Latest openings: José Pizarro's the Swan Inn, 100 Queen's Gate from Curio Collection, the Halal Guys and more
The Swan Inn
José Pizarro has taken over the Swan Inn in Esher, Surrey, from chef Claude Bosi and transformed it into a Spanish pub.
Chef Bosi had run the Surrey pub for the last three years with his brother Cedric, having reopened it in 2016 after extensive refurbishment as a gastropub with five rooms in the converted barn next door.
The pub has relaunched after closing for two weeks and now offers breakfast, tapas and an à la carte menu. Al fresco dining will be available in the warmer months with an outside kitchen and food cooked over open fires.
The concept offers a British pub atmosphere, serving both Spanish classics and pub favourites with a Pizarro twist, using Spanish ingredients alongside locally sourced produce.
There is a wide selection of real ales and draught beers, and wines are predominantly of Spanish origin with a small selection of European and English wines.
Opened 4 April
Covers 55
Chef-patron José Pizarro
Typical dishes Estrella fish and chips; pan con tomate; patatas bravas; spicy prawn fritters with lemon allioli; and mini Ibérico pork burgers with Manchego and allioli
Website www.josepizarro.com
100 Queen's Gate
The DoubleTree by Hilton London Kensington hotel has relaunched as 100 Queen's Gate under Hilton's soft Curio Collection brand. The hotel has 25 new rooms and three new F&B venues: W/A Kensington brasserie, Botanica and ESQ bar.
Bedrooms 228
Owner Crimson Hotels
Operator Hilton
Cluster general manager Mary Doogan
Design DesignLSM and Newman Gauge
Website www.100queensgate.com
Bambusa
Bambusa is a new café on Charlotte Street in London's Fitzrovia. Restaurateur Rohit Chugh, founder of Roti Chai in Marylebone and Chai Ki in Canary Wharf, has designed a menu inspired by his travels to Japan, Singapore and Laos.
Covers 10
Founder Rohit Chugh
Typical dishes Ginger shoyu chicken; chilli bean tofu; kimchi barbecue jackfruit; nam pla chicken salad; sriracha egg scramble buns
Website www.bambusalondon.com
Barullo
Victor Garvey has opened Barullo in London's Aldgate, offering Spanish cuisine. Translating literally as 'hubbub' or 'commotion', colloquially barullo means the moment of a party when the host gives up trying to keep order.
Covers 64
Founder Victor Garvey
Typical dishes KFC (Kiko Fried Chicken); paella 'la masía'; roasted and pressed suckling pig with salsa verde, kohlrabi and green apple slaw
Website www.barullo.co.uk
The Halal Guys
New York City street food brand Halal Guys has opened its first site in Europe off London's Leicester Square. Founded in 1990 by three Egyptian immigrants who had travelled to New York City seeking the 'quintessential American dream', Halal Guys serves chicken, beef gyro, falafel or a combination on rice with the brand's 'secret recipe' white and hot sauce.
Founders Mohammed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsaka and Abdelbaset Elsayed
Website www.thehalalguys.com
Stanbrook Abbey
The four-AA-star Stanbrook Abbey hotel in Worcester has relocated its restaurant and added 15 bedrooms as part of a £4.2m renovation. Sister Charlotte's restaurant on the second floor has been closed, while a new restaurant, the Refectory Dining Room & Terrace, has opened on the ground floor, in what was previously Thompson Hall.
Bedrooms 70
Owner/operator Hand Picked Hotels
Website www.handpickedhotels.co.uk
Studley Castle
Studley Castle hotel in Warwickshire has reopened following a £50m investment. The refurbishment included restoring the castle and reinstating original features, as well as modernising aspects such as a new live music venue. The castle was originally the home of the Lyttleton family and has also been occupied by a horticultural training college.
Bedrooms 209
Owner/operator Warner Leisure Hotels
Website www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk
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