Former River Cottage chef Sam Lomas (centre in picture) is to open his first restaurant in September, taking over the site previously occupied by highly rated Osip in Bruton, Somerset. Called Briar, the restaurant is a partnership with Claudia and Aled Rees (left & right in picture), who opened their boutique hotel Number One Bruton […]

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Our round-up of what the nation’s restaurant critics were writing about in the week up to 14th July 2024 Evening Standard Tollington’s, Finsbury Park Jimi Famurewa hailed the Spanish-accented makeover of a derelict chippy, by Four Legs chef Ed McIroy (Plimsoll and the Compton Arms), as “both a justified candidate for opening of the year and […]

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Petersham Nurseries has prevailed after an epic 18-year battle with Richmond Council that threatened the future of its famous greenhouse restaurant. “We’re very happy,” said a spokesperson for the restaurant. “Petersham Nurseries is delighted to have won planning permission.  The Appeal recognised the significant positive benefits the business brings to the community. This news secures […]

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A prominent London Chinese restaurant faces closure following repeated raids by immigration enforcement officers. The website Hot Dinners reports that Westminster Council has applied to revoke the licence of the Royal China on Baker Street, on grounds that it “appears to be operating with a complete disregard for the law and the licensing objectives“. A […]

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Jazz saxophonist and entrepreneur YolanDa Brown is to open her restaurant and music venue Soul Mama in Stratford this September. Originally slated for Islington, Soul Mama is set in the Gantry hotel, opposite Westfield, and will offer a menu inspired by Caribbean, African and South American cooking. The project is funded by a Kickstarter campaign […]

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