The fundamental things apply: Gin Joint, a new brasserie and bar, opens September 9th in the Barbican Centre. Climb aboard the last plane to Lisbon and find out more.

Ignite prove they’re no Bumpkins with renovation in Notting Hill and an opening in Chelsea. Poppy Laking tiptoes over the river to investigate.

The primary draw for most London residents will be its restaurant, The Blue Boar Smokehouse and Bar – serving up American soul food classics. Taking his inspiration from the top US’pit masters’, Head Chef Jon Ingram has created a testosterone-fuelled menu of slow-cooked meat, charcoal and wood-grilled steaks and other such meaty offerings. 

One of the books in a tall stack of dusty volumes has caught my eye. I better not try and pry it out, though- the bar will collapse. And I’d hate to cause a scandal on the Southbank. That’s just not cricket- or, more aptly, croquet, since that’s the tournament playing out this evening to mark the launch of Propstore.

They plan to serve actual jugged hare when it’s in season but for now, we settled on the Bath chaps and langoustine for starters, both presented beautifully.

‘All Balls!’ screams the menu. But it’s not. In fact, it never is with Vivek Singh, whose culinary rambles from continent to continent deliver time after time. Cinnamon Soho is his shiny new venue- bringing Singh’s trademark collision of Indian flavours and European sensibilities to West End diners.

Chakra opened in November, marking the celebration of the Hindu festival of light, Diwali. and is situated on the border of Notting Hill and Holland Park

Building on the success of his award-winning restaurant in Islington, Morgan Meunier is opening on Long Lane in Barbican. Morgan M Barbican, a new two-storey restaurant, has seasonally focused menu that includes small plates and tasting menus.

The burger is dead and the hot dog is king. Its campaign for fast food dominance continues apace with the opening of The Bratwurst in Soho, a German sausage joint.