Get ready to enter The Pit – Boulestin’s al fresco secret – DHP Family in Hackney Central – Aurora unveils luxury lodges in Kenmore – Honky Tonk arrives in Clapham – Two scoops of Sardinian love at Olivogelo – Grillshack opens
Get ready to enter The Pit
Arc Inspirations’ newest bar, The Pit, opens for business Saturday 31 August, located amongst the vibrant nightlife on Merrion Street in the Northern Quarter of Leeds.
The Pit is stripped back, urban and underground, serving traditional slow cooked American style food such as burgers, ribs, wings and lobster alongside an extensive cocktail menu created by Declan Mcgurk, Bar Manager of the American Bar at London’s Savoy, and formerly Arc Inspirations’ Bar Development Manager. The Pit will also sell its very own beer, brewed locally for a true taste of Yorkshire. The American-style Pilsner, ‘Pit Canary’, was inspired by the old mining days when a canary was carried into the pit to check it was safe to enter.
The architecturally innovative bar comprises a sheared concrete curved bar, original brick and exposed beams, and oak and steel furniture handcrafted by local blacksmiths. The Den is home to 2 custom-made ping pong tables and the White Room, is a little more refined for private parties, events and cocktail master classes.
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Boulestin’s al fresco secret
With the capital all set for a gorgeous Indian summer, diners will head for London’s newest al fresco spot – the courtyard at Boulestin. This stunning hideaway at London’s newest restaurant is perfect for those looking to while away an afternoon over a delicious luncheon, or desiring a discreet spot in which to enjoy a balmy supper.
Located in historic St James’s, this unique outdoor space is reached through French doors that open off Boulestin’s main dining room. Here diners can enjoy delectable French fare surrounded by glorious 17th century buildings. As the sun sets, the original street gas lamps cast a romantic and atmospheric glow.
Such engaging surroundings are the perfect backdrop against which to enjoy an array of light, summery dishes created by head chef Andrew Woodford (The Wolseley), whether it’s the signature oeuf en gelée or that South of France staple, simple grilled red mullet with olive oil & lemon.
The latest offering by renowned restaurateur Joel Kissin, Boulestin comprises a luxury 60-seat bistro, private dining room seating up to 44 and Café Marcel, a 30-seat café offering lighter dishes.
Boulestin, 5 St James’ Street, London, SW1A 1EF
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DHP Family to launch its first London leisure venue in Hackney Central
DHP Family, through Colliers International, has acquired the leasehold of a unique leisure space within the former station building at 1a Amhurst Road in Hackney (above).
The 7,000 sq ft property will house DHP’s new all-day food, drinks and music venue, Oslo, situated next door to Hackney Central station. Originally built by North London Railway Company as a railway station in 1870, the two storey building was later used as a ticket office during World War II. It is the only surviving part of the original station which was closed in 1970’s.
In addition to its all-day restaurant and café offer, Oslo will be home to a new music-led venue from the team behind Nottingham’s Rock City and Bristol’s Thekla. Oslo is due to open this autumn with a 3am licence. This will be the first London venue from DHP, which also runs the ‘Splendour’ festival in Nottingham, as well as ‘Dot to Dot in Nottingham, Manchester and Bristol and ‘Gathering’ in venues across Oxford.
Alex Hill, Associate Director at Colliers International, said, “Hackney and East London are one of London’s fastest growing leisure hubs and this venue’s location in the dynamic and burgeoning area of Hackney Central will appeal to the strong cultural identity of this part of London. This acquisition represents a fantastic opportunity for DHP as their first London venue. It will cater for both daytime and night time trade, maximising the opportunity to provide an exciting new destination for all aspects of the local and wider communities in Hackney Central and East London.”
Aurora unveils luxury lodges in Kenmore
The Aurora Hotel Collection has opened a further three lodges at its luxury leisure development at Kenmore in Highland Perthshire, investing over £1.8m in the sympathetic conversion and refurbishment of the properties to create the five-star rated lodges which are set in an unrivalled location on the banks of the Tay.
