Former Arbutus team to open solo restaurant in London
A former team from the Michelin-starred Arbutus Restaurant Group is set to open their first solo restaurant in central London later this spring.
Chefs Alan Christie and Colin Kelly, who formerly worked as head chefs of the Michelin-starred Arbutus and Wild Honey, and restaurant manager Tom Slegg will open Picture on Great Portland Street at the beginning of June.
Located near the BBC and Oxford Circus, Picture will be divided into two spaces, with a dining bar dominating the first half of the room, with space for 20, and a further 40 seats towards the back of the room.
The restaurant will offer an internationally influenced menu, with an emphasis on plates suitable for sharing. Typical dishes will include "silver darlings", pickled beetroots and carrots; Lebanese fried chicken with yoghurt and pomegranate; baked onion gratin, parmesan crumble; and "Cuppa Soup" with Gruyere cheese toastie.
The wine list will be relatively short offering 10 whites, 10 reds focusing on quality at affordable prices. Average spend per head will be around £30-35 and Picture will take reservations.
Commenting on the launch, co-owner Slegg said: "Service will be relaxed and friendly. The aim is that every guest feels comfortable, not under any pressure, and enjoys good food and drink.
"We are excited about the project. We've really bought into the site and the street, and hope the concept can offer those in the area something they would like to use. We can't wait to get going."