Newsletter - 15th August 2025

Chez Lui 

When: Opened 16 June 2025

Where: 184A Kensington Park Rd, W11 2ES

BOOK: https://chezluibistrot.com/

 A new venture from the team behind Bagatelle in Mayfair as the first of their ‘La Bistrot Collection’, Chez Lui sells itself as a welcoming neighbourhood spot ‘inspired by the ease of French dining and the warmth of a good friend’s table’. Bringing the atmosphere of Parisian independent restaurants to Notting Hill, Chez Lui’s menu features French classics such as Beef Tartare, Potato Gratin, and Crème Brûlée, alongside a strictly French wine menu and cocktail list. The menu also offers more unique dishes including their Tropical Rum Baba and Citrus Sea Bass Carpaccio. The recent opening is keen to make diners feel like family, encouraging guests to enjoy an aperitif or post-dinner tipple in their cosy and intimate downstairs bar (no reservation needed!). With the space designed by Sam Baron, who has previously worked as a designer for Dior and Diptyque, you can expect the interiors to be as charming as the menu. Reviews so far are positive, praising the selection of timeless classics on offer as well as the range of seasonal complex flavours. So far, many are commending Chez Lui’s lack of flashiness and commitment to traditional and quietly confident French hospitality. Great for a lazy lunch, romantic date night, or morning coffee, pop in to see for yourself.

Humble Grape’s Wine Tasting

With six bars dotted throughout the city including Fleet Street, Liverpool Street, and Crouch End, Humble Grape is hosting a series of wine tastings from 18^th to 28^th August. Passionate about educating their guests, the bar has a selection of over 450 organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines from small producers around the globe. From ‘Wine 1-0-1’ to ‘World of Wine’, each event focuses on a particular group or region such as Bordeaux or California. Humble Grape is also collaborating with Château Monbrison to host a Supper Club which involves a welcome drink, 3-hour tasting session led by the winemaker which is paired with five Bordeaux-inspired dishes. Click here to check out the extensive range of events on offer.

Soleil By Claude at The Peninsula

For lovers of Mediterranean rooftop dining, this summer takeover is not one to miss. This temporary pop-up at The Peninsula hotel is offering decadent seafood platters, luxurious meat dishes, and Insta-worthy desserts as you look out onto London’s city skyline. Open until 31 August, Soleil’s French Riviera-inspired transformation of the eighth-floor Brooklands restaurant is open for breakfasts, leisurely lunches, or dinners, with a menu full of seasonal produce and an elegant, curated wine and cocktail selection to match. Dishes include an Angus Beef Carpaccio with Basil Pesto and Parmesan, Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder with Niçoise Sauce, Crab Orecchiette, and Grilled Lobster with Persillade Butter. Click here to book.

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival

This much-loved food festival is set to return from 23^rd to 25^th August for another year of food, entertainment, and shopping. Ideal for a family day out, the spectacular historical setting of Henry VIII’s former palace will be hosting an array of street food stalls, pop-up bars, music performances, and children’s activities. Expect plenty of delicious and seasonal artisan produce with local producers such as Cluck Farmyard, Pig in the Middle, and Wild West Cider set to appear. Tickets are available to purchase in advance or on the day and include access to all public areas of the palace as well as the festival. Click here to find out more.