Legendary West End restaurant Quaglino’s is closing next week for a major overhaul that will see the creation of three new bars and the introduction of a new menu as it approaches its centenary in 2029. Relaunched in its modern form by the late Sir Terence Conran in 1993, the basement venue in Bury Street, […]
Birmingham high-rise restaurant Orelle is changing its name to 24 Stories as the Evolv Collection – originally Conran Restaurants and more recently D&D London – modifies its structure with the introduction of a series of mini-brands. 24 Stories – on the 24th floor of Birmingham’s tallest office building, 103 Colmore Row – combines with 20 Stories […]
Chef Scott Hallsworth is to install his Freak Scene concept at 100 Wardour Street in Soho for a four-month residency, bringing a funky pan-Asian edge to the Evolv Collection, formerly known as D&D London. Evolv’s new chief executive, Martin Williams, is looking to modernise the group and appeal to a broader, younger customer base. Scott, […]
Four months after steak chain Gaucho filed for administration and sacrificed its CAU brand in order to stay afloat, the 24-year-group is pushing a new chapter under the guidance of M Restaurants CEO Martin Williams. Williams also happens to be the ex-MD of Gaucho (which he left to found M Restaurants), so presumably still knows his […]
Jamie Oliver’s good-looking but “soooooo overpriced” duo of luxury grills Barbecoa (in Piccadilly and the City) has fallen into administration. It was announced today (Monday 19 February) that the Piccadilly site has closed and both venues are being “touted by Christies property agents to assess their market potential”. But fans will be pleased to hear M restaurants’ […]
Following a £1.8m crowdfunding campaign, Martin William’s M Restaurants brand has been rolled-out to the ‘burbs – a move, he says, has been driven in part by Brexit as well as commuter demand for decent dining on their doorsteps. The Twickenham branch of the restaurateur’s luxurious steak and seafood restaurants opened on 11 September. It […]
M Restaurants is to open its third site in Twickenham this summer following a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised £1.8million. The 150-seater venue will be in the Brewery Wharf development, a Berkeley Group project on the site of the old Royal Mail sorting office which includes more than 100 flats and houses as well as […]
Doom and gloom in the news this week as research by CGA Peach revealed the extent to which Brexit has knocked confidence among restaurateurs. A survey by the business analyst found concerns over consumer confidence, rising product costs and staff availability headed the list of worries – with just 15% of respondents feeling positive about […]
It seems as though Belgravia will soon be rivalling the City when it comes to new restaurant developments. Following the glitzy launch of Broadgate Circle (red carpet, brawny bouncers and all) by Liverpool Street station this summer, the tide of new launches has turned from EC2 to SW1. As well as the Zig Zag building […]
Shiny new City steakhouse M Restaurant – founded by ex Gaucho head honcho Martin Williams – will host an evening of food, drink and banter on Tuesday 17 February. Go on a culinary journey through six countries, sip cocktails and take part in mini masterclasses, all while being regaled with stories by food writers Tom Parker Bowles […]
