Adam Simmonds' The Test Kitchen Pop-up Restaurant on Frith Street, Soho

For the next year Adam Simmonds will be running The Test Kitchen at 54 Frith Street, formerly the site of a Barrafina.  It's small - 23 covers - and Adam will be using it to showcase his cooking, learned at Le Gavroche, Manoir aux Quat'saisons, plus Ynshir Hall Hotel in Wales and Danesfield House in Marlow where he earned his two Michelin stars.  It's open Monday – Saturday for lunch and dinner à la carte, alongside a £29 four-dish set lunch menu.  This one is already very busy!

"Get ready for an exciting gastronomic journey - Adam Simmonds has arrived in the big smoke with his Soho pop-up – The Test Kitchen on Frith Street.
With a one year lease (on the former Barrafina site) and only 23 covers, expect high demand and truly inventive cooking from a chef whose culinary journey has resulted in two Michelin stars and a place in The Good Food Guide, putting Adam on their ‘chefs to watch’ list.
The Test Kitchen is exactly what it says on the tin - there is no set genre and the menu is a moveable feast that evolves and develops, based on guest feedback, in preparation for Adam’s first permanent London restaurant next year.
The Food
Inventive dishes reveal Adam’s incredible attention to detail and his passion for unusual and surprising flavour combinations. Quail is paired with English asparagus, sunflower seeds and lardo; red mullet with green strawberries and green tomatoes; and pheasant egg with kohlrabi, girolles and truffle. Vegetarian dishes are dialled up with white asparagus, Linzer potatoes, caviar and whey; whilst desserts feature equally interesting ingredients like Charentais melon with black olive and saffron; or yeast parfait with lychee and puffed rice.
The Test Kitchen isn’t just a theatre for your tastebuds - the restaurant brings drama direct to the diner. Counter seating, overlooking the completely open plan kitchen, gives you full view of and direct access to Adam and his brigade - share four or five plates each whilst watching the culinary story unfold and debating dishes with The Test Kitchen team.
The Wine
Many of London’s upscale venues have intimidating wine lists with even more intimidating prices. Not so at The Test Kitchen. The restaurant’s 31-strong wine list is approachable and affordable, while still standing up to the menu. For connoisseurs of the grape, there’s a wine ledger featuring a limited selection of fine and rare wines. The ledger is ever-changing and once a wine has gone it’s gone – catch it while you can.
The Star of the Show
With Michelin stars under his belt and a spot in the finals of The Great British Menu, it’s safe to say that Adam is a chef with real ambition. After apprenticing at Le Gavroche, he trained under some of the biggest names in the culinary world before taking on a role at Manoir aux Quat'saisons under Raymond Blanc. Adam achieved his first Michelin star as Head Chef at Ynshir Hall Hotel in Wales before moving on to Danesfield House in Marlow where he gained a star for the second time, which the restaurant held for three consecutive years."

When - Open Monday – Saturday for lunch and dinner à la carte, alongside a £29 four-dish set lunch menu.

Where - Test Kitchen, 54 Frith St, Soho, W1D 4SL

Reservations: www.thetestkitchen.uk or telephone 020 7734 8487.

Map



Link - Test Kitchen

Wines of Argentina's 4 Day 'Barullo' Festival in E2, inc a Pop-up by Chef Mauro Colagreco

Barullo is a 4 day festival of Argentinian wine, food, music and art, running from Tuesday 25th to Friday 28th October 2016 at JJ Studios in Hackney Road, E2.  Wines of Argentina have brought across the Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco and his team from the two Michelin star French restaurant Mirazur, for a personal 4 day pop-up by the chef in London.  There will also wine tastings, art, and DJ sets from two of Argentina's hottest DJs.  Tickets start at £32 for the wine experiences, and £106 for the full dining experience.

