Restaurants To Watch Out For In 2013

A New York invasion by Balthazar and Shake Shack, the new venture from Jason Atherton – we have the details

January is depressing: Christmas is over, the weather is grim and you’ve gone back to work. But wait! To alleviate the despair here are some lovely openings for you to look forward to

Balthazar
New York giant Balthazar (pictured below) is coming to London. Housed in the old Theatre Museum in Covent Garden, Keith McNally will be bringing his French brasserie-style dining to the very heart of London – perking up what has become in recent years a bit of a dead zone food-wise. Pretty much the most anticipated opening of the year so far.

Shake Shack
Shake Shack (pcitured top) is another New York institution and another Covent Garden location. Opening mid-2013. the ‘must-try burger emporium’ will be setting up shop just opposite MEATMarket to provide a nice bit of friendly competition. The New Yorkers are invading – but only Covent Garden.

The Social Eating House
The latest venture from Jason Atherton, the man flagged as the name to drop in 2013 by The Times. His second London venue after Pollen Street Social will be opening up on Poland Street in Soho. Run with the head chef from Pollen Street Social, Paul Hood, they will be offering bistro style food in a relaxed environment. More news in the next few weeks with the opening penned in for March.

Story
Tom Sellers, who has worked with everyone from Rene Redzepi of Noma to the Toms (both Aikens and Keller), is opening up a little spot on Tooley Street in London Bridge in March, in a most unusual spot: an old toilet block. It promises to be the creative realisation of a life long dream for Sellers, who is only 25 but has worked all over the world since being expelled from school at sixteen. Expect ‘inventive dishes and skilled kitchen alchemy’.

The Clove Club
My favourite chaps from Upstairs at the Ten Bells have secured a new spot in Shoreditch Town Hall (pictured below). It is definitely one to watch out for as the boys will be bringing their signature good ‘vibes’ as well as their great menu. The dining room will seat 40 and serve Isaac’s signature five-course menu, and there will also be a separate bar with a punchy winelist and menu of small plates. Opening in February. I for one can’t wait.

Ametsa with Arzak
There has been a huge amount of excitement surrounding the news that Elena Arzak (recently voted the World’s Best Female Chef by Restaurant magazine) will be opening a new restaurant at the Halkin Hotel in February. The food will be Basque cuisine with a modern twist and considering the three-starred heritage of the Arzak team, it is one of the most anticipated new openings of the year.

Brasserie Chavot

Eric Chavot is coming back to the London restaurant scene. Having held two Michelin stars for ten years, he is a seasoned professional in the culinary world. He will open up his brasserie on Conduit Street, Mayfair later this month and expect French brasserie food with ingredients sourced not only from the very best UK suppliers but also from artisan producers in rural France. One to brighten up the darkest of months. For exact opening dates follow @brasseriechavot
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