Kioku By Endo
Last month in Issue 102 we had the chance to sit down for a fascinating talk with Endo Kazutoshi to discuss everything Edomae and London Omakase. During the interview he mentioned his upcoming project and now it’s here, Kioku by Endo at the OWO. Kioku means memory in Japanese and is a reference to Endo bringing together all his memories and experiences in a single place. Specifically, he aims to combine his Japanese heritage with his time spent in Spain to bring a Mediterranean flair to the menu. Given the reputation he’s garnered at the soon-to-reopen Rotunda, expect good things.
Where: 6th Floor, 2 Whitehall Place, The OWO, SW1A 2BX
Bookings: kiokubyendo.com
Fenchurch Restaurant
Following a spring revamp, the Fenchurch Restaurant is ready for golden evenings with a new casual counter-top dining experience. The entire venue has undergone an aesthetic transformation with a tropical theme in-keeping with head chef Kerth Gumbs’s Caribbean heritage and fun, informal approach to fine dining. If you’re looking for a more traditional dining experience, then you can also opt for their seasonally updated tasting menu with nine courses that includes dishes like torched jerk salmon, seabass, and smoked oysters. Tasting menu £99pp.
Where: Floor 37, 1 Sky Garden Walk, Fenchurch, EC3M 8AF
Bookings: skygarden.london
The Park
Set opposite Kensington Gardens, The Park is the newest project of Jeremy King. Following the buyout of King’s previous restaurant business, Corbin & King, it marks a return to the London restaurant scene for the man behind many of London’s iconic dining spots. The new site, which at time of writing doesn’t have an official opening date beyond late May, promises to follow in the tradition of grand cafes and brasseries, as evidenced by the terrace seen in the concept illustration. Although rather than a Parisian influence, it’s opting more into an American style.
Where: 123 Bayswater Rd, Kensington, W2 3JH
Bookings: jeremykingrestaurants.com
UBA
Bringing Pan-Asian cuisine to the fore with influences from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok, UBA is the latest venture of former Novikov chef Paul Greening. With a menu featuring a diverse mix of sashimi, dim sum, steamed buns, ramen and a robata grill, there’s something for everyone. Plus, this extensive exploration of Asian food is matched by a bar stocking cocktails, sake and wine from across South Asia, including the Thai inspired Jasmine Pearl and Chinese Smoky Dragon.
Where: 61 – 67 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3HU
Bookings: ubarestaurant.com
Plates
Due to open in June, Plates is the project of brother-sister duo Kirk and Keeley Haworth. Kirk takes on the role of chef, having served at multiple Michelin star establishments around the world and winning The Great British Menu TV competition in 2024. His diagnosis with Lyme Disease in 2016 led him to re-evaluate his life, creating menus that are entirely plant based. Keeley is the managing director for the restaurant with a background in sustainable food marketing.
Where: 320 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9DR
Bookings: plates-london.com
All’onda
Nestled within the gastronomic hub that is Charlotte Street, All’onda brings a unique approach to fine dining and that approach is very, very specific. It’s risotto all the way down. There are always five to six risotto dishes on the menu, ranging from traditional interpretations to more adventurous versions. At the helm is head chef Andrea Granzarolo, who spent six years at Helene Darroze. If you’re looking for an interesting specialty this summer, you know where to go.
Where: 67 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 4PH
Bookings: allonda.co.uk
Henri
Henrietta Hotel is set to open a new dining venue on its ground floor. The Henri bistro is a collaboration between Jackson Boxer and the Experimental Group – the team behind the award- winning Cowley Manor Experimental in the Cotswolds, touted as one of the UK’s best new restaurants. As a bistro it will take its influences from Boxer’s signature Parisian style which suits the beautiful streets around Covent Garden. Henri Bistro is due to open later this month.
Where: 14-15 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8PS
Bookings: henriettahotel.com