Latest openings: the Mitre, Kin + Ilk, Billesley Manor and more

A look at the latest restaurants, hotels, pubs and bars to open their doors.

 

The Mitre

 

The Mitre hotel in London’s Hampton Court has relaunched as the first Signet Collection property, following a £3.7m refurbishment.

 

The group was founded by Hector Ross, former chief operating officer of Longshot, which owns the luxury Beaverbrook hotel in Surrey and the Bel & the Dragon Group, and culinary and operations director Ronnie Kimbugwe, who has previously worked as senior sous chef at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s and spent 10 years as group head chef of the Bel & the Dragon Country Inns.

 

The new Signet Collection of boutique properties will focus on informal design, F&B and service, and each will be individually designed properties.

 

The Mitre is a Grade II-listed property dating back to 1665, originally used as ancillary accommodation for guests of King Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace. Set on the banks of the River Thames, the hotel includes a 60-cover, all-day wine bar and restaurant, a 70-cover brasserie and bar, a 60-cover orangery, a large riverside terrace, meeting rooms and private dining areas.

 

Opened 7 September

 

Founders Hector Ross and Ronnie Kimbugwe

 

Bedrooms 36

 

Design Nicola Harding

 

Website www.mitrehamptoncourt.com

 

 

Kin + Ilk

 

Welsh coffee company Kin + Ilk has secured a permanent site at St David’s Cardiff. It serves coffee directly sourced from the producer, Finca El Corozo, in partnership with Clifton Coffee, as well as products from baker Alex Gooch, the Chocolate Brownie Co and Douglas Willis Butchers, as part of an all-day menu.

 

Covers 56

 

Typical dishes Halloumi flatbread; grilled ham and cheese sourdough; chorizo hash

 

Website www.kinandilk.com

 

 

Billesley Manor

 

Billesley Manor in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, has reopened following a £5.6m refurbishment. The 16th-century manor house hotel has upgraded its rooms, the Stuart restaurant, reception, Great Hall and gallery. The library is now the ‘As You Like It Lounge’ and features a ceiling of floating books.

 

Bedrooms 71

 

General manager Stephen Fearnley

 

Starting room rate £130 B&B

 

Website www.billesleymanor.com

 

 

Bunga Bunga

 

Bunga Bunga in London’s Battersea has relaunched with a ‘singing in the shower’ karaoke experience with three cubicles. The interior has been transformed into an Italian bathroom, and tables are separated by shower curtains. The Kara-soaky experience will be accompanied by a three-course Italian menu including metre-long pizzas.

 

Operator Inception Group

 

Typical dish Mushroom and truffle arancini

 

Website www.bungabunga.com

 

 

Gail’s Blackfriars

 

Bakery chain Gail’s has opened its latest bakery in London’s Blackfriars, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Serving bread, pastries, cakes, breakfasts and lunches, the brand has 60 sites in and around London, Brighton and Oxford, with the latest opening at One Blackfriars Road. The Luke Johnson-backed bakery business has employed 10 staff to oversee the operation.

 

Covers 50

 

Website www.gailsbread.co.uk

 

 

The Fitzdares Club

 

Bookmaker Fitzdares has opened a luxury private members’ club in London’s Mayfair to allow members to watch live sport. Headphones are available so members can listen to sports during dinner in the restaurant, and the wine cellar has been selected by former Sketch bar director Dom Jacobs.

 

Membership fee £600 per annum

 

Design Rosanna Bossom

 

Typical dishes Bresse chicken; lobster croissants

 

Website www.fitzdares.com/club

 

 

Cha Cha

 

Cha Cha has opened in London’s Notting Hill, a multi-story restaurant and bar offering Mediterranean cuisine with Latin influences. The concept was founded by artist Max Tieff, former Hakkasan global brand director Alexandre Santamaria and chef Anthony Garlando.

 

Design Sella Concept

 

Typical dishes Tuna tiraditos; grilled octopus skewers; short ribs; charred baby gem salad with anchovies and pecorino

 

Website www.wearechacha.com