The bad news? The weather is, indeed, absolutely shocking at the moment. The good news? London has no shortage of places to retreat from the rain this month.
If we’re silver-lining it, it’s fair to say now is actually the perfect time to explore what’s new on the city’s culinary map. From Japanese yakiniku to elevated British tasting menus, the city’s latest launches are top-tier, offering more than a few new spots to brighten even the dreariest of days.
When you’re ready to venture out, here’s a helpful look at five must-try places to eat and drink in London this October.
1. Kanpai Classic
After captivating diners across Taiwan and China for nearly two decades, Kanpai Classic is making its UK debut with Soho’s very first wagyu tasting menu. Known for its unique take on Japanese yakiniku (the Shanghai outpost became first Japanese yakiniku restaurant to earn a Michelin star back in 2016), Kanpai Classic is dedicated to the preparation – at at-your-table cookery – of premium wagyu, and it’s every bit as good as you’d hope it to be.
The 14-course omakase kicks off with a wagyu tartare (topped with caviar and celeriac purée) before leading into incredibly unique bites of Sugatayaki (A5 Japanese wagyu with Yakiniku sauce), a generous wagyu steak of the day (always A5 grade, to boot), Nanatsuboshi rice from Hokkaido, and much, much more. It’s the best way to experience what the restaurant has to offer, but all of Kanpai’s menu, within which all wagyu is aged for a minimum of 40 days, ensures an unparalleled experience for carnivores.
147-149 Wardour St, London W1F
2. Nine Lives
Nine Lives
To celebrate its seventh birthday, Bermondsey’s beloved (yet fairly secret) cocktail bar, Nine Lives, has unveiled a unbelievable new kitchen and cocktail menu, helmed by the incredibly creative Ramon ‘El Tigre’ Ramos and award-winning bartender William Campbell-Rowntree. Already known for serving some of the best tacos in London, Ramos’ new menu dives deeper into his Mexican roots, offering experimental dishes inspired by his hometown of Guadalajara.
The agave watermelon (paired with feta, chives, and Tigre’s Mexican seasoning) and Paloma ceviche (sea Bream, pink grapefruit, agave Leche De Tigre, served with plantain chips) are unmissable, as are every single one of the bar’s ‘Tropifornication’-ethos cocktails. Run, don’t walk.
8 Holyrood Street, London SE1 2EL
3. The Pem
The Pem
Led by renowned chef Sally Abé, The Pem has just launched a book-it-or-you’ll-regret-it six-course tasting menu showcasing the very best of British ingredients – and Abé’s Michelin star-worthy skillset – with a contemporary twist.
The ‘Taste of The Pem’ menu features delightfully innovative dishes, including Tomato Consommé with wild Scottish cherries and a 45-day-aged Saddleback pork chop paired with wild apricot and Scottish girolles. With a dedication to making the most of seasonal ingredients, and flawless service, The Pem is quite seriously one of the most exciting fine dining experiences in London.
22-28 Broadway, Westminster, London SW1H 0BH
4. Nancy Spain’s and Emerald Eats
Specializing in spice bags, hot chicken fillet rolls, and curry chips (see: staples of Irish cuisine) Emerald Eats has seen crowds flocking to its pop-up street food stalls all over London – most recently, with an in-house residency at similarly-authentic Irish pub Nancy Spain’s.
Tapping into the country’s culinary nostalgia better than anyone else this side of the Irish Sea (my unexpecting Irish friend was quite literally brought to tears while diving into a luxe-d up roll over a Barry’s Tea-infused cocktail), both Nancy and Emerald have huge draws for homesick expats and curious Londoners alike. Check out Emerald Eats’ Instagram for updates on where they’ll pop up next (and let’s hope, in time, they return to Nancy’s).
128-130 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AQ
5. Xi Home Shoreditch
Xi Home
Bringing the flavors of Dalian, Northern China, to Shoreditch, Xi Home is a veritable dumpling paradise. And I should know. I’ve been on the hunt for superior soup dumplings for months (for which Xi Home more than met the craving).
Opened by 27-year-old restaurateur Wenjun Xiang, Xi Home offers over 20 varieties of handmade dumplings, from classic pork and beef combinations to more adventurous fillings like black cuttlefish and abalone. Of course, it doesn’t stop there. A range of buns, pancakes, noodles and soups mean there’s something for everyone on the menu, and they’ve just announced dumpling workshops for those who might want to take their obsession one step further.
10 Blossom St, London E1 6PL