A New ‘Modern British’ Grill Restaurant Will Include a Gold Sequin Wall For Selfies

The South Woodford site in north east London, which received acclaim from critics including the Evening Standard’s Fay Maschler and the Times’ late A.A. Gill when housing The Woodford restaurant — with chef Ben Murphy at the helm — is to reopen as The Gallery later this month.

The two-storey 100-cover site has been through two further iterations since The Woodford, including LDN Grill, and retains that site’s open kitchen and chef’s counter for four diners.

A “family with local links” are said to have taken over, with head chef Dave Rann in the kitchen, previously of The Juniper Tree in Belsize Park, hospitality group Rhubarb, as well as time spent working for Gordon Ramsay and Gary Rhodes.

“I can’t wait to welcome guests to The Gallery, for the chance to sample some of my favourite dishes and the moreish wines and cocktails available from our two bars,” Rann said ahead of opening. “Every effort has been made to make sure our guests enjoy a sophisticated and fun experience, with great food, expertly crafted cocktails and an enviable wine list. We’re looking forward to bringing the glamour back to the area with our unique offering.”

The Gallery [Official Photo]

The menu will have a focus on grilled food with inspiration drawn from the “Modern British” canon, with the first floor dedicated to resident and guest DJ nights.

A “self-playing, black polished grand piano” will take its place in its “dedicated lounge area,” on the ground floor, and “upon entrance to the restaurant, guests will find themselves snapping selfies for their social media against the perfectly extravagant, gold sequin wall.” The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) cast and fans, are thus actively encouraged to form an orderly queue.

The Gallery opens on Tuesday 27 November at 159 High RoadSouth WoodfordLondon E18 2PA.

• A Local’s Guide to North East London [ELDN]