Newcastle’s acclaimed chef Kenny Atkinson is set to open his first London restaurant site at lifestyle city hotel art’otel London Hoxton.
Atkinson will open the doors of Solaya in early autumn 2025 as his debut solo project in the capital.
Situated on the 25th floor of the east London hotel, Solaya’s main restaurant space will offer 70 covers, alongside a lounge and bar area, seating up to 110 people. There will also be several balconies available for private dining and private hire.
Atkinson, who is the owner and chef patron at the one Michelin-starred Newcastle restaurants House of Tides and Solstice by Kenny Atkinson, will oversee the menu and concept creation.
With the restaurant name’s roots relating to the sun, Atkinson said he would draw menu inspiration from Mediterranean cooking.
“I’ve always been drawn to the warmth and soul of Mediterranean cooking, and Solaya is about capturing that feeling – sunshine on a plate, bold flavours, and food that brings people together,” he said.
The day-to-day running of the kitchen will be led by head chef Nicola Losquadro, who previously held roles at Sucre, Mere Restaurant by Monica Galetti and the Oystermen Kitchen & Seafood Bar.
The main bar and lounge space will offer cocktails, and the wine list will feature French, Italian and Spanish wines, as well as covering lesser-known Mediterranean regions such as Slovenia and Serbia.
Atkinson said: “Solaya is an exciting project for me as my first solo venture in London and a chance to bring something truly special to the city.
“The views from the 25th floor are spectacular, and I wanted the food and atmosphere to match that sense of occasion. It’s an exciting new chapter, and I can’t wait to welcome our first guests.”
Dining and Cooking