ASK FOUND

Today, three PROMPTS for which we seek your response:

• What’s your favourite specialist bookstore in London?

• I need a caterer for a casual summer party. Any ideas?

• What London goods or services do you always recommend?

If we publish your answer, we’ll comp you a 90-day paid subscription to FOUND LDN. Got answers or more questions? Hit reply or email found@foundldn.com.

RESTAURANTS & BARS • First Word

Not so tame

The Skinny: Meedu Saad is best known as executive chef and co-owner of Kiln, the Soho Thai spot beloved of chefs, FOUND readers – pretty much everyone. In March, he opened Impala, a huge, vibey charcoal grill restaurant with influences from North Africa to north London that’s one of the most talked-about openings of the year.

The Vibe: Dark, sexy, buzzing with life and loud music. In a 1960s concrete building on Dean St, Impala occupies a sprawling space full of nooks and crannies. Service is extremely warm and laid-back, and the restaurant was packed on a recent Monday night, from the lively bar up front to the quieter tables at the back.

The Food: North African-inspired, with influences from Saad’s Egyptian heritage. It starts with Aish Baladi, a puffed-up circular wholegrain Egyptian bread dusted with bran, baked to order, served with olive oil and harissa. A highlight is the pastilla, a paper-thin pastry triangle filled with dense mutton and pickled walnut, plated alongside a fruity and sweet brown sauce. Raw sea bass with peas and mashua root is refreshing and bitter, while white crab kibbeh parcels come wrapped in fragrant shiso leaves instead of dough.

From the slightly larger plates section, grilled short ribs are juicy and light on spice, while sheftalia are standout sausages stuffed with Tamworth pork, wrapped in caul fat with a sticky-sweet glaze. From the mains, monkfish in grape leaves is lightly cooked and could be heavier on flavour, though the accompanying tabbouleh is pleasingly savoury. Crisp spring salad is zhushed up with pistachio butter and flakes of filo pastry for a sweet flavour and crunch. There’s just one dessert, but it’s a triumph: a tricolour date-and-pistachio tart with a light, custardy middle and a savoury pistachio dust on top that brings just the right salty-sweet ending.

The Drink: From the team behind the wine at Mountain (also run by restaurant group Super8), Impala’s extensive list focuses on winemakers and vineyards that prioritise quality farming. They’re also planning to import and serve zero-sulphite Champagne Bourgeois-Diaz, which has a cult following.

The Verdict: Impala got its name from the cherry-red 1964 Chevrolet that Saad drove during his summers in Egypt. It’s a fitting name for a restaurant that’s sexy, colourful and already immensely popular. –Laura Price

→ Impala (Soho) • 13-14 Dean St • Mon-Sun 12-3p & 5-1030p • Book.

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RESTAURANTS & BARS • Intel

PRAWN TOAST: Another FOUND reader favourite, Prawn on the Lawn, has closed its London restaurant after 13 years. It’s not the end, though – you can still find them in Padstow. Book.

ONE SIP: With cult bar Tayēr + Elementary still shut due to a fire, Monica Berg, Alex Kratena and team have relocated to Cato in Covent Garden for a six-week residency called Casual by Tayēr. Walk-ins only; starts today, ends 22/08. –Laura Price

LONDON RESTAURANT LINKS: Sally Abé co-creates map of female hospitality businesses • St John Neal’s Yard reintroduces breakfast menu • Coq d’Argent moving to One Millennium Bridge.

REAL ESTATE • First Mover

Three for-sale flats in Marylebone that recently came to market:

→ Montagu Mansions (Marylebone) • 2BR/2BA/1R, 84 m2 flat • Asking price: £2.15mn • mansion block on quiet street • Ownership type: leasehold • Agent: Marsh & Parsons.

→ Montagu Sq (Marylebone, above) • 2BR/2BA/2R, 193 m2 end flat • Asking price: £2.9mn • ground- and lower-ground-floor w/ high ceilings • Ownership type: leasehold • Agent: Knight Frank.

→ Montagu Sq (Marylebone) • 3BR/2BA, 134 m2 flat • Asking price: £3.15mn • upper floors w/ spiral staircase • Ownership type: freehold • Agent: DDRE.

WORK • Wednesday Routine

Cocooned

REBECCA MOORE • founder, author, & wellbeing expert • Inner Landing
Neighbourhood you work in: Northwest London

It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I’m usually watering the plants, a midweek ritual that reminds me how fast the week is flying by. I settle at my desk, a little altar adorned with inspiring books, sacred ornaments and crystals. Midweek mornings are usually focused on refining and planning my offerings. I break up long stretches of sitting by welcoming clients to view the space, or topping up my teapot with freshly boiled water.

What’s on the agenda for today?
We’re hosting our first official podcast recording today and I’m hoping all the equipment is ready to go! Once that’s finished, I’ll head to the spa for a sauna session, then catch a film later.

Where are you drinking or dining this weekend?
For dinner this evening, I’ll head to Akub in Notting Hill with some friends. It’s a stunning space that serves seasonal Palestinian-inspired dishes. Everything is designed for sharing, so we’ll order a selection for the table and try a bit of everything. Then this weekend I’ll be away on a retreat, so I’ll be enjoying food prepared by private chef Jinia Tasnin Razzak, which I’m really looking forward to.

Any weekend getaways?
I recently taught yoga on a wellness retreat in Somerset hosted by The Self Love Lab, Busy Babes and Still Chill. Even though I was working, it was nourishing to be in the countryside, immersed in nature and deeply tended to.

What was your last great holiday?
Portugal last summer, where I joined a magical five-day retreat at Cocoon with two of my favourite people, Tony Lupinacci and Desirée Pais. One of my dearest friends, who I don’t get to see often, flew in to join me, and it was wholesome and fun. We started our days with amazing yoga, followed by brunch, and then spent leisure time at local beaches, enjoying more delectable food and even more incredible yoga. One of my highlights was a boat trip around the Algarve. People were either dancing on the top deck or taking turns sliding into the ocean. Pure joy! I was supposed to head straight back to London, but ended up changing my flight twice to spend more time with my bestie in Lisbon.

What store or service do you always recommend?
My favourite app is Insight Timer, which offers guided meditations from teachers all over the world, including me.

Where are you donating your time or money?
I regularly work with Lasting Support Services, offering mindful, trauma-informed sessions for young people and parents who might not otherwise have access to this support. I’m also a Wellness Ambassador at The Vavengers, a charity committed to ending FGM/C and other forms of violence against women and girls. I support women who have survived the unimaginable to connect with wellness practices that nourish, heal and regulate. Working with these communities gives me a deep sense of purpose.

WORK & PLAY LINKS: Where to watch the football tonight • How ultra-rich foreign investors are hollowing out the London property market • Following makeover, Grosvenor Square in Mayfair reopening Monday • Behold, London’s first driverless bus • The workout secrets of ridiculously fit people • Wimbledon style and the rise of the walk-on.

CULTURE & LEISURE • Semis

• England v Argentina • World Cup semi-finals • Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA) • today @ 8p • sec 111c, £10,802 per (£2214 lowest avail)

• Beethoven’s Ninth • BBC Proms • Royal Albert Hall • Mon @ 7p • loggia boxes, £69 per

• Also sprach Zarathustra • BBC Proms • Royal Albert Hall • Tue @ 6p • loggia boxes, £69 per

GETAWAYS • Canterbury

Smell the rosé

The Skinny: A French wine bar and restaurant in a cosy Tudor gatehouse on the cobbled streets of Canterbury, Franc has a simple, strict formula: light-drenched dining room upstairs with a lunch-only prix-fixe (from £36 for two courses); wine bar and plates from the blackboard downstairs in the evening. Owners Polly Pleasence and David Hart built a steady following at The Folkestone Wine Company, which they closed last year to open Franc.

