Guy Ivesha and Tom Cenci launch their new Soho bistro, Nessa

Alex South

Editor

Nessa, a new modern bistro in the heart of Soho from Maslow’s founder Guy Ivesha (Mortimer House and Mortimer House Kitchen, Fitzrovia) and Executive Chef Tom Cenci (Loyal Tavern, Duck and Waffle) is now open.

A vibrant and informal bistro, Nessa sits at the intersection of Brewer, Glasshouse and Warwick streets in London’s lively Soho, serving a menu of classic dishes that champion seasonality with a contemporary twist.

Inspired by the rich history of Soho, Vanessa Bell and other artists and creatives of the Bohemian movement, Nessa’s creative menu is shaped by the seasons, using produce from Britain and across the channel.

Drawing on both British influences and Cenci’s passion for global flavours, Nessa is an expression of elegant yet playful, inventive British cuisine.

In the snack section, the menu includes the likes of Oysters, hot sauce, crackers and hibiscus mignonette and Cheese and onion croquettes with grape husk mustard.

Small plates on offer include the likes of Brioche with black pudding and brown butter noisette; Celeriac carbonara, confit egg, parmesan breadcrumbs, truffle – a playful nod to the British interpretation of carbonara; and Steak tartare with beef fat Pangratatto, raw egg, charred bread, with the suggested optional extra of Homemade BBQ Crisps served on the side.

Mains include the likes of Bulgar wheat stuf ed cabbage, parsnip purée and herb oil; Mussels, cider, parsley and seeded garlic baguette – a British version of the bistro staple; and Seabass with Beurre Blanc, pickled dulse and pink fir potatoes.

Desserts offer mixture of sweet and savoury dishes; with savoury options such Welsh Rarebit, dark rye and truf le and Cheese mille-feuille with Baron Bigod and hot honey; served alongside old school, reimagined British puddings, such as Baked Alaska with seasonal fruit, Dark chocolate tart, a ‘Nessabocker Glory’ and Roly Poly with Custard.

The restaurant is open all day with a breakfast menu of dishes including English muf in with a sausage patty, fried egg and cheese; Banana French toast, caramelised banana, maple pecans; Crab benedict, poached eggs, crumpet, béarnaise sauce; Toasted crumpet, marmite butter; Egg n’ chips – St. Ewes with beef dripping chips and Homemade cereals with milk.

The 98-cover restaurant is on the ground floor of the new 1 Warwick members’ house in a renovated 1910 neo-baroque building.

Nessa – designed by boutique interior architecture and design firm Fettle – is full of the aesthetic character associated with the Maslow’s group and incorporates two spaces: a sophisticated yet unpretentious bar and an inviting dining area.

Inspiration has been taken from the eclectic and colourful establishments that are synonymous with Soho’s past, weaving this with references to Edwardian baroque architecture and the existing features that envelope the building.

The bar has its own wine and cocktail list, as well as a selection of snacks and small plates, also from Cenci; perfect for after work drinks and casual light suppers.

Cocktails showcase a range of UK-based producers with drinks including Ol’ China Plate, which mixes East London Liquor Company Rye Whisky, Sacred dry vermouth and Sipello with Campari to create a bittersweet livener; and the Randy Hiball, an old British pub hangover cure reimagined, mixing Seven Tails brandy with rosemary tonic and port with notes of citrus.

Also on offer is a list of no and low cocktails including Pa-low-ma, a mix of Pentire seawood, cranberry, grapefruit soda, spice syrup and sea salt; and Perfect Storm, made with 3 Spirits Social Elexir, ginger and honey syrup and coconut water.

There is a handsome horseshoe bar on the one side, plus plentiful lounge seating, accompanied by a combination of bespoke and mid-century modern vintage furniture, art and a mix of textural fabrics.

Leading through to the dining room, brushed oak and arabescato corchia marble fixtures, cosy banquette seating and tables overlooking Brewer Street set the scene for intimate and relaxed dining.

Outside tables are shaded from the summer sun by an awning, ideal for al fresco drinking, dining and people-watching.

Bookings for Nessa are now available HERE.

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