2010 is finally upon us, and is promising to be a good year in food. Towards the end of January, we do of course have the Michelin lists for the UK to look forward to, and the results will be as eagerly anticipated as ever. Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester is hotly tipped to upgrade from it’s “Rising Three” star status to become the second London venue to hold three stars. Apsley’s, under the guidance of Heinz Beck, is also tipped to receive recognition – from my own dining experiences at Apsley’s this will be a very well deserved award if successful. There are always a couple of surprises and it will be very interesting to see what’s in store for this year.
Moving on, 2010 promises some fantastic openings around town, such as the imminent launch of Gordon Ramsay’s Petrus, which has only existed in name since Marcus Wareing took over the helm at the Berkeley some time ago. Likewise, the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge, featuring restaurants by highly acclaimed Brit superstar Heston Blumenthal and the 165 seat Bistro from NY super chef Daniel Boulud, promises a double delight for destination dining.
The French remain masters, and so Roux at Parliament Square, a new restaurant from Michel Roux Jnr in the Grade II listed premises of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. will provide an interesting option. Panoramic views over Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, on top of the great cuisine, will enhance its status as a true destination restaurant.
Looking to the East, a second branch of Hakkasan in Mayfair is certainly a bold move. However, given the success of the two Nobus in such close proximity, it’s not such a bad idea. A relaunch of the short-lived but popular Kyashi on Upper St Martins Lane will offer a sushi bar under the watchful eye of chef Jacky Yu, as well as a more formal dining area with a champagne bar on the mezzanine level for some chilled drinks.
There is plenty more to come, including the long-awaited relaunch of the Savoy Hotel and its restaurants. Considering all this, it may just be time to get that cheap gym membership in place so that you can enjoy the boundless amount of culinary delights in store.
