The CODE Bulletin

Dear

Have we reached peak restaurant? Writing this weekly newsletter and doing what we do at CODE, we have a good understanding of what’s going on in London’s hospitality industry. Although it feels like things perhaps aren't quite as frenetic as they've been in recent years, there still seem to be a lot of restaurants opening in London.

There are definitely enough people in this city – both residents and tourists – to fill them but on how regular a basis is a different question. And by far the biggest concern is how are we going to run our restaurants; anecdotal evidence suggests staff at every level are leaving because of Brexit. Now more than ever, the hospitality world needs to start flying the flag for the industry and promoting it as a viable career path.

Have a good week.

Adam

Butchies

The secret of the award-winning fried chicken at Butchies is, apparently, a pressure cooker imported from the US and posh poultry from a Somerset farm. From the end of this month diners will get the benefit of a full menu in their first permanent site, on Rivington Street. Founders Garrett and Emer FitzGerald will offer six different fried chicken sandwiches at an ‘haute’ version of our city’s beloved chicken shops, along with wings, craft beers and cold brew coffees.

CODE is an investor and advisor to Butchies.

The Princess Victoria

The sudden closure of the Shepherds Bush pub Princess Victoria surprised and disappointed many in the area – now it’s back under new ownership, the Three Cheers Pub Co. It’s been refurbished and polished up, but the Uxbridge Road regulars will be delighted to hear the extensive array of gins is intact, in fact it now numbers 100. In addition to the pub, terrace and garden, there’s a room upstairs for private parties (braced and ready for the Christmas season).

Over Under

A grilled feta and mozzarella sandwich? Consider us interested… The arrival of Kiwi coffee experts Over Under in the courtyard of the Ham Yard Hotel is welcome news not just because their brews are typically brilliant (including a turmeric latte) but their quick-hit dishes are just right for the west end, and prepared by a chef formerly of Ottolenghi and Chez Panisse, no less. The café, also in Earls Court, is cashless too, to speed things up.

Kazu

A new Japanese restaurant on Charlotte Street has one major selling point – the head chef is formerly of Chisou, the de-facto canteen for Conde Nast’s glossy posse. Dham Kodituwakku (Kodi) has 30 years’ experience in total, which means Kazu’s menu promises exemplary isakaya – classics from black cod to rock shrimp tempura to wagyu all appear. Kazu is planned to open in early December.

Edition

CODE likes the aesthetic and service at the London Edition hotel, so notes with interest the group’s plan to open a further seven hotels in 2018. The new sites will include Barcelona, Times Square, West Hollywood, Bodrum and Bangkok – each with individual designs by hotel guru Ian Schrager, in association with veteran operators Marriott. Better start planning next year’s holidays.

Schmaltz

In other poultry news, there’s a fancy food truck parked up in Broadgate Circle serving sandwiches featuring Label Rouge chicken, with a variety of sauces. Schmaltz has been developed by Karl Burdock and the kitchen and front of house are ex-Patty & Bun and BAO. The truck itself is clad in designers Timorous Beasties decoration, and even the buns have been stylized – they’re teardrop shaped to perfectly fit a roasted breast.

London Wine Fest

There’s free entry for industry people at an interesting-sounding new wine festival, happening on 17 and 18 November. This London Wine Fest is the first of a planned series bringing producers together with customers in an informal setting – it’s in the Studio-Spaces in Wapping – and the focus is on the wines of Hungary. The public tickets are £10; for more information on trade entry, hours, etc visit londonwinefest.co.uk

Pizza news

Carbs continue their return to domination on the London restaurant scene. This week’s pizza round-up includes the noteworthy Antica Da Michele (currently on Stoke Newington Church Street) confirming that they will indeed open a second branch on Baker Street. Meanwhile pizza people Made of Dough have launched a Slice Bar in Pergola Paddington Central. Designed for the busy office area, all the pizza pieces will be sold by weight.

Bea Vo

Bea Vo’s sweet treats are rightly famous and fans have been waiting patiently for her post-Bea’s of Bloomsbury online enterprise, Butterscotch, to sign on a site. The wait is over – today the bakery opens at Westworks in the new White City Place development and as well as the inventive cookies, brownies and cakes that Vo is known for, there will be a porridge bar with five different bases and 60 toppings. It’s destined to become a pre- and post-Westfield pit-stop.

Jeremy Wayne

Just a week after the Tatler Restaurant Awards, the magazine’s restaurant editor Jeremy Wayne, has announced he is stepping down at the end of the year to concentrate on his hospitality consultancy. Luxury hotels and restaurants are Wayne’s speciality, across London and the US, and he is hoping to develop his JWA evaluation service further across Europe. He will continue to write for a range of travel titles.

Account Managers and Senior Account Executives, Roche Communications

Do you want to work for one of the best hospitality PR agencies in the UK, looking after the country’s finest restaurants, chefs, bars, hotels and pubs? Clients include Antonio Carluccio, Raymond Blanc, Shaun Rankin and Adam Simmonds and due to new business we need passionate AM/SAE’s to work on a host of exciting campaigns. Benefits include business incentives, training, employee of the month and staff parties!

Click here to read more and apply

Sous Chefs (all levels), Petersham Nurseries Covent Garden

Petersham Nurseries are looking for creative and experienced Sous Chefs at all levels to join our growing team. We are passionate about food, sustainability all that comes with it. This role will suit a candidate with a strong background, preferably from a Michelin Star, 3 Rosette or 5 Star hotel background. Candidates should be prepared to accept the challenge to participate in one of most anticipated openings of early 2018.

Click here to read more and apply

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Grace Dent enjoys her visit to Villa Mamas on Elystan Street

The best restaurants for solo dining

The secret to throwing a dinner party

Mon 6 Nov

CODE offer: The New Douro 2017

Tues 7 Nov

Auction Against Hunger 2017

Weds 8 Nov

Freedom Brewery | Cubitt House takeover

Thurs 9 Nov

Sun 12 Nov

To the Tatler Restaurant Awards at the Savoy last Monday. Tatler’s editor Kate Reardon introduced Jeremy Wayne for what now turns out to be the last time, as he’s leaving the magazine. However, the restaurant editor was on fine form as usual dishing out some of his classic jokes. Winners on the night included Rochelle Canteen for the Test of Time award, Padella for Best Nosh Least Dosh and Juan Santa Cruz’s Isabel picking up the gong for Best Vibe.

The Dumbwaiter travelled west to the Design Museum on Tuesday evening to celebrate the launch of the third edition of Sir Terence Conran and Peter Prescott’s book Eat London. Guests included Raymond Blanc, Ewan Venters and Rowley Leigh, who now heads up the kitchen at Parabola within the museum. Sir Terence reminisced about his first restaurant The Soup Kitchen, which he opened in 1952. On the first day 42 homeless people turned up for lunch and then the cast of Guys & Dolls rocked up for dinner.

From Maiden Lane to Mayfair. Click here to read The Dumbwaiter’s best bites of the week.

Frog by Adam Handling

Every day | 25% off total bill

Hix Oyster & Chop House

Saturday - Wednesday | 25% off total bill