Terry Blake and Yohini Nandakumar are to open their first restaurant, Sparrow, in Lewisham on the 28th of March. The husband and wife team first met whilst working at St John’s in Smithfields and the new opening will be a homage to the food they love.
Seasonality will be at the heart of Sparrow’s menu, and while the focus will be on British meat and vegetables and European cooking techniques, dishes will borrow flavours from around the world. The diverse menu will reflect Terry’s background as chef at the likes of BAO, Merchant’s Tavern, and St John’s in London, and Amisfield and Saffron in New Zealand, plus Yohini’s experiences from stages at St. John, Pollen Street Social, The Square, supperclubs at her home and her Sri Lankan heritage.
“We chose the name Sparrow because it reflects the kind of food that we make, like a sparrow we aren’t specific to a place or country. One week we might put a classic Italian dish on the menu and other times we’ll make a crunchy Malay-style salad with whatever is in season,” says Yohini. “Taking influences from different parts of the world and combining it with great produce gives us the opportunity, and the freedom, to make a plate of food as delicious as it can be” adds Terry.
The regularly changing menu will feature sharing plates such as Courgette Trifolati and Roasted Spring Onion Bruschetta; Glazed Ham Slices, served with home baked Soughdough and Rhubarb Relish; Roast Pork Belly, spiked with Harissa; Malt Duck, served with Chilli Jam, whilst desserts will include Salted Chocolate Caramel Tart; Condensed Milk Ice-cream Affrogato; and Nutmeg Custard Tart.
Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, Sparrow will also open up its doors for brunch at the weekends, serving coffee made using Ozone beans and a menu of Eggs Benedict; Coconut Pancakes and Peanut Caramel; and Appam – a Sri-Lankan pancake made from fermented rice batter.
Located a stone’s throw away from Lewisham station, Sparrow will be a relaxed, light and airy space with an open kitchen taking centre stage, clad in emerald V&A tiles, and topped with a sleek wooden worktop. Simple antique tables and chairs, and industrial light fittings give an informal yet elegant feel.
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