|
Dear
Walking through the West End on Saturday night, I was struck by just how busy every restaurant and bar seemed to be. Despite restaurants experiencing tough trading conditions this year, as well as our economy looking quite bleak, the streets of Soho and Covent Garden were a great example of how people’s habits have changed.
A decade ago, people would curb their spending on going out when times weren’t looking as rosy. Now it’s become the norm for people to go out and have some dinner and a few drinks every week. Time-poor, busy Londoners want to enjoy themselves. I spoke to some restaurateurs on Sunday and they all reported that the day-before’s trading had been very good. Perhaps the final quarter of the year could be a buoyant one for the trade.
Have a good week.
Adam
|
Rochelle Canteen
Some people are old enough to remember when The Institute of Contemporary Arts had a brilliant era of live music and shows; well, it’s about to become a hot destination again with the news that the Rochelle Canteen team are taking over the bar, café and restaurant. Next month Margot Henderson and Melanie Arnold will bring their simple, stylish food westward from Shoreditch to the cultural hub just off the Mall – and add a bar headed by Arnold’s son Fin Spiteri. There will everything from toasties and cakes to a whole pig's head to feast on.
|
|
Keeling Andrew & Co
Fans of Noble Rot magazine and restaurant (we particularly like their Instagram feed showcasing some fab BTG offers) now have a third reason to admire them because Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew have announced the launch of an eponymous wine import company. The pair have excellent contacts and hold multiple awards – and from next month bars, restaurants and wine merchants can tap into their knowledge of both innovative producers and vintage private cellars. There will also be a consultancy service too, to help restaurateurs build a stellar wine list.
|
The YBFs
Last Wednesday saw the presentation of the Young British Foodies awards, an excellent initiative to celebrate the rising stars of all aspects of the food and drink world. Now in its sixth year, the big names of 2017 included Alex Harper of Neo Bistro taking the chef title, Ruth Spivey of Wine Car Boot winning the alcohol category and Kieran Monteiro of Boma being recognised as the best front of house. CODE joins the judges, guests and wider food community in congratulating all the winners.
|
|
Sophie's
What a carry on! Well-established steakhouse Sophie’s is to open a second branch, this time in the heart of Soho, where once the Moulin cinema showed racy seventies films. When it opens in November, the new Sophie’s will be on a grand scale, with a huge restaurant, terrace, steakhouse and takeaway kiosk, plus a night-time cocktail bar. Instead of scantily clad actors, the focus will now be on an open kitchen with a huge cast-iron grill, serving up yes, meat, but also a strong range of fish and vegetable dishes.
|
Calum Franklin
The speed with which Calum Franklin has become London’s pie king is testament to his pastry skill at Rosewood hotel’s Holborn Dining Room – his “welly Wednesday” beef wellingtons and crazily intricate decorated pie crusts are among London’s most photographed dishes. Now the hotel is rolling out (!) a dedicated room where diners can see the chefs at work on the 200+ baked goods they make each day, and there will be ones to buy and take away too. The Pie Room opens in October; for those who want to get even closer to pastry perfection, masterclasses will launch next spring.
|
|
Sam and Eddie Hart
In further wine news, and in an interesting side project to their restaurant portfolio, brothers Sam and Eddie Hart have launched a range of Barrafina wines to be sold in supermarkets. They’re starting with a Verdejo sauvignon blanc, which will be available exclusively at Sainsbury’s from 29 September, priced £8 (two Garnachas and a Rioja will follow next year). And a neat detail is that the label carries an illustration by artist Kate Boxer, mother of another food-business pair of brothers, Jackson and Frank Boxer.
|
Senior Team, Brigadiers
Brigadiers is seeking its senior Front of House and Back of House teams.
Brigadiers will capture the sense of conviviality of a traditional Indian Army mess tavern, including a pool room and areas for showing live sport, and offering a menu of classic Indian barbeque dishes and a drinks list of 30-40 beers.
We are welcoming applications for all senior roles so apply now to join this exciting new concept by JKS Restaurants.
Click here to read more and apply
|
|
Multiple roles, Brindisa
Brindisa Kitchens is on the look out for talented, passionate individuals to come and join our familia. We are looking for people who enjoy what they do, heroes of hospitality with a real passion for the industry. Across the group we have multiple roles available from Head Chef at our Flagship Tapas London Bridge to Restaurant Manager at Casa Brindisa in South Kensington. If you are curious to find out more, please get in touch.
Click here to read more and apply
|
 |
|
|
|
Mon 18 Sept
Tues 19 Sept
Weds 20 Sept
|
|
Thurs 21 Sept
Fri 22 Sept
Sun 24 Sept
|
|
|
|
The Dumbwaiter was back at Jean-Georges at the Connaught last week for more of that truffle pizza. He was in rather good company too. Kate Moss was at a neighbouring table at the recently opened restaurant in Mayfair. (DW imagines she was building up her strength for a busy London Fashion Week.)
All eyes on Albemarle Street in Mayfair. As well as Indian Accent opening in the former Chor Bizarre site, The Dumbwaiter understands Robin Birley has confirmed that he is to open Oswald’s on the street just off Piccadilly. The members' club – with a strong focus on wine – is named after Birley’s grandfather, Sir Oswald Birley and will open in February.
The Dumbwaiter hears that Gizzi Erskine has teamed up with nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson to create a nutritious fast-food business called Pure Filth. Their aim is to get you eating your 10-a-day easily. It’s understood Pure Filth will be popping up across London soon.
From Holland Park to Holborn. Please click here to read The Dumbwaiter’s best bites of the week.
|
|
MEATliquor Kings Cross
Monday - Saturday | 20% off total bill
|
|
Humble Grape Fleet Street
Monday - Saturday | 30% off food + wine offer
|
|
