Two Essential London Restaurants Will Open New Sites in Victoria

Eater London has learned that the owners of two essential London restaurants — Koya and the Marksman — will open third and second sites, respectively, at the new Market Halls food complex in Victoria this November. While Koya is thought to be a small-scale off-shoot of the core brand, Marksman will open an entirely new project, a bun-only kitchen called Bunshop.

The twin coup from the operators of Market Halls — Pitt Cue director, Simon Anderson and property retail specialist, Andy Lewis-Pratt — comes after multiple reports this week that the property will open in November this year, a little later than scheduled. In total, there will 11 food vendors, which are all expected to be announced in the next fortnight.

Koya, ostensibly a Japanese udon noodle bar, but one of the most innovative small plates restaurants in the capital, will offer a limited menu in Victoria. Chef and co-owner Shuko Oda’s third site joins the original in Soho; a second site, in the Bloomberg Arcade, opened at the end of last year. At the time, co-owner John Devitt told Eater London that he and Oda had no plans for any further sites, but that he was always interested to hear new opportunities. He said then: “We won’t set up a chain. I’ve got my eye on a couple of others, but can’t imagine more than three or four restaurants in London.”

Ola Smit/Eater London

The Marksman, meanwhile, one of the leading modern British food pubs in the city, will launch a new concept, which is focused solely on chefs Jon Rotheram and Tom Harris’ trademark savoury buns. The beef and barley bun, served with fresh horseradish, has become one of London’s iconic dishes. More recently and especially during the pub’s special World Cup set menu this summer, a spiced lamb version. Details of the bun line-up in Victoria remain unknown at this stage.

The venue will accommodate 400 seated guests, over three floors, and will include a total of 11 food vendors, three bars, and one coffee shop. It will be open from breakfast to “late night.” A rooftop will also open in the spring of next year.

It will be the second Market Halls food court to open this year, with Fulham — the company’s first — opening in May. The “flagship” West End site will now not open until early 2019.

Market Halls [Official Photo]

More soon.