The Vibe: There’s nothing uptight about Franc, and a meal here is relaxing in a premium-cashmere kind of a way, lacking serious or self-conscious affectations, thanks in large part to Pleasence’s easy hosting. From the toilet, there’s a rare and beautiful view of the gardens of the St John’s almshouses, which date back to the first Norman Archbishop of Canterbury, Lanfranc.

The Food: Impeccable. Luxuriantly French and unashamedly indulgent, majoring on classics like rillettes, globe artichoke vinaigrette, celeriac remoulade and venison ‘bourguignon’. We started with huge, briny Maldon rock oysters, followed by leek and brown shrimp vinaigrette and slabs of rosy duck with crispy seared skin and braised chicory and orange. Another visit brought Scottish langoustines, pale Provence rosé and roast chicken with garlicky wild mushrooms. Hart’s famous chocolate marquise (essential) is often on the menu, with mint or ginger caramel and Ivy House cream.

The Drink: Though wine-led, there’s (mercifully) no bound tome of a list, just a few pages of great-value French bottles, including a generous selection by the glass. There’s very little over £80 and a great deal under £50.

The Verdict: Classy and casual, an outstanding addition to Canterbury’s growing restaurant scene. –Sophie Morris

→ Franc (Canterbury) • 49 Northgate • Wine bar: Wed-Sat 530-10p, Sun 1230-3p • Restaurant: Thu-Sat 1230-230p, Sun 1230-3p • Book.

GETAWAYS LINKS: Brat & Mountain popping up in Wales • Teffont House, the new Wiltshire country hotel that’s a hit with the locals • Summer on the Slovenian Riviera • How to find a restaurant on holiday.

GOODS & SERVICES • The Nines

Rooftop pools

The Nines are FOUND’s distilled lists of the best in London and surrounds. Paid subscribers have access to the complete Nines archive.

• The Ned (City), members-only pool with restaurant, outdoor terraces

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• It’s Bagels (Soho, Primrose Hill, Notting Hill, above), New York-style shop w/ top-notch breakfast sandwich, now hosting late-night bodega-style menu

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The Skinny: After a few pop-ups, Japanese handroll spot Kumori launched a permanent space in Soho in April. Serving high-end fish in a casual way, the restaurant is led by John Randy de Guzman, the former head chef of Tobi Masa.

The Vibe: Unpretentious, despite its chefs’ high pedigree. An upbeat playlist of modern hits plays to guests sitting across two long countertops, one of which has a close-up view of the action. Service is fast and friendly, and the atmosphere – lively and loud – is a far cry from plenty of London’s more pretentious sushi spots. You can book in advance, but seats turn over quickly, so walk-ins are often possible.

The Food: Handrolls, served quickly, consumed immediately. The menu is relatively short and uncomplicated. Guests can opt for a set handroll selection of three, four or five, or create their own array (I ate seven in total). The baked crab handroll, wrapped in soy paper, is an indulgent delight so good I ordered two. The unagi foie gras roll is an umami surprise, while the lone vegetarian option of miso aubergine is the spot’s sleeper hit. You can also order padrón peppers, miso soup and three types of sashimi, but it’s the rolls you’re after, along with perhaps a whimsical bump of caviar for an extra £12. For dessert, black sesame mochi is a great finisher.

The Drink: Well-crafted Japanese-style cocktails, including a yuzu margarita, and several non-alcoholic options. Beer, wine and soda are also available.

The Verdict: An all-round great experience in a fitting new setting. –Emily Zemler

→ Kumori (Soho) • 26 Denman St • Daily 11a-10p • Book.

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Around 2017, London diners were captivated by a new aesthetic taking over the restaurant scene. Romantic, effortless, these restaurants felt refreshingly bohemian and also aspirational. They were nostalgic cottagecore without the cringe. Everyone wanted to be seen in their candlelit dining rooms, tucked between their bric-a-brac accessories, record players and small plates ‘designed for sharing’ (a novel idea in the late ‘10s, believe it or not).

One of the bastions of this alternative dining direction was the Westerns Laundry restaurant collective. The group’s holy triumvirate – Jolene, Primeur, Westerns – together presented a brave new version of how London dining could look and taste. Gone were the stuffy white tablecloths lit garishly by the Big Light. Instead, rooms of muted tones, dried wildflowers and mismatched crockery. Waiters with ostentatious accents were swapped for beautiful young people with interesting earrings and an extensive knowledge of this newfangled natural wine stuff. The flavours were just as exciting as the space: bottarga grated over sea bream, hand-rolled pasta with wild girolles and new-season olive oil, brown butter tarts.

Almost a decade on, Westerns Laundry could easily have lost its allure. Such is often the arc of establishments that lead trends. Happily, this is not the case for Westerns. In fact, it’s aged gracefully into its position as a stalwart of its quiet north London community, an area better positioned for pre-Arsenal match boozing than post-footie fine-ish dining.

While the interiors have worn in comfortably and effortlessly, the menu is wide awake. The cooking is fresh, forward-thinking and just complex enough – a formula held since day one. On a cold Sunday afternoon a few months ago, the restaurant was packed with people enjoying bread-and-butter pudding made with croissants. A ribollita with white beans and pumpkin. Fennel and blood orange salad. Pork belly with tender lentils and stuffed escarole. The cooking doesn’t need to shout to impress; its might is in its restraint.

At one point in time, had one been asked to paint a picture of a quintessential London restaurant, the high-end eateries of Mayfair might have been sketched in unison alongside plates of shimmering jus and micro-foams. These days it’s more likely to be softly lit spaces like Westerns. –Anna Van Dyk

→ Westerns Laundry (Highbury) • 34 Drayton Park • Tue-Fri 530-10p, Sat 12-230p & 530-10p, Sun 12-230p, 530-9p.

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RICHARD HART • baker • Claridge’s Bakery, Hart Bageri, Green Rhino
Cities you work in: London, Copenhagen, Mexico City
City you live in: Mexico City

It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I’m in Mexico after a lovely couple of months in London helping to open Claridge’s Bakery (intel) earlier this year. I’m busy with my brilliant team here at Green Rhino, testing new recipes. We’ve been working on something with fresh guava and mango. The fruit here is unbelievably good and it really inspires me.

Where are you drinking or dining this weekend?
In terms of drinking, it’s always tea, specifically from Rare Tea Company. My wife is @raretealady and she has the best tea in the world. I’m so lucky.

I ate so well in London – Legado, BiBi, Quo Vadis, Mountain, Kiln, Akub, Rochelle Canteen… I could go on. But I’m so glad and grateful to be back in Mexico – there are so many good places here, I hardly know where to start. Breakfast at Expendio de Maíz. I can’t wait to go back to Maizajo and also Fugu for the best sushi in the city. I also love Mi Compa Chava, Mendl, Lina, Máximo Bistro, Rosetta, Bar Nino, The Lamb, Chiquitito Café and Amorcita Gelato… and the lady who sells tamales and quesadillas across from my apartment.

