Island Poké, backed by former Soho House director, to open in London
The Kingly Street site will be open seven days a week, and serve a breakfast-to-dinner menu, including ‘Acai bowls’ (breakfast bowls), and the choice to BYOB (Build Your Own Bowl) of poké.
There will also be Hawaiian-style sashimi and what the company describes as ‘100 per cent Hawaiian’ Kona coffee.
Chris Miller, formerly commercial director of Soho House Group, is backing the project via his newly-founded restaurant investment platform, The White Rabbit Fund.
James Gould-Porter, co-founder of Island Poké, said: "My first taste of authentic poké was in Maui when I was nine, which stuck with me and led me to quit my job and take Poké to the streets of London. We’re incredibly excited to open our first bricks and mortar [site], and hope Londoners feel the aloha spirit when they visit us. For us the provenance of the ingredients we serve is crucial."
Miller added: “I first tried poké in L.A last year and seeing its incredible success, I am confident [Gould-Porter] and the team will turn Island Poké into the preeminent poké offering in the UK.”
Miller confirmed that the backing of Island Poké pointed to The White Rabbit Fund’s plans to continue looking for deals in the current London restaurant scene. The Fund is also the backer of street food Indian small plates concept Kricket.
The concept is not the first poké-inspired opening to hit the capital city; restaurateur Kurt Zsedar debuted the dish at his Mayfair site Black Roe, and has confirmed he would be keen to open an entirely poké-based brand in the near future, while raw fish restaurant Ahi Poké was also announced in May this year.