For illustration - An example of a dish from Mirazur in France

"From October 25th to 28th this year, Wines of Argentina will be bringing the cutting edge culture of Argentina to Hoxton’s JJ Studios with a festival celebrating Argentina’s finest music, art, wine, and of course, food.
The four-day event will offer stunning contemporary dining from World-famous Argentinian Chef Mauro Colagreco and his team of chefs, who will be bringing two Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur to London for the first time ever.
Consistently mentioned as one of the best restaurants in the world, this is a unique opportunity to experience Mirazur outside of its home in Merton, France. This year, the restaurant has gained the incredible accolade of being voted 6th in San Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2016.
Guests enjoying dinner will be offered a stunning four-course meal from Colagreco himself, with flavours inspired by the vibrancy of Argentina, such as Antarctic King Crab, Scallops, Pumpkin and Coconut milk and Patagonian lamb confit with sweet potato, dates, caramelized shallots and sesame sauce.
Alongside the Mirazur pop up, Barullo will host the “best of the best” of Argentina’s diverse and innovative wines from nearly 40 of the country’s most celebrated winemakers, representing every wine producing region.  Highlights include sommelier led tasting bars with 5 of the world’s top 10 sommeliers sharing their expertise, including Argentina’s number one sommelier, Paz Levinson.
The culture of Argentina will be all around you, with art on the walls from one of the country’s most renowned contemporary galleries, Barro, who are curating the space with bespoke pieces and live sets from trendsetting Ibiza Pareo and Coiffeur, two of Argentina’s hottest DJ’s."

When - Tues 25th - Fri 28th October 2016

Where - JJ Studios, Unit 17A Perseverance Works, 25-27 Hackney Road, E2 8DD

Tickets - From £35.50 from Eventbrite here
"There are two different ticket options for Barullo. Wine, Music and Art tickets include access to the wine tastings from 8pm-11pm and are priced at £32.45 (including booking fee).
For those who would like to try the full Mirazur dining experience, the tickets for Dinner, Wine, Music and Art which begins at 6.30pm are £106.79 (including booking fee) per person."

Map

Link  - Barullo

The London Meets Budapest Dinners in Waterloo with Chef Akos Sarkozi

On Weds 3rd and Thurs 4th February London Meets... Chefs is hosting two dinners at House of Vans in Waterloo featuring Michelin starred Chef Akos Sarkozi from Budapest's Borkonyha (Wine Kitchen) restaurant.  It's going to be a 5 course dinner with lots of interesting flavours - and if the photos are anything to go by it will look and taste amazing.  Tickets are £59 - links below - Please support them!

"Join us at London's cool urban hotspot House of Vans for a 2 day exclusive pop up event to taste the food of one of Budapest's finest chefs.
Michelin starred Chef Akos Sarkozi from Budapest's Borkonyha (Wine Kitchen) is renowned for his no-frills style cooking, stripping down heavy Hungarian dishes to their definitive flavours. So do not expect heavy stews or goulash but instead, a 5-course dinner menu with elaborate, contemporary and subtle Hungarian influences packed full of delicate flavours."

When - Weds 3rd & Thurs 4th February 2016, 7pm - 10.30pm

Where- House of Vans London, Arches 228 - 232 Station Approach Road, SE1 8SW

Tickets - £59 from Ticket Tailor here

Map

Link 1 - Tickets page
Link 2 - London Meets...

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The House of Peroni Summer 2015 in Brick Lane

The House of Peroni - dedicated to showing the best of Italian culture - returns to London in May, this time taking residence in Brick Lane.  It will be open Tuesday - Sunday from 14th May to 10th June, and will feature immersive installations, a restaurant with Michelin-starred chef Accursio Craparo, and of course a bar - see above.  Booking advisable at peak times - book here

"Peroni Nastro Azzurro brings Italy to the capital once more as The House of Peroni Residency opens in May, bringing a month-long celebration of the very best of Italian culture to London. Inspired by the Italian Piazza - the space within the city that forms the heart and soul of Italian social life - The House of Peroni Residency is heading east and transforming a space in Brick Lane into a metropolitan garden teeming with food, drink, music and more.
The Residency brings together a new generation of creative talent from the worlds of Italian food, drink, fashion, art and design. These include Michelin starred chef, Accursio Craparo, who will be temporarily leaving his restaurant in Sicily to bring his unique perspective on Italian cuisine to London, and award winning Italian molecular mixologist, Simone Caporale, Assistant Head Bartender at The Artesian Bar at The Langham Hotel.
The House of Peroni Residency will feature a stunning dining experience which takes diners on a journey through the daily rhythm of the Italian Piazza; from the early morning birdsongs to the evening aperitivo. In addition there will be multiple bars offering a menu of highly inventive Peroni Nastro Azzurro infused drinks influenced by everything from the architecture to the flavours and scents of Italian piazzas.
Guests will be able to enjoy immersive installations by natural sculptor Rebecca Louise Law who has created a stunning floral installation which will provide guests with a sensorial experience, through sight and smell, of the Italian summer. Italian light artists Luminarie De Cagna will be bringing their incredible installations to The Residency and weave their magic throughout the space creating layers of light using thousands of multi-coloured bulbs.
From Thursday 14th May until 10th June guests are invited to explore the transformed East London space to eat and drink and enjoy the Piazza experience, or attend one of the unique events, scheduled weekly and booked in advance."

