As residents (or visitors) of the big LDN, we’re pretty lucky that there’s always something new to discover… or eat… or drink. Things are quite literally popping up left, right and centre and we’ve made our way around some of London’s hottest new openings so that we can talk about them excitedly and convince you to go to them…
1. EDŪ
This fab new food concept is all about mixing up the traditional Spanish cuisine a little bit and taking inspiration from other nations. EDū is the brainchild of Eduardo and Dani; two pals on a mission to bring a fresh new approach to the London food scene. Their menu is constantly changing, but they’ll always guarantee seasonal produce and clever, contemporary foods. Their signature dishes will include pork belly baos, wild mushroom croquettes, the Spanglish burger and the ‘Cheeky Dog’ — and that’s just to name a few. We suggest you head down to Flat Iron Square and try it out for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
68 Union Street, SE1 1TD
2. Knowhere Special
Knowhere special is a subterranean bar that for the past year has been, well, nowhere. After closing for a little while (far too long in our eyes) it has returned with a boom and a bang! Walk along an indistinct corridor just off the high street, down some stairs and through a slightly sleazy I-could-easily-be-walking-into-a-strip-club-right-now red curtain. Behind the curtain beholds a cosy living room-esque bar, with casual vibes and an ah-mazing list of cocktails. They have a pairing menu that matches weird snacks with wonderful drinks, and we’ve been told that they are soon getting a tapas-style menu. We can’t wait!
296 Kentish Town Rd, NW5 2TG
3. Flavour Garden
By Georgie Jones
If you work near Bank or accidentally find yourself escaping the winding walkways of its underground station, get yourself to the newly opened Flavour Garden, just off Fenchurch Street. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Flavour Garden specialises in organic food and drink. Pretty much everything you’ll eat and sip, from hearty lunchtime salads down to the champagne, are made with organic produce. For a relatively rich lunchtime pick-me-up, we’d go for the fennel and chickpea salad. But, if you’re feeling naughty (or are just having a very bad Monday), treat yourself to one of their glistening chocolate-covered eclairs (the desserts, admittedly, are the only non-organic thing The Flavour Garden serve). The high ceilings and airy bar make it the ideal hangout for post-work cocktails and nibbles, but there’s also a smaller mezzanine level for more intimate parties. If time is not on your side during the daytime, there’s also a quick pit-stop point, should you wish to grab coffee or treats on the go.
4-6 New London St, London EC3R 7NA
4. Lazy Hunter
This humble little restaurant in Kentish Town (KT is getting all the glory here) is home to one of the best burgers in London (just our opinion, but we’re pretty confident that you’ll agree). This little number (pictured) was a gluten free Dark Forest Hog’s Burger with roasted hog, streaky bacon, mushroom, caramelized onion chutney, chestnuts and pickles. Ermaaagaaad. Pair it with a side of sweet potato fries, and you’re on to a winner! We also recommend the Lucky Shot Venison Burger, which comes in a black burger bun. There’s also a bunch of other mean and meaty dishes on the menu, including Roasted Hog Belly, Big Wood’s Bangers and Hunter’s Feast Stew — all you need to warm yourself up on a cold North London night.
117 Kentish Town Rd, Kentish Town NW1 8PB
5. POPdown by Cuisson
By Annabel Usher
Michelin-trained chefs bring innovative Japanese inspired dishes to POPdown by Cuisson. Located just off London’s charming Borough Market, POPdown’s seriously impressive five course tasting menu will leave you feeling fancy AF. Any booze loving Londoner will also be wooed here by the delicious and unique selection of cocktails and fantastic wine list to compliment the meal. The five course tasting menu costs £45 and is well worth it! POPdown is in fact a Pop-Up and is only open until January 2017, you don’t want to miss out of this total gem of sophisticated Asian-fusion dining!
6. Wondering Wine Kitchen
Opened: October 13th
You may never have thought to head to a tube station for the evening but, let us tell you, Old Street station is a hip and happening place. The Wondering Wine Kitchen has been popping up all over the place for a while, but it has set up a cosy camp in Old Street until the end of February 2017. They have a fantastic selection of wines (obviously), incredible cheeses and charcuterie, and a variety of small plates to tickle your tastebuds. Our favourites were the Roasted Aubergine, Basil, Feta and Rosemary Honey, and the Solomillo Iberĩco Pork Sirloin with Black Pepper, Olive Oil, Lemon and Parsley. They also have a ton of tasty toasties if you’re after something to keep you, er, toasty. It’s the perfect place to grab a glass and a bite after a stressful day at work. Because wine not?
Old Street Station, EC1Y 1BE
Feature image: Instagram/@eduldn