This kosher king is headed to London’s West End

In January, the number of kosher licensed restaurants within walking distance of Oxford Street will double, when the king of kosher catering, Tony Page opens his first outlet in London’s W1 postcode.

For many years, there has been a limited number of destinations to eat out in London’s shopping district. 

Reubens deli and restaurant had been the longest surviving venue for a sit down meal, but having suffered two fires within a few months, the historic venue is still undergoing refurbishment. 

The milky Reubens Cafe — a short stroll down Baker Street from its meaty sibling — had picked up the lighter snack demand with a menu of bagels, pastas, pizzas, salads, breakfast dishes and afternoon tea. Tony Page’s high end dining will fill a decades long gap.   

The kosher food veteran is heading east from his current Lancaster Gate site in W2. The Island Grill, which has occupied a pavement level location at the Hyde Park-facing Lancaster Gate Hotel since 2020 will close on January 12, 2025.

Sources have shared that the new restaurant at 24 Paddington Street will be opening its doors in mid-January.

The shiny new Marylebone site, which is considerably larger than the current premises will have space for private events for 50 to 140 guests. It’s also a short stroll from both Central London and West London Synagogues.

I don’t know what will be on the menu yet, but if it’s anything like the Island Grill, expect dishes like salmon tartare and sea bass ceviche; chargrilled prime rib of beef with skinny fries, miso marinated black cod and crispy duck salad alongside classics like chicken soup,, Niçoise salad, cottage pie and seasonal crumbles for dessert. 

With Eyal Shani opening his Malka kosher restaurants in both New York and now Florida, could kosher be on the rise?