CODE Breaking: Winter 2020

In addition to our weekly digital Bulletin, here we round up this quarter’s biggest news in the global restaurant and hotel scene.

London

Design District Canteen

Although we continue to make small steps towards normality, it seems that restrictions may be in place for a while longer. Thinking ahead, the developers at Greenwich Peninsula have announced plans for an outdoor hub for the creative industries. Design District Canteen opens next spring, bringing together a community of 1,800 artists, market traders, design and hospitality businesses in one space. Fully versed to the ‘new normal’, the huge and bright yellow outdoor structure looks pretty impressive…  

Chameleon

We’re not too sure what to expect from ‘multi-experiential space’ Chameleon, but we’ll soon find out as it opens in January. Located in listed building One Marylebone, Chameleon will incorporate a Tel-Aviv inspired restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating – including greenhouses – plus a silent cinema, a fitness space, an art gallery and a weekend market. Founder Alex Ghalleb, former managing partner at Gold in Notting Hill, says the space “offers a vibrant assortment of experiences.” It certainly sounds that way.  

Eataly London 

 After much hinting, the world’s largest Italian food market Eataly has finally confirmed that it is on its way to the capital. If you’ve been to an Eataly before, you’ll know to expect big things when it opens right next to Liverpool Street station in early 2021. There will be more than 5,000 Italian products on offer, as well as three restaurants, a winery, bakery and zero-waste produce refill store. Guests can also expect cooking demos and classes.  

Humble Chicken

Angelo Sato is of CODE’s 30 under 30 this year, so we’re looking forward to visiting his first solo venture. Inspired by the casual izakayas in Tokyo, the restaurant’s ethos focuses on using all parts of the bird. The chef will serve the food he ate growing up, including crispy chicken feet, soba tempura and Humble Chicken’s signature dish – yakitori chicken skewers. There’s an impressive drinks menu on offer, too.  

Rest of the UK  

The Double Red Duke, Cotswolds 

2020 has most definitely been the year of the staycation, and long may it continue. Opening in February 2021, The Double Red Duke in the Cotswolds might be one to add to your list. Sam and Georgie Pearman, who run a group of cosy, stylish pubs and inns, are taking on the task of restoring the 17^th century coaching inn, which will feature 19 bedrooms and a restaurant centred on an open-fire kitchen. Expect large portions of grilled meats, vegetables and sides.  

Sussex Pass, East Sussex

Supporting local makers, growers and communities is the ethos of Sussex Pass, a new restaurant launching in December. With just 30 covers, the restaurant sits within the White Hart pub and will have a small, intimate feel. Seeing how hard the local community had been hit, Sam Maynard wanted to create a restaurant that draws solely on the surrounding area, and he has teamed up with fellow local Adam Sear, who takes on the role of head chef. Sussex beef and pan-roasted partridge look set to be highlights. 

STORE, Norwich

Named after the storeroom of Stoke Mill – the site where the Colmans first milled mustard and now home of the restaurant – STORE is a new venture from Corinthia alumni Liam Nichols. The chef has gained experience in some of the best kitchens across the world, but now returns to his hometown in Norwich to create a fun and visual tasting experience using local produce.   

Glebe House, East Devon

We’ve only seen a few photos so far, but they’re enough to make us want to book a room tomorrow. Sadly, we’ll have to wait until spring 2021, as that’s when Glebe House will open its doors to the public. Six years ago, couple Hugo and Olive had the idea to turn their family home into a guesthouse. Their idea became a reality this year, and they have transformed the property, now with a restaurant offering a regularly changing menu. The team are also growing their own vegetables on site, so it doesn’t get much more local than that.  

International

Aman & Rosa Alpina

After a year of cancelled holidays and travel restrictions, we’re all hoping we’ll be able to hop on a plane and fly somewhere soon. The latest news from luxe brand Aman is vry exciting, as it has recently announced a partnership with Rosa Alpina to take on a hotel in the Dolomite mountains. Located on a UNESCO listed site, the 52-room hotel will be surrounded by 1,200km of ski slopes and will be ready for the winter season in December 2022. Ready, steady, ski.  

Ennismore & Accor

Another exciting collaboration to share between Ennismore, the group that owns the Hoxton hotels and Gleneagles among others, and international hospitality company Accor. The new business will continue to use the Ennismore name, with big plans to create a global lifestyle hospitality operator with 12 brands and to open a further 110 hotels. A positive move as we hope the travel and hotel industry makes a full recovery from the impact of the pandemic.  

Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich

It may be a few years until this one comes to fruition, but we think this news is good enough to share in advance. Mandarin Oriental has signed a contract to re-brand and take over Zurich’s historic Savoy Baur en Ville hotel. The hotel, currently managed by Credit Suisse, will close in 2022 for renovations, before opening as Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich, in 2024. There will be fewer rooms available – 80 compared to a current 104 – but the renovation will add a fitness centre and transform the grand historic ballroom. Watch this space. 

Nobu Hotel Toronto

The Nobu Hotel in Portman Square opened its doors recently, complete with huge new restaurant, bar with a terrace and its own sushi bar. They’re not stopping there, with future openings planned in Tel Aviv, Brazzil and Georgia – as well as its hotel in Toronto set to launch next year. The hotel is located on a heritage site, with two towers joined by Toronto’s flagship Nobu restaurant. Expect good views and great sushi.  

To read more articles from the winter edition of the CODE Quarterly magazine, click here