing much excitement is the promise of Endo Kazutoshi’s new rooftop restaurant this year. There will also be a ground floor sake bar.
Langosteria is set to join The OWO later this year, offering Italian fine dining.
The Garden, Cobham
Ashley Palmer-Watts is transforming an historic walled garden in Surrey into a lifestyle destination. Ashley, who worked for the Fat Duck Group for over 20 years and won two Michelin stars at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, will create a restaurant, wine bar and café on the site, with rooms to follow. The restaurant is set to open in the spring.
Brooke, Clapham
The Brown Dog, Barnes
Dating back to 1898, The Brown Dog still retains some of its original features. It is a welcoming spot and has just had a big refurb courtesy of its new owners – which include F1 driver David Coulthard. It aims to be inclusive to all, is dog and child friendly, and there are traditional roasts on Sundays.
The Brown Dog
bobochacha, Wimbledon
The popular pan-Asian joint bobochacha in Tooting has opened in Wimbledon, and you can pop in for anything from tempura and dim sum to sushi and curries.
The Waterman’s Arms, Barnes
Opening last September, The Waterman’s Arms has caused quite a stir and is set to be a hot table for this year. Expect a seasonal menu of elevated British classics in a convivial atmosphere with a glorious view of the Thames.
The Waterman’s Arms
tashas, Battersea
South African cafe group tashas has come to the UK with a location in Battersea Power Station. There’s a host of top breakfast dishes and some dinner-time nibbles to enjoy in a very pretty interior.
