We all know Kuwaitis are such foodies, so we’ve compiled a list of the best 2009 new restaurant openings in our top three favourite city destinations. We’re kicking off with London, so from deepest East to furthest West (with a few jaunts North and South for good measure), slick, shiny, buzzy new London hotspots: we applaud you!
1. Boundary
Address: 2-4 Boundary Street, E2 7JE
Website: www.theboundary.co.uk
Once again, Sir Terence Conran has proved he understands what makes Londoners tick, with this on-the-button gastrodome incorporating Albion café, the swish Boundary restaurant and the Rooftop bar and grill. Not forgetting, of course, the rooms, complete with views of grime-chic Shoreditch. Address: 56 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JJ
The bare brickwork, the cosy scrubbed wood, the sprawling, loftlike space and low lighting: Nick Jones’ pizzeria is a winner even before you try the food.
Address: St Botolph’s Hall, 35 Spital Square, E1 6DY Bringing a bit of full-on glamour to East London, the fabulous Galvin brothers have lavished all their attention on this their latest venture. The high-ceilinged premises give The Wolseley, Chris Galvin’s former base, a run for its money.
Address: 40 St John Street, EC1M 4AY Everyone whooped with joy when Bjorn van der Horst opened this two-sided dining experience, and that was before they ate there. In the Bistro bit there are hearty, slow-cooked dishes and in the Restaurant there are fancier things like Bjorn’s signature foie gras with espresso syrup and amaretto foam. Take your pick!
Address: 44 Barnsbury Street, N1 1ER Fay Maschler’s son Ben and business partner Nick Gibson have poured their hearts into this venture, and you can tell. Enjoy a wee dram in the cosy ground-floor bar, and earthy, seasonal dishes in the elegant first-floor dining room.
Address: 5 William IV Street, WC2N 4DW This wine bar serving European tapas was an instant hit when it opened a couple of years ago, and the basement opened last month. It’s unpretentious, the staff know their stuff and each little plate or board that arrives is better than the one before.
Address: 41 Beak Street, W1F 9SB Russell Norman has made this Venetian bacaro in the heart of Soho the current place to be. Its shabby chic style, relaxed but efficient service and general bonhomie is the perfect setting to enjoy the food.
Address: 66-70 Brewer Street, W1F 9TR Feast on Hix’s sturdy modern British classics, art appreciation and people-watching. And go late to see the place at its best.
Address: 69-71 Dean Street, W1D 4QJ Nick Jones and Richard Caring certainly have a knack for décor. The country club chic of this hotel restaurant, with its red leather banquettes and modern art-strewn walls, is very appealing; and the lighting in the evening might just be the best in London. The menu, too, is pleasingly simple.
Address: 94 Northcote Road, SW11 6QW Specialising in quality beer and no-nonsense food, its low-key vibe and attentive staff have already made this a local Battersea favourite. See the original post on Urban Junkies here.2. Pizza East
Website: www.pizzaeast.com 3. Galvin La Chapelle
Website: www.galvinrestaurants.com4. Eastside Inn
Website: www.esilondon.com5. Drapers Arms
Website: www.thedrapersarms.com6. Downstairs at Terroirs
Website: www.terroirswinebar.com7. Polpo
Website: www.polpo.co.uk8. HIX
Website: www.hixsoho.co.uk9. Dean Street Townhouse
Website: www.deanstreettownhouse.com10. The Draft House
Website: www.drafthouse.co.uk
