New Opening: Dreams of the Med

Head to Soho this month to check out an exciting new opening from restaurateurs Madina Kazhimova and Anna Dolgushina. Boasting terracotta flooring and exposed brick walls, and decorated with cascading green plants, grill-based restaurant and natural wine bar Firebird will evoke memories of holidays gone by. The kitchen is overseen by Nikos Kontongiannatos, former head chef of Caravan, who has drawn on his Greek heritage to create a menu of wood-fired sharing dishes with a focus on seasonal produce. Think tiger prawns with tomatoes, white wine and herbs; grilled halloumi with Greek honey and truffle; and charred peaches with ricotta and coriander. And the puds are equally irresistible – Baked Alaska has to be the most famous ‘grilled’ dessert, and here it’s served by the slice. Meanwhile, on the drinks front, the wine list, curated by sommelier Anna Dolgushina, champions small, natural and biodynamic producers from across Europe. Additionally, a carefully crafted cocktail menu inspired by the heat and smoke of the restaurant’s grill offers a taste of warmer climes, with drinks such as Toasted Sesame Sour, Charred Pineapple Daiquiri and Smoked Bellini Highball. It’s holiday heaven in W1.

29 Poland Street, W1F (Instagram: @firebird.london)