New Kids on the Block
The latest brilliant idea from the team behind Ham Restaurants, Canal is a modern European brasserie in Taxi House – the former headquarters of the London Taxi Drivers' Association. Boasting an expansive indoor dining space, sleek bar and a south-facing terrace, this Westbourne Park newcomer is already the talk of the town. Head chef Adrian Hernandez Farina, meanwhile, brings an impressive pedigree (including Humo, ASKA, and The French Laundry) and an innovative approach to refined dining. Portland crab doughnuts, ricotta agnolotti with cavolo nero and pecorino, and Cornish John Dory with lemon dill butter should get your tastebuds racing, while the sophisticated wine list delivers a healthy mix of classic appellations and more obscure grapes and regions. Expect this one to be big.
11 Woodfield Rd, London W9 2BA
Canal Restaurant
Canal will open 30 June
Bastardo
Don't be fooled by the colourful moniker: Bastardo is a serious addition to London's bar scene. With a selection of over 70 low-intervention wines – including some of Europe’s top organic labels – this Hackney newcomer is a haven for wine lovers, while the moderation crowd can enjoy 20 exceptional vintages available by the glass. Created by the owners of the much-loved Lardo – situated next door – Bastardo is sure to offer the same winning combination of slick service and warm hospitality. Its culinary offering, meanwhile, leans heavily into small plates: think smoked almonds and olives, stracciatella on toast with anchovies, pizza fritti, and shareable “trough plates” of pasta that serve two to six. Owner Nathan Woodhead says Bastardo aims to meet the neighbourhood’s growing appetite for a cosy drinking hangout while staking a claim on London’s wider wine scene. Just the kind of place east London thrives on.
201 Richmond Road, London, E8 3NJ
Bastardo - mighty fine snacks and wine
Bastardo is open now
Island
With culinary heavyweights Brad Carter and Tom Brown at the helm, Island promises to be a commanding addition to London's restaurant scene. The concept is surf and turf for the 21st century, with a strong emphasis on rare-breed meats and exceptional-quality seafood, with Carter overseeing the former. Expect queues around the block for the mixed seafood and meat grill, while the “oyster ice cream sandwich” is bound to be more appetising than it sounds. Knowing Carter and Brown's preferences, the drinks offering will surely lean heavily into the esoteric, while the ambience will no doubt be informal and fun. As the Spanish say, that's worth a copa or two.
Mare Street Market, Kings Cross, Lewis Cubitt Square, London N1C 4DY
King’s Cross | Mare Street Market
Island will open late June