A new retro-bohemian lunch-only spot called The Yellow Bittern opens in Islington on Monday (21 October) – appropriately from the team behind Luncheon, a biannual cultural magazine devoted to art, fashion and food.

Sharing the Caledonian Road premises with Luncheon’s office and bookshop, the restaurant has just 18 seats and will host two daily sittings – at 12 noon and 2pm, Monday to Friday – from Belfast-born chef Hugh Corcoran, who has spent the past 10 years working in the Basque Country and Paris.

The Yellow Bittern has no website, but in a concession to contemporary communications, information can be found on the Luncheonmagazine instagram feed.

They say, “We will take cash only so no one will know where you are or have been and reservations are please by telephone, it has been a pleasure to speak to everyone that has called so far.”

The number to call is 0203 342 2162, although apparently bookings may also be made by post.

Hugh’s cooking is trailed as “hardy” and the wine supplies as “plentiful” – so the 2pm sitting looks the best bet for a proper old-school long lunch.