Summer openings to look out for

Yesterday marked the long-awaited return to indoor dining for which we hope will be the final time. As we get closer to a sense of normality each day, there’s plenty of summer openings to look forward to over the coming months. Last week, we shared the news that the team behind Lyon’s restaurant are opening warehouse brasserie and wine bar Hackey Coterie, Big Mamma is launching its largest ever site Ave Mario and Jiji is a new spot in Islington serving Israeli-Japanese food.

And there’s plenty more where that came from. July sees the launch of the Mondrian Shoreditch London, and a new restaurant headed by three-Michelin-starred chef Dani García. BIBO marks his first London site, joining BIBO Marbella and Doha, and will marry the chef’s Andalusian heritage with British produce. Meanwhile, the Turul project will shine the spotlight on Hungarian cuisine, which doesn’t currently get a huge amount of attention in London. Behind it is chef István Ruska, who has been cooking at supper clubs before getting the site, and the menu will feature modern takes on classic Hungarian dishes.

Familiar names opening new branches include Ottolenghi in Marylebone, Where the Pancakes Are and Hot Stone both in Fitzrovia, and the Mr Fogg’s group has a Secret Garden running near Bruton Lane from 25 May. Plus, Pizza Pilgrims is opening a new central London pizzeria in Waterloo. Also a familiar name – but opening a new concept – is Scott Collins of MEATliquor. As the restaurant celebrates 10 years, Collins is launching a pub in South London – The Darmouth Arms. The MEAT menu will be on offer, alongside Sunday roasts when it opens in July.

One for the plant-based diners, Rudy Vegan Diner will open its second restaurant on Islington’s Upper Street, following the success of the brand’s debut site in Camden and the world’s first vegan butcher. One of London’s real movers and shakers JKS have announced a new restaurant headed by Chet Sharma, serving contemporary Indian food on North Audley Street. BiBi will have 35 covers inside and 20 on a terrace.

JKS has also invested in King’s Road institution The Cadogan Arms, which will relaunch this July. It’s got a strong team in place, including James Knappett of two Michelin-star Kitchen Table, Ledbury alumnus Alex Harper leading the kitchen and Dominic Jacobs of The Running Horse Mayfair is leading the project as managing director.

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