When - 14th May - 10th June 2014
Tuesday to Friday, 5pm to 12 midnight
Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon to 12 midnight 

Where - The Boiler Room, 152 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU

Map



Link - The House of Peroni

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Jason Howard's Taste The British Caribbean Dinners in Piccadilly

This November frequent popper-upper Jason Howard is teaming up with fellow chef Michael Dutnall for three nights of British Caribbean dining at Le Meridien in Piccadilly.  Both chefs are classically trained, and both work at top London hotels.  I've eaten Jason's food before - I could eat his dishes - esp the curries - every day of the week (& twice on Saturday), so this should be an amazing series.  Go!

"Chefs Michael Dutnall and Jason Howard combine forces at Terrace Grill & Bar at Le Méridien Piccadilly. Although both Chefs have classical French training, each have their own individual style - both Chefs drawing on their heritage to influence their cuisine, Chef Michael, British and Chef Jason, West Indian. Here the Chefs use their knowledge to take British Caribbean cuisine to the next level. 
Acclaimed Chef, Michael Dutnall, is Chef de Cuisine of Le Méridien Piccadilly, London and considered a key emerging young talent within the culinary world.
A passionate food sustainability advocate, London-born Dutnall’s commitment to offering a duty of care of the environment is supported by the quality of delivering fresh meats and fish that are locally-sourced.
Chef Jason Howard aspires to be one of the world’s top Caribbean Chefs one day. He holds a clear passion for this style of cuisine and is frustrated that not enough Chefs make the most of the exciting flavours and cultural influences that Caribbean food has to offer."

When - Tues 11th, Tues 18th & Mon 24th November 2014

Where - Le Meridien Piccadilly, 21 Piccadilly, London W1J 0BH

Tickets - £49.50 or £75.50 with paired wines from Grub Cub here

Map



Link - Tickets page

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Kaiseki by Kitchen Theory at The House of Wolf in Islington

Kitchen Theory returns to House of Wolf in February and March for a series of Japanese evenings in which Japanese cuisine will be reinterpreted into an artistic experimental dining event.  Chefs Helder Gila-Alonso & Jozef Youssef (both ex Fat Duck and other places) are using the techniques of molecular gastronomy to prepare the food - see full details and menu below.
Due to phenomenal demand this has now been extended into May!

"Kitchen Theory is launching its first experimental dinner series of 2014; ‘KAISEKI by Kitchen Theory’ will be held at the House of Wolf in Islington in collaboration with award-winning designer and calligrapher Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic.
Kaiseki, also known as kaiseki-ryōri, is the name given to a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner service and can be traced as the origins of the western concept of tasting menus.  Steeped in philosophy, Kaiseki focuses on the multi-sensory aspects of dining which includes focusing on the colours, scents, and textures of the food as well as embracing the beauty of the surroundings.
Following on from the sell-out of the 2013 multi-sensory dining experiences; ‘ELEMENTS by Kitchen Theory’, Kitchen Theory they have taken on the challenge of reinterpreting this highly esteemed dining experience by collaborating with artist Aerosyn-Lex, who has worked with the likes of Kanye West and Fashion house KENZO, to showcase touches of his art and video material. They have drawn on the philosophical, cultural, artistic and multi-sensory elements of Kaiseki as their framework while tying in their more western and modernist culinary experience to create a fusion experimental experience. 
Guests are asked to arrive at the same time as the evening will kick off with a film ( Scriptura Vitae ) Directed by Aerosyn-Lex and commissioned by Channel 4, as the opening act for the multi-course experimental dinner to follow.  Expect an edible Japanese garden, an interesting array of pickles and a very long noodle piped into a consommé to represent eternal life.
The Menu
Please note this is a sample menu, some dishes may vary due to seasonality and the availability of fresh produce
Hassun- ‘Night garden’ selection of appetizers
Mukozuke-Sashimi with smoked dashi pearls
Owanomono- Mushroom consomme with an ‘eternal life’ Tofu noodle
Yakimono- Selection of Yakitori grills
Sunimono- Seaweed salad
Agimono- Tempura selection
Konomono-Nukazuke (Japanese style pickles)
Gohan- uruchimai (Japanese rice) squid ink risotto
Mizumonno- ‘Land of the rising sun’ dessert"

