Amuse-bouches: The latest restaurant news bites

We round up this week’s restaurant news, from the closure of Highbury’s Linden Stores to the opening of London’s first Batman-themed restaurant.

News:

Heston Blumenthal: Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal will not appear on the next series of MasterChef Australia amid accusations of staff wage underpayment and the closure of Melbourne’s Dinner by Heston this week. Australian television company Network 10 has confirmed that Blumenthal will not appear on the next series of the cooking competition. He has been a regular judge on the series, which is now into its 12th series. It follows news, reported by Broadsheet, that Melbourne-based Dinner by Heston would conduct its final shift on 14 February. The restaurant went into voluntary liquidation in December 2019.

Camden Town’s restaurant concept: Camden Town will be undertaking a redesign of its original site, constructing a 50-seat restaurant, extended taproom, outdoor drinking and dining space, brewery shop and new tour experience. Once ready, the site will feature the brewery’s first full-scale kitchen, offering a fresh seasonal menu devised by a soon to be announced “local chef partner”.

Marco Pierre White: Tempestuous chef Marco Pierre White has launched a three-night food experience at Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the Scottish Highlands that costs nearly £7,000 a head. As reported by Square Meal, the ‘Spring Gastronomy Experience’ being offered by Satopia Travel will set foodies back £6,910 per person. The experience includes meals created by the outspoken chef, a tour around the Alladale Wilderness Reserve, and accommodation in a recently refurbished Victorian manor with Laura Ashley interiors.

Belmond’s epicurean Burgundy cruise: Luxury hospitality group Belmond, which was bought by LVMH last year, has launched a luxury cruise through Burgundy that includes a visit to Clos Vougeot. Called ‘Epicurean Burgundy’, in addition to winery visits the cruise includes meals at a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the three star Maison Lameloise in Chagny and Restaurant Georges Blanc in Vonnas.

Openings:

Nobu replacement: Following news of the closure of Nobu Berkeley Street last week, it has been reported that the restaurant taking its place will be inspired by Tuscan wine estate Ill Borro. The new restaurant will be serving Italian produce all day, mostly sourced from the estate.

Batman-themed restaurant: Warner Bros. has revealed plans for London’s first DC Comics themed restaurant. Due to open this spring, the restaurant, called Park Row, will include an area designed to look like Batman’s lair. The site will feature three bars and five separate dining experiences.

Chequer Lane by Jamie Oliver: Jamie Oliver’s international restaurant business is set to open a new restaurant in Dublin as the British chef continues to expand his overseas empire. The new 100-seat restaurant is a collaboration between the Jamie Oliver Group and Irish restaurateur Gerry Fitzpatrick and is expected to open on Dublin’s Exchequer Street is expected in April 2020.

Closures:

Linden Stores: Highbury-based Linden Stores is due to shut up shop on 22 February, after owners Laura Christie and Chris Boustead have decided to move away from London. Christie recently helped set up Oklava Bakery and Wine alongside Selin Kiazim following the closure of Kyseri.

New Menus:

Stoney Street by 26 Grains: Borough Market newcomer Stoney Street by 26 Grains will be celebrating Shrove Tuesday (25 February) by serving Ølands wheat crêpes. The pancakes will be served with a range of topics including the classic lemon and sugar or homemade chocolate hazelnut praline with double cream. Stoney Street will also be selling the Swedish wheat flour so that customers can recreate the crêpes at home.

W/A Kensington at 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel: European brasserie W/A Kensington will be launching its first bottomless brunch menu. The four course menu will feature dishes including croll muffin, topped with crab and a soft poached egg and will be served with bottomless bubbles throughout. It will be available at weekends from 12pm to 3:30pm.