The co-founders of Michelin-starred Hackney restaurant, Pidgin, are to open their new restaurant, Magpie, this June.
Located in Heddon street, off Regent Street, Magpie will be a modern British interpretation of traditional dim sum restaurants with diners choosing plates straight off the trolley.
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by a drinks trolley, laden with pre-mixed cocktails developed by GM Ajax Kentish.
James has written an eclectic wine list championing smaller, independent vineyards, with the biggest selection of wines available on tap in London, the focus will be on lesser known regions and grapes, with a small bias towards California.
“We’d discussed doing something like this before we even opened Pidgin – it seemed like a fun and novel approach to our current eating out habits, and a way of tackling some of the more frustrating aspects of ‘sharing’ plates,” says James.
“It’s less of a ‘sharing’ thing than just a fun restaurant with damn delicious food,” adds Sam. “If people want to share their food then great – I do – but we want guests to feel more in control of their dinner and not have to fret over how to halve the third croquette.”
The restaurant’s design will be a bright, open space with high ceilings and a poured concrete bar lined with comfortable leather stools.
Interiors will borrow from both Asian and Californian influences, combining canvas-hung walls with burnt wood tiling and a huge landscape imprinted on the restaurant’s back wall. Pidgin’s storm bathrooms will, of course, be making the move west with their dramatic murals and tempest soundtrack.
