Former River Café chef to head up Portobello Road restaurant

Gold is set to launch on Portobello Road in May, with former River Café chef Theo Hill overseeing the kitchen.

Alex Ghalleb, former director of operations at coffee, bar and restaurant group Grind, is a managing partner, and Arez Akgundogdu will be deputy general manager.

Dishes will be cooked in wood ovens or over an open flame, with the menu set to include wood roasted whole sea bream with wild oregano and capers; burrata served by charred pears, Parma ham, radicchio and balsamic; and wood roasted cauliflower with toasted buckwheat, cumin, yoghurt and coriander.

Gold is said to be inspired by the artistic culture of the Notting Hill area, and Portuguese street artist Vhils has been commissioned to create a series of works for the restaurant, including one across the exterior of the building.

Set over four storeys, Gold’s ground floor will contain a bar and open-kitchen area that leads out into a garden room with retractable roof. The first floor will house a further lounge and dining area, and the second floor will be taken up by a private party room.