When - Weds & Thurs evenings - 12th & 13thand 27th & 28th February, 5th & 6th and 20th & 21st March, from 7.30pm - 10.30pm
Update - new dates added due to phenomenal demand -
April: 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th
May: 7th & 8th

Where - The House of Wolf, 181 Upper Street, Islington N1 1RQ

Tickets - £55 from Grub Club here

Map

Link - Tickets Page

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Kitchen Theory's Molecular Gastronomy Dinners at House of Wolf in Islington

Kitchen Theory is presenting a series of pop-ups in September and October.  Chefs Helder Gila-Alonso & Jozef Youssef (both ex Fat Duck and other places) are using the techniques of molecular gastronomy to create three special dinners at the House of Wolf in Islington, for just £50 each.  The dinners are based around the principles of Air, Water, Fire and Earth - see the full (provisional) menus below.

"Kitchen Theory is proud to announce our very first series of pop up restaurants in London.

ELEMENTS by Kitchen Theory is a pop up multi-sensory dining experience.The dinner series will stimulate your senses by combining flavours, visual presentation and auditory soundscapes which will guide you on a journey through the elements. 

Our 2013 series will be hosted at the self proclaimed ‘ multi-sensory pleasure palace’ House of Wolf in Islington. Dates confirmed so far are:

MENU

Each of the dishes have been carefully crafted using the best seasonal ingredients available and constructed using modern cooking techniques.

The menu for the evening will be broken down into an introductory dish and a main dish to represent the following elements:

AIR: light and airy dishes will start the journey and awaken your senses

Act 1: Cryo poached grapefruit meringue

Act 2: Soya Bean mousse, Beef and Black Garlic

WATER: Bursts of flavours of the sea will represent the fluid water element

Act 1: Sea Spheres in Oyster Shells

Act 2: Spanish Seafood Soup

FIRE: Smoky and charred scents and flavours will fill you with inner warmth

Act 1: Smoked Mushroom porridge

Act 2: Venison, charred onion and pear

EARTH: the final acts will root you back down with earthy and sweet flavours

Act 1: Lemon mousse with olive

Act 2: ‘Garden’ dessert selection"

When -
Tuesday 10th September, Bar opens at 6:30, dinner served 7:30pm sharp
Tuesday 1st October, Bar opens at 6:30, dinner served 7:30pm sharp
Tuesday 29th October, Bar opens at 6:30, dinner served 7:30pm sharp
Tuesday 12th November, Bar opens at 6:30, dinner served 7:30pm sharp
Tuesday 26th November, Bar opens at 6:30, dinner served 7:30pm sharp

Where - House of Wolf, 191, Upper Street, N1 1RQ

Tickets - £50 - book by emailing reservations@houseofwolf.co.uk

Map

Link 1 - Kitchen Theory
Link 2 - House of Wolf

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M1lk in collaboration with chef Damian Wawrzyniak present 'Urami' or 'A Last Supper' in Balham

M1lk, a bar in Balham, has teamed up with chef Damien Wawrzyniak, who was recently at Noma in Copenhagen to create a special 8 course feast on Saturday 11th May, themed around the Shinto principle of 'urami'.  The evening will be 'bloody, communal food filth' - sounds like a very special event!

