Just about any hard surface will soon be able to multi-task as a touch-screen so it’s only fair to expect a similar level of versatility from our venues. And two new spring openings are stepping up to the mark with aplomb. Having tired of municipal politics, Bethnal Green’s Town Hall is taking on a whole new lease of life in the new guise of hotel, serviced apartments and Viajante bar and restaurant from Nuno Mendes. And then Drake & Morgan is set to launch The Anthologist in Gresham Street complete with bar, cocktail lounge, kitchen, deli and even a basement wine cellar.
But first to Peng Loh’s Town Hall Hotel, happily now free from the council pencil pushers. The Grade II-listed building has been restored to its former Edwardian and Neo-Classical glory by Paris and London based supremos, Rare Architecture. In addition to its luxury bedrooms, the building also boasts eight function rooms, the largest seating up to 188 people, swish leisure facilities and, of course, Mendes’ Viajante.
Just like the name of his new venture, the celebrated Portuguese chef has been something of an itinerant himself since the closure of Hoxton’s Bacchus a couple of years ago. Now, however, having tantalized the tastebuds of a select few at his private members supper club, THE LOFT, set in his own home, he is unleashing the full benefit of his gastronomic wanderings onto an expectant public.
Viajante tasting menus take their inspiration from Mendes’ first-hand experience on local farms from Spain and Portugal, via Scandinavia, to further afield in Asia and according to the man himself, mark “the sum of my experiences until today”: charred sea bass sits alongside Umami dishes – not forgetting the (fake) Shark’s Fin Soup!
There’s a finishing kitchen at one end, a private dining area, hand-crafted tables and chairs, silicone tapestries and a chandelier installation in the adjoining bar created by Parisian designer Tzuri Gueta - best known for his haute couture work with Dior, Givenchy and Armani
Drake & Morgan’s third site, The Anthologist, was once the City of London Police Commissioner’s office but we hope that patrons will keep on the right side of the law as they roll home after a night at the venue – a massive 10,940 square foot, 450 cover affair with two storey bar, exposed brickwork, reclaimed teak flooring and raised cabana style tables in the restaurant area allowing diners to overlook the open kitchen.
Open from breakfast, expect seasonal produce from local suppliers with brunch & light options featuring flatbread boards, gourmet sandwiches & burgers and mains including Fish in Beer Batter with Chips & Home-made Tartar Sauce or Chicken Breast Stuffed with Mascarpone & Wild Mushrooms.There’s also a secluded chef’s table for 10.
Towards the front of the venue is the deli serving fresh breads, cured hams, continental cheeses and condiments from Borough Market producers Neal’s Yard and Flour Station alongside Allen’s of Mayfair. And then downstairs, the wine cellar basement houses a central sampling bar and private tasting room for 80.
And with D&M’s skinny cocktails - already gaining quite a following - on offer at the bar, we reckon that just about covers everything!
Town Hall & Viajante, Patriot Square, London E2 9NF, 020 7871 0461 www.viajanterestaurant.co.uk
The Anthologist, 58 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7BB, 0845 468 0101 www.theanthologistbar.co.uk
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Multitasking Venues