How about a little leisure or culture?
I have four sons, and we’re all obsessed with music. There’s nothing I enjoy more than going to concerts and music festivals with them. I was incredibly fortunate to get tickets for Radiohead last year in Madrid, and was able to take my eldest son, Bohdi, with me. It was one of the best experiences of my life. But I don’t have to go far. Mexico City has so many amazing music venues, bands and musicians. Whenever Sonido Gallo Negro play, I make sure I’m there.

Any weekend getaways?
I travel often to California, where my boys live with their mum. It’s an easy flight from Mexico City to San Francisco, and any spare time I have I want to spend with them. They’re great fun to hang out with, and I have lots of old friends to visit because I used to live there. The boys think State Bird Provisions is the best restaurant in town. They have great taste – the owners, Stuart and Nicole, are wonderful people, as well as chefs.

What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I’m hankering after a Polaroid camera. I’ve been reading Patti Smith a lot lately, and she and Robert Mapplethorpe are always taking Polaroids, so I got a mini-Polaroid one. I love it. I’m pretty obsessed. I want the top-of-the-range i2.

What store or service do you always recommend?
In Mexico City, I love the vegetable boxes from Arca Tierra, a regenerative, organic farm project based around 40 farming families in the Chinampas of Xochimilco. A dawn trip with them is one of the most stunning adventures of your life. My favourite glasses shop in the world is Escopica in Roma Norte, and you can find beautiful Mexican and Latin American design at Cardón.

Outside Mexico, I love Issey Miyake – the clothes are expensive but incredibly durable and comfortable. I’m not into fast fashion; I’d rather buy one really good thing that lasts. I’m very inspired by Vivienne Westwood, and that was her mantra. I have trousers from Issey Miyake that can be washed in a machine over and over; they don’t need ironing and they stand up to the hard work. They’re more comfortable and last so much better than anything else I’ve ever worn. There’s a great store on Brook Street close to Claridge’s. It’s quite fancy for a baker, but they’re never snooty.

Where are you donating your time or money?
My wife is the founder of Rare Charity, which supports full educational scholarships in tea communities in Malawi and Nepal. I do everything I can to support her and those incredible young people.

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WORK • Wednesday Routine

Once upon a time in Mexico

RICHARD HART • baker • Claridge’s Bakery, Hart Bageri, Green Rhino
Cities you work in: London, Copenhagen, Mexico City
City you live in: Mexico City

It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I’m in Mexico after a lovely couple of months in London helping to open Claridge’s Bakery (intel) earlier this year. I’m busy with my brilliant team here at Green Rhino, testing new recipes. We’ve been working on something with fresh guava and mango. The fruit here is unbelievably good and it really inspires me.

Where are you drinking or dining this weekend?
In terms of drinking, it’s always tea, specifically from Rare Tea Company. My wife is @raretealady and she has the best tea in the world. I’m so lucky.

I ate so well in London – Legado, BiBi, Quo Vadis, Mountain, Kiln, Akub, Rochelle Canteen… I could go on. But I’m so glad and grateful to be back in Mexico – there are so many good places here, I hardly know where to start. Breakfast at Expendio de Maíz. I can’t wait to go back to Maizajo and also Fugu for the best sushi in the city. I also love Mi Compa Chava, Mendl, Lina, Máximo Bistro, Rosetta, Bar Nino, The Lamb, Chiquitito Café and Amorcita Gelato… and the lady who sells tamales and quesadillas across from my apartment.

How about a little leisure or culture?
I have four sons, and we’re all obsessed with music. There’s nothing I enjoy more than going to concerts and music festivals with them. I was incredibly fortunate to get tickets for Radiohead last year in Madrid, and was able to take my eldest son, Bohdi, with me. It was one of the best experiences of my life. But I don’t have to go far. Mexico City has so many amazing music venues, bands and musicians. Whenever Sonido Gallo Negro play, I make sure I’m there.

Any weekend getaways?
I travel often to California, where my boys live with their mum. It’s an easy flight from Mexico City to San Francisco, and any spare time I have I want to spend with them. They’re great fun to hang out with, and I have lots of old friends to visit because I used to live there. The boys think State Bird Provisions is the best restaurant in town. They have great taste – the owners, Stuart and Nicole, are wonderful people, as well as chefs.

What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I’m hankering after a Polaroid camera. I’ve been reading Patti Smith a lot lately, and she and Robert Mapplethorpe are always taking Polaroids, so I got a mini-Polaroid one. I love it. I’m pretty obsessed. I want the top-of-the-range i2.

What store or service do you always recommend?
In Mexico City, I love the vegetable boxes from Arca Tierra, a regenerative, organic farm project based around 40 farming families in the Chinampas of Xochimilco. A dawn trip with them is one of the most stunning adventures of your life. My favourite glasses shop in the world is Escopica in Roma Norte, and you can find beautiful Mexican and Latin American design at Cardón.

Outside Mexico, I love Issey Miyake – the clothes are expensive but incredibly durable and comfortable. I’m not into fast fashion; I’d rather buy one really good thing that lasts. I’m very inspired by Vivienne Westwood, and that was her mantra. I have trousers from Issey Miyake that can be washed in a machine over and over; they don’t need ironing and they stand up to the hard work. They’re more comfortable and last so much better than anything else I’ve ever worn. There’s a great store on Brook Street close to Claridge’s. It’s quite fancy for a baker, but they’re never snooty.

Where are you donating your time or money?
My wife is the founder of Rare Charity, which supports full educational scholarships in tea communities in Malawi and Nepal. I do everything I can to support her and those incredible young people.

RESTAURANTS • FOUND Table

Ageing gracefully

Around 2017, London diners were captivated by a new aesthetic taking over the restaurant scene. Romantic, effortless, these restaurants felt refreshingly bohemian and also aspirational. They were nostalgic cottagecore without the cringe. Everyone wanted to be seen in their candlelit dining rooms, tucked between their bric-a-brac accessories, record players and small plates ‘designed for sharing’ (a novel idea in the late ‘10s, believe it or not).

RESTAURANTS & BARS • Intel

MOUTH-WATERING: OMA restaurateur David Carter is teaming up with former Mangal II chef Sertaç Dirik to open KID, a Turkish restaurant in Soho. KID will focus on the flavours of Central Anatolia, with British ingredients featuring in wood-fired pide breads, meze and salata, and sharing dishes cooked over charcoal. Opens September, more.

SOUP’S ON: After the success of their restaurant residencies, chefs Robin Kosuge (Robin’s Ramen) and Yuji Shimokawa Kelly (Urchin) are set to combine the two concepts into a permanent restaurant in Notting Hill. Opening in September from the group behind Dorian and Eel Sushi (intel), Nakimushi will serve Tokyo-style bowls from a fast-paced ramen bar on its ground floor, with broader Japanese cuisine on the upper floor. Follow.

NEW DIGS: In Borough Market, The Globe Tavern is set to receive a year-long residency from Kismet, a Turkish spot from Dom Hamdy (of Bistro Freddie) and Keiran Mustafa, (formerly of BiBi and The Harwood Arms). From next week, the space above the popular pub will be home to meze, mangal-grilled kebabs, live music, raki and Turkish wine. Opens 16/07, book.

PISCO TIME: Peruvian restaurant LIMA is rolling its more casual Cantina concept into its flagship Fitzrovia branch. From 9a-5p each day, diners can now order two courses for £27 at LIMA Fitzrovia, with more Cantina elements to be introduced soon. Book. –Laura Price

LONDON RESTAURANT LINKS: Chiswick restaurant Le Vacherin closes after 24 years • Morito Hackney Road is done after a decade • A Wong relocating to Mandarin Oriental Mayfair during refurb • Core by Clare Smyth head chef Jonny Bone leaving after 10 years.

