Round-up: Italian sandwich shop and James Cochran come to London

This week’s round-up of new hospitality openings features an Italian sandwich shop, hot American chicken and two British pubs.

De Santis, Mayfair

This week saw iconic Milan sandwich shop De Santis launch its London debut.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, De Santis has opened in the crypt of Mercato Metropolitano in Mayfair, within St Mark’s church on North Audley Street.

De Santis has four locations in Milan and is now bringing its paninis, salads, snacks and meat and cheese boards to England’s capital.

Paninis include the Cesare with bresaola, mozzarella, artichokes and olive paté, the Bologna with mortadella, gorgonzola and pepper jam or the Angel with Cantabrian anchovies, stracciatella, green tomatoes and lemon.

There is also a vast selection of Italian spirits and cocktails available to enjoy into the evening.

Director of De Santis International Michael Weber said: “We are delighted to be joining the Mercato Metropolitano family for our flagship London venue, with our shared Milanese heritage and traditional approach, it feels like the perfect partnership.”

Chairman and CEO of De Santis, Alberto Corte, added: “We are thrilled to open in London with a key partner like Mercato Metropolitano, housed in such an iconic building, with such a rich history.

“Our aim is to offer an authentic culinary experience and help to bring Italian culture to the world.”

The Brave, Islington

Next week will see chef and restaurateur James Cochran open British bistro-pub The Brave on Essex Road in Islington.

Launching on Thursday, December 5, The Brave takes the 50-cover venue previously held by The Engle Field.

It marks a return to the pass for James, following the closure of his 12:51 restaurant in September.

Originally from Whitstable and of Scottish and Caribbean heritage, James honed his skills at Michelin-starred The Ledbury and The Harwood Arms.

Dishes on the menu at The Brave include jerk spiced chicken scotch egg with scotch bonnet jam, Guinness and cheese toastie, Scottish razor clam ceviche, cheese doughnut and chocolate mousse with bay leaf ice cream.

Speaking ahead of the launch, James said: “We’re creating something really special here at The Brave. It’s not just a pub – it’s a place where people can enjoy quality food and drink in a warm, authentic environment.

“My dad used to take me to the pub when I was a kid and I have happy memories of that time, so this feels full circle for me. And, given all the love we received from customers and locals when we closed 12:51, it's a no-brainer for me to open something down the road."

Dave’s Hot Chicken, Shaftesbury Avenue

American cult brand Dave’s Hot Chicken has announced its first UK location, set to open on Shaftesbury Avenue in London on Saturday, December 7 (12pm).

The menu will offer six distinct spice levels, but there is uncertainty surrounding the inclusion of their infamous ‘Reaper’ chicken, known for its extreme heat. Customers are required to sign a waiver before eating it.

The dish has been tested on five Brits ahead of the launch, with a decision yet to be made on if it is too hot for the UK audience.

Dave’s is backed by rapper Drake and Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson.

The Nashville-styled hot chicken restaurant was founded by childhood friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan and Tommy Rubenyan in an East Hollywood car park in 2017.

Jim Attwood, managing director of Dave’s Hot Chicken UK, said: “After conducting taste tests here in the UK, we found the Reaper to be so hot that it left participants crying from the sheer heat of the spice mix.

“We are still in discussions as to whether the Reaper will make it onto UK plates. Of course, if the nation truly wants to test the hottest chicken in the world, we could be convinced…” 

The Bat & Ball, Cuddesdon

This evening (November 29) sees Oxfordshire pub The Bat & Ball open its doors.

Initially, the venue will be available for drinks only, with food to be served from January 8.

The pub with rooms in Cuddesdon is the second opening from owner Ben Moss, who successfully took over 15th-century pub The Lamb Inn in 2022. It also marks the beginning of The Montgomery Group.

The dining space will accommodate 50 guests, with five guest rooms for those staying the night.

Michelin-star trained Nat Berney, formerly of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and currently at The Lamb Inn, will oversee the kitchen as executive chef. Rick Owens will work as head chef.

Taking to Instagram, The Bat & Ball said: “Sadly, we haven’t managed to fill the kitchen with the temporary staff we hoped to open with in December, before the full-time kitchen crew start in January.

“We’ve taken the very difficult decision to not serve food and wait until we know we can deliver the level of care and attention we strive to until then.”

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