The team behind Kitty Fisher’s in Mayfair have announced the launch of their second restaurant, Cora Pearl, which will open in Covent Garden on June 18th.
Following the narrative of its sister restaurant, Cora Pearl is named after a celebrated British-born courtesan. Originally from Covent Garden, Cora became the party queen of Paris, and the restaurant will reflect the drama and excitement of her glamourous demi-monde life.
Owners Tom Mullion, Oliver Milburn and Tim Steel added:
“It’s been a long time coming but we knew the building and the area had to be absolutely right for what we do, and we finally found that alchemy on Henrietta St. We can’t wait to open the doors and let Cora Pearl work her magic.”
The kitchen will be led by George Barson, head chef at Kitty Fisher’s for the past 15 months, who will continue to head up both sites as executive chef. Cora’s private chef was one of the finest in Paris, and in drawing inspiration from both the British and French influences of Cora’s life, George’s Cora Pearl menu will feature a combination of deliciously simple classics, and some more decadent dishes.
Snacks – such as Shrimp Newburg and a Pig Jowl & Montgomery Cheese Toastie – will sit alongside starters including Leek Heart with Smoked Eel and Quail with Baby Gem & Coolea. Main courses – a comforting Fish Stew, or Confit Pork Belly with Smoked Quince and Brill & Devilled Crab – will complement daily specials. The menu will be completed by desserts such as Wild Strawberry, Earl Grey Ice Cream & Frozen Sablé and Coffee, Cardamom Cake & Milk Sorbet.
The drinks menu will feature house cocktail the Chaine d’Or (Gin, Quinquina, Chartreuse and lime) and named after the four men of significant wealth that contributed to Cora’s fame and notoriety. Classics such as the French Pearl, made with pastis and gin, will sit alongside other new cocktails like the rum-based Full Fathom Five, which uses seaweed botanicals. Martinis will be served ice cold in antique French glasses. A concise, Old World wine list will feature superb wine served by bottle or on tap, with older vintages and reserve-list wines available by Coravin.
Chef George Barson commented:
“We have been creating our vision for Cora Pearl for some time now and we can’t wait to see it come to fruition. The menu, cocktails and interiors have all been designed to encapsulate her slightly decadent era and we hope the spirit of Cora Pearl herself will bring something that is totally unique and theatrically fitting to Covent Garden.”
Cora Pearl will open on June 18th at 30 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8NA.