CULTURE & LEISURE • Bull Up

• The Hyde Park Darts Championship • Hyde Park • today @ 4p • A3 tables, £114 per

• Pitbull • Hyde Park • Fri @ 2p • GA, £123 per

• Idler Festival • Prue Leith, Irvine Welsh, Jojo Moyes and Kevin Rowland et al. • Fenton House & Garden (Hampstead) • Fri-Sun • weekend tickets, £155 per

RESTAURANTS & BARS • First Word

Fast and friendly

The Skinny: After a few pop-ups, Japanese handroll spot Kumori launched a permanent space in Soho in April. Serving high-end fish in a casual way, the restaurant is led by John Randy de Guzman, the former head chef of Tobi Masa.

The Vibe: Unpretentious, despite its chefs’ high pedigree. An upbeat playlist of modern hits plays to guests sitting across two long countertops, one of which has a close-up view of the action. Service is fast and friendly, and the atmosphere – lively and loud – is a far cry from plenty of London’s more pretentious sushi spots. You can book in advance, but seats turn over quickly, so walk-ins are often possible.

The Food: Handrolls, served quickly, consumed immediately. The menu is relatively short and uncomplicated. Guests can opt for a set handroll selection of three, four or five, or create their own array (I ate seven in total). The baked crab handroll, wrapped in soy paper, is an indulgent delight so good I ordered two. The unagi foie gras roll is an umami surprise, while the lone vegetarian option of miso aubergine is the spot’s sleeper hit. You can also order padrón peppers, miso soup and three types of sashimi, but it’s the rolls you’re after, along with perhaps a whimsical bump of caviar for an extra £12. For dessert, black sesame mochi is a great finisher.

The Drink: Well-crafted Japanese-style cocktails, including a yuzu margarita, and several non-alcoholic options. Beer, wine and soda are also available.

The Verdict: An all-round great experience in a fitting new setting. –Emily Zemler

→ Kumori (Soho) • 26 Denman St • Daily 11a-10p • Book.

GETAWAYS LINKS: Has Cotswolds property bubble finally burst? • Manchester chef Mary-Ellen McTague joins urban farm project with Northern Roots • Wild Wine Fair returning to Timberyard in Edinburgh on 26/07.

GOODS & SERVICES • The Nines

Bagels

The Nines are FOUND’s distilled lists of the best in London and surrounds. Paid subscribers have access to the complete Nines archive.

• It’s Bagels (Soho, Primrose Hill, Notting Hill, above), New York-style shop w/ top-notch breakfast sandwich, now hosting late-night bodega-style menu

Read more

Read more

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• The Dove (Hammersmith), home to one of London’s smallest bars, stellar riverside houseboat views, terrace and vine-covered conservatory

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Wedged between Paddington and Maida Vale, Little Venice is technically the area surrounding the meeting of Regent’s Canal and the Grand Union Canal. To explore, you must first make a choice: by water or by land. Being by the water is nice, but being on the water is the best.

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Not so long ago, the area around Hackney Wick was a forgotten industrial backwater, rather than the vibrant canalside neighbourhood it is today. In the last 20 years, especially since the 2012 Olympics, it’s enjoyed rapid development, and is now full of lively bars, brilliant restaurants and buzzing nightlife spots.

Chief among them is Barge East, a floating bar and restaurant housed on a 122-year-old Dutch barge that friends and founders Tommo, Ryan and Blandy sailed all the way over from Holland. Since opening in 2018, they’ve developed the surrounding terrace into a perfect spot to drink and socialise by the water. They also own next-door barge The Milk Float, serving cocktails, coffee and ice cream. There’s even a hatch facing out to the water for passing kayakers and fellow water-based revellers.

Barge East is renowned for its sustainable approach, with seasonal British produce often sourced from its own gardens. There’s beautiful fish and meat, creative combinations pulling from European cuisines, and drinks driven by some of the best East London brewers. Within the floating restaurant are several connected spaces, including The Terrace Bistro and Riverside Garden, which offer more simple and casual options.

Keep walking towards The Yard and you’ll reach Crate Brewery, serving stone-baked pizzas and fresh, unfiltered beers brewed on site. Their canalside terrace is seriously hot property on a summer’s day, with DJs spinning tracks on Saturday afternoons and workshops and beer-related events throughout the year. There are few better places to settle in for some pints and watch the water-world go by.

Not far from Crate is Grow (above), a beloved Hackney Wick institution popping off from lunchtime until late. There’s a huge, leafy terrace overlooking the canal, and even a floating jetty if you’d rather be on the water. It’s an independent space that’s evolved organically since 2014 to become a proper local hub for live music and community events.

Right next door is Number 90, another brilliant canalside spot with food, drinks, gigs and a shady terrace for long summer days. For some proper culture, The Yard Theatre has recently reopened after a major redevelopment and has some of the most varied programming off-West End – its return show is a modern Lear, starring up-and-coming thesp Sir Ian McKellen. If you’d rather go out-out, Colour Factory is always worth a look for top DJs and big parties (a can’t-miss there coming soon: the Melodies International party on 12/07).

You’re not short of other great food and drink options either, with Lucia’s offering some of the city’s best Mexican, and Wicked Fish slinging fun, fresh and ethically sourced seafood. Beer Merchants Tap has an incredible selection, All My Friends is one of East London’s coolest cocktail bars, and there are several great coffee shops too. Just across the canal is Hackney Bridge, a major street-food destination with a huge outdoor bar area showing major sports events, as well as the Copper Box arena, home to some of London’s most leftfield sporting entertainment, like esports and handball.

If simply sitting next to the water isn’t enough, Moo Canoes allows you to cruise up and down at your leisure and observe the local scores of land-loving revellers.

Hackney Wick has come a long way in a short time. It might not have the refinement of Little Venice (below) or the sweeping Thames vistas of Richmond, but for eating, drinking and pure entertainment value, it’s London’s liveliest riverside destination. –David Bard

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• New FOUND locales are coming. We’re seeking contributors based in Barcelona, Rome, Sydney, and Melbourne, and in the States, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, New Orleans, and Hawaii. A professional writing background isn’t required — mostly, we’re looking for passion about one or more FOUND categories (real estate, restaurants, shopping, culture & leisure, getaway travel & the modern workplace) along with impeccable taste. Is that you, or a friend? Interested candidates, drop us a line at found@itsfound.com and tell us a little about yourself.

• More FOUND Objects are on the way. We’re looking for contributors to write about goods & services that bring them (and their friends) joy — from sunglasses to swimsuits, watches to high-end appliances, and more. Send us your one-sentence pitches at found@itsfound.com.

• We’re seeking a freelance social media manager to give life to FOUND’s accounts on Instagram and potentially other platforms. The ideal candidate has experience managing social for a media brand or creator, is fluent in Canva and/or Illustrator, can adapt newsletter content into sharp, on-brand social posts (feed, stories, reels), and understands and enjoys neighbourhood-based storytelling. If you’re interested, please send your portfolio, relevant social handles, and a short note about your availability to found@itsfound.com.

CULTURE & LEISURE • Neighbourhood Guide

Splashing out

Not so long ago, the area around Hackney Wick was a forgotten industrial backwater, rather than the vibrant canalside neighbourhood it is today. In the last 20 years, especially since the 2012 Olympics, it’s enjoyed rapid development, and is now full of lively bars, brilliant restaurants and buzzing nightlife spots.

