London sees boom in restaurant openings in 2014

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 03 December, 2014

London has seen "unprecedented" growth in net restaurant openings in the past year, as 101 venues opened up, beating the previous 2006 record of 75.

Restaurant guide Hardens latest annual survey records a total of 148 new openings, which is "very high by historical standards", and just 47 closures, the lowest this millennium. The survey draws on analysis from over 65,000 reports from 6,250 people.

As for the how much patrons can expect to fork out for their dinner, a meal for one is £49.46, an increase of 2.7% in the past 12 months from last year's £47.68. The increase is slightly smaller than last year's and in line with RPI inflation.

The survey singles out East London as a major dining destination, with three of the guide's most notable 2014 newcomers opening in Bethnal Green (The Typing Room) and Shoreditch (Lyle's and Merchant's Tavern).

Chef Brett Graham led the Ledbury to be crowned top gastronomic experience, while Chez Bruce was voted London's favourite restaurant for the 10^th consecutive year.

Simon Rogan's Fera at Claridges was rated the best newcomer of 2014, landing at number four in the overall listings. Its "phenomenal" meals were acclaimed for being "so different" to the usual dining scene.

Atherton Jason Atherton has handled expansion well, say Hardens reviewersJason Atherton is the celebrity chef who has handled expansion the best, selected by Hardens reporters as the "surest bet" for a quality meal among the famous names.

Jason Atherton is the celebrity chef who has handled expansion the best, selected by Hardens reporters as the "surest bet" for a quality meal among the famous names.

Dabbous, previously renowned for its drinks selection, appeared on the most disappointing cocktail list for the first time this year. Ratings for Ollie Dabbous's Dabbous, Marcus Wareing?s relaunched Marcus at the Berkeley and Heston Blumenthal?s hotel dining room, Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental, all saw reviews soften this year.

But Nuno Mendes, the chef behind Viajante, moved to the Chiltern Firehouse and it became an instant hit. However, Hardens hardened reporters say the food is average, despite the "amazing" room.

The River Café was voted the most overpriced restaurant in London.

Harden?s London Restaurants 2015, £12.99, is out now.

The 10 most notable openings of the year were (in no particular order):