"Damian is a hugely talented Chef who came on board with M1LK's development team early this year. His CV is a string of positions in some of Europe's best kitchen's most recently the 2 Michelin* Noma in copenhagen where he worked under Rene Redzepi. During his time in the Noma kitchen and Food Lab he began working with cultures and fermentation and since then has been experimenting with bacterias and ageing in M1LK's development kitchen. 
"Its a one off pop up supper from M1LK and Noma's Damian Wawrzyniak. Its an 8 course supper based on the shinto creation stories and is an exploration of fermentation, death, decay. The food will be inspired by the shinto principle of 'urami'. Urami basically means 'grudge' and is used to describe the echo that shame/evil/violence leaves. It is a hugely potent idea in the Shinto philosophy. The meal will be gruesome, delicious and visceral. (think sousvide whole pigs head that you pull apart with knives, 3 month aged beef seared w pine needles on hot granite rocks at the table, fermented vegetable ice cream and black miso toffee"
These 8 courses will be paired with wines curated by our mates at the Wine Shop and will include a lot of their wines.
"The Wine Shop have curated an impressive list of incredibly natural wines from really unusual vineyards from around the world. Wine will contain really wild sediments and unique flavours to match the boldnes of the flavours in the dishes. An example one in particular called Some Young Punks is one the cafe owners Julians favourite boutique wine from Melbourne. Really hard to find here in the Uk but Julia has ordered in especially for this event."
The evening will be bloody, communal food filth. There will be flashing images of 1940's black and white japanese cinema projected on the walls, brash unapologetic wine and enough glitchy electro to make the Knife look like a taylor swift tribute band. (Damian used to dj rave nights in Germany in the 90's while he was working in his first michelin kitchen)
The supper will be 8 courses w matching liquids presented by Chef Damian and his team."

When - Saturday 11th May

Where - M1LK, 20 BEDFORD HILL, BALHAM, SW12 9RG

Tickets - £60 + fees from here Tickets are being released a few at a time

Map

Link 1 - Eventbrite
Link 2 - M1lk



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Maille's Le Drunch Pop-up Restaurant with Hélène Darroze in Sptialfields

While we Brits still seem to love Brunch, in France the big new trend is Drunch, which is, you guessed it, a combination of Dinner and Lunch.  It all sounds incredibly civilised, and Maille are bringing a special Drunch experience to Spitalfields in March to let us try it.  You can book below, and they are also keeping space for walk-ins.  Oh - and there's an amazing-sounding mustard pump, which will serve you take-home samples of Maille's mustards.

"This Spring, premium French brand Maille will introduce Le Drunch to London.
Championed by two Michelin-starred Chef Hélène Darroze, Maille will be serving an exclusive Le Drunch menu at the Maille Boutique in Spitalfields Market from 15th-24th March.
Created exclusively for Maille, Darroze's Le Drunch menu has been designed for those wanting to share delicious French-inspired cuisine that is easy to re-create at home.
Described by Time Out Paris as 'a lunch-dinner hybrid,' Le Drunch is the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying delicious dishes with family and friends. From today, food lovers across London can book one of a handful of exclusive sittings where they can experience Le Drunch, courtesy of Maille.
HélèneDarroze, ambassador for Maille’s Le Drunch said  “As a chef and mother working in Paris, I have noticed a trend towards people enjoying a Le Drunch style of dining. Dining is an important part of Parisian culture, and meals have typically been held at traditional times, so enjoying a late afternoon Le Drunch with family and friends over the weekend is a new, increasingly popular occasion.”
Food lovers can now book a Le Drunch session by visiting www.maille.co.uk. Sittings are available between 3pm-6pm for a maximum of four people. All six dishes created by HélèneDarroze will be available to sample.
Alongside serving Le Drunch, visitors to the Maille Boutique will have the opportunity to sample and buy Maille’s extensive range of mustards, condiments and sauces. Taking inspiration from the established boutiques in Paris and Dijon, visitors will be able to take home exclusive flavours including a fresh Black Truffle mustard, served straight from the Maille mustard pump."

When - 15th - 24th March, Thursday - Sunday only, 3pm - 9pm

Where - Maille Boutique at Old Spitalfields Market (Opposite The Luxe restaurant), E1 6EW

Tickets - Free, and available here

Map

Link - Le Drinch with Maille



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A Taste of Alimentum: Mark Poynton at The Winter Garden in Marylebone

Michelin starred chef Mark Poynton of Alimentum in Cambridge is popping up at The Winter Garden for three weeks only.  There are three menus - the a la carte, the six course tasting menu, and a ten course blind tasting menu, created specially for The Winter Garden!

