Opening Amidst A Pandemic

The escalating restrictions feel like a Government session of Total Wipeout on the hospitality industry. As we were about to release this journal, settling into early-bird menus revived by the 10pm curfew hurdle, we took a ‘Sucker Punch’ blow when mixed household indoor dining and socialising was banned on Saturday 17th October.

Businesses in hospitality have been admirably innovative since the start of lockdown. Diversifying into take away, DIY at-home kits and grocery shops; expanding onto the streets in summer; and revitalising the precedently unpopular “pre-theatre” offering to retain multiple-sitting services when the 10pm curfew was imposed last month.  

The continuous curbing on the industry by the Government has been met with much resistance as the industry stands determined and united. From an NTIA petition, to G-A-Y’s Jeremy Joseph formally challenging the Government, to this week’s peaceful petition outside Parliament organised by Hospo Demo.

Albeit a long and unnerving winter ahead, there’s some tough cookies in the industry who aren’t letting a pandemic slow them down. Here’s a few of the resilient restaurants opening in a pandemic. We hope you’ll be supporting them, like all hospitality venues, during this whirlwind period.

Maison Francois

We’re more than a little proud of our Residency co-worker, Ed Wyand opening the flawless Maison Francois alongside Francois O’Neill and Matthew Ryle. The classic French menu including paté en croute maison, oeuf en gelée and the flatbread moules marinière, brings much missed excitement to dining after months of cook-at-home kits and take-outs. Save space for something sweet, the bespoke desert trolley beautifully presents éclair au chocolat, madeleines, tarte tartin and more.

Noble Rot

The highly anticipated second Noble Rot opened its doors on 18th September in Soho. Situated in the former Gay Hussar, Keeling and Andrews have adapted the venue with a nod to its political history, re-upholstering the banquettes and renaming the upstairs dining room to The Rowson Suite, ennobling the political cartoonist and Gay Hussar frequenter, Martin Rowson. In recognition to its previous Hungarian food identity the menu will serve a daily goulash alongside distinctive Rot dishes, to be washed down with a glass (or bottle) from their award-winning wine list. Great food and wine making a bad situation better.

Imad’s Syrian Kitchen

Possibly the most heart-warming news to come out of 2020. After arriving to the UK 5 years ago and seeking refuge, Imad has taken London by storm, creating awareness and immeasurable fundraising for refugees. Taking multiple residencies across the city, Imad’s Syrian Kitchen recently announced its first permanent location in Kingly Court. Residing in the bricks and mortar of Darjeeling Express’ first home, we’re so pleased for Imad and can’t wait to visit – coming soon!

Kol

The highly anticipated Kol brings much excitement to the industry as it opens its doors this week. The chef behind Noma Mexico, followed by sold out residencies at Carousel, Santiago Lastra lays permanent foundations in London for restaurant Kol. Bringing together ‘Mexican soul and British ingredients’, Lastra will use his Mexican heritage and worldwide experience to ‘showcase the true authenticity of Mexican Food’.

Turnips, Borough Market

Lockdown taught many to take action, be innovative, and push the boundaries to keep their businesses moving through difficult times. And one business who’s successfully expanded from lockdown is Borough Market fruit and veg seller, Turnip’s. Making use of their own produce, and that of their market peers, Turnip’s have adapted their space to house a fine dining restaurant, and a casual small plates restaurant and cocktail bar.