Monday Bulletin: The Wei | Miller Prada | TAQ

Catch up on the latest industry news stories of the week from the CODE Bulletin

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MILLER PRADA

The Evolv Collection announced another statement hire this week with the appointment of Miller Prada to the role of group culinary consultant. Bogotá-born Prada, who won a Michelin star at Humo London within a year of its 2023, will be tasked with leading the culinary direction across the group’s portfolio, starting with Orrery on Marylebone High Street, currently closed for refurbishment ahead of a spring 2026 relaunch. Prada’s first act has been to secure the services of Pierre Minotti, the former executive chef of two Michelin star restaurant, Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, as Orrery’s new executive at Orrery. The goal, undoubtedly, is to reclaim Orrery’s star. There will certainly be more to come from The Evolv Collection under CEO Martin Williams whose ambitious plans include growing the group from 30 to more than 100 venues globally by 2030.

JEREMY CHAN

Ikoyi’s Jeremy Chan has been named chef lead for Spring Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show from 19-23 May, alongside José Pizarro. For the first time this year, dining tickets for the Saturday (23 May) can be purchased as a standalone add-on.

BÁNH BÁNH BRIXTON

Bánh Bánh in Brixton reopens next month with a nostalgic new look and concept by design studio House of Baby and artist AP Nguyen (recognised on CODE’s 30 Under 30, class of 2026). The menu will focus on ‘cơm nhà’ or home cooking.

TAQ

Taqueria, one of London’s longest-standing Mexican restaurants, is to reopen on 3 March as TAQ. Eduardo Yishima (CDMX Tacos, Side Hustle) joins as culinary director with local Jackson Boxer in a supporting role. And, yes, there will be a take on the famous Dove cheeseburger.

• Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich is taking over The Bar at China Tang on 4 March for bartending legend Hiroyasu Kayama’s first-ever appearance in the UK. Email to book.
  
  
• Mayfair institution, Langan’s Brasserie, hits the big 5-0 this year. The celebrations will include a one-night-only birthday party with Langan’s classics at 1976 prices.
  
  
• Chef Guirong Wei, Netflix Chef’s Table star and one of CODE’s Women of the Year 2025, has opened a new northern Chinese restaurant, The Wei, in Fulham.
  
  
• Oh joy, the £5 pint has returned to Soho! Drink up at Studio Paskin’s The Blue Posts, where Guinness, Pillars etc are just a fiver from 4-6pm, Monday to Saturday.
  
  
• Nest in Shoreditch will close on 28 March to make way for Tavern, a modern British concept from the same team, serving the likes of lamb scrumpets and veal sweetbread burgers.
  
  
• Also closing: Royal China Club on Baker Street, whose last day is 8 March ahead of relocation in 2027.
  
  
• Curious Vines, the community for women and non-binary people in wine, has partnered with Académie du Vin Foundation to roll out its education work nationwide. Sign up for its tutored blind tasting in Manchester here or subscribe here.
  
  
• Congratulations to Ardent Pub Group, one of CODE’s Happiest Places to Work 2025, which has achieved B-Corp certification, and is the highest-scoring hospitality group in the UK.

WHAT WE’RE READING

Table Manners: dining out in the age of TikTok: The Good Food Guide

Markus Thesleff: “50% of my black book has left the country”: Restaurant

The Hart restaurant review – ‘Man, this place was singing’: Giles Coren, The Times

Who is Chinatown for?: Vittles

THE DUMBWAITER

To the Pelican for a lunch to celebrate their 4th anniversary last Monday. Guests included Martin Kuczmarski, Fay Maschler and Richard Corrigan. Top marks to Nick Jones who Lime-biked back to The Strand after lunch.

Rumour has it chef Tomos Parry enjoyed a slice or two of the Brat pizza on the menu at Charlie XCX’s The Moment premiere after-party.

Forget Michelin stars. These days, the honour chefs and restaurateurs really want is the call up from Goodhood. Following in the footsteps of Ben Lippett, the latest to make his modelling debut for the Shoreditch boutique is Oisín Rogers, landlord of The Devonshire, looking good in Snow Peak and No Problemo. The Dumbwaiter loves a piano in a restaurant. The newly opened Osteria Vibrato in Soho currently has pianists from its neighbour Ronnie Scott’s coming to tickle the ivories every once in a while.