The Fat Badger Restaurant London Review: Notting Hill’s Secretive Pub Dining

July 16, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

The Fat Badger restaurant in London began as an exclusive, invite‑only hideaway before swinging open its doors to the public— and what a transformation it is. From first glance, down the discreet side‑street entrance and up those stairs, you’re transported into a world of candle‑lit Tudor‑style panelling and plush pub charm, yet with all the polish of a private members’ lounge.

Launched earlier this year by the team behind The Hero and The Pelican, The Fat Badger thrived on VIP mystery before generously welcoming everyone in. Grace Dent of The Guardian notes that although it was once celebrity‑fueled, the food—helmed by ex‑River Cafe chef George Williams and Ballymaloe alum Beth O’Brien—is “really very good” and deserves acclaim beyond its hype.

The pub is an elegant relic: oak‑lined walls, oil‑lamp lighting, comfy armchairs, and an open fireplace behind the bar. It maintains just the right dash of secretive speakeasy energy—a darts board and a hint of live music add a charmingly casual edge. The upstairs dining room is cosy yet stately, offering a candle‑lit, wood‑panelled stage for the evening’s set menu.

Though no longer invite‑only, The Fat Badger still feels like a treasured secret. The Set-Menu is available for £85 a head (Tuesday–Saturday) or £60 at Sunday lunch. Her, a no-choice four‑course experience unfolds, tailored to preferences and allergies. And yes, Margot Robbie and Jamie Dornan have dropped by, but the service remains genuine and relaxed.

The Fat Badger is a delightful paradox: glam enough for an indulgent night out, yet rooted in comfort. It delivers pub warmth and no‑choice fine dining under one roof—accessible, unpretentious, yet deeply satisfying.

The Fat Badger Restaurant London Menu

Dishes here are “hearty” and “produce‑led”. Expect starters like rich nettle soup, velvety and green, accompanied by crisp Irish soda bread and sea‑salted butter. The lobster tempura comes in delicate celeriac tacos; followed by trout belly on charred toast, smoky and intriguing, plus a trout pâté with olives.

The mains include seared scallop in lobster gravy with garden‑fresh peas and pork jowl, followed by a centre‑cut beef fillet with hasselback potatoes, morels, and silky béarnaise. A refreshing strawberry‑basil sorbet surprisingly works for dessert, and a decadent duo of sticky doughnut with apple‑crumble ice cream finish off the meal.

These dishes are delivered with confidence—big flavours, heart, and no overthinking.

The Fat Badger Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for The Fat Badger below.

The Fat Badger Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: British

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Notting Hill

Address: 310 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TA

Website: https://thefatbadgerw10.com/

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Kokin Restaurant London Review: Wood-Fired Japanese Gem with Panoramic Views

July 15, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

Arriving at Kokin restaurant in London, on the seventh floor of The Stratford hotel, feels like stepping into a Zen retreat elevated by urban flair. Led by celebrated chef Daisuke Shimoyama—formerly of Southbank’s omakase spot Hannah—Kokin delivers a visionary take on Japanese cuisine that’s equal parts tradition and bold innovation.

Launched on May , 2025, Kokin (meaning “past and present”) was conceived to fuse Shimoyama’s mountain upbringing with his London-honed finesse. He uses a rare combination of cherry and apple wood alongside Binchotan charcoal to infuse each dish with layered smokiness, offering an elemental dining journey grounded in seasonality.

The restaurant’s space is vast and refined—formerly Allegra, now transformed into a minimalist sanctuary with wooden interiors, dried florals, and panoramic London views. Seating for 140 guests spans a central dining room, a sleek sushi bar serving both temae and omakase experiences, and two terraces overlooking Stratford’s skyline. The vibe is airy and thoughtful—urban elegance on the one hand, intimate calm on the other.

At its core, Kokin celebrates fire—nearly every dish smoulders with flavor. Bluefin tuna nights are theatrical and respectful. The whole fish is broken down tableside, honouring sustainable sourcing from Spain and Portugal. At the sushi bar, diners can customize temae (choose-your-own) sushi or surrender to an omakase crafted by Shimoyama himself.

Kokin is a standout in London’s dining scene. It is a rare east‑London destination that marries theatrical fire‑led cooking with precision Japanese technique. Casual enough to feel welcoming, yet luxurious in its execution—this is Stratford’s haute culinary revelation.

