London’s culinary scene is buzzing with excitement as several new restaurants make their debut this January. Despite the common perception that the first month of the year is not synonymous with indulgence, especially due to trends like “dry January” and “Veganuary,” several restaurateurs are courageously launching their businesses with an eye toward the future. Highlighting a range of new eateries, this synthesis captures the diversity and excitement of London’s food culture, appealing to both locals and visitors alike. Whether through reimagining existing concepts or embracing entirely new ventures, these restaurant openings are set to revitalize London’s dining landscape and set anticipatory high standards for gastronomic experiences throughout the year.
The Dark Horse: Camden’s New Culinary Gem
The Dark Horse emerges as a promising addition to Camden, an area nostalgically associated with Amy Winehouse’s hangout but currently lacking a standout pub. Spearheaded by the teams behind Le Bab and music venue Tape London, this pub aims to bring comfort food classics to its patrons. With a menu that includes fish and chips, bangers and mash, prawn cocktail, and pies, The Dark Horse embraces British culinary traditions. Additionally, the establishment is geared to serve full English breakfasts and Sunday roasts featuring dry-aged Hereford sirloin and Hampshire pork belly. Enhancing the dining experience, Tape London will curate live music nights and guest performances, complementing the pub’s ambiance within its old Victorian stable setting. The Dark Horse, therefore, stands out as a venue that marries hearty British cuisine with an engaging cultural experience.
A trip to The Dark Horse promises more than just food; it’s an immersive journey into British culinary heritage, paired with the eclectic vibe of Camden. Patrons can expect an atmosphere that blends the nostalgia of a traditional pub with the contemporary touch of live entertainment. The venue, housed in a historic Victorian stable, breathes new life into a space that perfectly embodies Camden’s rich history and modern charm. With its robust menu offerings and lively music scene, The Dark Horse is poised to become a favored spot for both long-time Camden residents and visitors seeking an authentic British pub experience.
Dove: A Reinvention in Notting Hill
Chef-patron Jackson Boxer introduces Dove, a reinvention of the former high-end Orasay site in Notting Hill. Driven by the financial challenges of running a seafood-focused restaurant, Boxer transitions to a diversified menu that still retains some elements of fish but broadens to include duck and pork meatballs with Madeira sauce and fried pizzette with burrata and ham. Steamed hake with grilled cabbage, capers, and lemon remains a nod to his previous focus. Despite this shift, Dove maintains its aesthetically pleasing neutral palette, designed to keep attention squarely on Boxer’s culinary expertise. The establishment strives to offer a satisfying and sophisticated dining experience, in keeping with Boxer’s reputation, while also being mindful of economic realities.
The revival of Dove in Notting Hill marks an adaptable evolution in Jackson Boxer’s culinary journey. The revamped menu promises to captivate diners with a blend of familiar tastes and innovative creations. By introducing dishes like duck and pork meatballs and fried pizzette, Dove offers a diversified flavor palate, transcending its former seafood-centric identity. The restaurant’s neutral and minimalist decor invites guests to focus purely on the culinary experience, putting the spotlight on the expertise that has earned Boxer his esteemed reputation. Dove’s ability to adapt while maintaining culinary finesse demonstrates an approach that balances sophistication with economic pragmatism, ensuring its appeal in a competitive dining scene.
Bar Valette: Casual Elegance in Shoreditch
Chef Isaac McHale, who parted ways with his Young Turks colleagues Johnny Smith and Daniel Willis in November, takes on a new venture with Bar Valette. This establishment is conceptualized as a more casual counterpart to McHale’s two-Michelin-starred flagship, the Clove Club. Teaming up with former Clove Club chef Erin Jackson Yates, Bar Valette focuses on southern French and simple Spanish small plates. The offerings include San Sebastián-inspired venison meatballs and Monégasque barbajuans, perfect as starters ahead of larger shared portions such as chops, steaks, and grilled fish. Bar Valette’s settings will feature paper-clothed tables surrounding an open kitchen, with walls adorned by artwork from William Scott, Sam Francis, and Stuart Davis. Scheduled for its grand opening in the second week of January, Bar Valette is poised to attract diners seeking high-quality yet relaxed dining.
At Bar Valette, the aim is to merge the high standards of a Michelin-starred experience with a more approachable and laid-back dining atmosphere. The culinary offerings reflect a thoughtful curation of small plates designed to be shared, encouraging a communal dining style that resonates with the social vibrancy of Shoreditch. The relaxed elegance of the space, emphasized by its open kitchen and artistic decor, ensures that diners enjoy a visually and gastronomically enriching experience. With a combination of culinary expertise and an inviting ambiance, Bar Valette promises to be a notable addition to Shoreditch’s ever-evolving dining scene, attracting those who appreciate fine dining minus the formality.
