As it goes, London, like a rolling stone, gathers no moss. With new restaurants and new bars opening everyday, neighbourhoods are constantly transformed. From Shaftesbury Avenue to Covent Garden and Hackney, read on for the latest neighbourhood crawls.
SHAFTESBURY AVENUE
No longer just a tourist trap, Shaftesbury Avenue seems to be upping its culinary game. We first noticed it earlier this year with the opening of Shuang Shuang, London’s first hot pot Chinese restaurant. Then, for a fill of Japanese, Yumi Izakaya opened, a casual, bastardised version of the yakitori joints found all over Japan serving okonomiyaki, daikon-wrapped gyoza and selection of skewers. Last week, Soho House moved onto Shaftsbury Avenue with a traditional, glossy European brasserie, Cafe Monico. As for this week? An Indian dive bar is set to plant its flag on Shaftesbury. Talli Joe will be serving small plates (such as rasam poached shrimp and panipuri) and Indian riffs on classic cocktails.) and Indian riffs on classic cocktails.
COVENT GARDEN
Like Shaftesbury Avenue, Covent Garden has undergone a transformation in recent years. No longer just for pre- and post theatre crowds, Covent Garden is home to the capital’s big hitters: Lima, Balthazar, Barrafina, Frenchie, Flat Iron…the list goes on. Next, The Palomar is said to be joining the list with a counter-dining restaurant in Neal’s Yard followed by Sushisamba in the Piazza. But it’s not just about food. Covent Garden has fast become our go-to for innovative installations, from Donald “Drawbertson” scaffolding to Charles Pétillon balloons, Alex Chinneck and Jeff Koons sculptures. And this season’s big reveal? Reflect London, 32,000 square feet of mirrors around the eastern façade of the Market Building.
HACKNEY ROAD
Shoreditch, Bethnal Green, Dalston – but now, it’s safe to say all eyes are on Hackney Road. Sure, Sager + Wilde’s wine bar may have put Hackney Road on the map, but last year’s re-opening of Marksman by veteran St. John chefs Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram gave it its foodie credentials. Now, thanks to the soon-to-open Morito, it’s a bonafide foodie destination. As for cocktails? Fanny Nelsons is set to give The Natural Philosopher, hidden behind the Mac repair shop, some stiff competition. It’s the latest neighbourhood bar (by Andy Bird, part owner of Happiness Forgets and Original Sin) serving up great beers, natural wines, and forward-thinking cocktails.
