Seeking food for thought? Check out one of this week’s hot new restaurant openings, which include an exciting new concept from a London legend, some very good vegan fare and a scattering of delicious little Italian snacky snacks. Enjoy!
Forza Taps
Views! Snacks! Booze flowing from taps! Forza Wine at the National Theatre has been joined by a new, more casual sister-spot set on the terrace below. Rock up for reasonably priced cocktails, juicy low-intervention wine, and ‘Italian-ish’ small plates such as courgettes in garlic and mint; burrata with tomoatoes and croutons in basil oil; and the group’s famous custardo (that’s custard and espresso, basically).
Now open. Weston Terrace, National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 (nationaltheatre.org.uk)
Café Petiole
The founder of Mayfair’s Tendril, chef Rishim Sachdeva, has unveiled another ‘mostly vegan’ concept, this time in the grand expanse of Somerset House. Open between 9am and 6pm Tuesday to Sunday, here you’ll find wholesome dishes to match any mood, from moist banana and walnut bread to grilled aubergine sabich with tabbouleh focaccia, and smoked, grilled hispi cabbage with orzo, designed to be enjoyed with coffee, soft drinks or low-intervention wine.
Open 21 May. South Wing, Somerset House, The Strand, WC2 (@cafepetiole)
Chez Roux
He’s baaaaack! Celebrity chef Michel Roux is starting afresh with a new restaurant at The Langham hotel. Inspired by his childhood in the rural Kent countryside, he’ll be dishing up his take on British classics with a modern, French twist. Expect Roux’s version of the classic Welsh rarebit made with stout, Montgomerycheddar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and pickled walnut; herb-crusted lamb chops with Reform sauce; and grilled lobster with garlic butter, friesand béarnaise — a favourite of his while visiting Le Gavroche as a child.Open 22 May. 1C Portland Pl, W1 (langhamhotels.com)
