Here’s our regular round-up of what the nation’s restaurant critics were writing about up to 17th September 2023. ***** The Telegraph William Sitwell enjoyed a “lunch of great confidence” at Story Cellar, the newly opened Covent Garden spot from Tom Sellers, whose Tower Bridge place Restaurant Story is closed for a major refurb, so he […]

Continue reading


Victor Garvey’s highly rated Californian-style restaurant SOLA has closed for two months while builders transform the interior, doubling its capacity. The four-year-old venue in Dean Street, Soho – hailed in the 2023 Harden’s guide as “one of London’s finest gastronomic experiences” – is scheduled to reopen “in time for Thanksgiving”, which falls on Friday 24 November. The […]

Continue reading


Chelsea’s Enoteca Turi, famous for its list of Italian wines, has been acquired by a trio of industry professionals, allowing founders Giuseppe and Pam Turi to retire after 33 years at the helm. The new owners (pictured) are Dominic Ford (formerly Harvey Nichols restaurant & food director, and before that of L’Escargot) and Krishan Katyal […]

Continue reading


An ambitious new restaurant opened in Poole this week under the name Thirteen – after the number of courses served on its tasting menu. With a sharp focus on seasonal Dorset ingredients, including many foraged or grown in the restaurant’s own urban garden, Thirteen is the debut from chef-patron Alex Naik and represents the realisation of […]

Continue reading


Marcus Wareing is to close his flagship restaurant Marcus at the Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge after 20 years. In a joint announcement, the high-profile chef and the luxury hotel described the decision as mutual. The last service will be on Boxing Day, 26 December.  Marcus, who is 53, said: “It’s now time for me to […]

Continue reading


Here’s our regular round-up of what the nation’s restaurant critics were writing about up to 10th September 2023. ***** The Observer “Slapping the words “nose to tail” on your website is a gutsy flex for a new restaurant, when it’s located fewer than 250m from Fergus Henderson’s St John.” Jay Rayner reviewed Origin City, a […]

Continue reading