BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANTS

For this relatively young restaurant group, 2016 was already a landmark year, with three stellar new openings in the first six months alone. And it’s looking like another bumper year for restaurateurs Syed Asim Hussain and Christopher Mark, who have lifted the veil on three new venues in 2017: Le Petit Saigon, the tiny sister to Le Garçon Saigon, specialising in banh mi; New Punjab Club; and Osteria Marzia in newly refurbished The Fleming Hotel. Crafting a portfolio of distinct restaurants with personality—in terms of its food, as well as setting and service— is not an easy task, but Black Sheep has reached a confident momentum and has expanded its flock of loyal followers. Rumours of at least two more restaurants (one Japanese, one Mexican) are swirling, and with Black Sheep’s track record, they’ll certainly be projects to look forward to.

RUNNER UP Pirata Group (behind Pici, Pirata and The Optimist) may be small, but they’ve made a big impact—and certainly ones to watch as they gear up with at least two new openings between late 2017 and early 2018.