Welcome to our weekly round-up of all that’s happening in London’s food and drink scene.
Inside this week: street markets, science and sister sites
Scientific satiation
A new exhibition at the Science Museum explores our cravings, how they work and what causes them. We popped by and learned that we have a second brain in our gut, that what our mother ate when pregnant affects how we eat now, that the colour of our spoon alters our enjoyment and that in many ways we’re just like rats. We also answered the question of whether squares are spicier than circles as part of an interactive video featuring Heston Blumenthal, and got a thoroughly fascinating insight into the science behind our appetite. Cravings: Can your food control you? is at the Science Museum until January next year and is free to see. It is recommended for children aged 8 and up, as well as adults.
Branching out
Two high-profile restaurants have announced plans for new branches this spring. Hot on the heels of The Ivy Market Grill launching in Covent Garden last year, the team behind the original celeb haunt will open The Ivy Chelsea Garden on King’s Road in March. And in April a second branch of Foxlow — sister restaurant to Hawksmoor — will arrive on Stoke Newington Church Street, serving a very similar menu to at the original site in Clerkenwell.
Open sesame
The unstoppable Ottolenghi team is expanding with the launch of Sesame in Covent Garden this April. The new concept is being led by the Ottolenghi group’s co-founder Noam Bar, who will oversee a menu inspired by the street food of the Med and Middle East. Flatbreads, grilled meats and vibrant salads are among dishes to expect.
Midtown market
Holborn hotel Rosewood London launches a new weekly market next month. The Slow Food And Living Market will run every Sunday from 10.30am-3pm as of 1 March, bringing together around 30 artisan producers including Stoke Newington salmon smokers Hansen & Lydersen, Peckham-based Gosnells London Mead, and Brick Lane chocolate specialists Dark Sugar.
New openings
London’s latest batch of openings include all-day brasserie Blixen in Spitalfields, Asian barbecue Bó Drake in Soho and Counter in Vauxhall. This weekend sees the launch of Sicilian wine bar and restaurant Iddu in South Kensington, and year-long pop-up Shackfuyu from Bone Daddies (which we gave you the lowdown on last week). On Monday chops and cocktails concept Blacklock opens in a former brothel in Soho, and New York-inspired The Fourteenth Colonie arrives on Clerkenwell Road. Later in the week we’ll see Soho whisky shop Millroy’s relaunch with an added whisky bar, and Doll’s House — the latest project from Dead Dolls Club — open on Upper Street. Also this weekend, Pizza Express opens its first ‘flagship’ restaurant in its 50 year history, right by Leicester Square.
Talk to us
We still want your help to keep these weekly food & drink news round-ups as relevant, up-to-date, and interesting as possible. Got any top tips, local gems or foodie news? Tried one of the new restaurants we mentioned? Leave a comment below or hit us up at [email protected]. ‘Til next week…
