Supermarket Sweep, Cocktail Edition
Image: James McDonald
Templeton Garden's neighbourhood bar, Sprout, is launching Sprout Sessions, a new series of guest bar takeovers with a twist. Visiting bartenders will have just 15 minutes and a £50 budget to raid a local supermarket before turning their surprise ingredients into inventive cocktails on the spot. First up is Kiki Lounge from the Isle of Man on 7 July, followed by Athens favourite A for Athens in August. Add to the mix that it's held in our favourite secret garden in the capital and
Paris's Favourite Cookies Arrive In London
Founded in Chicago in 1933 before becoming a Parisian institution four decades ago, Laura Todd has finally arrived in London. The cult cookie brand has opened its first UK outpost on Gloucester Road, bringing its famously soft, melt-in-the-mouth cookies – including the much-loved Pralinest with homemade pecan and hazelnut praline – alongside speciality coffee from French roastery My Little Cup. We have a feeling queues won't be far behind.
New York's Dante Finds A Permanent Home At Claridge's
One of New York's most celebrated bars has officially put down roots in London. Following a hugely successful residency, Dante has become the permanent restaurant and bar at Claridge's, bringing its award-winning cocktails, lively atmosphere and Manhattan-inspired menu to Mayfair. Expect signature serves including the Garibaldi and Dante Martini alongside dishes such as shrimp cocktail, lobster linguine and chicken alla diavola. We'd book for Martini Hour alone.
Roll The Dice At Wahaca
England fans have one more reason to cheer this World Cup. Throughout the tournament, diners at Tommi Miers' Wahaca restaurants can roll three special dice inspired by the Three Lions crest. Roll one lion and the table wins free margaritas; two lions earns 50 per cent off the bill, while the elusive three lions means the entire meal – food and drinks included – is on the house. Result worth celebrating.
Chelsea's Chicest New Seafood Spot
Seafood lovers have a new Chelsea address to bookmark. The Sea, The Sea has opened a larger new home on Pavilion Road, pairing a 40-cover seafood bistro with an expanded fishmonger stocked with the freshest Cornish and Scottish catch. By day, pick up beautifully prepared lunch boxes, lobster rolls and picnic-ready treats; by night, settle in at the intimate 10-seat seafood bar. Summer dining, sorted.
A Covent Garden Welcome For Buvette
New York favourite Buvette has returned to London, opening a new all-day home in Neal's Yard after winning a devoted following in Paris, Tokyo and Seoul. Chef Jody Williams' much-loved gastrothèque serves relaxed French classics from breakfast through dinner, with croques, escargots, steak tartare and coq au vin all on the menu. Add a sunny terrace and a thoughtfully curated wine list, and it's set to become one of Covent Garden's hottest tables this summer.
A New Cotswolds Table To Know
If you're heading west this summer, make a detour to Lardon at Elkstone Studios. The new restaurant draws inspiration from Tuscany, Provence and the Basque Country, with ingredient-led, wood-fired small plates designed for sharing, alongside long, leisurely breakfasts and a sunny terrace. Founded by the team behind Jesse Smith Butchers and KNEAD Bakery, it's already shaping up to be one of the Cotswolds' most exciting new openings.
Adam Byatt Turns His Hand To Italy
Acclaimed chef Adam Byatt has opened his first new neighbourhood restaurant in more than a decade – and his first dedicated Italian. Named after his daughter, Rosina brings elegant regional Italian cooking to Wandsworth Common, with beautifully sourced ingredients, handmade pasta and a terrace destined to become one of south London's most sought-after tables. Book now, before everyone else does.
FAQs: Summer Food News
What are the best new restaurant openings this summer?
This season has brought a bumper crop of exciting openings. Highlights include Buvette in Covent Garden, Adam Byatt's first Italian restaurant, Rosina, in Wandsworth, Chelsea's new seafood destination The Sea, The Sea, and Lardon, a stylish new addition to the Cotswolds dining scene.
Which London restaurant openings are worth booking now?
If your diary allows, we'd reserve a table at Dante at Claridge's for cocktails and Italian-American classics, Rosina for refined neighbourhood dining and Buvette for leisurely French breakfasts, lunches and suppers in Neal's Yard.
Where can I find the best new cocktails in London?
Templeton Garden's Sprout Sessions promises one of the summer's most original drinking experiences, while Dante at Claridge's continues to serve some of the world's most celebrated cocktails in glamorous surroundings.
What's new for food lovers outside London?
The Cotswolds has welcomed Lardon at Elkstone Studios, where wood-fired European small plates, long breakfasts and a sunny terrace make it an ideal stop on a countryside escape.
Are there any fun food offers this summer?
Yes. Throughout the Women's World Cup, Wahaca diners can roll special Three Lions dice for the chance to win everything from complimentary margaritas to an entire meal on the house.
What new bakeries are worth visiting?
Paris favourite Laura Todd has opened its first UK outpost on Gloucester Road, bringing its famously soft artisan cookies and excellent French coffee to London for the first time.