Kokin Restaurant London Menu

From the woodfire grill, expect sublime dishes like:

Tempura Lobster with Morels & XO: A deep-fried treat with luxurious umami punch
Grilled Tuna Collar: Slow-cooked wild Portuguese bluefin tuna kama, lavishly glazed with eight‑year‑aged ponzu and served with freshly grated daikon.
Woodfire Turbot: Flame-charred turbot bones create a dashi, blended with Kyoto white miso for a delicately smoky broth.
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu: Charcoal-grilled to perfection, presented with wild mushrooms and a softly poached onsen tamago.
Japanese Fish & Chips: Crisp scaly amadai with purple potato fries and smoked N25 caviar—playful yet refined.

At the sushi bar, you’ll encounter wood-smoked rice topped with wild tuna cuts—akami, chutoro, Maldon salt‑cured otoro—served in temaki or chirashi style. Even dessert gets the fire‑kissed treatment, with woodfire ice cream and delicate wagashi sweets .

The drinks list matches the kitchen’s elegance: refined sakes, Provisions Wine & Cheese–curated natural wines, and inventive Japanese‑inspired cocktails—think Wasabi Gin & Tonic or a Mio sparkling sake‑based “Summer Breeze”.

Kokin Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Kokin below.

Kokin Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Japanese

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Stratford

Address: The Stratford, 20 International Wy, London E20 1FD

Website: https://kokin.co.uk/

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Rosi Restaurant London Review: Lisa Goodwin‑Allen’s Brilliance at The Beaumont

July 14, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

Stepping into Rosi restaurant in London—a soon-to-launch flagship dining room inside The Beaumont in Mayfair—feels like the beginning of an intimate seasonal love affair. Guided by culinary director Lisa Goodwin‑Allen, fêted judge from MasterChef and long-time Northcote chef-patron, this autumnal rebrand replaces the Colony Grill with something far more nuanced: a celebration of provenance, interpretation, and sophisticated British warmth.

In May 2025, The Beaumont announced that Goodwin‑Allen, alongside exec chef Brendan Fyldes, took the reins of its culinary program, with Rosi slated to debut in autumn 2025. Coming off a stellar 23-year run leading Michelin-starred Northcote, Goodwin‑Allen brings her farm-to-table philosophy to a glamorous urban oasis, promising a restaurant that feels both grounded in British seasons and elevated for the Mayfair scene.

Though complete visuals of Rosi’s interior remain under wraps, The Beaumont’s luxurious DNA—rich marbles, polish wood, plush seating—will enter the new restaurant’s identity. Expect earthy materials and seasonal accents with brass fixtures, ambient lighting, and that art‑deco elegance The Beaumont is famous for. Guests are likely to be enveloped in a cocoon of both comfort and theatrical flair.

Rosi treads a rare middle ground: luxurious without being overt, seasonal without being fleeting trend-following. With Goodwin‑Allen’s heritage credentials and The Beaumont’s five-star pedigree, expect Michelin-grade hospitality delivered every night. It will become Mayfair’s go‑to place for discerning guests seeking homegrown, season-led refinement with a soft edge of elegance.

The restaurant promises to be a quietly revolutionary debut: a British venue that’s technically exacting, layered with seasonal character, and rooted in both heritage and innovation.

Rosi Restaurant London Menu

At Rosi, seasonality isn’t a buzzword—it’s the foundation. Goodwin‑Allen, alongside Fyldes, will craft menus that change with British harvests. It will likely showcase regional game, root veg, heritage grains, and foraged gems. Expect emphases on wood-fired or hearth-led cooking—the chef’s signature style—paired with fine Mayfair wine program and possibly a curated cocktail list echoing London’s seasonal creativity.

While official dishes are yet to be published, you can expect cooking as true to adventuring British seasonality as Northcote was. Picture starters: roast heritage beetroot with whipped goats’ cheese and charred chicory. Mains of wild venison loin with juniper jus and roasted salsify. A dessert revolving around spiced poached pear, walnut praline, and local honey. Signature dish reveals over summer will offer clarity. However, if her previous meticulous, flavour-driven plating is anything to go by, artistry and restraint will be front and centre.

Rosi Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Rosi below.

Rosi Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: British

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Area: Mayfair

Address: 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF

Website: https://thebeaumont.com/dining/

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Twenty8 Nomad London Review: A New York-Inspired Dining Room in Covent Garden

July 12, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

Located inside the NoMad hotel, Twenty8 Nomad restaurant in London is the bold new evolution of what was once the hotel’s original restaurant space. This rebrand marks a deliberate shift towards a more New York brasserie-style experience, blending downtown Manhattan cool with London sophistication.

