Already a favourite amongst ‘those in the know’ Native has found a new home at Browns, the luxury fashion store in the centre of London. Found at the Brook Street site, this is the label's first ever foray into hospitality, and if Instagram is anything to go by it was a popular move.
Happy to stand out from the crowd, the team at Native pride themselves in “preserving Britain’s culinary heritage”, which translates to a seasonal focus and an obsessive sourcing of locally farmed and foraged ingredients. Their mantra is a simple one, saying that whatever grows together goes together. While no two days are ever the same with a menu that flexes with the months, combinations are always fresh and vibrant. Think smack cucumbers with fermented brown crab, chilli, and cobnuts or kohlrabi ajo blanco with cherry blossom from the tree in the onsite courtyard. While presentation isn’t fussy, it is beautiful, with the kitchen team often making use of edible flowers and wild herbs for a final flourish.
At the helm of this climate conscious project is a powerhouse duo: Ivan Tisdall-Downes and Imogen Davis. Tisdall-Downes is self-taught, with a CV which includes time at The River Cottage and a stint on BBC’s Great British Menu. Davis was championed by critic Grace Dent, who selected her as one of ’10 people to watch in the food industry’ and is passionate about her hunter gatherer outlook on souring food.
Sustainability has also been thought through in the restaurant’s setting, which celebrates traditional craftmanship. The project has been overseen by design studio Red Deer, who have gathered a collection of artisanal and handmade items to create a laidback, relaxed atmosphere. There’s also a quiet courtyard which feels like a well-kept secret, perfect for warm weather catch up with friends.
Drinks span natural wines through to signature cocktails with complex herbaceous flavours.