One of the many joys of London is the number of restaurants and bars that are continually opening across the city. From sleek modern restaurants serving the best British beef to new branches of renowned brands such as The Ivy, these are our picks of the best new drinking and dining dens in London…
The Hyde at The Royal Park Hotel
Tucked away inside a quintessentially British boutique hotel in Westbourne Terrace, this new bar is simultaneously refined and cosy. A grand open fireplace takes precedence in the bar, which serves a host of fine wines and spirits, including The Balvenie 40, Yamazaki whisky, Tesseron Extreme cognac and spirits from the prohibition bourbon list. Choose a cocktail from the menu or ask one of the skilled bartenders to mix up anything you fancy.
Operating a small plates menu, diners can choose from a range of mouthwatering options such as chilli tiger prawn katsu, smoked venison saddle, or heirloom tomato and burrata salad. Ideal for a quiet, intimate date night, or a relaxed catch up with friends.
3 Westbourne Terrace, Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, London W2 3UL
www.theroyalpark.com/the-hyde-bar
The Ivy Soho Brasserie
Specialising in contemporary British cuisine, the 200-cover space includes a bar, private dining room and terrace with Parisian-style seating. The all-day menu covers breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. You’ll find everything from fresh juices and pastries to salads, seafood and steaks here at The Ivy Soho Brasserie.
Featuring Parisian-style seating, the walls are decorated with art inspired by the local Soho music scene and culture, as well as famous poet, William Blake. From Thursday through to Saturdays, the venue flicks on the party switch with an on-site DJ.
As it is only a stone’s throw from Theatreland, The Ivy Soho Brasserie is the perfect spot for a post-show meal, Instagrammable brunch, or the first stop on a night out in town.
26-28 Broadwick Street, London W1F 8JB
www.theivysohobrasserie.com
100 Kensington
This Asian-fusion restaurant and bar has just opened on the first floor of The Exhibitionist – a hotel that is also an art gallery. The a la carte menu is available for supper, boasting sumptuous options such like sweet potato broccoli fritters, braised octopus with burnt cauliflower purée, chorizo and pickled romanesco, or pan-fried duck breast with courgette kimchi and cashew beer butter. The dessert menu is small but delightful. Homemade ice creams and chocolate walnut cake are a great way to cleanse the pallet.
If you fancy popping in before dinner, an Asian-style afternoon tea is available. Indulge in dishes such as duck egg or cured salmon, or go for sweeter options such as spiced pumpkin scone and chocolate ganache with ginger yoghurt.
Take advantage of the daily happy hour from 4pm-7pm and try one of 100’s house and signature cocktails, such as the Spiced Plum Mai Thai and Espress-Oh Martini. A range of beers, red, white and rose wines are available, as well as fizz, of course.
8-10 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EA
www.100restaurants.co.uk
‘SMITHS’ of Smithfield at Cannon Street
A new modern branch in the heart of the city, ‘SMITHS’ of Smithfield specialises in British dining, featuring seafood, steaks (100% British beef), and fine seasonal produce. Sleek cream chairs, leather booths and polished wooden tables fill the restaurant and an exposed kitchen creates a real buzzy atmosphere. Go for a tasting platter if you want to try a bit of everything, such as scorched mackerel, avocado whip and cured meats. For those that know what they want, starters include salt and pepper squid, seared scallops and braised pork cheek. Main options include grilled dover sole, roast duck breast or a superfood salad. The grills, however, really take the main stage at ‘SMITHS’. With all beef butchered on the premises and its source listed on the menu, choose from a T-bone steak, 10 oz sirloin, 9 oz rib eye or cote de boeuf, amongst others.
To accompany your meal, a healthy list of fine wines, vintage champagnes and cocktails are available.
Ideally placed right by Cannon Street station, the restaurant is great for a lunchtime or after-work meal.
99 Cannon St, London EC4N 5AE, UK
www.smithsofsmithfield.co.uk
