The spring-summer season in London imbues the city with freshness to such a point that almost makes you forget the bleakness of the 9 other months of the year.
And when there are new restaurants and bars to try out across town? Well, you’ll be dining out on the memories – as well as the fine menus – for months!
Some of these listed might not be new in the true sense of the word, but fresh from covid restrictions and with something new to offer at very least, they’re worth adding to your list or paying another visit to.
Shoreditch
Officially opened on Thursday 5th May, Laurel’s On The Roof is London’s newest and most laid back rooftop restaurant, bar and pool located at the Mondrian Shoreditch. Inspired by 1970’s Hollywood and the legacy of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles, Laurel’s is an all day-dining and drinking hotspot infused with glamour and offering London’s most sought after tables. Transporting diners on an exploration of Los Angeles, Laurel’s offers an evolving all-day, highly seasonal menu, the perfect spot to while away long summer evenings whilst overlooking the bustling Shoreditch neighbourhood.
Bloomsbury
Wednesday 8th June will see the opening of Riding House Bloomsbury, the long-awaited second iteration of Fitzrovia’s Riding House Café from restaurateur Adam White. Opening with a soft launch from 25th May, Riding House Bloomsbury is set to be a lively modern brasserie with a members club-like atmosphere, adding to Bloomsbury’s burgeoning reputation as the latest dining hotspot.
All-day dining style menus will be headed up by Chef Partner Henry Omereye with dishes that are international, contemporary and unfussy, with Afro-Caribbean and Asian influences throughout. Riding House Bloomsbury will be housed in Bloomsbury’s The Brunswick Centre, a listed, Brutalist piece of architecture with interiors contrasting the stark exterior with an inviting interior.
Mayfair
June will see the arrival of Mr Fogg’s Apothecary. Located on Brook Street directly opposite the iconic hotel, Claridge’s, the elegant new venue will transport you into Phileas’ wonderfully eccentric world. The bar will be stocked to the rafters with an extensive apothecary collection, with precise weighing scales on hand to measure out the perfect cocktail serves.
The main drawing room will be reminiscent of a magnificent Mayfair townhouse with grandfather clocks, large armchairs and sofas to create a comfortable space to encourage visitors to settle in for the evening. With its own separate entrance is the Elixir Room which houses 24 Hennessy cabinets, each with their own unique key locks which will be gifted to lucky regulars to house their own bottles of spirits within. This cosy backroom has three large wallpapered booths which offer a perfect place to hide away and sample Fogg’s most restorative tipple – we can’t wait for you to experience Mr Fogg’s Apothecary.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill dining and drinking institution the Walmer Castle is now officially open, having been reimagined as a contemporary Scottish restaurant and dedicated whisky bar, in collaboration with Scotland’s oldest whisky hotel, the Craigellachie Hotel. The Walmer Castle is inspired by the uniquely restorative, mineral rich waters of the River Spey twinned with the eclectic nature of London’s Westbourne Grove and sees renowned entrepreneur and hotelier, Piers Adam at the helm. Serving as a local’s local and capturing the essence of Scotland within the neighbourhood the venue spans two floors with a ground floor dining room and bar serving exceptional modern highland cuisine and the first floor Spey Bar with over 400 of the world’s finest whiskies.
Cellar
Hammersmith
Cellar recently opened its doors to the public in the heart of Hammersmith, on the ground floor of private members’ club Kindred, with a menu designed and implemented by acclaimed chef Andrew Clarke. Clarke’s famed signature style is instantly recognisable in an ingredient led and micro seasonal all day menu, showcasing an eclectic range of dishes that celebrate the arrival of Spring produce, using the highest quality local meat, fish and seasonal vegetables.
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and with the addition of a gorgeous summer terrace in which to enjoy the warmer weather, guests can while away the hours whilst feasting on dish highlights such as Fried cod cheeks with harissa mayo and lemon, Celeriac schnitzel with cavolo nero and wild mushrooms and Korean spiced tartare of Dexter beef served with straw chips. Expert mixologist Julian de Feral’s cocktail offering includes the likes of the Kindred Spritz, blending Everleaf Forest aperitif, Bonanto cherry aperitif, peach, jasmine soda and sparkling wine and the West 6 Buttered Up; a blend of Portobello Road Celebrated Butter gin, Bonanto aperitif, passion fruit, fresh pineapple and lime.
Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery
Bishopsgate
Well-loved City institution Boisdale of Bishopsgate recently opened its new art exhibition and oyster concept, ‘Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery’. Blending a stunning marble topped bar with a characterful gallery of contemporary art, Alice’s features works from some of the most talented up and coming artists living and working in London. Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery also offers some of London’s finest oysters, a generous array of bar snacks and dishes charged with a taste of Boisdale’s Scotland sitting alongside a creative cocktail menu and a range of outstanding artisan beers from Hawkshead Brewery.
Shoreditch
The team behind acclaimed East London bars The Sun Tavern and Discount Suit Company recently opened the doors to their highly anticipated third launch, The Umbrella Workshop. Located on a cobbled lane just off Boundary Street and housed in a C19th atelier, the team have sensitively restored the space to create a unique setting for their interactive cocktail experience. The bar is set against an impressive, floor to ceiling display of spirits which include locally made and independent brands, as well as bartender favourites and rare whiskies.
The space also hosts tastings and workshops, with everything on the menu available to buy and take home. With just 12 seats inside and the same outside, this intimate drinking spot is a hidden gem amongst bustling Shoreditch and perfectly located for pre-dinner cocktails before heading off to local favourites, Brat, St John and Rochelle Canteen.
The Act
Notting Hill
The Act is now open, serving up an all-singing, all-dancing programme of live entertainment and cocktails – seven nights a week. Located in the heart of Notting Hill Gate’s vibrant neighbourhood, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable night out, with performances from The Act’s talented team, as well as appearances from stars of the West End stage. The Act team will spontaneously serenade you with 80’s – 00’s crowd pleasers. Expect nightly flash-mob-style performances of musical favourites such as: Grease, ABBA and The Greatest Showman.
Re Place
Notting Hill
This summer will see the arrival of RE PLACE, a brand new body recovery studio launching in Notting Hill, set to revolutionise our wellness and fitness routines using groundbreaking methods unlike anything London has seen before.
Focusing on active recovery and true self-care, the studio will feature a Somadome, the world’s first technology-enabled meditation vessel which merges ancient healing remedies with modern technology, alongside state of the art lymphatic body roller machines to relax, realign and reshape the body.
A selection of Beyond Yoga apparel will also be available to purchase, whilst a coffee and juice bar will offer the perfect pit stop with nourishing snacks and protein shakes to enjoy in the studio or takeaway.