Chief among them is Barge East, a floating bar and restaurant housed on a 122-year-old Dutch barge that friends and founders Tommo, Ryan and Blandy sailed all the way over from Holland. Since opening in 2018, they’ve developed the surrounding terrace into a perfect spot to drink and socialise by the water. They also own next-door barge The Milk Float, serving cocktails, coffee and ice cream. There’s even a hatch facing out to the water for passing kayakers and fellow water-based revellers.

Barge East is renowned for its sustainable approach, with seasonal British produce often sourced from its own gardens. There’s beautiful fish and meat, creative combinations pulling from European cuisines, and drinks driven by some of the best East London brewers. Within the floating restaurant are several connected spaces, including The Terrace Bistro and Riverside Garden, which offer more simple and casual options.

Keep walking towards The Yard and you’ll reach Crate Brewery, serving stone-baked pizzas and fresh, unfiltered beers brewed on site. Their canalside terrace is seriously hot property on a summer’s day, with DJs spinning tracks on Saturday afternoons and workshops and beer-related events throughout the year. There are few better places to settle in for some pints and watch the water-world go by.

Not far from Crate is Grow (above), a beloved Hackney Wick institution popping off from lunchtime until late. There’s a huge, leafy terrace overlooking the canal, and even a floating jetty if you’d rather be on the water. It’s an independent space that’s evolved organically since 2014 to become a proper local hub for live music and community events.

Right next door is Number 90, another brilliant canalside spot with food, drinks, gigs and a shady terrace for long summer days. For some proper culture, The Yard Theatre has recently reopened after a major redevelopment and has some of the most varied programming off-West End – its return show is a modern Lear, starring up-and-coming thesp Sir Ian McKellen. If you’d rather go out-out, Colour Factory is always worth a look for top DJs and big parties (a can’t-miss there coming soon: the Melodies International party on 12/07).

You’re not short of other great food and drink options either, with Lucia’s offering some of the city’s best Mexican, and Wicked Fish slinging fun, fresh and ethically sourced seafood. Beer Merchants Tap has an incredible selection, All My Friends is one of East London’s coolest cocktail bars, and there are several great coffee shops too. Just across the canal is Hackney Bridge, a major street-food destination with a huge outdoor bar area showing major sports events, as well as the Copper Box arena, home to some of London’s most leftfield sporting entertainment, like esports and handball.

If simply sitting next to the water isn’t enough, Moo Canoes allows you to cruise up and down at your leisure and observe the local scores of land-loving revellers.

Hackney Wick has come a long way in a short time. It might not have the refinement of Little Venice (below) or the sweeping Thames vistas of Richmond, but for eating, drinking and pure entertainment value, it’s London’s liveliest riverside destination. –David Bard

RESTAURANTS & BARS • The Nines

Pubs, riverside

The Nines are FOUND’s distilled lists of the best in London and surrounds. Paid subscribers have access to the complete Nines archive.

• The Dove (Hammersmith), home to one of London’s smallest bars, stellar riverside houseboat views, terrace and vine-covered conservatory

• The Grapes (Limehouse), cosy, charismatic old boozer owned by Sir Ian McKellen and home to one of the city’s most beloved pub quizzes (FOUND Pro: tiny deck overlooking Thames gets damp at high tide, watch your feet)

• The White Cross (Richmond), impeccable on sunny days, former Franciscan friary on one of Thames loveliest stretches; so river-adjacent, beer garden floods at high tide

• The Mayflower (Rotherhithe), hidden, historic boozer on cobbled backstreets of Rotherhithe Village, home to fabulous cooking, Thames Path riverside terrace, well-priced cask ales

• The Anchor (London Bridge), Bankside’s oldest surviving tavern and multi-level beer garden, stone’s throw from Borough Market and Tate Modern

• The Waterman’s Arms (Barnes, above), innovative, regularly changing menu w/ market fish chalkboard

• The Crabtree (Fulham), enormous, verdant beer garden for a pint after lunch at River Café or football at Craven Cottage

• The Gun (Docklands), Canary Wharf gem w/ fantastic food, matched only by the stunning cityscape over the river, a little out the way and unassuming from the outside

• Crate Brewery (Hackney Wick), great beers, brilliant pizza, right on the River Lea, in The Yard, London’s liveliest riverside space, great place to kick off a night in Hackney Wick

CULTURE & LEISURE • Neighbourhood Guide

Under the bridge

Wedged between Paddington and Maida Vale, Little Venice is technically the area surrounding the meeting of Regent’s Canal and the Grand Union Canal. To explore, you must first make a choice: by water or by land. Being by the water is nice, but being on the water is the best.

REAL ESTATE • First Mover

Three for-sale properties with notable pools:

→ Embassy Gardens (Nine Elms, above) • 3BR/3BA, 173 m2 flat • Asking price: £4.3mn • penthouse w/ 4.5m ceilings, 2 private terraces, 2 parking spaces, 3 large storage units, access to world-famous Sky Pool, separate gyms & indoor pool • Ownership type: leasehold • Agent: Johns & Co.

→ Holland House (Fulham) • 3BR/3BA, 195 m2 flat • Asking price: £3.45mn • new-build w/ 4 balconies, underground parking, swimming pool, sauna, steam & jacuzzi in spa area • Ownership type: leasehold • Agent: January Estate.

→ One Park Drive (Canary Wharf) • 2BR/3BA, 194 m2 flat • Asking price: £4.7mn • 56th-floor duplex penthouse, private courtyard, panoramic city views, residents’ gym & swimming pool • Ownership type: leasehold • Agent: CBRE

RESTAURANTS • The Nines

Restaurants, canalside

• Canal (Westbourne Park), modern British eatery w/ sunny terrace, intel, book

Read more

Swimwear

• Farm Rio banana flower swimsuit, £182, if Carmen Miranda opened a beachside boutique, she’d stock this colourful collection w/ parrots, bananas, tropical flowers

• Hunza G Katya UPF 50+ swimsuit, £165, worthy of Baywatch-era Pamela Anderson, from cult brand known for crinkle fabric that stretches to fit most body shapes, see also this season’s Burberry collab

• Reina Olga Brigitte bikini, £137, go-to for Italian bombshell energy

• Boden Rhodes cup-sized swimsuit, £53.40, somewhat forgotten high-street brand experiencing renaissance, this Pucci-esque swimsuit is a standout

• Wolf & Badger crossing reversible one-piece £157, (above), 2 gorgeous swimsuits for price of 1, w/ matching reversible accessories like headscarves and cover-up skirts, game-changer for packing lightly

• Pjerino Emperatriz one-piece, £123, Versace-leaning black costume for poolside glamour w/ a baroque edge

• Rigby & Peller Sarda swim sha, £166, impossible to miss, available in a wide range of cup sizes, impeccable fit

• Flannels Jean Paul Gauthier wet look effect swimsuit, £139, trompe l’oeil design, available w/ matching items

• Oceanus Pandora luxe hand-beaded black swimsuit, £380, eye-catching, w/ beads that catch the sunlight beautifully while sunbathing

RESTAURANTS • FOUND Table

Zone 2 staycation

Sometimes, however much you want it, you just can’t go on holiday. But on those days when you really need it, holiday can come to you. Enter Baltic Seafood.

