Hot stuff in South London Kokum has been cooking up inventive Indian food in smart contemporary surroundings since opening in 2023. Co-founder Sanjay Gour’s very promising credentials include a stint as the head chef at the star of the London Indian restaurant firmament: Gymkhana. We went along to East Dulwich on a wet Wednesday evening […]
KORA at Beaufort House Chelsea
King’s Road has changed a lot since I used to frequent it, but it has never been short on glossy places to eat. The latest arrival at Beaufort House, KORA, has managed to pull off something rather charming: a
contemporary Mediterranean restaurant that feels both dressed-up and relaxed, without trying too hard to impress. It’s the kind of place that wants you to imagine yourself wafting around an Aegean island, Aperol in hand – only here, the backdrop is Chelsea traffic.
Junsei Marylebone – Authentic Japanese in London
Junsei is the kind of relaxed place where you could happily meet up with friends or go on a date, in which case, book a table at the bar counter. You could pop in for a beer and a couple of skewers or even a cocktail; the list looked impressive. Or you could work your way through the menu, taking your time to savour the range of dishes. At Junsei, you kick back, relax and eat well.
Nobu, Old Park Lane
Nobu is a brand with cachet. Founded in 1994 by chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa, Robert de Niro, and Meir Teper, there are now upwards of 60 branches worldwide, from Cape Town to Kuala Lumpur.
Bottomless Brunch at The Botanist Sloane Square
A Sloane Square stylish stalwart since 2008, The Botanist is well-known for its popular cocktail bar and contemporary British restaurant. This summer, the restaurant introduced a great new brunch menu, running between 11 am and 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with the option to make it bottomless with their ‘Weekend Freeflow’ drinks packages, from an extra £27 for the ‘bubbles’ prosecco and beer package up to £44 for freeflow champagne and more.
Nobu Portman Square – A Taste of Iconic Luxury
With its blend of Japanese tradition and contemporary luxury, Nobu has established itself as one of the world’s most recognisable hospitality and lifestyle brands. Co-founded by chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro and producer Meir Teper, Nobu is celebrated for its pioneering fusion cuisine. The brand has since expanded into a global collection of restaurants and hotels, each renowned for minimalist elegance, exceptional service and a distinctive sense of style. We’ve tried a few of their restaurants over the years – from New York to Doha via London, Park Lane – so we were delighted to be invited along to the latest London outpost to review.
Autumn Dining at Kutir
ust off Sloane Square on Lincoln Street, Kutir occupies one of Chelsea’s elegant Georgian townhouses, transformed into a fine-dining Indian restaurant. Founded by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai and Abhishake Sangwan, the restaurant combines intimacy with sophistication. Guests climb a few steps, ring the bell, and are welcomed into richly decorated dining rooms or, on warmer evenings, the pretty roof terrace. The name “Kutir,” meaning cottage in Sanskrit, reflects its aim to be a retreat from the bustle of London, where warm hospitality and quiet luxury go hand in hand.
Restaurant of the Month – Legado
Nieves has just added Legado to her portfolio in the edgier environs of Shoreditch. The restaurant’s mission is ‘to celebrate the diverse regional food cultures of Spain and its islands, allowing the lesser-known to take centre stage’. In addition to the restaurant, there is a tapas and pintxos bar, ‘The Taberna’, which deserves a separate visit.
Rottura: Italian Tradition Meets London Cool
Opened by twin sisters Emily and Elena, Rottura is a year-old, family-owned Italian ‘Eatery’ in the new riverside Brentford Project development in West London. The restaurant’s name is a mash-up of both of their grandparents’ surnames, Frattura and Romano. With Italian parents from Avellino in Campania and a chef grandad the girls have a great backstory.
Vivat Bacchus – South African Food and Wine
A short walk from London Bridge station, Vivat Bacchus is a South African restaurant and wine bar with a strong focus on meat dishes, an extensive wine list, and a walk-in cheese room. Opened in 2003, it has become a fixture in the area for business lunches, after-work drinks, and casual dinners. The restaurant combines a modern dining space with a cellar-like atmosphere, positioning itself as a place for both food and wine enthusiasts.