The Fat Duck duo chef Jonny Lake and sommelier Isa Bal to launch London Bridge restaurant

Chef Jonny Lake and Master Sommelier Isa Bal, who worked together for over twelve years at The Fat Duck Group, are planning a restaurant in the Snowsfields Yard development at London Bridge. The pair, who announced their collaboration one year ago, will open an informal, high quality dining restaurant utilising the finest ingredients and wines, and will aim to deliver an unrivalled taste experience.

Approximately 3,500 square feet, the space will house a restaurant, wine bar and cellar and seat around 75 guests in the dining room, and 20-25 guests in the bar. The name of the restaurant is yet to be released.

“We were looking for an open and contemporary space in a vibrant area – somewhere relaxed and fun where we can celebrate what is in the glass and on the plate,” says Isa Bal.

“The location ticked all the boxes – it is tucked away on a quiet street near London Bridge and Borough Market in an area that is fun, exciting and full of life,” says Jonny Lake.

The restaurant is scheduled to open in autumn 2019 – date to be confirmed.
Jonny started cooking by volunteering at the meals-on-wheels charity, Santropol Roulant in Montréal, Québec. His increasing love of cooking and feeding others led him to the decision to pursue a career as a chef, training at the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtellerie du Québec. This was followed by a move to Italy where he worked at the Michelin starred A Spurcacciun-a and Quintilio, both in Liguria, as well as for the legendary Italian chef, Gualtiero Marchesi at L’Albereta in Lombardy.

Jonny moved to the UK in 2005 to join The Fat Duck and became Head Chef in 2009 and was subsequently made Executive Head Chef of The Fat Duck Group. He departed the restaurant in 2018 to pursue personal projects and collaborate on a new restaurant project with Isa Bal.

Isa began his career in the hospitality industry more than twenty years ago as a commis sommelier at The Vineyard at Stockcross near Newbury. He is now recognised as one of the world's leading sommeliers, having won the highly regarded title of Best Sommelier of Europe in 2008.

Having worked as Head Sommelier for The Fat Duck Group for more than twelve years, Isa worked closely with the kitchen team, pioneering new ways to pair food and drinks, showing highly inventive and exciting combinations. Isa passed his Master Sommelier exams in 2009 and is a respected member of the international sommeliers community.

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