Veteran Belgravia bar-brasserie Motcombs – a key ‘Sloane Ranger’ site in its 1980s prime – is to open its first spinoff venue next month, in St John’s Wood.

The new 80-cover restaurant with a 16-seat covered terrace just off Circus Road will be open from breakfast through to dinner, serving a menu of classic British, European and Asian dishes designed by Motcombs Belgravia head chef Veronica Pestana. New for St John’s Wood will be a New York-style pizza menu.

Motcombs’ owner, Ross Anderson, says: “After more than 40 years in Belgravia, we are delighted to be opening the doors to our second restaurant in St John’s Wood. We hope to become another local favourite in our new north London neighbourhood, offering the same warm and familiar charm. Whether you are visiting for breakfast, afternoon cocktails or a celebratory dinner, Motcombs is a place for everyone and we look forward to welcoming you through our St John’s Wood doors.”–

Motcombs was founded in 1982 by the late Philip Lawless, a legendary Irish-born host-patron who started his career as a kitchen porter at the St James’s Club and rose to the position of manager at Scott’s in Mayfair before setting up on his own account. This year’s Harden’s survey revealed a seam of affection for the original Motcombs’ ‘Belgravia bonkers’ energy and its menu of ‘hearty fare’.