After a massive refurbishment, the old BBC Television Centre is set to re-open in April 2018 – there’s all sorts going on there including a new Soho House, apartments, offices, and restaurants. There’s so much going on in fact that it’s hard to keep track of it all, so here’s a handy guide to the all the new places to eat and when they’re due to open.
Television Centre Live 12th – 14th April
There’s a public launch with food, booze and music curated by YoYo’s Seb Chew this weekend where you can sample dishes from the new restaurants and check out the BBC Concert Orchestra live.
Bluebird Café
D&D’s Bluebird Café is first out of the blocks and is now open for business. It’s got arguably the best spot closest to the street but still facing out on to the remodelled forecourt. It’s got bright orange banners and outdoor seating that come summer is going to be a very popular spot we’re sure. We popped by for lunch and tucked in to some Bluebird classics such as steak tartare, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie. It’s a little bit of the Chelsea original, transported to White City.
Open NOW
bluebirdcafe.co.uk
Homeslice
When it came to choosing a pizza operator, there was surely no better choice than Homeslice which is co-owned by Mark Wogan, son of Terry Wogan. Homeslice deal in huge 20” pizzas which you can order whole or by the slice and they can get pretty creative with the toppings too – think beef brisket and pickled carrots or spiced lamb with savoy cabbage.
Opens April 2018
homeslicepizza.co.uk
The Allis
Most of Soho House, including the rooftop pool, will be only for members but the group are also launching The Allis, plus an Electric Cinema on the ground floor, that even the great unwashed can enjoy. The Allis ‘concept’ is lifted from Soho House Chicago and if the menu there is anything to go by there’ll be the usual all day-food offering plus martinis and seasonal cocktails.
Opens April 2018
housefour.com
Patty & Bun
Patty & Bun make one of the best burgers in London so anytime they open up a new spot why are welcomed with open arms. Considering the closest burger options in the area are currently Five Guys and Burger King in Westfield, P&B should clean up here, slinging their classic burgers such as The Ari Gold and The Lambshank Redemption.
Opens April 2018
pattyandbun.co.uk
Endo at Rotunda
This is one of the few new concepts coming to Television Centre and it sounds like a goodie; a 15-seat high-end sushi bar. It’s from master sushi chef Endo Kazutoshi who has worked as executive chef for Zuma and at El Bulli in a 20-year career. Last year he also launched Ichibuns, the ramen and burger restaurant in Soho.
Opens July 2018
Kricket
One of the most exciting of the new openings is Kricket and this will be their second permanent site, with a third in Brixton also due this year. It’s just next door to Bluebird, complete with outdoor terrace, and west Londoners and BBC employees will soon be tucking in to Kricket classics such as Keralan fried chicken and pumpkin curry.
Opens July 2018
kricket.co.uk
Bayley & Sage
High-class west London deli Bayley & Sage will open their seventh store at Television Centre, selling impeccable produce from cheese and ham to beers and wines.
Opens July 2018
bayley-sage.co.uk
There’s also hoardings up for a new coffee concept but no details on what this is yet!
89 Wood Lane, London W12 7FA
televisioncentre.com