New Kids on the Block October 2026

B Penhale

The concept is brilliant – and so is the nomenclature. Masterminded by Elliot Hashtroudi, the genius behind Borough Market's Camille, B Penhale is named after the chef-proprietor's grandmother, making it a touching personal tribute to the family roots that underpin his approach to cooking.  His latest venture will celebrate the best of British and Irish traditional cooking, building on the 'whole-animal' approach that has made Camille one of Borough Market's most compelling destinations.  The stage is set at the Grade II-listed former Club Gascon site in Farringdon,  where a 60-cover dining room and small bar will serve up the same kind of inventive cuisine that earned Camille massive praise. Nose-to-tail cooking is the ethos, as Hashtroudi is a longtime champion of transforming less-fashionable cuts of meat into modern interpretations of historic dishes. Meanwhile, head of wine Max Hancock is busy assembling a standout list that nods to both British wine producers and styles that might have graced Victorian tables more than 150 years ago. Who says the hospitality industry is in the doldrums?

57 West Smithfield, London EC1A 9DS

https://www.instagram.com/bpenhale/

B Penhale will open in November

The Penn

Despite a meteoric pace of technological change, old-world country hotels remain the height of fashion in the UK, especially when they come with Michelin-recognised talent. So imagine the anticipation at Stoke Park, soon to host Tom Sellers of Michelin-starred Story, amid the beautiful surroundings of Buckinghamshire countryside. Part of a wide-ranging culinary revival at the historic estate,  the Penn (48 covers) is planned as the star attraction, boasting a bespoke menu created by Sellers, with contributions from Tom Phillips and Dom Robinson. Making the most of Stoke Park's extensive kitchen garden, gastronomic highlights will include pig’s head terrine with Scottish langoustine, wild sea bass with Orkney scallop, and the suitably decadent venison Wellington Rossini.  Such a grand estate naturally calls for an equally sizeable cellar, which will be put to good use by consummate professional Carolina Seibel, responsible for creating a lavish wine programme that also caters to more modest budgets. The adjoining Piano Bar is the place for a nightcap. So begins a new chapter for Stoke Park – and a rather exciting one.

Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG

https://www.stokepark.com/

The Penn will open 26 October

Pam

The demand for charcoal-grilled food remains insatiable in the capital, from smoky skewers to flame-kissed turbot. The latest entry is Pam, the first solo project of Karla Knowles, a familiar face to diners who know her work at Kiln. Opening in Farringdon next month – there is a soft launch in October – her debut restaurant will offer an enticing mix of Thai flavours, seasonal British produce and live-fire cooking.  According to Knowles, the vibe will be decidedly informal, with a large communal table designed for casual drop-ins as well as diners settling in for the full experience.  Fusion highlights include roast duck with fries and curry sauce, Knowles' take on khao soi noi (a traditional steamed rice-noodle dish), and miang kham (bite-sized Thai leaf-wrapped parcels) filled with seasonal British ingredients.  This feast can, of course, be washed down with an expertly chosen selection of wines and cocktails  – expect plenty of aromatic dry whites – and some low and no options. Knowles also plans to bring guest chefs, winemakers, artists and DJs into the space through a programme of collaborations and events. The heat is on.

61 Charterhouse Street, Farringdon, London EC1M 6HA

https://www.instagram.com/pam.restaurant/

Pam will soft launch in October