The new Almeida Restaurant
Nestled on a quiet neighbourhood street in the heart of Islington, Almeida restaurant will re-open this September to reveal a refreshed, contemporary new interior.
The updated décor will reflect Michelin-trained head chef Tommy Boland’s concept for the restaurant’s food: light, modern dishes made using the freshest seasonal produce available. Interiors and furniture will be pared back, revealing earthy, raw materials and a neutral, balanced colour palette. The semi-private ‘sunken’ dining room will remain, perfect for larger parties and drinks receptions, alongside Almeida’s intimate private dining room to the side of the open kitchen. Colourful paintings by Isle of Dogs’ based artist Vanda Harvey will adorn the walls, inspired by time and tides.
Tommy’s menu is an intimate 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. Tommy is also introducing a tasting menu 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 are tailored on a daily basis dependant on the quality of produce available, based on Tommy’s clear understanding and appreciation of flavour.
In keeping with the décor and food concept, the restaurant is removing the physical wine list and instead showcasing their wine offering visually. One of the first restaurants in London to embrace this concept, Almeida’s engaging and knowledgeable staff will recommend different wines responding to guests’ budget, taste preferences and food order. Should diners prefer to choose their own wine, they can peruse the restaurant’s new Wine Wall; a constantly evolving display of over 80 bins, from lesser known appellations to popular crowd pleasers, all grouped in price order with tasting notes alongside. Additionally, bottles of the staff’s favourite wines will be opened regularly, allowing guests the chance to taste wines before choosing – another nod to Tommy’s personal style of cooking.
Almeida’s bar will be repositioned as a destination in its own right, ideal for weekend cocktails and pre and post-dinner drinks alike. 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. Tempting 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 fresh, minimalist and personal approach expressed through seasonal food, fusion cocktails, contemporary interiors and a unique new wine concept, Almeida is the perfect neighbourhood restaurant for friends, foodies and families alike.
For more information, visit almeida-restaurant.co.uk.
