The May Hit List: Seed Library, Arcade London, Apricity, and More

Trained under the old fine dining system, Apricity’s chef-proprietor Chantelle Nicholson’s approach to cooking and hospitality is conceptually leaps and bounds ahead. Her new flagship restaurant in Mayfair shines on a light on conscious, upscale cooking, with vegetable-forward sharing plates and mains that celebrate British growers, as well as meat and fish from ethical and sustainable sources. To drink, expect low-intervention wines that champion English vineyards and innovative zero-waste cocktails. Meanwhile, a chef’s table offers an even more intimate experience, in a space that feels equal parts chic art gallery and elegant café.

This huge food hall at the base of Centre Point has been made over by JKS Restaurants, now one of the world’s foremost restaurant groups (counting Bao, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table et al amongst their number). Part food court, part sit-down restaurant, it’s a slick and pleasurable dining experience with a seamless ordering system, table service (so, no queues), and a thoughtfully curated selection of food options, including outstanding Punjabi vada pavs and wagyu keema buns; gourmet sandwiches from Hector and Margot Henderson, plus bakes from Flor; Bake Street-esque smashburgers and hot chicken sandwiches; mezze and grills from Berenjak; plus sushi from Yashin and much more.

Walk-ins accepted.

The most hyped element of the newly revamped Arcade London in Centre Point is chef and grower Luke Farrell’s new venture, entitled Plaza Khao Gaeng, which centres the cooking of Southern Thailand. It’s accessed separately from the main hall, with a focus on fiery curries and herbal salads which showcase the quality of Southeast Asian herbs that Farrell grows in the UK, with rice-centric fare like klua kling moo (wok-fried pork in southern curry paste) or gaeng tai pla (smoky mackerel with fermented fish innards, bamboo shoots, and aubergine). Love Singburi? You’ll enjoy this.

Email hello@plazakhaogaeng.com for reservations.

Based at 40FT Brewery in Dalston, this open-fire BBQ restaurant arrives courtesy of chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins, two of London’s most talented live fire chefs. At this relaxed heated outdoor terrace, there’s a marked emphasis on vegetable cookery – notably, almost all the restaurant’s small plates and snacks menu, for example, is vegan, with dishes like coal roast beets with dill and tender celeriac with vegan XO offering thrilling propositions. Omnivores can relax – you can still get your fix via larger platters of meat and dayboat fish; meanwhile, a convivial crowd and fresh pours from the nearby brewery make a meal here feel like a blissed-out couple of hours at a friend’s house.

The new bar in the basement of the new 100 Shoreditch Hotel (taking the place of the former Ace) comes from bartending legend Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan), who has departed from his progressive and high-concept style to offer nonetheless creative twists on classic cocktail lists. Here, in a coolly lo-fi lounge clad in bare stone and crushed orange velvets, select from meticulously mixed drinks like a black elderflower French Martini, a mix of Luksusowa potato vodka, elderflower liqeuer and pineapple, or an old-fashioned mixed with toothed-wrack ‘bitters’ and chestnut honey water. A fine addition to Shoreditch’s already-rich drinking options.

Call 0207 613 9803 for a reservation. 

Nuno Mendes’ long-awaited Lisboeta immediately became one of the most in-demand restaurants in town when it recently opened, to the surprise of few – the chef is acknowledged as one of London’s most influential culinary figures. His new restaurant is a paean to the food of his hometown and, paired with his precise cooking style, makes for a thrilling match. At this elegant, modern space on Charlotte Street, you can sit at the bar and sip white port and tonics while snacking on Goan-spiced pork pies or morcela with razor clams on toast; or dive into the Portuguese wine list and a menu that sparkles with gems like a grilled Carabinero with garlic and piri-piri, or an ethereally light pão de lo cake with olive oil and salt.

Call 020 3830 9888 for a reservation.

Moored on the Regents Canal by Holborn Studios, the Spiteri brothers’ new restaurant has found a home in a stylishly converted Dutch office barge. A gorgeously lit dining room offers plenty of atmosphere and not a little romance: expect white tablecloths, candlelight, hanging plants, and even custom stained-glass artwork. The brothers have hospitality in their blood; as Fin Spiteri tends to guests like a seasoned pro (and makes them a killer cocktail, to boot), his brother Lorcan prepares hearty pastas, roasts, and braises designed to warm the cockles. Don’t miss the crab pasta and knowingly nostalgic prawn toast – it’s excellent for a low-key celebration or a date.

This tiny restaurant off Mare Street in Hackney has the distinction of being one of the best places to eat Chinese cuisine in London right now. Angeleno chef Julian Denis and his crew sling sublime plates of crispy Chongqing cauliflower, dan dan noodles, and vegan pork dumplings to a raucuous soundtrack. Along with the playfully kitsch, neon-lit room, a visit here feels like late-night munchies at a house party, except the person serving you is a pro at the top of his game. That the entire menu is vegan is merely a bonus when the food is this good – grab a few of your closest friends and make a night of it.

When it comes to being guaranteed an excellent night, keeping things simple often wins out. At this basement pop-up on Hackney Road, Top Cuvee and Yard Sale – two of London’s most adored cult restaurants – have joined forces to offer an excellent line up of natural wines alongside a stellar menu of wood-fired pizzas. The classics have persisted for a reason, like a NYC-inspired pie topped with Sicilian sausage, guindilla chillies and garlic oil, or a classic pepperoni with slow-cooked tomato sauce, Fior di Latte, and two types of pepperonis. As well as chilled reds and juicy orange wines, expect very good cocktails to flow all night; both restaurants have massive, dedicated followings, and this cosy, booth-lined restaurant will assuredly be electric, and very, very popular.

Having built his reputation at the Salt Yard restaurants (Opera Tavern, Ember Yard), Ben Tish has taken his talents to Notting Hill, in a bid to elevate the cuisine at this lovingly restored (and luxuriously appointed) pub. The chef’s love for and expertise in the cuisine of the Iberian Peninsula shines in plates like a red prawn crudo or English burrata with blood orange, while every occasion – from oysters and Guinness to slap-up dinners – is easily catered to. There’s also a private garden for warm weather, and a few rooms upstairs if you’ve had a little bit too much fun.

Call 020 3096 6996 for a reservation.