Latest openings: Vivi, Boxpark Wembley, the Perky Nel and more

Vivi
Rhubarb's 1960s-inspired Vivi restaurant and bar has opened at London's Centre Point in the West End.

 

Vivi is divided into four dining zones: the dining room, gallery, liquid lounge and bar. The all-day dining room offers a nostalgic British menu of modernised classics, while the gallery, designed for light bites, coffee and pastries, has long sharing tables overlooking Oxford Street.

 

The liquid lounge serves fresh juices, smoothies, coffee and breakfast bowls at the beginning of the day, lunches and afternoon teas, and cocktails and bar bites later in the day.

 

Wooden panelling is offset by original listed 1960s floor tiles along the gallery and the liquid lounge, while a bespoke plexiglass Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt-designed chandelier is the focal point of the dining room.

 

Vivi also has two 14-cover semi-private dining spaces, separated from the main restaurant by copper chain mail curtains.

 

Opened 25 February
Covers 320
Operator Rhubarb
Head chef Arnaud Delannay
Typical dishes Twice-baked Cheddar soufflé; chicken Kiev and mash; lobster thermidor; and duck à l'orange
Website www.vivirestaurant.co.uk

 

---

 

Bayou Bar
Bayou Bar, a New Orleans-inspired bar and kitchen, has opened in Tooting Broadway Market in London. The joint venture between Street Food Union and Slinging Po' Boys is headed up by founder Nick Willoughby. The site offers hurricane and daiquiri cocktails and weekly live jazz band performances.

 

Typical dishes ‘Bayou' burgers; buffalo chicken wings; Cajun aubergine and butter bean dip; brisket; blackened shrimp po' boy sandwiches
Website www.broadwaymarkettooting.com

 

---

 

Boxpark Wembley
Having opened in December, Boxpark Wembley has welcomed new vendors, including Longboys, a doughnut offering from pastry chefs Heather Kaniuk and Graham Hornigold; Udderlicious ice-cream; ramen restaurant Yamagoya; and New York-style subway sandwich concept Gabagools. The venue has also opened its Playbox recreational zone, featuring a shuffleboard unit, day-glo ping-pong, and pool and football tables.

 

Website www.boxpark.co.uk/wembley

 

---

 

Near & Far Camden
The third Near & Far bar in London and the fifth venture from Bar 6 Group, which is behind the Magic Roundabout and the Good Mixer pubs, has opened in Camden. The site is spread over four floors, with two bars, a roof terrace with views over Camden market, and Mexican street food pop-up Elote.

 

Covers 180
Operator Bar 6 Group
Design Power Studios
Website www.nearandfarlondon.com

 

---

 

The Perky Nel
The Perky Nel is the second Clapham location for independent pub group Livelyhood, joining sister venues the Clapham North, the Regent, the Old Frizzle, the Mere Scribbler and the Faber Fox. The pub features three televisions for sports fixtures, a pub quiz, and graffiti artworks from local street artists Id-iom, with a food offering of pub classics, including brunch, burgers, salads and Sunday roasts.

 

Operator Livelyhood
Website www.theperkynel.co.uk

 

---

 

Cottage Suites at Trump Turnberry
Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire has completed a £1.6m restoration project on its nine cottage suites as part of an ongoing multimillion-pound refurbishment. Dating back to 1902, the dog-friendly Cottage Suites are available for three-, four- and seven-night stays, sleeping up to four people and comprising a lounge, kitchen and two bedrooms.

 

Starting room rate £285
Website www.trumphotels.com

 

---

 

William IV
The William IV pub in London's Kensal Green has opened 15 guestrooms following extensive refurbishment across its first and second floors. Room sizes and configurations vary from twin to queen and king, with family rooms for up to four guests, a super-king with a restored fireplace and private balcony, and the ‘captain's cabin'.

 

Bedrooms 15
Starting room rate £80
Website www.williamiv.london

 

 

Get The Caterer every week on your smartphone, tablet, or even in good old-fashioned hard copy (or all three!).