London Reopening: Our Favourite London Restaurants
Our post lockdown, whistle stop tour of the capital’s delights.
Now we pride ourselves on knowing our way round the drinks trolley, but not even our skillful mixology has been able to drown our lock down sorrows…we NEED to get out of the house. And Hurrah! The time has come, all hail…the grand reopening of London. Oh how we have longed to be in a London restaurant, sorry bike delivery people – we love you and you’ve done us proud but right now we are aching for a waiter and a tablecloth. Read on for our whistle stop tour of the capital’s delights, where we will be frolicking around and revelling in freedom this weekend (socially distanced frolicking and revelling that is).
Gymkhana, Mayfair
Gymkhana finally reopens on Tuesday 28th July, providing another chance for those who previously missed out on getting a table back in February after their grand relaunch following a fire and then total refurbishment bathing the townhouse in all the colonial elegance of its former glory.
Gymkhana hosted one of our private dining family office events earlier this year and hand on heart we have never experienced a better Indian Restaurant to date. The menu takes you on an opulent journey of flavours through its contemporary Indian cuisine with a G+T that’ll knock your socks off to boot…so to speak.
On the menu will be all the Gymkhana classic dishes, such as Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops and Goat Keema Pao, but do not leave without trying the Wild Muntjac Biryani with Pomegranate & Mint Raita, it’s genuinely life changing.
Kings Arms, Hampton Court
Kings Arms are reopening from 4th of July for BBQs on the terrace and full restaurant service from Thursday – Sunday for lunch and dinner and we are delighted about it. Overlooking Hampton Court Palace Gardens and a stones throw from the Thames, all menus have been created by Michelin starred Executive Chef Mark Kempson. So whether it be a burger on the terrace or a full fine dining restaurant experience, post lock down will never have tasted so good.
TEASE South Kensington
A newly opened escape in the heart of South Kensington, TEASE is a modern day tea bar focused on creating fresh blends and health boosting flavour combinations. Putting a fresh spin on the iconic British classic, TEASE’s menu boasts a selection of iced teas, milk teas, adaptogenic milks, health shots. The perfect antidote to the funk of lockdown and a welcome health kick before the celebration of freedom begins?
Conceptualising the menu is former mixologist of The Ned, Soho Farmhouse and Annabel’s, Cosmo Lewis. Cool refreshing iced teas will be our summer social call – freshly brewed tea combined with a variety of freeze-dried fruits for maximum nutrition packed into each cup, they’re the perfect refreshment for the season.
The house special “Cosmosis” section of the menu takes centre stage – rich dark chocolate, their take on a classic hot chocolate freshly made from raw cacao and cacao butter eliminating the use of any refined sugars, sits alongside the creamy vanilla cold coffee and a traditional spiced masala chai, which provides a great energy boost.
L’escargot, Soho
L’escargot has been a firm favourite London restuarant of Hedgebrunch’s for years and what better way to regain some normality than frequent old haunts. As Jay Rayner said ‘This isn’t just a French restaurant, it’s a Soho institution’ and boy was he right. Rarely does a month go by without us popping in for a Tournedous Rossini, Creme Brulee and a generous dose on convivial cheer so we are well over due a visit.
L’escargot are currently offering 30% off lunch time dining and £500 off private dining to AYU, members. Join AYU here.
Bar 45 and CUT at 45 Park Lane
On the fringes of Hyde Park our next destination nestles. Bar 45 and its co-inhabiter CUT at 45 offer one of London restaurant’s best steaks, curated by the genius that is Wolfgang Puck, and a legendary Negroni to boot. Remember the expertly mixed cocktails we’ve been missing? This is the concoction we’ve been dreaming of. The only dilemma at CUT is choosing your view. Will it be Damien Hirst’s Diamond Dust Psalms series adorning the walls, or leafy Hyde Park beyond the windows? Why not hit two birds with one stone and satisfy our cultural thirst as well.
The Dorchester Collection are currently offering private dining and complimentary dish perks exclusive to AYU members.
Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
Bingham Riverhouse announced their exclusive partnership with award–winning chef Steven Edwards in March this year, brutal timing for a London restaurant and we were gutted not to manage a visit before lockdown. Never fear we will make up for it now! This is Steven’s first venture in London and by all accounts he is transforming the menu with his contemporary take on seasonal British food whilst also continuing his work at his critically acclaimed restaurant etch. in Hove for those of you who fancy a jaunt to the seaside.
Following a full refurbishment by award-winning interior designer Nicola Harding, Bingham Riverhouse has become a harmonious mix between easy living and private members house;
a concept yet to be seen in Richmond. A short stroll from the glory that is Richmond Park, this is where we’ll be enjoying a river view soon.
Bingham Riverhouse are currently offering 15% off stays and their sister Spa bhuti 10% off membership exclusively to AYU members, join AYU here.
Brace yourself London, we’re coming for you and we can’t wait to see you in all your masked and sanitised glory.