This week's new openings: Jean-Georges at the Connaught, Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport, and more

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

Jean-Georges at the Connaught

 

French-born, US-based chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has opened a new informal restaurant at the Connaught hotel in London's Mayfair.

 

The move marks a return to the Maybourne Hotel Group for Vongerichten, who previously operated the Vong restaurant at the Berkeley. Vongerichten currently operates some of New York's leading restaurants, including the Jean-Georges, ABC Kitchen and the Mercer Kitchen, as well as 30 other restaurants worldwide.

 

The menus are inspired by Vongerichten's experiences of the Far East, combined with his take on classic Connaught dishes, using a farm-to-table approach. The design of the restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows accented with stained glass by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.

 

- Opened 27 July

• Covers 90
• Chef-patron Jean-Georges Vongerichten
• Head chef Anshu Anghotra
• Restaurant director Daniel Alvarado
• Hotel general manager Massimiliano Binda
• Design John Heah
• Typical dishes Black truffle and fontina pizza; tuna tartare with avocado, radish and ginger sauce; and beef tenderloin with glazed and roasted carrots and miso mustard sauce
• Website www.the-connaught.co.uk

 

Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport

 

- Bedrooms 357

• Room rate From £82
• Owner Urban & Civic
• Operator Interstate
• General manager Paolo Franchi
• Website www.hamptoninn.hilton.com

 

Rola Wala

 

Healthy Indian street food concept Rola Wala has opened its first London site in Spitalfields, offering customers sourdough naan, brown rice ‘khicheree’ or masala black bean noodles, as well as rice and kale bowls with Indian-style accompaniments and fresh chutney.

• Founder Mark Wright
• Typical dishes Red dal (beetroot, coconut and channa dal with nine-spice masala); and Bengali spiced beef (slow-cooked brisket in Bengali spices)
• Website www.rolawala.com

 

Chai Naasto Vegetarian Street Café

 

Chai Naasto has opened its third restaurant, in London’s Harrow. As well as healthy twists on popular Indian street food, the menu will feature a range of small plates inspired by Indian roadside cart snacks.

• Co-founder and head chef Tilesh Chudasama
• Typical dishes Desi thepla tacos; crispy salt and pepper okra; bhaji vegetable fondue; and Bombay sandwich grilled toastie
• Website www.chai-naasto.co.uk

 

The Bear & Billet

 

The Bear and Billet in Chester has reopened following a refurbishment. Built in 1664, the pub is an example of the black and white half-timbered buildings famous to Chester. The building, which was originally the town house of the Earls of Shrewsbury, has served as an inn for the past 100 years.

• Owner Market Town Taverns
• Typical dishes Cheese, onion and potato pie; and beer-battered fish and chips
• Website www.markettowntaverns.co.uk

 

The Tankard

 

Pub group the Draft House has opened the Tankard in London’s Kennington, its first opening since its purchase of the Grand Union Group of pubs in June. The Tankard’s refurbishment combines Victoriana with contemporary fittings and it retains its roof terrace overlooking the imperial War Museum.

• Founder Charlie McVeigh
• General manager Rachel Thomas
• Typical dishes Chicken schnitzel; and côte de boeuf
• Website www.drafthouse.co.uk

 

Hyde & Son

 

Design-led aparthotel Eden Locke in Edinburgh has opened its Hyde & Son coffee bar and lounge, serving artisan coffee and rare teas, Scottish spirits, whiskies and craft beers from local brewer Harviestoun. Hyde & Son also offers doughnuts and pastries from local bakery Twelve Triangles and vegan desserts.

• Head of coffee James Wise
• Design Grzywinski+Pons
• Website www.lockeliving.com