Three Michelin-starred Chef Eneko Atxa is at it again with the opening of his new Basque restaurant inside One Aldwych hotel. Known for his renowned Azurmendi restaurant in Spain—rated number 16 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list—the Spanish chef debuted Eneko at One Aldwych this fall, bringing his innovative techniques to the British capital.
“In London we have taken the essence of Basque cooking that we have at Azurmendi but in a much more relaxed, informal, light-hearted and almost rebellious setting,” Chef Eneko told The World’s 50 Best. “People can enjoy themselves in a simpler way and in a shorter space of time, but it’s still Basque gastronomy with its own peculiarities and potent and personal flavors.”
Crafted by design firm Casson Mann, the split-level restaurant boasts a floating mezzanine wine bar set above the main venue. On the menu, guests can expect dishes such as Txerri Boda Pork Festival featuring Iberico ham with basil emulsion, and chorizo and black pudding atop milk bread; as well as Basque-style Hake in tempura accompanied by confit vegetables, red pepper sauce and parsley emulsion. Making it easier for guests with dietry restrictions, the eatery also includes an entirely gluten- and dairy-free menu created by Executive Chef Dominic Teague.
When it comes to wine, the restaurant boasts an all-Spanish list with exclusive vintages sourced from Eneko’s very own Bilbao family winery, Gorka Izagirre. For dessert, diners can choose from delectable choices found on the dessert trolley such as Errezil Apple Mousse with white chocolate and Torrija, a light, vanilla milk-soaked sponge cake.
