Henry Harris to open new French-inspired pub in Marylebone
Former Bibendum and Racine chef Henry Harris is opening a new pub in London’s Marylebone. A collaboration with James McCulloch, owner of the nearby Harcourt pub, The Hero of Maida will open its doors in late April. Formerly the Truscott Arms, the pub and upstairs dining room will be styled on a French bistro with a daily-changing menu featuring dishes such as fish soup and lamb rump with artichokes barigoule. Chef-director Harris will be joined by head chef Steve Collins, formerly of Les Deux Salons, and general manager Thomas Blythe, formerly of St John and St John Bread & Wine.
Casamia to join forces with Bristol brewery for new brew-pub
Peter Sanchez-Iglesias of Casamia restaurant is teaming up with Bristol craft ale brewers Left Handed Giant for a new project in the city. Sanchez-Iglesias will be operating a restaurant on the first floor of the brewery in the city’s Finzel’s Reach area, as well as preparing a separate menu for the customers in the brew-pub from a neighbouring kitchen.
Former Nobu chef launches new Asian venture in Soho
Scott Hallsworth, the former Nobu head chef, is launching a new venture called Freak Scene. Hallsworth, who is also the founder of Japanese restaurant brand Kurobuta, has taken the Frith Street site formerly occupied by Barrafina. Named after a song by 1990s indie grunge band Dinosaur Jr. Freak Scene will serve Japanese, Singaporean and Malay small plates including chilli crab and avocado wonton “bombs”, and fermented Thai sausages and pumpkin som tam with pomegranate.
Ex-Locatelli chef to head up kitchen of new Covent Garden pasta restaurant
Chef Louis Korovilas, who worked at Locanda Locatelli and Pied à Terre, has been announced as the head chef of a new Italian restaurant in Covent Garden. Bancone on William IV Street will focus on fresh pasta and dishes will include pappardelle with slow-cooked kid goat and rosemary ragu; and tagliolini, clams, seaweed and purslane. Bancone opens in May.
