Round-up: Dutch burger brand and avocado restaurant open in London

This week’s round-up of new openings all come in London, featuring an avocado restaurant, a pub saved from closure, a steakhouse and a Dutch burger brand.

AVOBAR, MARYLEBONE

Now open again in London is the capital’s first avocado restaurant, Avobar.

The brand was established in 2018 and previously operated in Covent Garden, before shutting its doors a year ago, to be replaced by Bar du Champagne.

Now, Avobar has found a new home in Marylebone, with a soft launch taking place earlier this week.

Avobar describes itself as a “lifestyle brand”, adding how they have “mastered the art of taking humble ingredients and cooking them with expert knowledge to create nutritious and delicious dishes”.

Their avocados are sourced sustainably from Peru, farmed at a specific altitude to gather more natural rainfall.

They also specialise in roasted coffee and offer “a vibe that just can’t be beaten”.

Avobar also has a restaurant in Abu Dhabi.

CLAPTON HART, HACKNEY

Tomorrow night (December 7) sees the relaunch party of the Clapton Hart pub in Hackney.

The local landmark, which dates back to 1722, has been rescued from closure and refurbished in time for the festive season.

Urban Pubs & Bars, London’s largest independent pub group, stepped in to secure the pub’s future. Following a £1.2million refurb, the pub is now ready to open its doors again.

There has been a redesigned dining room, revamped garden and covered huts for winter gatherings.

The menu features pub classics like pie and mash or a burger and a Sunday roast, as well as beers from local breweries such as Haggerston’s Signature Brewery.

Chris Hill, managing director of Urban Pubs & Bars, said: “Saving the Clapton Hart is exactly what Urban Pubs & Bars is all about—preserving London’s rich pub culture, supporting local communities, and giving historic venues the love they deserve.

“We’re thrilled to reopen this iconic pub just in time for Christmas, and we can’t wait to see everyone back, celebrating together in this amazing space.”

FLAT IRON, VICTORIA

Flat Iron’s latest restaurant is set to open in Victoria, opposite the station, on Tuesday (December 10).

The ‘flat iron’ steak is taken from the featherblade, with sides such as beef dripping chips, creamed spinach, truffled macaroni cheese and bone marrow garlic mash available.

Guests can also choose a cut of steak from the rotating board of specials, including a Wagyu steak of the day, Scottish bavette or triple cheese truffle burger, made using beef from the Flat Iron herd in Thirsk, Yorkshire.

The 140-cover restaurant in Victoria sits across two floors, with reused and vintage furniture, as per the brand's ethos.

Fred Smith, head of beef at Flat Iron, said: “Our goal has always been to make great steak accessible to everyone.

“We can’t wait to bring our offer to a new part of London, in such a prominent location.”

Flat Iron initially opened as a pop-up in 2012 and now operates 13 restaurants across London, Cambridge, Leeds and Manchester.

FAT PHILL’S, CLAPHAM JUNCTION

Netherlands-born burger brand Fat Phill’s is set to make its London debut next week (December 11).

Known for their smash burgers, American-style sandwiches and loaded fries, Fat Phill’s has built a cult following across the Netherlands.

Founded in 2019 by Armin Vahabian, Fat Phill’s already has 18 locations. Among the menu is a quadruple cheeseburger with bacon, known as the ‘Big Belly’.

There is also the Tamale Burger for those who like spice, as well as a Nashville Hot Chicken, or Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.

Fat Phill’s offers a quick service for either takeaway, or eat-in.

Want to feature in our next round-up? Email tom@thestaffcanteen.com