New Kids on the Block June/July 2026

Appalachia

Possessing a seemingly insatiable appetite for charcoal-grilled food, London now has another fire-led restaurant in the shape of Appalachia. Taking over the former Counter 71 site on Nile Street, the restaurant abandons the chef's table format that made its predecessor famous in favour of an unabashed celebration of the flavours of the Deep South, infused with a dose of 21st-century urban flair. Alistair Borer, erstwhile chef at Smoking Goat, is your culinary guru here, delivering authentic flavours that don't shy away from intensity. Think smoked eel and jalapeño devilled eggs, oysters with tomatillo and scotch bonnet, barbecue quail with blue cheese slaw and country-fried rabbit with chorizo gravy: a feast that packs plenty of Tennessee punch. Meanwhile, the drinks offering, naturally, places rye and bourbon front and centre, although there is room for a selection of well-priced vintages by the glass. Regional American cuisine has never been London's strongest suit, but Appalachia looks set to change all that.

71 Nile St, London N1 7RD
https://www.instagram.com/appalachialondon/
Appalachia opened 3 June

Chez Rose

Just try to keep Jason Atherton standing still: his latest collaboration sees him reunite with chef extraordinaire Spencer Metzger, the talent behind Row on 5's two Michelin stars. Their latest project? Chez Rose, an oh-so-chic French bistro occupying the former Little Social site on Pollen Street, slap bang in the middle of the West End. Taking its name from Metzger's grandmother, Chez Rose bills itself as the quintessential Parisian hideaway, elevated several notches courtesy of its dynamic and super-talented owners. Saucisson sec to start – or perhaps Orkney scallop with Café de Paris butter – sets the tone, followed by veal T-bone with sauce moutarde and Dover sole à la meunière. The wine offering is equally on trend, with a generous selection of drops available by the glass, including Dom Perignon at the princely sum of £75 a pour. Fortunately, 375ml serves of Picpoul de Pinet, Galician Albariño and Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz are far more affordable. The queue starts here.

5 Pollen Street, London, W1S 1NE
https://www.chezroselondon.com/
Chez Rose opened 9 June

Saltwater

Does London need another Japanese restaurant? The team behind the now sadly closed  omakase destination Roji say an unequivocal “Hai!”  Yet Saltwater is in a very different league to its antecedent – the concept is modelled on a distinctly relaxed, California-influenced interpretation of Japanese dining, with a surfeit of handrolls, nigiri, and hot donburi bowls. Although concrete details are not forthcoming, early media previews suggest an emphasis on premium ingredients and casual vibes, bridging the gap between serious sushi counters and relaxed neighbourhood dining.
As for the drinks programme, that is anyone's guess, although we would be surprised if premium sake, Koshu wine, and Japanese whiskies don't feature heavily. And although there is always a danger of cuisine fetishisation and venue saturation, it seems likely that Saltwater will prove one of the capital's standout openings of the summer.

3-4 Berwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 0DR
Saltwater will open in July