"Blazing a trail from Cambridge to the capital, Mark Poynton is set to ignite London’s food scene.
For three weeks only, the Chef Patron of the newly Michelin-starred Alimentum in Cambridge will be whipping up a gourmet storm at the five-star Landmark London’s Winter Garden restaurant.
Every Tuesday to Saturday evening from 20th November until 8th December, Mark will be showcasing the unique, cutting-edge gastronomy that earned him his first Michelin star in the 2013 guide and three AA Rosettes in 2008.
Mark has created three menus for the Winter Garden. The à la carte will feature Alimentum’s signature dishes with a choice of four starters, mains and desserts. Using only the freshest, most seasonal ingredients, exciting dishes include chicken wings, roast scallop, pumpkin, chestnut and bacon to start; pan fried halibut, squash purée, pumpkin seeds, creamed cabbage and trompette for main; and Perl Las ice cream, Waldorf textures, semi dried pickled grapes to finish.
For the full Alimentum experience, the six-course tasting menu is a must and includes innovative creations named simply as carrot, goats’ curd, tarragon; venison, sprout leaves, potato and earl grey; and baked yoghurt, cherry and pistachio. Both menus reflect Alimentum’s philosopy of offering the highest quality food at value-for-money prices at £45 for three courses (à la carte) and £65 for the tasting menu.
True gourmands are guaranteed be excited by the ten-course ‘blind’ tasting menu, created exclusively for the Winter Garden. Having given any dietary requirements, likes and dislikes to the maitre d’, guests will be left in the chef’s more than capable hands. Mark will serve a tantalising succession of seasonal dishes to provoke the senses, ensuring a truly memorable experience.
Mark comments: “This is a great opportunity and I’m excited to be coming to the Winter Garden and working with their team of chefs. Having just won our first Michelin star, I’m really looking forward to showing Londoners what we’re all about.”"

When - 20th November - 8th December, Tuesday - Saturday

Where - The Winter Garden, The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ

Reservations - call +44 (0) 20 7631 8000 or email restaurants.reservation@thelandmark.co.uk

Map

Link 1 - Alimentum

Link 2 - The Landmark

April Bloomfield's Two-Day Residency at St John Chinatown

There's quite a bit of notice for this one - it's at the end of October, and the booking opens on 1st September - but it sounds fantastic.  I've eaten at The Spotted Pig in New York, and if this brings a bit of that to London for a couple of days then I'm all for it.  It's also a fantastic way to launch a book - other publishers take note!

"April Bloomfield will return to the UK this October for a two-day residency at St John Chinatown, to coincide with the UK publication of her acclaimed cookbook A Girl and Her Pig.
April will be working alongside Fergus Henderson of St John to create her menus, and will cook two lunches and two dinners over the course of 30th and 31st October.
April Bloomfield is Executive Chef and co-owner of three of New York’s most renowned restaurants – The Spotted Pig, The Breslin, and The John Dory Oyster Bar - and holds two Michelin stars (one each at the Spotted Pig and The Breslin).  This Midlands girl began her career in Birmingham before moving to London, where she worked at Kensington Place, Bibendum, and the Brackenbury. From there, April went on to work at the River Café, before spending the summer of 2003 in California at the legendary Chez Panisse.  In February 2004, April and co-owner Ken Friedman opened the Spotted Pig to much acclaim, bringing America its first taste of the British gastropub movement.  The pair opened The Breslin in late 2009 and The John Dory Oyster Bar in November 2010.
April’s residency mirrors Fergus Henderson’s regular visits to New York.  Over the past four years, ‘Fergustock’ has seen the St John co-founder bring his signature dishes to April’s NYC restaurants, a reflection of the two chefs’ mutual admiration and inspiration."

When - 30th & 31st October, lunch and dinner

Where - St John Chinatown, 1 Leicester St, London, WC2H 7BL

Booking starts on 1st September on 0203 301 8069

Map

Link 1 - St John

Link 2 - Interview with April Bloomfield

The Cube by Electrolux Pop-up Restaurant at the Royal Festival Hall - NOW FINISHED

The rise of the high-end pop-up restaurant continues.  Following on from the news of the Noma pop-up at Claridges, comes news of this multi-chef pop-up at the Royal Festival Hall.

