South London is set to get even tastier in 2024…
Alhaji Suya
Nigerian takeaway in Brixton
It’s good news for Brixtonites who are fans of Nigerian grillhouse Alhaji Suya.
With thriving branches in Camberwell, Greenwich and Peckham, the mini chain is opening its fourth London branch right by Brixton station.
Here, you’ll find all of the restaurant’s classic dishes: suyas, plantain and jollof rice among them. All those in favour of a cheeky takeaway as soon as you’re off the tube, say aye!
Alhaji Suya, Kiosk 9, Station Road, London SW9 8HX. Opening early 2024. www.alhajisuya.com/
Shrimp Shack
Build your own shrimp in Streatham
In a hospitality announcement presumably none of us saw coming, Balal Aqi, co-founder of dessert chain Creams, is opening something of a casual seafood restaurant.
It’s called Shrimp Shack (no prizes for guessing the specialty) and you’ll find it on Streatham High Road.
The main concept here is a ‘build your own’ experience that sees diners choose a shrimp size, dip and seasoning.
However, there’s more seafood available too – even fancy crustaceans like crab and lobster. We’ll have to see it to believe it, eh?
Shrimp Shack, 20-21 The High Parade, Streatham High Road, London SW16 1EX. Opening early 2024. www.shrimpshackco.com/
El Pastor
A mexican favourite arrives at Battersea
Hip, vibey Mexican restaurant El Pastor is the latest in the long line of popular chains to play Monopoly with the glossy Battersea Power Station complex.
Its new branch is opening in spring 2024 in Circus West Village, and in addition to the 90-cover taco house, a 26-cover Mexican greenhouse-inspired private dining room has been promised.
Food wise, expect more of El Pastor’s winning formula: tostadas, tacos, sharing plates and tequila-sozzled cocktails.
El Pastor, Circus West Village, Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AH. Opening spring 2024. www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk/retailers/el-pastor/
Wildflowers
Flower power in Pimlico
Looking for somewhere to take mum on Mother’s Day? This new restaurant is likely to be as gorgeous as it is nourishing.
Wildflowers comes to SW1 from interior stylist Laura Hart and chef Aaron Potter.
Here, you can tuck into Mediterranean-inspired plates and wine, or pick up some deli bits to take home.
Menu highlights include: Crispy Cadiz Shrimp Fritters; Grilled Sugar Pit Pork Chop with Gremolata; and Fig Leaf Pastel De Nata.
As for what it’ll look like, given the name, we’re expecting lots of florals.
Wildflowers, Unit 2, 57 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8NE. Opening early 2024. www.instagram.com/wildflowers.restaurant/?hl=en
Restaurant Story
Restaurant Story gets a makeover in Bermondsey
Feeling fancy? Spoil your tastebuds this spring with a trip to Tom Sellers’ revamped two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Story.
He’s teamed up with hospitality pro Darren McHugh, of The Ledbury, Lisboeta and Kol acclaim, and together they’re breathing renewed life into the establishment that holds a reputation for offering one of London’s best tasting menus.
Highlights from the new offering include turbot with fermented cabbage; roast duck with seasonal greens; and Agnolotti stuffed with pumpkin and toasted milk.
The menu costs £250pp, mind, so you might want to start saving, er, yesterday…
Restaurant Story, 199 Tooley Street, London SE1 2JX. Reopening January 12. www.restaurantstory.co.uk/
