Hooray, poke: Portobello road is the site of the first London branch of Poke House
(Picture: Handout)Bored of the usual lunchtime suspects after returning to the office? Things are perhaps set to get a little bit more exciting — and quite possibly a lot healthier.
Poke House, which specialises in a California-style take on the increasingly popular, influencer-adored Hawaiian dish, has opened its first UK branch in Notting Hill.
Already an established fixture in continental Europe, with 55 stores across Italy, France, Spain and beyond, the chain— which claims to be Europe’s biggest poke-dedicated group — has now worked its way onto British shores, landing on Portobello Road.
It’s set to be the first of a sizeable bunch. Following its acquisition of Ahi Poke in April, which already had a number of London outposts, Poke House has now set its sights on launching around 50 more new restaurants across the UK in the next few months, as well as 14 others across the capital. The move suggests the young brand, which was created in 2018, has substantial momentum and is likely set to be a fixture of the UK’s high street.
In an attempt to lure new customers to Portobello Road this weekend, Poke House will be offering free “California-inspired” tattoos between 10am-9pm on Saturday, September 18. Anyone feeling particularly brave — or those who can never turn down a good deal — will be able to secure “free poke for life” if they get the brand’s fish logo tattooed on them.
Tattoo or no tattoo, attendees will be able to tuck into a range of UK house specials — from salmon, tuna or chicken to a vegan option — or create their own bowl. Other menu options include avocado toast, acai bowls, smoothies and even Hawaiian mochi.
