Altamarea Group, the acclaimed New York based restaurateurs, have brought on young Brit Will Guess, (whose family own Rowley’s Restaurant, where Will was formerly a director) to collaborate on a vibrant new ‘butcher-shop inspired’ restaurant ‘Chop Shop’ on Haymarket in St James’s London.
Founded only in February 2010, the Altamarea Group has gained much critical acclaim and is firmly established as a major player on the NY dining scene. The group comprises eight restaurants across the US and one in Hong Kong. Ahmass Fakahany, owner of Altamarea operates in a considered, measured manner ensuring each brand is distinct, maintaining its own personality and concept tailored to its respective location. However, each restaurant is united in delivering exceptional and convivial hospitality combined with the highest quality food.
Ahmass met Will earlier this year and was impressed by his passion and experience – he cut his teeth working his way up the ladder at Cubitt House, then 101 Pimlico and finally as a director of Rowley’s. Together, the two of them conceived the idea for Chop Shop, combining both their British and New York experience to mould this intimate ‘neighbourhood’ style, well-priced concept.
Ahmass comments:
“Chop Shop is Altamarea’s first venture in Europe, and one which marks an additional dimension for the group. I have always been a firm believer in investing in young talent, and meeting Will provided the springboard to launch a local on-ground concept with some New York influence supported by our culinary talent.”
Menu
Launching in September 2013, Chop Shop will be casual and accessible, with the name referring to the cut of meat as well as chopped meats and salads. Both menu and design will reflect the spirited and edgy influences of New York and London, to create a lively neighbourhood restaurant.
The menu itself will be divided into ‘jars’ of meat and fish pâtés, ‘planks’ offering a selection of cheese or charcuterie to share, and ‘crocks’ full of baked meatballs and gratins. ‘Steaks and chops’ are set to be the highlight with Chop Shop serving USDA fillet, hanger and sirloin steaks alongside other various meats served on the bone.
Additional main courses will include the ‘White Label Burger’, created by Altamarea’s chef Michael White, alongside roast chicken, baked salmon, and the Chop Shop short rib steak sandwich. Given the restaurant’s proximity to London’s theatre district, Chop Shop will offer well-priced theatre menus as well as a set lunch menu. With an inviting, yet raw industrial feel, Chop Shop will welcome guests to enjoy a quick bite or to spend a while and indulge in a leisurely meal with family and friends.
Design
Spanning two floors, the interiors have been designed by Stuart Taylor at 44th Hill (Graphic Bar, The Rum Kitchen, 52 North). The 58-cover ground floor provides an intimate atmosphere with distressed dark wood panelling and exposed whitewashed brick walls composing the backdrop to large reclaimed tiles, which will be the focus of the design. The tiles, which Stuart discovered in Shoreditch, have formed the inspiration for Chop Shop’s interiors. An urban and individual feel will run throughout the two floors, with 75% of all materials used in the design being reclaimed.
A restaurant inspired by the butcher’s shop
Rowley’s in St. James, famed for being the home of the original Walls butcher shop, has been in Will’s family for years and it was this background which ignited his passion to create a restaurant inspired by the butcher’s shop. Will, now UK director of the Altamarea Group, comments:
“There are many great steak restaurants in London, however at Chop Shop we aim to provide a spirited environment offering carefully sourced meat, not just beef, predominantly on the bone, maintaining quality but ensuring the price point is still accessible.”
Chop Shop 66 Haymarket London
SW1Y 4RF
Twitter: @chopshoplondon
The Altamarea Group
Owned by partners Ahmass Fakahany and Chef Michael White, the Group comprises six Manhattan restaurants: Marea (2009), Osteria Morini (2010), Ai Fiori (2010), Nicoletta (2012), Costata (2013) and The Butterfly (June 2013); two New Jersey restaurants, Osteria Morini (2012) and Due Mari (2008); and Al Molo (2010) in Hong Kong.
Altamarea delivers the highest levels of quality and consistency in food and service across distinct brands and concepts with the client always at the centre. It has consistently received top recognition and acclaim including James Beard Foundation, Michelin Guide, Zagat, New York Times, and Relais & Chateaux.