New Kids on the Block March/April 2025
Romano's, Simpson’s in the Strand
Taking over the first-floor space of this London institution formerly known as The West Room, Romano's boasts a remarkable history. A tribute to a 19th-century restaurant of the same name, it was first put on the map by John Corlett of The Sporting Times, who held weekly staff dinners there. Sadly, the venue was bombed during the Blitz, yet it has been revived for the 21st century by restaurateur Jeremy King, and will sit alongside Simpson's in the Strand’s more formal sibling, the Grand Divan, on the ground floor. The room itself could scarcely be more deferential to its heritage, sporting faux marble columns, Wedgwood-inspired friezes, green leather upholstery, and bright mirrored detailing. The culinary offering follows suit, with braised celery hearts with bone marrow crumb; smoked eel, candy beetroot and horseradish; pork pie with piccalilli, and Lincolnshire poacher soufflé - a glorious ode to the restaurant's 19th-century past.
The wine list, meanwhile, has an unashamedly Gallic bias, with a surfeit of options from every corner of France, including magnums of Chassagne-Montrachet 2023, Domaine Bertrand Bachelet. However, there is a prix-fixe menu at £21 for two courses and £24.75 for three, keeping Romano's reasonably accessible despite a cost-of-living crisis.
The Savoy, 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
https://www.simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk/
Romano's opened 30 March
Sexy Lobster, Bournemouth
In April, one Bournemouth institution closes and another emerges in its place. Neo, first launched in 2016, will be replaced by Sexy Lobster – the joint project of chef Olivia Brinkley and entrepreneur Howard Spooner, owner of the George Hotel on the Isle of Wight. Brinkley has reportedly designed the concept to be both playful and indulgent, with striking half-human, half-sea-creature artworks filling the interior.
“We wanted Sexy Lobster to feel like somewhere people can really celebrate the Bournemouth seafront - whether that’s a long lunch with rosé, dinner overlooking the water or drinks that turn into an evening,” Spooner told The Caterer. Signature dishes will include eponymous Grilled Sexy Lobster with garlic, yuzu, myoga ginger butter and shichimi chilli; Dorset beef burgers, and Veal Milanese.
Details on the wine offering, however, have so far been kept under wraps, although with Spooner steering the project, there is likely to be a generous selection of sparkling wine and delicious pink.
NEO Restaurant, Exeter Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5AH (Sexy Lobster will take over building residence)
https://www.neorestaurant.co.uk/ (Sexy Lobster website not yet live)
Sexy Lobster will open 17 April
Sabine Holborn
Hot on the heels of its initial success, the Sabine brand is opening a second rooftop bar and restaurant in the capital, (partially) open to the elements above the NYX Hotel on Southampton Row in Holborn. Building on the success of the original venue – a sleek destination overlooking St Paul's – the Holborn incarnation has been reimagined with rich terracotta tones, patterned upholstery and statement artwork.
Meanwhile, a retractable roof and fully opening windows will ensure the space functions as a year-round destination, while the food and drink offering is expected to closely emulate that of St Paul's. Champagne lovers take note: the original venue boasts a generous selection of prestige cuvées, including Bollinger La Grande Année, Dom Perignon, Krug, and Cristal. To accompany this, expect mac 'n' cheese croquettes, arancini and the ever-popular Sabine Butchers Blend Burger & Smoked Cheese.
Will Sabine Holborn win any Michelin stars? It's unlikely. But for sheer unabashed hedonism, this new rooftop sensation is likely to be hard to beat.
NYX Hotel London Holborn, 50 - 60 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR
https://www.sabinelondon.co.uk/
Sabine Holborn will open 1 April 2026