WORK • Wednesday Routine

Making waves

ERIN KENNEDY OBE • Team GB Paralympic & world champion coxswain
Neighbourhood you work & live in: Henley-on-Thames

It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
My workplace changes by the hour. At 7a, you’ll find me on the water at Leander Club, coxing a crew, then in the gym lifting weights. By lunchtime, I might be recording a podcast, preparing a keynote speech, meeting with clients or working from my home office in Henley-on-Thames. Having recently stepped back from international rowing after almost a decade representing Great Britain, I’m now focused on public speaking, broadcasting and advocacy work. It’s a varied, fast-paced schedule, and that’s exactly how I like it.

What’s on the agenda for today?
Today, there’s a slightly more adventurous item on the agenda. I’m getting ready for an upcoming CoppaFeel! fundraising trek, where I’ll be heading to China alongside more than 120 incredible people to raise money and awareness for a cause that’s very close to my heart, following my breast cancer diagnosis in 2022. This means fitting in training walks around rowing and checking off kit lists. Today, I’m heading out to buy a new pair of walking boots to break in before the adventure begins.

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
I love picky food, so tapas or Mexican are always high on my list. I’m heading to Los Molinos near Hammersmith shortly, as it’s one of my favourites. I recently went to 1910 Parsons Green, which was fantastic, with cocktails as good as the food. If I’m staying local, The Golden Ball in Lower Assendon is divine, with a really small menu. Then there’s The Crooked Billet in Stoke Row. We liked the food so much, we got married there!

How about a little leisure or culture?
You’ll always find me at a sports event; there’s something about it that I’m addicted to, and it brings people together. Henley Royal Regatta is around the corner [30/06–05/07], and the town explodes with rowers and pop-ups – there’s such a buzz. The week after, the town hosts a black-tie evening festival (I know, so Henley) with acts performing on a floating stage. The river is stacked full of boats, the banks are heaving with revellers, and it all ends with an incredible firework display – my favourite few weeks of the year.

Any weekend getaways?
My husband’s brother lives near Bude in Cornwall, and we take any excuse to head down there for a weekend to soak up the beaches, the food and the company. We’re all super close and it feels like such a treat to spend time together. One of our favourite restaurants is The Port William, just above Trebarwith Strand – the views never disappoint. Slightly further down the coast is the incredible Schooners. Great small plates and crashing waves – what’s not to love?

What was your last great holiday?
My husband and I recently spent a few weeks in India, which was incredible – wonderful people, insanely good food and a beautiful country to explore. In Mumbai, we stayed in Abode Bombay, a little sanctuary in the heart of the city. The best thing we did all trip was a food tour in Jaipur. We went back to every stop at least once, and Vinayak made sure everywhere we visited was safe to eat for our soft Western constitutions! We then stayed in the most tranquil place on earth, Anopura.

Where are you donating your time or money?
CoppaFeel!, a charity dedicated to the early detection of breast cancer through education, awareness and encouraging people to check their chests regularly. Since my own breast cancer diagnosis, I’ve been proud to support CoppaFeel! as an ambassador, speaker and trek leader, helping to raise awareness and encourage people to know their bodies and seek help if something feels unusual.

GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Object

Yacht-club glam

Summer purchases fall into two camps: tat you lose by August, and things you look forward to digging out year after year. The Oliver James Double II Regatta sits firmly in the latter category, making the packing away of summer even sadder. Yes, it’s an inflatable lilo, and it’s also extravagant, with the double model coming in at a cool £1430.

There are two ways to think about it, with the first, of course, being that it’s ridiculous. The second is that most luxury purchases are tinged with ridiculousness. Nobody blinks at a designer lamp, a cashmere throw or hand-built furniture, despite all three performing broadly the same function as far cheaper alternatives. The difference lies in design, materials, craftsmanship and, perhaps most importantly, the pleasure of ownership. And, unlike the fluorescent plastic eyesores that emerge from supermarket aisles every June and end up in landfill by July, this is built to last.

Oliver James lilos are designed as high-end furniture, gracing the pools of some of the world’s top hotels. It’s easy to see why: the comfort is unparalleled, the proportions are generous, the construction substantial (no chance of a puncture; would need a tsunami to knock you off it), tied up with yacht-club aesthetic in a range of styles. Its sole purpose is to make doing absolutely nothing feel even more luxurious. With more than enough room for two adults, it’s also romantic, transforming what is usually a solitary activity.

I imagine having it in the cupboard over the colder months is the material equivalent of booking a trip months in advance: a holiday you can look forward to year after year, ready to reappear with every first genuinely hot weekend of the summer, as decadent and desirable as the day it arrived. –Amy-Rose Holland

→ SHOP: Regatta (Oliver James Lilos) • From £1200 for a single.

GETAWAYS • Guernsey

Island life

It’s 6a on a Friday in Gatwick Airport and throngs of travellers are already pounding pints. Everyone’s rowdy, jetting off to Prague or Tenerife for a weekend of debauchery. Not me: I’m taking a more civilised flight to Guernsey, the small island in the English Channel where the sea is visible from almost everywhere.

It’s a short flight, less than an hour, but salt air and lush, green landscape make it feel much farther away from London than it seems. The distance is perfect for a day out of the city to experience Guernsey’s most exciting new culinary offering.

Vraic, opened last summer by ex-Ynyshir head chef Nathan Davies, is located along one of Guernsey’s endless coasts, nestled against a sandy beach where the chefs forage for seaweed daily. It’s a celebration of the island’s ingredients, from the more than 700 types of seaweed to the prized dairy cows to the locally caught fish, including lobster and turbot. It’s also a celebration of the sea itself, both in the flavours and in the serene location, where guests are welcome on the terrace for a post-meal drink. The building was once a bistro and before that a tea room, but it’s better suited to fine dining, where the place becomes part of the menu.

The meal, offered for lunch and dinner as a 10-course tasting menu, marries Davies’ Welsh background with his newfound love for Guernsey. The most humble but also the most memorable dish is a seaweed broth featuring eight varieties of local seaweed pulled off the beach earlier in the day. It’s rich, umami, filled with texture and deceptively complex. Dishes rotate seasonally, but always showcase what can be found on the land and in the water nearby. Very little comes from beyond the island, and what does is brought in for good reason, like the heritage Welsh grain that the chefs mill into bread to serve alongside whipped miso butter and beef drippings.

After lunch, which lasts a leisurely but airtight three hours, a taxi is waiting to take me back to the airport for the short flight back to London. From the air, I can see Guernsey’s verdant fields and old glasshouses, where many of Vraic’s ingredients are grown. It may seem crazy to fly across the water just to eat lunch, but it’s worth it for the seaweed alone. –Emily Zemler

→ Vraic (Guernsey) • Mont Cuet Rd • Wed-Thu 630-1130p, Fri 12-430p & 630-1130p, Sat 1230-430p & 630-1130p • Book.

CULTURE & LEISURE • The Nines

Outdoor swims

• Brockwell Lido (Herne Hill), 50m unheated pool surrounded by Art Deco buildings w/ great selection of restaurants nearby incl. Llewelyn’s, Sessa, book

Read more

CHET SHARMA • chef-patron, BiBi • global culinary director, Gymkhana
Neighbourhood you work in: Mayfair
Neighbourhood you live in: West London

It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Like most days, I get into the restaurant around 930a, catch up with the management team over a coffee and spend some time going through reservations, guest notes and anything that’s happened across the restaurants overnight. One of my favourite parts of the day is briefing the whole team; it’s the moment everyone comes together before service and we share updates, ideas and set the tone for the day ahead.