Stepping inside, you find high ceilings, glossy tiled floors, and a palette of deep greens, brass, and rich leathers. The dining room feels effortlessly glamorous, with a slight art deco edge that nods to both The NoMad’s heritage and the speakeasy spirit of NYC’s restaurant scene. There’s also a chic central bar area perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or casual drop-ins. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Bow Street, filling the space with natural light by day and moody reflections by night.

What makes Twenty8 Nomad stand out is its energy. Whether you’re seated in a banquette or perched at the bar, there’s a buzz that feels straight out of Manhattan. Service is slick but approachable—staff here know their menu inside out, and they’re more than happy to guide you through both food and drink selections.

Twenty8 Nomad feels like the kind of place you’ll visit for a stylish lunch and end up staying for cocktails into the evening. Whether you’re after a taste of New York or just looking for one of the most glamorous dining rooms in Covent Garden, this is a spot worth booking.

Twenty8 Nomad Restaurant London Menu

The menu, led by Executive Chef Ashley Abodeely, is all about elevated comfort food with global influences. Start with the “Tuna Tartare with Smoked Soy and Furikake,” a dish that brings fresh acidity and umami in perfect balance. The “Chicken Liver Mousse with Blackcurrant Mostarda” is another winner, served with toasted brioche for scooping.

For mains, the “NoMad Burger” is already a signature—stacked with aged cheddar, pickled onion, and served with crisp shoestring fries. Seafood lovers should try the “Day Boat Cod with Charred Leeks and Shellfish Emulsion,” while the “Roast Lamb Saddle with Spring Peas and Mint” offers something heartier.

The cocktail program is also a big draw here. The “Twenty8 Martini,” made with vodka, fino sherry, and house pickles, is clean and sharp. If you’re in the mood for something playful, the “Big Apple Spritz,” blending Calvados, elderflower, and sparkling wine, is a refreshing choice.

Twenty8 Nomad Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Twenty8 Nomad below.

Twenty8 Nomad Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Contemporary American

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Area: Covent Garden

Address: 28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lonnmnd-nomad-london/dining/twenty8-nomad/

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Pyro Restaurant London Review: Borough Market’s New Greek Fire-Cooking Gem

July 2, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

Just steps from the bustle of Borough Market, Pyro restaurant in London is one of the city’s hottest new openings—both literally and figuratively. Opened by Yiannis Mexis, the chef behind Peckham’s celebrated Peckham Arches, Pyro brings a bold, fire-led Greek dining concept to Southwark Street. From the moment you walk in, there’s no mistaking the restaurant’s focus: everything revolves around wood fire, smoke, and Mediterranean warmth.

The space feels airy and industrial but softened by warm lighting and natural textures. Exposed brick walls, open beams, and a central open kitchen create that unmistakable Borough Market buzz, but with a more grown-up, evening-dining edge. There’s seating by the grill if you want front-row views of the chefs working the flames, and a more intimate dining area for those looking to linger over slow conversations and smoky cocktails.

Pyro stands out is its commitment to the primal joy of fire cooking. The grill is the heart of the restaurant, with oak and beech wood used to create layers of smoke and flavour in every dish. The menu is unapologetically Greek, but elevated for London’s discerning food crowd. It feels like the kind of place where Borough locals and destination diners will happily rub shoulders. Casual enough for a post-market meal but special enough for a Friday night out. If you love Greek food with serious firepower, Pyro should be next on your list.

Pyro Restaurant London Menu

The starters set the tone perfectly. The “Smoked Aubergine with Tahini and Chilli Oil” is a must-order—smoky, creamy, and with just enough heat to wake up your palate. The “Octopus with Fava and Pickled Onions” is another standout, tender with just the right char from the grill.

For mains, the “Grilled Lamb Ribs with Oregano and Lemon” arrive sticky and caramelised, with a bright citrus punch cutting through the richness. The “Whole Sea Bream” is grilled over open flame and served simply with olive oil and lemon—Mediterranean cooking at its finest. Vegetarians won’t feel left out either. The “Charred Hispi Cabbage with Garlic Yoghurt and Aleppo Chilli” is smoky, silky and full of flavour.

The drinks list leans into Greek wines and classic cocktails, but with a few playful twists. Try the “Smoked Negroni,” made with oak-aged gin, or sip on an Assyrtiko from Santorini to round off your meal.