Update - a review in the Telegraph - 17th July

"The unique dining concept is a celebration of Electrolux professional expertise, bringing together some of the most pioneering and innovative chefs in the UK. The Cube by Electrolux will offer guests a showcase of gastronomic excellence set against the backdrop of the River Thames and notable icons of London’s skyline. Guests will have the opportunity to interact and learn from some of the best chefs working today. By sharing the professional shortcuts Electrolux have picked up through our presence in almost 50% of Europe's Michelin Starred restaurants, we want to show people it doesn't have to be difficult or expensive to create great experiences at home.
The Cube by Electrolux seats just 18 guests around one table allowing them to watch their meal being prepared in an open plan kitchen, which is equipped with new state-of-the-art Electrolux domestic appliances as well as professional equipment. As part of the experience, each chef will also offer their hints and tips on how to create restaurant quality food when entertaining at home.
The Michelin starred chefs, who have been handpicked from around the British Isles, will present a unique menu using locally sourced ingredients to complement the incredible setting. The first chef to cook at the Cube by Electrolux will be the double Michelin star chef Sat Bains from Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham. Sat will be followed by double Michelin starred chef Daniel Clifford from Midsummer House in Cambridge."

When - 1st June - 24th June 2012 - more dates to be announced later.  It will run until 30th September 2012

Where - The Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 8XX

Cost - Set lunch: £175. Set Dinner: £215 (including all drinks) - book by calling 0207 288 6450

Map

Link 1 - The Cube by Electolux
Link 2 - Article
Link 3 - A review in The Telegraph

UK Chilli Stand Off in Shoreditch - NOW FINISHED

Update - the 2012 Chilli Stand Off is happening in Hackney on 17th November

This is a one day chilli cook-off, taking place in Shoreditch, and it sounds amazing.  Great food, cooked by a diverse range of pro-am chefs, and some great drink and music to accompany it.  The 8 teams are competing for the Oakheart Trophy:

"The competitors include Chilango, Leon, The Fat Duck, Lucky Chip, Gizzi Erskine, All Star Lanes, Dock Kitchen and Carl Clarke of Disco Bistro. All of the Chillies will be tasted blind and everyone attending gets to vote for their favourite. 
Bartenders from Milk & Honey and Danger of Death will provide the drinks from their festival bar. There will be free rum and lots of it including the brand new spicy Bacardi Oakheart and a giant barrel of Oakheart Grog. 
The bar will be open from noon until 10pm and the Chilli tasting will take place between 1-4pm with the winner announced by 6pm. After party nearby.
In the evening we've got fantastic street food from some of London's hottest operators including pillow-soft, pork-filled steamed buns from Lisa at Yum Bun, the 'best ribs in London' and hot sauce from Mark The Rib Man, spicy fish tacos from Simon at Luardos and spectacular meatballs and linguine from Jez at The Bowler. "


When - Saturday 22nd October

Where - The Tramshed, 14 Garden Walk, London, EC2A 3EQ
Note - pre-sold tickets only (£25) - you can't just show up

Map

Link 1 - Tweat Up

Link 2 - Buy tickets
Link 3 - Official site

The Kitchen Pop-up Restaurant in Soho - NOW FINISHED

The Kitchen is an ambitious pop-up restaurant / bistro in Great Marlborough Street that will be open for 3 days during London Restaurant Week.

"Five of the nation’s top chefs, from a stellar collection of award-winning restaurants, will be joining forces to create an exclusive dining experience this October.
Pierre Koffmann, Atul Kochhar, Aldo Zilli, Bryn Williams and Nigel Haworth are working side by side for the first time to bring you a truly unique culinary experience. Over the course of just three days, this temporary but extraordinary bistro will be serving a special menu of classic dishes, recreated with each individual chef’s tasty twist."

