This week’s round-up serves up a Parisian showstopper making waves in the UK and a top chef unveiling an exciting new London venture.

Tom Brown

Chefs Brad Carter and Tom Brown are joining forces this June to launch Island, a new restaurant located in the Chandelier Room at Mare Street Market Kings Cross. Blending their years of culinary collaboration and global travels, the duo has created a laid-back yet refined dining experience celebrating the best of British meat and seafood.

Island takes inspiration from classic American surf shacks, particularly those in Seattle and Staten Island, and reimagines the traditional steakhouse with a coastal twist. The 90-cover restaurant features vintage lighting, a private cocktail lounge on the mezzanine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Brad added: “The name is a homage to the islands we’ve cooked on together, from the UK’s rugged coastline to tropical shores. It’s about celebrating great local ingredients, simply cooked. It’s surf and turf, shaped by our journeys across actual islands.”

Tom, known for his seafood expertise, will champion day-boat fish and shellfish from small-scale, direct fishing operations. Brad brings his signature nose-to-tail approach, sourcing rare breed meats and dry-aged beef from retired dairy cows.

The menu offers snacks such as caviar crisps, pickled cockles, jamon, and oyster Caesar salad. Charcuterie options include trout pastrami, monkfish cheek ham, and lardo. Larger sharing dishes feature bold combinations like quail stuffed with prawn paella and a signature mixed grill.

There will also be daily specials, their own spin on Sunday roasts and indulgent desserts such as oyster ice cream sandwiches and chocolate fudge cake. Cocktails and island-inspired fishbowl drinks will round out the offering.

Marc Francis-Baum, owner of Mare Street Market, added: “Having Brad and Tom on board is a huge step up in what we offer. They’re two of the best in the game, and we’re thrilled to welcome them.”

Chez Lui

Opening next month in the heart of Notting Hill, Chez Lui is the debut restaurant from La Bistrot Collection, a new concept by the Bagatelle Group. Inspired by the romance of classic Parisian dining, Chez Lui promises an intimate and elegant escape rooted in French spirit and seasonal flavours.

Tucked away at 184A Kensington Park Road, the 130-square-foot bistrot channels the charm of a hidden gem in Paris’s Le Marais. The open-plan space pairs old-world elegance with modern design—think crisp linens, warm wood, flickering candlelight, and artful curios that reflect a life well travelled. Designed to feel like the home of a charismatic Parisian host, the setting is both timeless and transportive.

Leading the kitchen is Corporate Chef Rocco Seminara, a Neptune Prize winner trained under Alain Ducasse. He is joined by Pastry Chef Manon Santini, also a Neptune Prize honouree, and Development Chef Pablo Segovia, whose global experience adds a bold creative edge. Together, they craft refined, seasonal dishes that blend technical excellence with imaginative flair.

The menu showcases dishes such as egg mayo with tarragon and pickled mustard

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seeds, fried purple artichokes with celery pesto and trout roe vinaigrette, sea bass carpaccio with fresh citrus, knife-cut beef tartare with chimichurri, and shrimp marinated in lemon and Espelette pepper with grilled leeks and sautéed clams. A comforting roast chicken with baked potatoes in jus adds a homely touch.

To accompany the food, a curated wine list offers French classics such as Sancerre, alongside a refined cocktail selection designed to complement each dish.

Leftfield

Neighbourhood favourite Leftfield in Bruntsfield has reopened its doors following a short refurbishment, unveiling a lighter, refreshed space and a new bistro-inspired menu.

Run by restaurateur Rachel Chisholm and chef Phil White, the restaurant retains its warm, welcoming character and strong focus on quality produce.

The new menu draws on Mediterranean influences and classical techniques, offering comforting, vibrant dishes. Diners can expect snacks such as Islay oysters with Manzanilla shallot or olive granita, and house pickles, followed by starters like hand-dived scallops with cucumber and crispy garlic, or charred baby gem with mint, peas, and Rainton Tomme.

Sharing mains include pork chop with borlotti beans, cavolo nero and roast apple, and hake with cockles, arenkha caviar and beurre blanc. Signature hot seafood platters - a Leftfield staple - remain central to the offering and are also available to take away. Desserts include pavlova with mascarpone and blackberry coulis, and a rich Basque cheesecake with rhubarb compote.

Reflecting on the relaunch, Rachel said: “After eight years on this sunny corner, we wanted to bring a lightness back into the space and the food. The new dining room is airy and welcoming, and the menu reflects how we want to eat—tasty, thoughtful food that lets our beautiful ingredients shine.”

Tigermilk

After winning hearts in Paris, Tigermilk is set to open its first UK restaurant at 127 Charing Cross Road on 12th June, bringing bold Latin American flavours, vibrant energy, and playful charm to the capital. The 138-cover space marks the UK debut for this fast-growing restaurant group, known for its electric atmosphere and creative take on Latin dining.

Founded in 2019 by Nina and Alexis Melikov, Tigermilk has become a cult favourite across France, drawing over 3,500 guests daily to its ten buzzing locations. Its recipe for success? A joyous mix of sunshine, spice, soul - and surprisingly accessible prices.

Rooted in a deep love for Latin America, from Peruvian coastlines to Mexican markets, Tigermilk’s menu celebrates bold, joyful cooking without clichés. Expect responsibly sourced ingredients including MSC-certified fish, free-range meats, and market-fresh produce, served with flair and generosity.

Menu highlights include a 12-hour chipotle-marinated T-bone grilled to perfection, cochinita pibil tacos rich with slow-cooked spice, and a standout dorade ceviche with strawberries. The signature tableside guacamole experience adds a bit of theatre, while showstopper mains like rocoto-glazed lamb shoulder are perfect for sharing.

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