Ember London Asian-style restaurant and bar opens with rare spirits and teas
With a menu from executive head chef Jonathan Villar ‒ formerly head chef of Peter Gordon’s (now-closed) Seven Dials cafe site Kopapa ‒ the 70-cover (with bar capacity for 150 standing) will serve dishes inspired by Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand, with each dish designed to pair with a similarly-original Asian-style drink.
The interior – which is split into five spaces including the Cellar Bar, Main Bar and private room The Vault ‒ has been created by Ross McNally of Scarnish Studio, using pieces from designer Tom Dixon, and ceramics created especially for the site from designer Maham Anjum.
Typical dishes include crispy Char Sui Pork Doughnuts served with Hoisin-Black Treacle; Steamed Slow-Roasted Berkshire Pork Belly and Bao Buns; and Grilled Waygu Beef and Foie Gras Burger (pictured) served in an avocado bun with smoked miso relish with streaky bacon, sriracha mayonnaise and melted Gruyere.
The drinks list has been created by wine and sake sommelier Jean-Louis Naveilhan, previously of Mayfair Japanese-style restaurant Sumosan.
As well as stocking wines from over 120 countries and regions, with a focus on South Africa, Italy, and France, the bar also hosts a range of rare whisky, rum and cognacs, with some sourced by auction, and displayed throughout the venue as part of the décor.
The restaurant also stocks a wide range of Asian-style teas, and Ember even claims to be the only place outside of Yunan Province in China to stock the rare Red Dragon tea.
There will also be a resident DJ playing house party tracks on Thursday evenings.
The site is privately owned by two individuals – one with a history in digital marketing and another in publishing.
The name Ember comes from the site’s location on Pudding Lane, which is said to be where the Great Fire of London started in 1666. The venue’s name references this event, of which 2016 is the 350th anniversary.
