The Counter

The Open Restaurant Group is adding a new Mancunian venue to its ranks with the launch of The Counter in September. The restaurant is centred around its chef’s counter where six to eight guests can be wowed by a kitchen team led by executive chef Andrew Sheridan. The Counter’s ethos of lifting the curtain on the culinary operations sees it showcase a full-scale rotisserie, as well as a meat and fish drying cabinet to excite curious restaurant goers. The site gives patrons the option of dining under 4m-tall elm trees, astride stylish curved booth seating, or on its 20-cover terrace while observing the goings on of the buzzy John Dalton Street. The drinks menu is curated by Jake Nutt, formerly of Wales’ Ynyshir and Gwen, emphasising English wines, Manchester-brewed beers and contemporary cocktails.

The Noble Public House

Glasgow is to gain a new gastropub offering early this month with The Noble Public House. The 100-cover venue is spearheaded by Glaswegian hospitality group The Superlative Collection which hopes to blend classic pub vibes with a gloss of premium bar sophistication. Standing out in Glasgow’s dynamic food and drinks scene is no mean feat but the new venue’s unique approach to familiar Scottish food and drink may help it do just that. On the drinks front this includes signature cocktails in a partnership with The Macallan whisky and beers from local brewery Jump Ship. Food will include British pub staples with a Caledonian twist, while the venue will open from 9am to entice intrepid commuters from the nearby Glasgow Central station to its breakfast menu.

Nick Gillett: Competitive socialising – novelty or here to stay?

Oche, The Strand

OCHE, THE STRAND

Caia heads to Portobello

Caia

Bar Mecca comes to Bermondsey Street

The Last Talisman

The Cellar puts spotlight on sustainability

THE CELLAR

From reopening to new openings

A flurry of new venue openings is proof that green shoots are finally appearing for the on-trade, as Jo Gilbert reports.

Bar Convent confirms new venue for 2020 expansion

Berlin-based international bar trade event Bar Convent has found a new, bigger home.

Michael Sager to launch new restaurant and bar concept

A new restaurant and bar called Fare Bar + Canteen, is set to open in London’s Clerkenwell, offering a 250-strong wine list and 30+ wines, beers and cocktail on tap.