Another day, another reason to relinquish what’s left of your life savings. Actually, make that five reasons. This week, we’re here to tell you that the capital is about to be graced with everything from glorious Greek sunshine to slap-up breakfasts and absurdly extravagant karaoke. You’re welcome.
ABC Kitchens
Sitting within the Maybourne Group’s new hotel, The Emory, acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s new restaurant combines all three of his New York offerings, showcasing farm-to-table, plant-based and Latin-inspired fare to be devoured while overlooking Hyde Park. Make sure to order the famed green pea guacamole.
Now open. Old Barrack Yard, SW1 (the-emory.co.uk)
Oma
Situated above Agora (the bustling new walk-in grill which flung open its Borough Market doors to much acclaim a couple of weeks ago), Manteca and Smokestak founder David Carter’s second decidedly warm, chic new restaurant will celebrate the ‘warmth and romance’ of the Greek isles. Fresh from the crudo bar and a live-fire grill, highlights will include brown crab borek, gilt-head bream and jalapeño aguachile with datterini tomato, and slow-grilled red mullet served with red miso butter, all to be devoured with lesser-known Greek wines.
Opens 16 April. 2-4 Bedale St, SE1 (oma.london)
NIJŪ
Despite opening just last May, Mayfair’s 20 Berkley has been replaced by a katei ryōri-style (home-cooked) Japanese grill and sushi bar headed up by Endo Kazutoshi. Opt for the free-range half chicken ‘katsu’ served with shredded cabbage, or pick from a range of beef aged in-house, cooked to your liking and served with an exciting array of Japanese condiments, including fresh wasabi, onion ponzu, shiso salt and yuzu salsa verde.
Opens 17 April. 20 Berkley St, W1 (nijulondon.com)
BAM Karaoke Box
After launching eight branches across Europe, Bam Karaoke Box is about to arrive in London, promising to bring ‘Parisian flair to Victoria’. The gargantuan 10,000sq ft townhouse will have a standalone bar, a live music stage, an outdoor terrace and 22 private karaoke rooms each designed to have their own personality, ranging from the ‘scandalous’ — inspired by clandestine affairs — to the ‘cosy library’, which, of course, speaks for itself.
Opens 19 Apr. 74 Victoria St (uk.bam-karaokebox.com)
Bangers
Do you wallow in shame after gobbling a post-party McDonald’s breakfast? You should really get over it. Either that, or indulge in a supremely stylish brekkie at Bangers, which will soon be serving ‘smashed sausage’ patties, crispy hash browns, bloody Marys and music that’ll have you dancing all over again from its first bricks and mortar space.
