Hot new London restaurants: October

Cora Pearl

We love the sound of Cora Pearl in Covent Garden from the team behind the wildly popular Kitty Fischer’s, not least because it’s named after a celebrated British courtesan. Headed up by George Barson, his menu combines simple classics with more decadent dishes that pay homage to Pearl’s British roots and the time she spend as a courtesan to pleasure seekers in 19th century Paris.

Among the dishes on the debut menu are shrimp Newburg; leek heart with smoked eel; fish stew; confit pork belly with smoked quince; and wild strawberry and Earl Grey ice cream. On the drinks front you’ll find contemporary twists on classic sip like the Chaine d’Or, featuring gin, Quinquina, Chartreuse and lime, and the French Pearl, which blends gin and pastis. Martinis meanwhile are served in antique French glasses.

Set in a townhouse, the interiors are inspired by Cora’s life and include dark textiles, upholstered wall-panels, tarnished mirrors and vintage lights.

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