Michelin starred chef Merlin Labron-Johnson to open new restaurant with the team behind Portland Restaurant

Restaurateurs, Will Lander and Daniel Morgenthau and chef, Merlin Labron-Johnson - the team behind the critically acclaimed Portland Restaurant - will be launching the new neighbourhood restaurant, Clipstone in London’s Fitzrovia this August.

The 52-cover restaurant is said take a more will take a more ‘accessible’ approach to everyday dining, whilst channelling the same core principles behind Portland. Located on the corner of Clipstone Street the aptly named Clipstone was born out of serendipitous chat with the owner of a restaurant that was looking to move on and is a site that Will and Daniel have long admired.

The menu is a collaborative effort between 24 year-old Michelin starred chef, Merlin and his two sous chefs, Stuart Andrew and Edoardo Pellicano. Stuart Andrew (previously at Lyles and La Gazzetta) will lead the new kitchen team as Head Chef at Clipstone whilst Edoardo Pellicano (ex Viajante) will take the reins at Portland. Merlin will run between the two overseeing both restaurants as Executive Chef.  

>>> Related: Merlin Labron-Johnson, head chef, Portland Restaurant

Dishes will include Juniper cured pig bell, Slow cooked goat pizza, smoked and glazed pig head, andoven baked brill.Whilst desserts will include Lemon and sheep’s milk ice creamand Muscovado sugar tart.

An extensive drinks list will also be available with the restaurant aiming to showcase a variety of global winemaking methods, styles and technological advances in wine.

To bring a more ‘lived-in’ feel to the restaurant the space will use reclaimed stone tops and natural linens to combine soft touches, subtle finishes and discrete textures.

The restaurant will be open for lunch (12- 2:30pm) and dinner (6-10pm) six days a week, serving brunch on Saturday (11am-4pm).