"Apoy is a Filipino BBQ quick service concept"

Alex South

Alex South

Editor

Great British Menu chef Ferdinand ‘Budgie’ Montoya has announced the launch of his brand new Apoy restaurant in London.

In a post on his social media, Budgie revealed to his followers that his new Apoy restaurant would be opening in the heart of Oxford Street on 15 May.

Budgie told his followers: “I’m so happy that I can now officially let you all know that Apoy London will be opening in the heart of Oxford Street in Market Halls on the 15th May.

Apoy’s opening comes after Budgie took part in the 2023 edition of Great British Menu, where he cooked alongside Brian Danclair, Avinash ‘Avi’ Shashidhara, and Robbie Lorraine in a bid to represent London and the South East in the regional finals.

Diners visiting the restaurant can expect a range of Filipino BBQ food, which pays homage to the Philippines’ rich array of delicious and flavourful street food.

Revealing some of the dishes expected to feature on Apoy’s menu, Budgie explained: “Apoy is a Filipino BBQ quick service concept focusing on the ubiquitous street food of BBQ skewers. Classics like our Pinoy pork skewer, which has been marinated and glazed in our banana ketchup, calamasi, and 7Up glaze!”

Prior to Apoy’s launch, Budgie was the founder of Sarap Restaurant, which the chef started in 2017 as a supper club before pursuing it full time from late 2018.

Before taking part in The Great British Menu, Budgie had just finished a fourteen-month Sarap pop-up at 10 Heddon St in London.

Budgie started cooking professionally in 2012 after he moved to London from Sydney, where he previously worked in IT and Telesales.

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Alex South

Alex South

Editor 27th April 2023

"Apoy is a Filipino BBQ quick service concept"