Situated among the Italian-inspired architecture of Sicilian Avenue in Holborn, the as-yet-unnamed restaurant will provide 25 covers and will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Chef/proprietor Dargue said: “The aim of Vanilla Black has always been to create inventive, some would say ‘quirky’ dishes to challenge negative perceptions of meat-free cookery. We have been amazed by its success and are proud to be as popular with meat-eaters as we are with vegetarians.
“With this latest venture, we want to continue to make vegetarian cuisine accessible to all, but also to set ourselves a new challenge.”
Takeaway facilities
The restaurant will offer both eat-in and takeaway facilities as well as a grocery section.
“The Lunching Londoners have their pick of paninis, sushi and noodles but there is room in the market for an eat-in/takeaway deli offering great British food,” added Dargue. “By serving traditional fare as well as encouraging customers to experiment at home with foraged foods, we want to remind people how great British ingredients and dishes can be.”
Diners can expect dishes such as scotch pancakes & lemon curd (breakfast), toasted parsnip bread, Ribblesdale sheep Cheese & Cracked Hazelnuts or Mixed Beets & Homemade Picalilli with Soda Bread soldiers (lunch/dinner), as well as delicious pastries and sweets such as dark chocolate sponge cake with ale ice cream and ginger parkin & warm golden syrup.
In 2008, BigHospitality reported that Vanilla Black, which was previously situated in York, shut up shop and moved to London’s Chancery Lane.
With a well-established team in place at Vanilla Black, Andrew and Donna will split their time between the two premises. The new site is due to open winter 2011/12.