Caravan group to launch new concept

Named after the Romani travelling wagons of the 1800s, Vardo will be a ‘new nomadic concept’ that will ‘bring back-to-basics food to the forefront’.

The food is described as being ‘influenced by the journey of the travelling wagon spanning the globe collecting produce and spices along the way’, using ‘low and slow cooking techniques’.

Vardo will serve an all-day menu, similar to Caravan, with dishes including slow-braised carrots with brined mustard greens and aji blanco; charred aubergine with a saffron buttermilk dressing and served with grilled Turkish chilli; Baharat-rubbed lamb cutlets with green harissa and tahini; and green-baked eggs with lentil, pine nut and kale ragu, cumin yoghurt and charred pepper salsa.

Founded by New Zealanders Miles Kirby, Laura Harper-Hinton and Chris Ammermann, Caravan opened its first London restaurant in Clerkenwell’s Exmouth Market back in 2010.

The restaurant and coffee roasting business has since opened four further Caravan sites in the capital, including in King’s Cross, Bankside and The City.

Last year Kirby, Hinton and Ammermann also launched a grab-and-go sub brand CTG (Caravan To Go) at its new Fitzrovia site, which serves a selection of pastries and sandwiches alongside hot dishes such as chicken larb, and pulled lamb shoulder.