Each month we publish a round-up of the most exciting new openings across food and drink around the world over on the tfp trendhub. Here are some of the highlights from January 2023 from London, Singapore, Hong Kong and more.
Bushra, Hong Kong
The flavours of North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East have been brought to Hong Kong thanks to the opening of Bushra. This vibrant spot is headed by three chefs - Morocco-born chef El Mehdi Zenasni, Egyptian chef Sakr Tamer, and Lebanese chef Najib Farkhoury - who combine their culinary expertise to present dishes from their home countries. Certainly there are the well known falafel, hummus and kebabs, but there are also lesser known dishes like the Moroccan Beef Tajine and Persian Chicken. And sitting alongside is a selection of classic cocktails with Middle-Eastern twists.
Find out more here.
Florattica, London
London's East End is the new owner of a rooftop bar with views that stretch out across to St Paul's Cathedral, Canary Wharf and the Thames. Florattica, part of Canopy by Hilton London, is found on the 11th floor and whilst the views are pretty special, the interior doesn't disappoint either with floral installations inspired by 17th century French Huguenots. Cocktails take on the floral theme, mixing premium spirits with local ingredients like the Cynara with black-garlic infused Tanqueray, Campari, Mancino Rosso and clarified artichoke juice. Snacks are available for those who are peckish.
Find out more here.
Essential by Christophe, New York
Christophe Bellanca, the French chef who rose to prominence in New York at Le Cirque and L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, has opened Essential by Christophe on the Upper West Side. This is his first solo venture and he allows us a glimpse into his passions with the interior reflecting his love of rock 'n' roll with decorative touches nodding particularly to Bruce Springsteen. Also important to him is "good iced tea and big slabs of bread" which you will find on the menu. And the food? He sticks with the French theme though, naturally, adds a few twists here and there.
Find out more here.
Cafe Kitsune, Singapore
Cafe Kitsune, the French-Japanese cafe which already has a presence in Paris, Tokyo, New York and London, has made its first foray into Singapore. Whilst it might have built a reputation on its stylish, instagrammable interiors, it serves a mean cup of coffee too. Its signature single origin coffee beans are sourced from Brazil and Guatemala. The Singapore spot is also serving the brand's signature speciality drinks such as the Dirty Matcha Latte and the Cafe Bon Bon. And on the side? Why not try one of the classic pastries with a Japanese twist or the Chilli Chocolate Tart which is exclusive to Singapore.
Find out more here.
Brewdog, Sydney
The Scottish craft-brewing giant Brewdog has opened its first taproom in Sydney, taking over a venue in the historic South Eveleigh precinct. The huge space - a former locomotive workshop - accommodates 720 inside as well as 190 in the outdoor beer garden. Customers can choose from 40 taps with classics like the Punk XPA and Hazy Jane as well as brews that are exclusive to Australia such as the Brown Snake ginger beer, named after the Brisbane River. The venue also offers a variety of local beers from the likes of Grifter, Willie the Boatman and Batch and if peckish, the menu caters well for both vegetarians and vegans.
Find out more here.
Studio Frantzen, London
Bjorn Frantzen, he of six Michelin stars for his restaurants in Singapore and Stockholm, has opened the doors to his latest venture in London's Harrods. You'll find Studio Frantzen tucked away on the fifth floor where it houses a moody cocktail bar, a covered roof terrace and a red-hued dining room and, as with his food, the Nordic and Asian influences blend together in a stylish fashion. Diners choose from an A La Carte menu with dishes like mixed tartare of tuna & red deer in clarified ginger butter and steamed turbot with three types of caviar. Our suggestion is to get booking as it looks like this one is going to be rather popular.
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 January 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.