I’ll spend the morning and lunch service at Gymkhana, walking the floor, checking in with the kitchen and catching up with regular guests. After lunch, I head back to BiBi, where the atmosphere is completely different – afternoons are often spent with the kitchen team working through prep, menu development and a bit of butchery before we turn our attention to dinner service. The hours between lunch and dinner are often when some of the most interesting conversations happen, whether discussing a new dish, tasting an ingredient we’ve sourced or planning ahead for future menus. Before you know it, guests are arriving for dinner and the whole cycle starts again. It’s busy, but it’s the kind of rhythm that I genuinely enjoy.

What’s on the agenda for today?
It can be really mixed. If we have something special coming in (like today, with a whole side of British wagyu), I’ll be prepping at the meat section with the team. Otherwise, it’s everything else that’s maybe a little less glamorous about being a chef-patron: HR, P&L, marketing meetings, chasing repairs... a mixed bag!

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Today specifically is an unusual one – I have family visiting from the US (there’s a big Sharma wedding this weekend) so they’re in for lunch. Tonight, I’ve been invited to a movie premiere in Leicester Square, so I’m off for a quick workout and a shower after lunch, then into my finest for this evening. This weekend is the wedding, so it’ll be great to connect with all of the wider family that I haven’t seen in a while.

When I do get a chance to eat out in London, I find myself returning to places like Royal China Club – I love its simplicity and unwavering confidence in doing the basics brilliantly. I’m also a big fan of Sabor; Nieves [Barragán Mohacho] has created something that feels both exciting and deeply comforting. I’ve been meaning to get to Igni too, which my dear friend Theo Clench opened recently. He’s a very talented chef and the food looks stunning.

How about a little leisure or culture?
I have a fair amount of travel with work coming up, to New York and the Middle East, so I’ll try to buffer some downtime. My mum retired this week, so I’m going to plan a nice day to celebrate her freedom. On the cultural side, we’re so spoiled in London, because there’s always something going on, including watching Monica Barbaro in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre soon.

I’m looking forward to spending time in New York. There are always bars and restaurants I want to revisit – places like Sip & Guzzle and Martiny’s continue to push boundaries while remaining incredibly grounded in hospitality. I’m also hoping to carve out time to try a few newer openings while I’m there; New York has a way of constantly reinventing itself through food.

Any weekend getaways?
I’ve just come back from a few days in Barcelona, which was warm and beautiful, and a much-needed break from hectic London life. Next week, I’m spending a night in Champagne with our partners over at Krug, to learn a bit more about their efforts towards sustainability.

One of the joys of travelling for work is getting to experience different hospitality cultures. Copenhagen remains a source of inspiration, not just because of restaurants like Noma and Alchemist, but because of the city’s wider approach to design, sustainability and dining. In Milan, I loved the energy of Langosteria, while Genoa’s old-school trattorias offer some of the most memorable meals you can have. Even Las Vegas, which people often underestimate, has become a fascinating dining destination in its own right. Wherever I go, I try to leave room in the schedule to discover somewhere new.

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The Skinny: Two years after opening their original restaurant in Notting Hill, the Holy Carrot team has opened a second branch, this time in Spitalfields Market. It’s not a cut-and-paste job: while the west London site is fully vegan, the east one is 70% vegan, 30% vegetarian, retaining chef-owner Daniel Watkins’s focus on live-fire cooking and fermentation.

The Vibe: Edgy, dimly lit and cool – and somehow totally different from the Notting Hill branch, which is bright, minimalist and sleek. It’s fitting of the area, with white-tiled walls and linoleum floors evoking the market’s Victorian fruit-trading history. Slightly trippy mushroom murals hang over the open kitchen and bar, and there’s a snug warmth to the small, square room with tightly packed, candlelit tables.

The Food: Daring, veg-focused dishes that err on the funky. From the starters, two large chunks of ‘sexy tofu’ come with pickled carrots, carrot purée and a smoked carrot XO sauce that’s a little like a caponata – zingy, punchy and pleasingly textured. Coal-roasted leeks in carrot hot sauce are nicely softened, with hazelnuts for crunch and a creamy hazelnut purée. From the mains, king oyster vol-au-vent is packed with mushrooms and rich, umami sauce. Pizzettas and flatbreads are made with fermented koji and silken tofu – khachapuri is cheesy and blistered around the edges. Ember-baked hispi cabbage with masala sauce is a highlight.

The Drink: Unique, interesting cocktails described by their characteristics: miso-washed Glenmorangie with Campari is ‘savoury, bitter and unexpectedly addictive,’ while a Belvedere sour with lacto‑fermented grapefruit and lemon is ‘sharp, creamy and super-clean’. Non-alcoholic drinks have been given a lot of thought too, with a no-waste carrot spritz and a dill-infused matcha with clarified coconut. There’s a varied wine list, too.

The Verdict: A bold, buzzy bistro that dares to be different, with distinctive flavours and a fun, sociable vibe that fits right into Spitalfields. –Laura Price

→ Holy Carrot (Spitalfields) • 61-63 Brushfield St • Tue-Fri 12-330p & 5-11p, Sat 1030a-330p & 5-11p, Sun 1030a-8p • Book.

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Today, three new PROMPTS for which we seek your response:

• What’s your favourite specialty bookstore in London?

• I need a caterer for a casual summer party. Any ideas?

• Which London store or service do you love to recommend?

Got answers or more questions? Hit reply or email found@foundldn.com.

RESTAURANTS & BARS • First Word

Mushroom trip

The Skinny: Two years after opening their original restaurant in Notting Hill, the Holy Carrot team has opened a second branch, this time in Spitalfields Market. It’s not a cut-and-paste job: while the west London site is fully vegan, the east one is 70% vegan, 30% vegetarian, retaining chef-owner Daniel Watkins’s focus on live-fire cooking and fermentation.

The Vibe: Edgy, dimly lit and cool – and somehow totally different from the Notting Hill branch, which is bright, minimalist and sleek. It’s fitting of the area, with white-tiled walls and linoleum floors evoking the market’s Victorian fruit-trading history. Slightly trippy mushroom murals hang over the open kitchen and bar, and there’s a snug warmth to the small, square room with tightly packed, candlelit tables.

The Food: Daring, veg-focused dishes that err on the funky. From the starters, two large chunks of ‘sexy tofu’ come with pickled carrots, carrot purée and a smoked carrot XO sauce that’s a little like a caponata – zingy, punchy and pleasingly textured. Coal-roasted leeks in carrot hot sauce are nicely softened, with hazelnuts for crunch and a creamy hazelnut purée. From the mains, king oyster vol-au-vent is packed with mushrooms and rich, umami sauce. Pizzettas and flatbreads are made with fermented koji and silken tofu – khachapuri is cheesy and blistered around the edges. Ember-baked hispi cabbage with masala sauce is a highlight.

The Drink: Unique, interesting cocktails described by their characteristics: miso-washed Glenmorangie with Campari is ‘savoury, bitter and unexpectedly addictive,’ while a Belvedere sour with lacto‑fermented grapefruit and lemon is ‘sharp, creamy and super-clean’. Non-alcoholic drinks have been given a lot of thought too, with a no-waste carrot spritz and a dill-infused matcha with clarified coconut. There’s a varied wine list, too.

The Verdict: A bold, buzzy bistro that dares to be different, with distinctive flavours and a fun, sociable vibe that fits right into Spitalfields. –Laura Price

→ Holy Carrot (Spitalfields) • 61-63 Brushfield St • Tue-Fri 12-330p & 5-11p, Sat 1030a-330p & 5-11p, Sun 1030a-8p • Book.

