Latest openings: the Bird, Bath, Simmons in Soho and more

The Bird

Having acquired the former County hotel in Bath in March 2018, Ian and Christa Taylor have relaunched the property as the Bird, Bath, following a refurbishment that saw the addition of more bedrooms, new meeting spaces and public areas.

The new name is reflected in the interiors, with avian references in sculptures, crockery, wallpaper and staff uniforms. The interiors also feature statement art and lighting, chandeliers in every room and collections of vintage boot lasts and oversized wine bottles and pots. Rooms offer Hypnos beds, Dyson hairdryers and Malin + Goetz toiletries.

Breakfast is served downstairs in the Roost, with smoked salmon and scrambled egg, smashed avocado and poached egg on toast, or the full ‘Bird breakfast’.

The Taylors’ Kaleidoscope Collection also includes No.15 Great Pulteney in Bath and Homewood in nearby Freshford.

Relaunched 4 September

Bedrooms 31

Owners Ian and Christa Taylor

Hotel manager Chris Hardwicke

Website www.thebirdbath.co.uk

Simmons

The latest Simmons bar – number 15 in the group’s portfolio – has opened on Golden Square in London’s Soho. It showcases Simmons’ signature retro design, with a cocktail menu presented in a school textbook. The site will also serve a bottomless afternoon tea with cocktails served in teapots.

Covers 200 standing

General manager Dace Liepa

Head bartender Aaron Ishmael

Website www.simmonsbar.co.uk

Slim’s

Graffiti Spirits Group has opened New York diner-inspired concept Slim’s on Bold Street in Liverpool, serving burgers, roast dinners and brunches. The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace area, and will open a downstairs sports bar in the coming months.

Operator Graffiti Spirits Group

Typical dishes Cheeseburger; crispy chicken burger; mac and cheese burger; halloumi burger; and fried chicken and waffles

Website www.graffitispiritsgroup.com

Storey’s Gate Café

Independent foodservice company Colicci has opened Storey’s Gate Café in London’s St James’s Park, focusing on healthy food with a menu of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Breakfast and brunch dishes include bircher muesli, acai bowls and chia pots, while for lunch the café offers hot and cold dishes, such as soft chilli cheese on sourdough and soups.

Operator Colicci

Design Article Design Studios

Website www.colicci.co.uk

Terra Terra

Terra Terra Italian restaurant, bakery and bar has opened at 120 Finchley Road in London. The all-day venue serves baked pastries, fresh juices and espressos in the morning, and late-night cocktails and pasta.

Covers 110

Operator The Ghost Group

Typical dishes Beef carpaccio with crispy Parmesan; and tuna crudo with smoked aubergine and stracciatella

Website www.terraterra.co.uk

The Real Greek

The Real Greek restaurant chain is openingits 16th site on London’s Strand on 21 September, serving meze dishes, flame-grilled meats, souvlaki wraps and salads as well as Greek wines and beers. Each outpost is decorated with Greek art, with communal tables and a blue-and-white colour scheme inspired by the Mediterranean.

Typical dishes Beetroot, feta and lentil salad; prawn saganaki; and chicken monastiraki

Website www.therealgreek.com

Wilder

Wilder restaurant and bar in Boundary London in Shoreditch is a creative partnership between Sir Terence Conran and Richard McLellan, former head chef at the Typing Room restaurant in Bethnal Green. The restaurant serves contemporary British fare.

Covers 60 in the restaurant

Typical dishes Scallops, turnip, green plums and broth; short rib, smoked onions, tongue and sorrel; and hake, cockles, cavolo nero and gutweed

Website www.wilderlondon.co.uk