2009’s new openings have been a bit of a mixed bag, with most places opening to very little fanfare and generally playing it safe. However, that looks set to change in the autumn when Hong Kong’s aqua restaurant group launches its first project outside China on Soho’s Argyll Street.
The top floor of the former Dickin & Jones department store will be transformed into two ultra-glam restaurants and a pre- and post-dining bar. The aqua group’s owner, David Yeo, said: “aqua london will combine great food that lets the flavours and freshness of the produce speak for themselves with approachable service and an exquisite ambience - qualities that have always been at the fore of all our restaurants.”
aqua kyoto will specialise in modern Japanese cuisine, complete with sushi bar and sumibiyaki charcoal grill; while aqua nueva will offer contemporary northern Spanish dishes inspired by the San Sebastian area. The pre-dinner drinks destination for both restaurants will be aqua spirit – a welcome addition to the West End bar scene. One of the venue’s biggest draws will be its roof terrace which will offer unrivalled views of the West End and beyond.
Lets just hope that the aqua group choose substance over style because we’ve all know how these glam Asian-fusion restaurants can fall flat on their face. (Does anyone remember Kyashii? No? Thought not…)
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