The Group, which has the adjoining 40-bedroom Kenmore Hotel, unveiled an initial ten lodges in late 2012 and they have proved to be hugely popular with average occupancy running at over 80%.
The sizeable investment in the new lodges is reflected in the exacting fixtures and finishes, with the latest word in boutique kitchens, bedrooms & bathrooms as standard.
Commenting on the new lodges, Founder & Chief Executive of the Aurora Hotel Collection, Steven McLeod said: “Since opening an initial ten luxury lodges about 18 months ago we’ve been running at over 80% occupancy and we really needed these additional lodges to meet the demand from customers. It’s still a very challenging environment, but there is definitely a market for what we are offering – quality accommodation and great service at an affordable price.
For more information click here
Honky Tonk arrives in Clapham
On 18 September, a little slice of the big apple will arrive in Clapham, London in the form of Honky Tonk. Following on from the success of Honky Tonk Chelsea, the venue will offer an American-inspired restaurant, late night bar, and live performances.
There will be regular live music and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on a variation of the blues, jazz and rockabilly played over a hundred years ago when the first honky tonks sprung up in the United States.
Honky Tonk Clapham will be located in the heart of Clapham and will offer al fresco seating overlooking the common. The light and airy venue will house over 150 covers with separate restaurant, bar and private dining areas, as well as a stage for musicians to play from every night.
The décor will feature worn brown leather banquette seating, vintage rock ‘n’ roll music posters, old Elvis films projected on a large screen, and mismatched wooden tables and upholstered chairs. Other quirky design elements will include: hand-drawn black and white polka dot wallpaper, a rusty 1950s concertina lift door, exposed filament lightbulbs, and floating balloon-inspired lights.
Diners will enjoy all-American dishes with touches of Italian and also deli-inspired food with many small plates served alongside larger ones.
Honky Tonk Clapham
16A Clapham South Side, London, SW4 7AB
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Two scoops of Sardinian love at Olivogelo
Legendary restaurateur Mauro Sanna, is to expand his Sardinian “empire” with the launch of an exciting new gelateria, Olivogelo in Elizabeth Street.
Opening on 8 September, Olivogelo is the latest addition to Mauro’s successful Sardinian restaurant group which now comprises four restaurants – including the acclaimed Olivocarne – and the renowned Olivino delicatessen.
As befits its heritage, many of Olivogelo’s delicious homemade ice creams, yoghurts and sorbets will have a decidedly Sardinian influence. Made using traditional ingredients, delivered in Mauro’s weekly shipments from Cagliari, these will feature such irresistible concoctions as nougat, saffron, bitter honey and dates & grappa.
Interiors are a key feature of any member of the Olivo restaurants family and Olivogelo is no exception. Renowned ceramist and designer Lubna Chowdhary was commissioned to create a range of individually designed white ceramic tiles, the borders of which were then hand glazed to represent ice cream flavours.
With the gleaming walls complemented by a dramatic glass counter, Olivogelo will be the place to chill out in south west London.
28 Elizabeth Street, London, SW1W 9RB
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Grillshack opens
Grillshack is the quick all day counter service grill opening on Beak Street. Eat in and take out will be available early till late, seven days a week.
The food menu comprises a selection of dishes, mostly prepared on the grill in the open kitchen. The all day menu runs from 11:30am until close each day and offers grilled rump steak with shoestring fries and smoked butter; a 100% British beef burger (single or double 4oz patties with optional Monterey Jack and bacon), grilled half chicken and halloumi with green leaves, quinoa and beetroot. Side dishes such as French fries, grilled corn with chipotle and salads will be available.
Service at Grillshack will be focused on ordering at the counter but friendly team members dressed in industrial denim aprons will also be on hand to help guests who choose our other ways to order: touchscreen order points for self order and payment and a Grillshack app for ordering and payment at the table (the first in the UK).
The project is funded exclusively by Richard Caring. Directors are Mark Askew (previously of Gordon Ramsay and Cirrus Inns) and Hannah Bass (previously of Hakkasan and ETM Group).
61-63 Beak Street, London W1F 9SL
For more information click here