London’s dining scene continues to buzz with the arrival of several exciting new openings, each offering its own distinct take on modern, flavour-driven cuisine.
Town
Tucked into a quiet corner of Drury Lane in the West End, Town is a bold new restaurant and bar from acclaimed restaurateur Stevie Parle.
With a design-forward interior and an unwavering commitment to sustainable British produce, Town is led by a dream team of chefs: executive chef Olly Pierrepont (Luca, La Trompette), head chef Andy Bright (Fera, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill) and Zinzan Riess-Hollier (Padella).
Their ingredient-led menu celebrates the seasons with finesse and restraint, letting exceptional ingredients take centre stage. Town has also pioneered a progressive approach to sourcing by partnering directly with regenerative growers.
In collaboration with Andy Cato’s Wildfarmed, it becomes the UK’s first restaurant to serve beef from 100% grass-fed, Oxfordshire-raised cows. Diners can expect dishes such as beef-dripping potato bread, tempura sage with honey from Parle’s own bees, and seasonal ferments from 100 Acre. Mains, cooked over a Rhys Allen charcoal grill, feature whole-carcass butchery – try Romney Marsh hogget with anchovy butter, a shareable South Indian fish curry, and lobster with lardo and Town XO sauce.
Desserts are equally considered, from a Nikka Whisky Kashi to Morello cherry pie with cherry-stone ice cream. Wines are global, characterful and available by the glass or carafe.
Noisy Oyster
Over in Shoreditch, the team behind Soho’s Firebird introduces Noisy Oyster, a confident and contemporary seafood bistro.
The menu draws inspiration from the coasts of France, Italy, Spain and Portugal while spotlighting the UK’s ocean bounty. Expect freshly shucked oysters, creative crudos and standout plates such as dry-aged tuna steak with pink peppercorn and roe, or pressed skate schnitzel with peach panzanella.
Chez Lui
Meanwhile, in Notting Hill, Chez Lui makes its elegant debut as part of La Bistrot Collection. Designed to feel like the home of a stylish Parisian friend, it balances classic French charm with warmth and ease. The menu offers unpretentious dishes that are perfect for long, leisurely meals in plush, inviting surroundings. Try the beef tartare with chimichurri, fried purple artichokes with trout roe vinaigrette or a 72-hour roast chicken.
The Black Cow at The Stage
Finally, this Shoreditch spin-off from the Camden favourite, brings fire-cooked Middle Eastern-influenced steaks, cornbread with lamb butter and Gorgonzola cheesecake – with cocktails and Old World wines to match. Aim for a seat in The Performance Courtyard.
BAO celebrates 10 years
This month, BAO is celebrating a decade of bold Taiwanese flavours in London. Founded by Shing Tat Chung, Erchen Chang and Wai Ting Chung, the restaurant group began humbly – with just a steamer and a cool box – but has since grown into a cult favourite known for its pillowy bao buns and inventive small plates.
To mark its 10th anniversary, BAO is offering a nostalgic throwback: diners can enjoy classic bao – including braised pork belly, beef short rib and vegan daikon – for the original 2013 price of £3.50 (to 10 Jul).
But the celebration doesn’t stop there. BAO is also launching a brand-new menu for the first time in 10 years. While the much-loved signature favourites remain, the new additions include a dedicated fried chicken section – featuring charcoal-finished chicken steak – and a brilliant standout dessert: the BAONUT, a playful mash-up of steamed bao and deep-fried doughnut, inspired by Taiwanese street food.
Chris Johnson, Content Director & Founder at The Tourism Media Group
