The new venture is being launched by two ex-bankers, who aim to eventually open Featherblade as a standalone restaurant after refining the concept as a pop-up. For four months Featherblade will take over the kitchen at the Star of Bethnal Green, serving food both to the upstairs dining area, which seats around 40 people, and the downstairs pub area which seats another 40.
Featherblade founder Dan Nathan said: “We thought that launching as a pop-up was a great way of doing it, it allows us to refine our menu and get a bit of brand recognition.
“Restaurants in London are so competitive; everyone is out there looking for space. We wanted to make sure that our menu and branding was spot on before we went and talked to landlords. It feels like the natural stepping stone to moving towards a permanent site and if it goes well we want to open a permanent site as soon as we can, ideally in January.”
Modern British meat
Featherblade will be a meat-based concept, but the intention is to keep the prices down for customers by selling cheaper cuts from premium animals. It will offer hanger steak, lamb shoulder and leg and chicken, charging about £10 for beef and lamb meals, and £8 for chicken. These dishes will be put together by head chef Jessica Simmons, who has a background in Angela Hartnett establishments.
“We wanted to create a meat restaurant that you could go to if you were having an evening out with your mates,” explained Nathan. “A modern British chop house type environment that was accessible to everyone rather than just those dining on expense accounts or really high incomes.
“We’ll be selling tasty cuts cooked really well, but the kind of cuts that allow a good value offering. The meat will be the core part of the menu with a range of sauces and sides.”
Featherblade will be hosting a launch party on 18 September will free starters from its menu on offer including Egg with Bacon Brioche Soldiers, Cauliflower Cheese Croquettes and 48hr Rubbed Chicken Wings with Crab Apple Jelly.
The pop-up will be in place at the Star of Bethnal Green until 4 January 2015.