Don’t Tell Dad: Comfort and Baking in Queen’s Park
The bakery component of this new establishment in Queen’s Park’s thriving Lonsdale Road area opened in December, and the accompanying restaurant is now set to debut. Under the culinary direction of former Noble Rot and Drapers Arms chef Luke Frankie, Don’t Tell Dad serves up comfort dishes such as roast lamb with celeriac, shallot, and cavolo nero. With a strong emphasis on baking, offerings like truffle and Cheddar beignet and crab tart are likely standouts. Notably, sommelier Bert Blaize, author of “Which Wine When,” curates the wine list, featuring wines on tap that pair seamlessly with the menu.
Don’t Tell Dad aims to provide a cozy, gastronomically fulfilling experience, whether for lunch or dinner, thriving within the bustling Queen’s Park area. The restaurant’s atmosphere is designed to be warm and inviting, reflecting the comfort and care evident in its menu. The inclusion of wine on tap curated by an expert sommelier not only complements the culinary offerings but adds an element of accessibility and sustainability. Don’t Tell Dad’s integration of a bakery with its comfort food menu ensures a rounded and satisfying dining experience, making it a go-to spot for locals and anyone drawn to the neighborhood for its increasingly vibrant dining scene.
La Môme: French Riviera Glamour in Knightsbridge
La Môme, the French Riviera staple synonymous with glamour and celebrity spotting, particularly during the Cannes Film Festival, finds a new home in Knightsbridge. Twin brothers Ugo and Antoine Lecorché bring their successful brand to London, filling the space formerly occupied by Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley. With its Côte d’Azur flair, La Môme promises crudos for those avoiding carbs, alongside pastas and flame-grilled whole wild fish generously adorned with luxury ingredients. The restaurant extends its theatrical presentation from extravagant table service to evening entertainment featuring DJs, singers, and pianists. La Môme’s venture into Knightsbridge sets anticipatory high standards for opulent dining experiences.
The arrival of La Môme in Knightsbridge offers Londoners a taste of French Riviera elegance combined with the vibrant energy of high-end dining. The restaurant’s commitment to luxury is evident not only in its gourmet offerings but in the entire dining experience, which includes evening entertainment that transforms a meal into a memorable event. The choice of location at The Berkeley underscores the restaurant’s dedication to providing an upscale, immersive experience that caters to both London locals and international visitors seeking a touch of Riviera glamour without leaving the city. La Môme’s introduction to the London dining scene is poised to set a new benchmark for opulent, yet accessible culinary experiences.
Additional Noteworthy Openings
Multiple other intriguing spots are opening their doors this month in London, expanding the city’s already diverse culinary offerings. Keû Borough, the fourth location for the Vietnamese street food specialist, offers bánh mì in Borough alongside new rice and hand-pulled noodle dishes catering to both lunch and dinner patrons. This new outlet is set to attract those who appreciate authentic and flavorsome Vietnamese cuisine in a vibrant setting. Meanwhile, The Prince Arthur in Belgravia presents an upscale pub experience featuring its own-brand caviar paired with Spanish seafood prepared by Basque chef Adam Iglesias. This sophisticated blend of British pub culture and Spanish culinary artistry caters to diners with refined tastes and a penchant for luxury.
Voyage with Adam Simmonds at the Megaro Hotel introduces a Scandinavian-inspired dining room and chef’s counter under the guidance of Adam Simmonds, noted for his leadership at esteemed kitchens such as Ynyshir Hall and Danesfield House. The dining room promises an innovative approach to Nordic cuisine, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and minimalist presentation, reflecting Simmonds’ culinary philosophy. These additional noteworthy openings further illustrate the vibrancy and adaptability of London’s dining scene, showcasing a range of culinary styles and experiences that cater to diverse palates and preferences. From high-end pub fare to Scandinavian-inspired culinary artistry, these new establishments highlight a city that continues to evolve and inspire gastronomic exploration.
Synthesis and Conclusions
London’s culinary landscape is alive with new energy this January, as numerous new restaurants open their doors. Contrary to the belief that the year’s first month is not typically associated with indulgent activities—due in part to movements like “dry January” and “Veganuary”—ambitious restaurateurs are bravely launching their establishments with an optimistic view of the future. This fresh wave of eateries showcases the rich diversity and dynamism of London’s food scene, capturing the interest of both residents and tourists.
These new restaurant ventures are creatively reimagining old concepts and taking bold steps with innovative ideas, promising to invigorate the city’s dining culture. Each new establishment adds a unique flavor to the already vibrant food landscape, setting high standards for culinary experiences throughout the year. The revitalized dining options present a vast array of choices, making London an even more exciting destination for food lovers and setting the stage for elevated gastronomic adventures in 2023 and beyond.
