The chef Anthony Demetre is teaming up with publican Hubert Beatson-Hird to open The Elizabeth in Belgravia in September.
The bistro is to replace the Ganymede, a pub-restaurant in a Grade II Victorian townhouse that opened three years ago under the Beatson-Hird’s Lunar Pub Group.
Demetre founded Soho restaurant Arbutus in 2006 and went on to win a Michelin star there before its closure in 2016.
He opened Wild Honey St James in 2019, a venue which still holds a star and where British ingredients and French technique are the focus. Dishes such as pheasant terrine and a custard tart being two hallmarks of Demetre’s cooking style.
Also at the Sofitel hotel at St James is Demetre’s more casual concept, Bistrot at Wild Honey. Alongside the a la carte is a prix fixe menu featuring dishes such as “Andalusian-style” gazpacho and cottage pie.
The consultant chef will work alongside head chef David Halewood at the Elizabeth. On the way are “British bistro classics” such as duck, pork and guinea fowl terrine, fish cakes with bouillabaisse, confit duck, and Cornish sea bream with warm tomatoes.
Sunday lunches will be a big part of the offering. A standout might be the roast chicken which will come “lacquered” with lemon and honey. Among the desserts, diners should expect chocolate mousse, cherries with Jersey cream, and rum baba.
As for drinks, the menu will include spritzes, cocktails, and a wine list spanning both new and old world wines, all of which will be supplied by Liberty.
Beatson-Hird, who owns the Lunar Pub Company, has opened three pubs across West London. Ganymede has been lightly refurbished as part of the project, with a drinking area in the front of the building and a dining room at the back.
“After three wonderful years of Ganymede we wanted to reimagine our beloved Belgravia site to reflect the fast-changing hospitality environment,” said Beatson-Hird.
“When the opportunity to work with Anthony emerged, the choice became a no-brainer to work together to create a modern take on British hospitality and gastronomy”.
The Elizabeth will open on September 16 at 139 Ebury St, London SW1W 9QU theelizabethsw1.co.uk
