ONES TO WATCH

Canteen – W10

The site that was once Pizza East on the corner of Golborne Road and Portobello has been refurbed, and it’s looking good! Now in the hands of The Pelican (and Hero W9), this launch is a follow-on from their teaser pop up last summer in the same space. We’re hearing good things: an Italian restaurant with two ex-River Café chefs at the helm, doors that open straight onto bustling Portobello, canteen décor, and a new menu. 

Foreign Exchange – W2

It’s hard to be the first to do anything in London, but this part foreign exchange, part newsagent, part coffee shop seems like one. Located on Leinster Terrace, which always feels like London of yesteryear, head here for coffee, snacks, cakes, juices, a great magazine selection, and enough seats to hopefully perch while you read. 

Urchin – W11

From Tuesday to Friday inclusive, for five months, Notting Hill Fish Shop’s new ‘cooked’ Japanese concept, Urchin, will be in residence during the evenings at the Supermarket of Dreams. It will be fresh, interesting, and is a teaser for their restaurant of the same name, to come. Reservations here. 

Don’t Tell Dad – NW6

Another hyphenate venue, Don’t Tell Dad will be a new bakery/restaurant on foodie Lonsdale Road. In the mornings, they’ll have things like savoury Danishes and rich croissants, and from lunch it will be a French/British restaurant, with an ex-Noble Rot chef in the kitchen. 

Dinner at SK – W4 

Sam’s Kitchen in Chiswick are running a new, intimate, more fine dining menu every Thursday-Saturday evening. There will be seasonal three-courses, with optional matching cocktails and wine pairings. They can also host private events for up to 24 guests. Check out an example menu here.