Here's our first round-up in 2023 of the most exciting new openings across the food and beverage industry, from all around the world. Check out some highlights from openings we tracked at the end of last year during December in London, Los Angeles, Sydney and more.
Spice Trader, Sydney
The final part of Porter House in Sydney;s CBD has opened its doors. Spice Trader is located on the top floor of the heritage-listed building with low lighting, velvet banquettes and a 14 metre-long green marble bar. The cocktail menu cleverly reflects the items that were traded from the building during the 1800s including ginger, coconut and coffee. There are also house-spiced spirits on the rocks like the rum infused banana, vanilla, dried orange, clove, cassia and star Anise and cognac flavoured with dried apricot, peach, fig, nutmeg and clove. Bar snacks include fried scallop and bay bug toast, and Shark Bay scampi.
Find out more here.
The Chap, Los Angeles
There's a new British pub-inspired restaurant in town that brings with it classic British dishes and European pints on tap. Called The Chap, it's an unusual step from the group behind the likes of Mother Wolf and Mes Amis who tend to produce rather glitzy, upscale venues. Instead, this is a "come as you are" spot with a laid-back vibe, cosy booths and British Racing Green wood panelling. On the menu are dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash and a Sunday roast complete with Yorkshire puddings. It's uncomplicated and familiar and can be enjoyed whilst listening to live music or playing a round of backgammon or two.
Find out more here.
Saltie Girl, London
The Boston cult restaurant, Saltie Girl, has opened its doors in Mayfair. As the name suggests, it is all about seafood but is best known for oysters, lobster, caviar and tinned fish. Indeed, the Boston spot currently offers 65 different tins, served with bread, butter and salt. Chef Kathy Sidell is the name behind it and she explains how she got her inspiration for the restaurant from her childhood days of sailing on the Atlantic Ocean and eating seafood right out of the water. Other dishes on the menu include clam chowder and New England lobster rolls which can be washed down with a Martini with olives topped with caviar!
Find out more here.
Velvet, London
Corinthia Hotel has a new late-night bar, opened in partnership with acclaimed bartender and drinks expert Salvatore Calabrese who is often referred to as The Maestro. Velvet has taken over the spot that was the Bassoon Bar, creating a luxurious environment with red and royal blue furnishings and lavish lighting. Calabrese has created a wide range of cocktails, with classics from the 1920, more modern takes, a range of martinis and, of course, a menu of his signatures that includes the likes of Spicy Fifty with Stolichnaya vanilla, elderflower, honey syrup, fresh chilies and lime juice.
Find out more here.
Goldfinch, Copenhagen
The highly anticipated restaurant from chef Will King-Smith, (previously of Michelin-starred Geranium) has opened its doors. Goldfinch is a casual Cantonese restaurant in the heart of the city with an a la carte menu that changes frequently. Dishes have been inspired by traditional Cantonese culture with small to medium-sized sharing dishes forming the bulk of them. That means dishes like shrimp toast, char sui pork, roast duck, Dan Dan noodles and spicy clams. Larger sharing dishes also feature such as the traditional whole roast duck and whole lobster on egg noodles. This is definitely a spot for nostalgic, comfort food.
Find out more here.
Brewdog Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
The Scottish brewer Brewdog has landed in Brisbane's Brunswick Street, opening a vast new taproom spread over three levels. Called Brewdog Fortitude Valley, it has capacity for 400 people in a space that feels distinctly industrial with exposed timber, concrete features and hardwood floors. The main bar houses 60 taps offering the likes of Punk XPA, the Hazy Jane New England IPA and the Elvis Juice IPA. Local breweries make guest appearances too, opening with the Parched, Revel and Range. And for those not so keen on the beer, there is a selection of cocktails, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks.
Find out more here.
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Every month we compile more comprehensive lists of the most noticeable openings in both food and drink from around the world over on the tfp trendhub. Subscribers can see these lists for December in full over on our foodwatching and drinkswatching reports. If you're not yet subscribed but are interested in receiving our regular bespoke reporting service then get in touch using the form below.