This week, two of London’s most eagerly awaited new restaurants opened their doors to a host of snap-happy bloggers and critics. Polpo - a buzzing Venetian bacaro on Beak Street – is already knee-deep in rave reviews, while Aqua Nueva is enjoying a slightly more subdued start.
One third of the Aqua London trinity, it’s situated at the top of the former Dickins & Jones department store on Regent Street and will soon be joined by a Japanese restaurant, Aqua Kyoto, and a bar, Aqua Spirit. The project marks the first UK outing for the Aqua restaurant group, who already run 14 high-end eateries in Hong Kong and Beijing including the Michelin starred Hutong.
Quite why they decided to open a Spanish restaurant is anyone’s guess, especially in an area where London’s tapas fans are already spoilt for choice. That said, the rooftop terrace, unrivalled views of the city skyline and an El Bulli trained chef should be enough to pull the taparazzi through the doors. The restaurant certainly looks the part, with its glass walkway entrance, life-like charging bull sculpture and warm Mediterranean colour scheme.
Chef Alberto Hernandez trained under the legendary Ferran Adria so the menu is a far cry from the Spanish-by-numbers approach. On the tapas menu, familiar favourites like ham croquetas and Piquillo peppers sit nervously alongside fancy fusion creations like crab and prawn jelly. From the ambitiously priced a la carte, diners can feast on Iberian neck of pork with peppercorn sauce; braised oxtail with pumpkin puree; and baby squid with balls of squid ink and fish broth. So far, neither Fay Maschler or the team from Hardens were convinced by the food, but the kitchen has plenty of time to perfect it.
The tapas bar is open all day and there are some creative Oriental-themed cocktails on offer in the bar, nearly all priced around the £9-10 mark. We like the sound of the wasabi Martini and the Bloody Gazpacho – a blend of garlic-infused Ketel One vodka, homemade gazpacho, horseradish and Japanese peppered salt. Served long over ice, it sounds like a first class hangover cure.
Stay tuned for more October openings, including the Bloomsbury branch of Pinchito Tapas; Jom Makan Westfield; and Hix Soho. You can keep up to date with our new ‘Coming Soon’ page, which lists high profile restaurants opening in the next few months. Have we missed any? Let us know!
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