A Middle Eastern company with restaurants in Beirut and Dubai is planning to open its first UK outpost, just off Sloane Street, this September. Salmontini Le Resto will open in Pont Street on the site of The Palm, an overpriced ‘early-wave’ US steakhouse.

Joe Bassili and Hussni Ajlani founded Salmontini in Beirut in 2001. The pair styled it as a restaurant and ‘gourmet boutique’ serving the finest smoked salmon from Bassili’s family smokehouse. Their London outpost will be headed up by Esteve Prats Grau, previously of Tom’s Kitchen. The menu heavily features salmon, together with a variety of cold and hot specialties, light salads, Mediterranean fish and meats, and an extensive array of sushi and sashimi.

Salmontini has called upon the interior design skills of Andraos Associates, who were behind the décor of venues like Café de Paris, Madame Jojo’s, Noura and Volupté. The look? “Industrial chic meets sensuous luxury.” Makes a change from the usual Knightsbridge bling then.

To keep up to date with all the latest London goings-on and news from across the country sign up for our free newsletter. You can follow us on Twitter @HardensBites, like us on Facebook and pin us on Pinterest.