Almeida Restaurant, on a quiet street in the heart of Islington, London, will re-open this September to reveal a contemporary new interior.
The refurbishments reflect the food cooked by Michelin-trained Head Chef Tommy Boland, who has previously worked at
Restaurant Tom Aikens, Sonnys Kitchen and
The Square Restaurant among others.
The earthy, raw materials used in his kitchen are reflected in the neutral, balanced colour palette of the restaurant. Colourful paintings by Isle of Dogs’ based artist Vanda Harvey will adorn the walls, inspired by time and tides, they set a nice contrast to the neutral colours of the restaurant.
The semi-private dining room for larger parties and drinks receptions will remain, alongside Almeida’s intimate private dining room to the side of the open kitchen.
The restaurant’s food is light and modern and made from the freshest seasonal produce available. Boland’s menu is a reflection of his personality and passion for fine food; seasonally-inspired, light and contemporary, the emphasis is on clean flavours with an ever present earthiness.
Guests can expect dishes such as octopus ballontine with sea vegetables, lemon dressing,
taramasalata and crispy squid, roasted grouse with celeriac puree, smoked bacon, savoy cabbage, elderberries and barley, and millefeuille of banana, salted caramel, peanuts and honey jelly.
A new tasting menu is also introduced to Almeida, offering five courses for £45 per person, including pan-fried John Dory with caramelised cauliflower, wild rice, brown shrimps and Swiss chard. Dishes may vary on a daily basis dependant on the quality of produce available, based on Boland’s understanding and appreciation of flavour.
Another new concept is the restaurant’s removal of the physical wine list. Instead Almeida is showcasing their wine offering visually; Almeida is one of the first restaurants in London to embrace this concept.
The knowledgeable staff will recommend different wines considering the guests’ budget, taste preferences and food order. But guests can still choose their own wine, if they want to.
The restaurant has created a Wine Wall, which is a constantly evolving display of over 80 bins, from lesser known to popular wines, all grouped in price order with tasting notes alongside.
Guests can spend some time studying the wall and making up their mind on which wine to drink with their dinner. Additionally, bottles of the staff’s favourite wines will be opened regularly, allowing guests the chance to taste wines before choosing.
Almeida’s bar will be repositioned as a destination in its own right, offering an interesting cocktail menu.
The cocktail list will change seasonally, incorporating infusions and fresh herbs grown on the restaurant’s street-side terrace, such as the Rosemary Julep, with rosemary, lemon, mint and bourbon. Bar snacks such as tartare of beef on toast and spicy n’duja and black olive churros with aioli will also be available.
Embracing a minimalist and personal approach expressed through seasonal food, fusion cocktails, contemporary interiors and a unique new wine concept, Almeida is re-opening with a refreshing new concept of their restaurant.
By Vera Kleinken
