New Kids on the Block

Templar

Richard Sinclair, head chef at the newly opened Templar in Stratford Cross, wrote the book on small plates dining. Working under the spotlight of chic interiors inspired by 1950s modernism, Sinclair has curated a menu of bite-sized morsels: pig’s head croquette, house smoked duck breast, octopus served with chorizo, and super-fresh burrata are all utterly delicious. Pair any of these with some organic, sustainable and low-intervention wines, and you have the recipe for a perfect evening. Hitherto regarded as something of a culinary dessert by London's foodies, Stratford Cross is in the ascendant.

Templar is open now

5 Redman Pl, Stratford Cross, London E20 1JQ

https://templarlondon.com/

Tatar Bunar

As the war in Ukraine continues to dominate news headlines, two entrepreneurs are busy preparing for the launch of Tatar Bunar, a new restaurant nestled in the heart of Shoreditch. Named after co-founder Alex Cooper's hometown of Tatarbunary, it occupies the former site of tapas bar Brindisa, injecting new flavours and culinary excitement into one of London's most dynamic boroughs. Cooper's partner Anna will be running the show, while gastronomic duties are being handled by head chef Kate Tkachuk. Expect a strong emphasis on traditional specialties from the Bessarabia region (south west Ukraine) and an interior packed full of ceramics produced by local artist Svetlana Sholomitska. The wine list, meanwhile, is bound to pay homage to the leading terroirs of Odessa and the Black Sea.

Tatar Bunar will open on 10 March

152 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AT

https://www.instagram.com/tatarbunar.london/

The Lavery

Due to open on 25 March, The Lavery is a hotly anticipated project spearheaded by Yohei Furuhashi, erstwhile senior chef at the River Cafe and, more recently, head chef at Toklas in the Strand. Working alongside front of house Alcides Gauto, Furuhashi has curated a modern European menu that relies on the finest produce (including Scottish scallops) that money can buy. Rabbit ragu pappardelle and Ligurian artichoke salad riffs on Italian classics, while heavier fare such as Tamworth pork chop with braised endive, Dijon and tarragon might require a more robust wine pairing. Fortunately, the wine list is as dynamic as the cooking, with a judicious balance of traditional regions and more esoteric drops. With a lofty location opposite the Natural History Museum, The Lavery has meteoric success written all over it.

4 Cromwell Place, London, SW7 2JE.

https://thelavery.co.uk/