New neighbourhood brunch and dinner spot Ham could well prove a compelling reason to take a trip to West Hampstead village. Head chef Matt Osborne has a fine pedigree, including The Ledbury, Terroirs, The Other Naughty Piglets and, most recently, head chef at Toasted in East Dulwich (RIP). The name is inspired by the old English word for village (rather than a tribute to pork as you may have first imagined).

Ham opens in March and its ethos is all about championing produce from small farms and artisan producers. Owners Rose Tuckey and David Houten, alongside Matt, were inspired by independent farmers, cheesemakers and fishermen to create an authentic local dining destination.

The regularly changing modern, British menu will also reflect Matt’s Australian roots. Serving brunch and dinner, Ham’s dishes include: crumpets, honeycomb, Westcomb ricotta and pear; Butcher muesli, almonds, Hurdlebrook yogurt and rhubarb. On the dinner menu: Norfolk quail, artichoke, kombu and watercress; raw beef, English wasabi, ginger and shallots; Cornish brill, verjus sauce, Pink Fir and mussels; Dexter Beef, black sesame, white soy and turnips; and for dessert chocolate crémeux, blood orange sorbet and peppermint; and a selection of cheeses from Mons Cheesemongers and Neal’s Yard Dairy.