Harden's says
MasterChef finalist and Bright Young Thing Adam Handling rolled out his Frog brand after just six months in E1; the new restaurant opens all day from breakfast and has an (almost mandatory these days) open-plan kitchen, large private dining room and a speakeasy-style basement bar with its own entrance.
Owner's description
Renowned chef Adam Handling has extended his culinary empire with his flagship restaurant, Frog by Adam Handling. The dishes served at the restaurant showcase Adam’s deliciously recognisable cooking style, combining technical savvy with the freshest seasonal produce, to deliver an elevated experience.
Adam prides himself on sustainable sourcing, which is why many of the ingredients used are grown at the restaurant’s farm in West Sussex to create two tasting menus along with snacks and standalone dishes. Using a range of seasonal ingredients to marry unique flavours, Adam creates consistently outstanding dishes, reaffirming his reputation as one of London’s finest chefs.
Tucked away under the restaurant, you will find Eve Bar, combining life's greatest impulsions - temptation, indulgence, hedonism - all homed in luxurious subterranean surroundings. With walls adorned with bespoke art pieces by the amazing artist JJ Adams, a varied and exciting live music program from some of the best local DJs London has to offer, you’re invited to come and enjoy the best cocktails, atmosphere and experience London has to offer.
Restaurant details
The chef
A highly accomplished chef, Adam Handling brings his love of intense flavours and delicate techniques to his kitchen. His beautifully presented dishes start with careful sourcing of top quality, seasonal ingredients, prepared in a number of different, creative ways to enhance their inherent properties and deliver real depth of flavour and harmony.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Fabulous ramble through the tasting menu, with touches of old-fashioned theatricality alongside some modern twists. Reminds me of the places I love most in Copenhagen. Service close to impeccable and food ranging between great and brilliant. Oh, and whoever made the pastry for the tiny but delectable crab tart is a genius pastry chef."
"My all time favourite restaurant! The food is absolutely delicious and the most friendly and helpful staff I've ever come across. Big things are coming for this place, for sure."
"Strong flavours that test your preconceptions. 5 course tasting menu is the one to go for. Slapdash service but the food is beautifully presented and explained by kitchen staff in an engaging manner. The interior is a strange mix of background disco music, sharp edges and feels very angular. It could do with softening up."
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A new star in London’s dining scene!” – Adam Handling’s “outstanding” year-old Covent Garden branch is proving just as big a smash hit as his E1 original (which, in mid 2018, moved to a new, 60-cover site on the corner of Hoxton Square, together with a bar and coffee shop). His “clever and delicious” British tapas feature “brilliant taste combinations” yet “without being prissy or overly expensive”; while the “chilled” atmosphere is “that so hard-to-achieve balance of professionalism with perfect relaxation and excitement”. Service, too, gets a big thumbs up: “top class and efficient but not obtrusive, and so friendly”. See also Belmond Cadogan Hotel.
Summary
“Bold British tapas, with interesting combinations, textures and flavours” goes down a storm at Adam Handling’s “superb newcomer” – an “echoey”, rather “Spartan” operation in Brick Lane’s Truman Brewery, where “you observe the fierce concentration of the chefs, who also serve you”; and which achieved top marks for food in spite of significant grumbling even from fans over its “unbelievably high bills”. He must be doing something right, as in September 2017 he’s already opened branch number two, in Covent Garden. Top Menu Tip – “the best mac ’n’ cheese in London”.