When - 11th - 13th October

Where - 24 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HU

Map

Link 1 - Main site

Link 2 - Menus

Link 3 - Booking

Update - It's to promote a range of upmarket food from Morrisons

Cornish Grill Pop-up Sunday Roast in Farringdon - NOW FINISHED

The Cornish Grill had a very successful summer season running a weekend barbecue in the garden of the Manor Arms in Clapham.  They're now introducing a new venture for the winter - a monthly Sunday Roast, served in a top restaurant, cooked by some of London's best chefs.  Tickets cost £40, and need to be bought in advance - check the site for details and the menu

"This is both a pop-up boast and more importantly, a pop-up Roast.  We have teamed up with Redhook and will be hosting a monthly roast dinner at their fantastic venue in Farringdon.
We have enlisted the help of chefs from some of the kitchens I supply.  First off will be a team from Royal Hospital Road.  I'm trying to be a bit cool but I am so darn excited about this.
Because I work with two brilliant suppliers, I deliver Cornish fish and meat to some of London’s best restaurants.  Last year I asked Stephen Williams, the then Head Chef of The Harwood Arms, how he would cook his favourite roast.  His passionate and detailed response lead me to realise that top Chefs love cooking roasts.
In the next few months we have some of London’s most talented kitchen doing just that for you."

When - Lunchtime, Sunday 25th September, and then the last Sunday of the month

Where - Redhook, 89 Turnmill Street, Farringdon EC1M 5QU

Note - You need to buy a ticket in advance.  Buy tickets here

Map

Link

Cloudy Bay Shack Pop-up Restaurant near Richmond - NOW FINISHED

The New Zealand winery Cloudy Bay will be holding a two day pop up restaurant at the Petersham Nurseries in Parson's Green later this month, for the second year.

"The pop-up airstream will be pairing wines from the New Zealand brand’s range with a special menu created by Michelin-starred chef Skye Gyngell of Petersham Nurseries.
The menu, which is partly inspired by Gyngell’s passion for foraging, will see sea trout, crème fraiche and bruschetta matched with Cloudy Bay Te Koko, while slow cooked veal with black olives and preserved lemons will be accompanied by Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir. Each of the five dishes can be ordered with a glass of its chosen wine match for £8.50."

When - 30th & 31st July

Where - Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Petersham, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AG

Map

Link - Petersham Nurseries

Link - News story

N-ice Frozen Food Pop-up Restaurant in Victoria - NOW FINISHED

N-ice is a 4 day pop-up restaurant created to extol the virtues of frozen food, supported by the British Frozen Food Federation.  It billis itself as the World's first frozen gourmet restaurant with dishes from Great British Menu’s Atul Kochhar & Galton Blackiston and Simon Rimmer from  Something for the Weekend.

"An ethereal ice-themed palace, N-Ice pop-up restaurant features frozen trees, frosted sculptures and delicate snowflake designs. Delectable cuisine is cooked using frozen ingredients, including fine herbs and succulent steaks. The N-Ice concept challenges the stigma associated with frozen food, by producing exquisitely crafted cuisine.
Signature dishes at N-Ice include Atul’s Kashmiri lamb curry from the Michelin starred London gem, Benares restaurant. Diners at N-Ice London will be invited to make a minimum donation of £10 for a 3-course meal and £10 for a bottle of wine. All proceeds will go to the award-winning Westminster Kingsway College culinary arts school."

When - 8th - 11th August, 12pm - 4pm

Where - Fine Dining Rooms, 76 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PD

Map

Link 1 - Facebook page
Link 2 - Booking page
Link 3 - Menu

Cornish Grill Pop-up Restaurant at the Manor Arms, Clapham - NOW FINISHED

Fresh Cornish produce cooked every Saturday and Sunday in Clapham.  Chefs change each week; all of them work at Michelin-starred restaurants in London

"Enjoy Cornwall's finest fish and meat, cooked by some of London’s most talented young chef’s.  Pay BBQ prices and eat in a relaxed, friendly place.  We feel everyone deserves to eat Michelin quality food.
Ollie is our fantastic resident chef.  He’ll be inviting some guest chefs along from time to time.  Order your food and watch it being cooked.  We’ll have BBQ favourites as well as a few Ollie specials.
We have a seaside theme.  If you come along either wearing or carrying something coastal, we’ll give you a treat.  We are very serious about food but not so serious about life at the weekends.  Let your hair down, be a bit daft and have some nice grub.
Basically, we have amazing produce, brilliant chefs and an amazing venue.  We want to share it and have fun."

When - Saturday & Sunday, from June 5th

Where - 128 Clapham Manor Street, SW4 6ED

Map

Link

Menu