Luxury hospitality brand Searcys and Arbutus chef Anthony Demetre have announced a culinary collaboration due to launch this November, and it comes in the shape of brand new Shoreditch restaurant, Urban Coterie.
Located on the 17th floor of the M by Montcalm hotel on City Road – in the heart of east London’s rapidly developing ‘Tech City’ – the eaterie is to be a celebration of all things British, with changing monthly menus that focus on provenance and seasonality.
Head Chef Martin Zahumensky – formerly of Michelin-starred Texture, and Hibiscus, in Mayfair – will be poised to impress with snacks such as Pigs head with ‘ndjua’ mayonnaise and Potato doughnuts with Parmesan, while starters are set to include Brixham crab, apple, and celeriac and Ox tongue with green vegetables, crisp tripe and oyster mayonnaise. Signature mains of pork belly, carrots, grapefruit and liquorice and grilled monkfish with cockles, kale, rosemary and anchovy vinaigrette will make for more filling options, while classic desserts of English custard tart and warm chocolate mousse with toasted rice ice cream complete the menu.
Those requesting a table at the restaurant’s Sky Bar will be treated to a celebration of classic cocktails, with variations influenced by the British landscape, and a wine list of small boutique growers and biodynamic bottles.
Demetre said he was full of enthusiasm for the new project.
“I love east London for its infectious energy and I’m excited to be opening Urban Coterie here with Searcys. Today, cooking can be unnecessarily over-complicated, and our approach lets seasonal ingredients do the talking. I’m fortunate to have the talented Martin Zahumensky as Head Chef, as his cooking ethos is very much in line with mine.”
Designed by London based TONIK. Associates, Urban Coterie takes inspiration from many aspects of the building’s architecture. Tones and colours reference the sky and the warmth of a setting sun, while traditional materials such as brass, timber, bianco marble and leather soften the angular building. The private dining room seats 12, with blow-out glass for secrecy or inclusion, whilst a hole in the wall allows diners a glimpse into the kitchen next door.
Luxury hospitality brand Searcys, established in 1847, began as a luxury catering service, going on to be awarded a Royal Warrant and becoming the contract caterer of choice not just to royalty, but also to many of London’s stately homes. In the 1970s, Searcys took the concept of talented staff, excellent service, ingredients and drinks and began to open bars and restaurants in key locations. It now operates a number of special venues in London and the UK including: Searcys The Gherkin, Searcys St. Pancras Grand, Sixty One, Tonic & Remedy, Roman Bath Kitchen and Gin Joint at the Barbican.
Meanwhile, Demetre launched Arbutus (Soho) in 2006 and Wild Honey (Mayfair) in 2007, and is widely acknowledged as pioneering the bistronomy movement in the UK – a new breed of informal and more accessible fine dining restaurants.
Urban Coterie is due to open on November 5th, with its Private Members Club opening on the 16th floor later this year.
