Orasay, Notting Hill

The past year has been a busy one for chef-restaurateurs of the moment Andrew Clarke and Jackson Boxer. Hot on the heels of a hugely successful opening at St Leonard’s in Shoreditch, the pair are set to debut their latest venture, Orasay, on 4 March – their third London establishment, on top of the veteran foodie-favourite, Brunswick House in Vauxhall.

Clarke and Boxer are known for their focus on artfully sourced, quality produce. Taking up residence in Notting Hill, on the old Peyotito site on Kensington Park Road and just down the road from Clare Smyth’s Core, Orasay looks to bring something new to this well catered for corner of west London.

Whilst St Leonard’s took us to southwest France via West Sussex, Orasay will be a culinary homage to the Outer Hebridean region where Boxer spent his summers as a child (the name playfully refers to the island of Orosay). Sampling the oceanic delights of this far corner of the British Isles, Orasay boasts of a focused ‘aquanautical’ menu with Scottish seafood at its heart. Expect the freshest and finest selection of oysters, langoustine, scallops, razor clams, crabs, and lobster, all flown down daily as part of a direct supply chain linking London to the region.

Orasay Shallot Tart

Elegant and simple dishes will boast of classic European technique, with an emphasis on seasonality, that will allow the quality of the produce to truly sing. Fresh seafood will be complimented by items from their own organic farm (Boxer’s family home) in West Sussex, as well as that of other organic farmers who share Boxer’s and Clarke’s principles.

Look out for delectable combinations such as: oysters with shallots and elderflower champagne; surf clams with ham and black sesame; and scallop with shiitake mushrooms and celeriac; as well as beef and tuna tartare with winter tomatoes. A list of 60 wines includes excellent reds and whites from Burgundy and Northern Italy, many served on tap by the glass and carafe. There is also the opportunity to snatch a rarer bottle from Boxer’s own personal cellar if you are looking to really up you’re wine game.

Dressed in a neutral palette with soft washed walls and reclaimed antique French furniture, the 50-seat dining room – with an additional 12 seater private dining room – holds a beautifully calming ambiance, making it perfect for dates and anniversaries. But given this duo’s burgeoning reputation, make sure to book well in advance.