Franco Manca Continues to Swerve the Casual Dining Crunch

Ex-Heston Blumenthal chef announces first solo restaurant

Soho Wala will open on the site of the Courthouse Hotel opposite Carnaby Street. Chef Preet Tandi, formerly of Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Nobu London, and Chelsea Japanese restaurant Kiru, will serve the likes of kurkure bhaji and mirchi matchstick chicken. The restaurant will open in November. [Big Hospitality]

Dim sum chain supremo will launch Taiwanese restaurant

Paul Sarlas, former chief executive at Ping Pong, will launch a Taiwanese restaurant called Bao and Bing. The company is registered to 164 New Cavendish Street in Marylebone/Fitzrovia, a few doors down from Santa Maria; potentially a fine first location. [MCA]

Pizza chain plots further expansion

Franco Manca will open its 43rd restaurant — taking it to 34 in London — on Catherine Street in Aldwych. The sourdough pizza brand is also in talks for a second new central London site; no sign of the casual crunch apparently brought on by “trendy pop-ups” here. [MCA/Paywall]

London poke chain will arrive in Shoreditch

Island Poke will open its sixth restaurant — and first with sit-down dining — at 42 Great Eastern Street. On the former site of ‘Indian burrito’ restaurant Inito, the group’s latest opening is backed by Chris Miller’s White Rabbit Fund, which also invests in Lina Stores and Kym’s. [Code Hospitality]

Camberwell pizza favourite opens in Elephant and Castle

Theo’s has opened a second pizzeria in Elephant and Castle, following the original site in Camberwell. Expect the weekly-changing menu peppered with stalwarts that has won the original widespread praise.