RESTAURANTS & BARS • Intel

HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Soho restaurant ALTA (intel) is transforming its ground floor into a more casual space inspired by the pintxo bars of northern Spain and the Basque Country. Launching next week, Bar ALTA will serve small plates such as grilled flatbread with green romesco and Manchego, and larger dishes like A4 wagyu with Marmite, and there’ll be more high-top and counter seats with kitchen views. Former Humo head chef Robbie Jameson runs the kitchen both at Bar ALTA and on the first floor, where the current format remains. Opens 22/06; reservations or walk-ins; Book.

PASSING THE TORCH: A year after Sally Abé’s departure, Romy Gill MBE is set to take over The Pem at The Conrad St James. Reopening in September as Romy Gill at The Pem, the red-and-pink space will shift to Indian cuisine, bringing curries, smoky grills and slow-braised dishes from Punjab to Kashmir on its à la carte, tasting and set menus. It’s the first permanent restaurant role in six years for TV chef Gill. From 17/09; book.

FULL BLOOM: At 45 Park Lane, Sushi Kanesaka has teamed up with Aoyama Flower Market for a five-day Japanese floral installation celebrating the summer solstice. Ends 20/06; book.

NEW HORIZONS: In addition to running his flagship BiBi, Chet Sharma has been appointed as global culinary director at Gymkhana, within the same hospitality group. He’ll oversee the London restaurant as well as its expansion into North America and the Middle East. Book. –Laura Price

LONDON RESTAURANT LINKS: Asma Khan’s Darjeeling Express sets 22/06 opening date for new location • Why London’s once-booming restaurant scene is heading for bust • In defence of the perfectly ordinary restaurant.

WORK • Wednesday Routine

Unwavering confidence

CHET SHARMA • chef-patron, BiBi • global culinary director, Gymkhana
Neighbourhood you work in: Mayfair
Neighbourhood you live in: West London

It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Like most days, I get into the restaurant around 930a, catch up with the management team over a coffee and spend some time going through reservations, guest notes and anything that’s happened across the restaurants overnight. One of my favourite parts of the day is briefing the whole team; it’s the moment everyone comes together before service and we share updates, ideas and set the tone for the day ahead.

I’ll spend the morning and lunch service at Gymkhana, walking the floor, checking in with the kitchen and catching up with regular guests. After lunch, I head back to BiBi, where the atmosphere is completely different – afternoons are often spent with the kitchen team working through prep, menu development and a bit of butchery before we turn our attention to dinner service. The hours between lunch and dinner are often when some of the most interesting conversations happen, whether discussing a new dish, tasting an ingredient we’ve sourced or planning ahead for future menus. Before you know it, guests are arriving for dinner and the whole cycle starts again. It’s busy, but it’s the kind of rhythm that I genuinely enjoy.

What’s on the agenda for today?
It can be really mixed. If we have something special coming in (like today, with a whole side of British wagyu), I’ll be prepping at the meat section with the team. Otherwise, it’s everything else that’s maybe a little less glamorous about being a chef-patron: HR, P&L, marketing meetings, chasing repairs... a mixed bag!

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Today specifically is an unusual one – I have family visiting from the US (there’s a big Sharma wedding this weekend) so they’re in for lunch. Tonight, I’ve been invited to a movie premiere in Leicester Square, so I’m off for a quick workout and a shower after lunch, then into my finest for this evening. This weekend is the wedding, so it’ll be great to connect with all of the wider family that I haven’t seen in a while.

When I do get a chance to eat out in London, I find myself returning to places like Royal China Club – I love its simplicity and unwavering confidence in doing the basics brilliantly. I’m also a big fan of Sabor; Nieves [Barragán Mohacho] has created something that feels both exciting and deeply comforting. I’ve been meaning to get to Igni too, which my dear friend Theo Clench opened recently. He’s a very talented chef and the food looks stunning.

How about a little leisure or culture?
I have a fair amount of travel with work coming up, to New York and the Middle East, so I’ll try to buffer some downtime. My mum retired this week, so I’m going to plan a nice day to celebrate her freedom. On the cultural side, we’re so spoiled in London, because there’s always something going on, including watching Monica Barbaro in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre soon.

I’m looking forward to spending time in New York. There are always bars and restaurants I want to revisit – places like Sip & Guzzle and Martiny’s continue to push boundaries while remaining incredibly grounded in hospitality. I’m also hoping to carve out time to try a few newer openings while I’m there; New York has a way of constantly reinventing itself through food.

Any weekend getaways?
I’ve just come back from a few days in Barcelona, which was warm and beautiful, and a much-needed break from hectic London life. Next week, I’m spending a night in Champagne with our partners over at Krug, to learn a bit more about their efforts towards sustainability.

One of the joys of travelling for work is getting to experience different hospitality cultures. Copenhagen remains a source of inspiration, not just because of restaurants like Noma and Alchemist, but because of the city’s wider approach to design, sustainability and dining. In Milan, I loved the energy of Langosteria, while Genoa’s old-school trattorias offer some of the most memorable meals you can have. Even Las Vegas, which people often underestimate, has become a fascinating dining destination in its own right. Wherever I go, I try to leave room in the schedule to discover somewhere new.

RESTAURANTS • The Nines

Fine dining, Notting Hill

See also, Casual dining, Notting Hill. Paid subscribers have access to the complete Nines archive.

• Caractère (Westbourne Park Rd), à la carte or build-your-own tasting menu themed around character traits, intel, book

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Three for-sale freeholds in Teddington that recently came to market asking around £3mn:

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See also, Casual dining, Notting Hill. Paid subscribers have access to the complete Nines archive.

• Caractère (Westbourne Park Rd), à la carte or build-your-own tasting menu themed around character traits, intel, book

Read more

Read more

The Skinny: In early March, Forza Wine debuted its third location, this one in Soho. With an expansive heated terrace and a yet-to-open basement bar, the sizable space looks nothing like its maximalist predecessor, Daroco.

The Vibe: Like its sister locations in Peckham and at the National Theatre, Forza Wine Soho is laid-back and extremely busy, and you can pop in for a drink and a bite or a full meal. Tables are crammed a bit too close together (I was inches away from two drunken city bros), but it’s buzzy and the patio is packed.

The Food: Forza describes its approach to food as ‘Italian-ish’. Essentially elevated picky bits, the 12-dish offering veers from bar snacks like olives and parmesan chunks to more hefty plates of cauliflower fritti and ox cheek ragu. Radicchio salad, laced with orange, is bright and punchy, and burrata, accompanied by leeks and anchovies, is satisfyingly original. The selection of pane carasau, gorgonzola, finocchiona and pickles is a great accompaniment to cocktails. Forza’s signature custardo, a combination of espresso and custard, is always available, as is soft serve, with rotating flavours including malted milk.

The Drink: There are two frozen drinks and a strong selection of classic and original cocktails, including very good non-alcoholic versions (the No-groni is the best I’ve had in London). Wine is primarily European, with a lot of off-kilter choices, including chilled reds and orange varieties. Beware the chilli mezcal martini, which packs a punch in more ways than one.

The Verdict: Although the seating layout could use some reimagining, Forza Wine is fast becoming one of Soho’s favourite drinking spots, especially now the warm weather is here. –Emily Zemler

→ Forza Wine (Soho) • Manette St • Daily 12p-12a • Book.

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