Round-up: Michelin-starred Indian reopens, plus three more imminent London launches

The Staff Canteen

This week’s round-up of new restaurant openings focuses around London, led by the return of Michelin-starred Benares.

BENARES, MAYFAIR

Closed at the start of January for a refurbishment, Benares is now back up and running in Mayfair.

The Indian restaurant first opened in 2003 and has held a Michelin star for the last 16 years.

Most of that time has been under Sameer Taneja, who joined in 2012, working his way up to executive chef.

Benares will also be launching a new menu on February 12. The new tasting menu will be priced from £135, with a la carte and set lunch menus also available.

Benares, Indian restaurant Mayfair, Michelin star, Michelin star Indian, Sameer Taneja

Discussing the reopening, Sameer said: “This marks an exciting new chapter for Benares.

"The refurbishment embodies our ambition to craft a space that mirrors the vibrancy and creativity of our cuisine.

“The new menu is a celebration of the finest British seasonal ingredients, enriched with bold flavours and techniques, offering a fresh take on modern Indian dining.

“I’m excited to welcome guests to experience the energy, innovation, and passion that define this next step for Benares." 

Bruno Nath Lopez, director of Benares, added: "The refurbishment marks a pivotal moment for us. From the striking new entrance to the reimagined bar and refreshed dining room, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to deliver an elevated guest experience.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Skylon (@skylonrestaurant)

SKYLON, SOUTHBANK

Also making a comeback is Skylon, set to re-open on January 27.

Situated on Southbank riverside, directly above the Royal Festival Hall, Skylon is a modern European restaurant and bar.

Ahead of its upcoming 20th anniversary, Skylon has undergone a makeover, with the showstopper set to be the new ‘Grand Central Bar’, as the central point for the restaurant. The latest signature cocktail menu is ‘The Festival of Britain’, celebrating British ingredients.

The reimagined food menu by chef Pavel Kobzaruk includes a crab dish, as well as a fish pie.

Kitchen Bar St Pancras

KITCHEN BAR, ST PANCRAS

Coming this February is Kitchen Bar, launching at St Pancras Bar & Brasserie.

Kitchen Bar doubles as a chef’s counter, under executive chef Thomas Piat. He has created a raw food menu, drawing on his French expertise and experience at Michelin-starred restaurants.

Thomas said: “The Kitchen Bar is inspired by the kitchen counters of Paris, where fresh produce takes centre stage and guests can experience the theatre of chefs at work up close.

“It’s a space that brings together the best of French and British ingredients in an intimate, interactive setting, from morning pastries to long evenings.”

Rockwell, Trafalgar hotel

ROCKWELL, TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Five-star hotel Trafalgar St. James, Curio Collection by Hilton are opening Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar.

It marks part of the hotel’s £6million refurbishment.

Rockwell is an all-day destination, set to open in February.

Federico Ciampi, London Cluster general manager, said: “We are excited to invite guests to join us at Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar giving them a first glimpse into our luxury renovation project.

“The launch of the suites will set Trafalgar St. James apart as a top 5-star destination for both our hotel guests and visitors to the new Rockwell and The Rooftop.”

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 24th January 2025

Round-up: Michelin-starred Indian reopens, plus three more imminent London launches