Apricity Restaurant

A New Vision for Sustainable Fine Dining

Apricity represents a bold reimagining of what fine dining can be in the 2020s. Chef Chantelle Nicholson, formerly of the beloved Tredwells, opened this Mayfair restaurant in April 2022 with a clear mission: to prove that exceptional cuisine need not rely on traditional hierarchies of ingredient importance. Here, vegetables take centre stage, not as supporting players but as the protagonists of each carefully composed plate. The restaurant's commitment to low-waste, regenerative practices runs through every decision—from sourcing artisan-farmed produce to working with sustainably caught seafood and ethically raised meat. This philosophy isn't performative; it's woven into the fabric of how the kitchen operates and how the menu is conceived.

The Art of Vegetable-Forward Cooking

Walking into Apricity, you'll immediately sense that this is a place where vegetables are celebrated with the reverence typically reserved for truffles and caviar. The menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal availability, ensuring that every visit offers something new. Expect dishes that transform humble ingredients into revelations: miso-roasted cabbage with pickled kale in smoked emulsion, baked celeriac discs on a bed of Black Badger peas with cultured gochujang, or rhubarb with raspberry granita and cashew cream. These aren't token vegetarian options—they're the heart of the restaurant's culinary identity. Yet Apricity never forces a vegetarian agenda; those who wish for it will find excellent pollock tartare, hand-dived Scottish scallops, tender pork belly, and perfectly executed lamb alongside the vegetable-focused offerings.

Intimate Minimalism Meets Warmth

The dining room embodies a philosophy of understated elegance. Artfully distressed plaster walls, bare wooden tables, and golden globe lighting create an atmosphere that feels refreshingly unpretentious for fine dining. A wooden coat rack stands in the centre of the room—a practical, homely touch that sets the tone for the entire experience. The space encourages conversation; diners often find themselves charmed by the genuine warmth of the environment rather than intimidated by formality. This is fine dining stripped of unnecessary ceremony, where the focus remains squarely on the food and the experience of sharing a meal.

Culinary Creativity Without Pretension

The tasting menu is a journey of unexpected flavour combinations and technical precision. Dishes arrive with minimal explanation, allowing each course to speak for itself. A pork dumpling arrives in a feisty horseradish broth, delivering genuine heat and comfort in equal measure. Sauerkraut tempura sits alongside smacked cucumber, challenging preconceptions about what vegetables can be. The kitchen demonstrates a globe-trotting sensibility, drawing inspiration from diverse culinary traditions while maintaining a distinctly British foundation. Desserts continue the philosophy—expect rhubarb with raspberry granita rather than chocolate torte, or a delicate plum and rapeseed tart that eschews traditional almond richness in favour of subtle, vegetal complexity.

Value and Accessibility in Fine Dining

Perhaps most remarkably, Apricity delivers this calibre of cuisine at genuinely accessible pricing. The seven-course tasting menu sits comfortably under £100, positioning it as exceptional value for the quality and creativity on offer. Lunch menus provide an even more affordable entry point, making fine dining accessible to a broader audience. This democratisation of haute cuisine reflects Nicholson's philosophy that exceptional food should not be reserved for the wealthy elite. The wine programme, while occasionally narrow in its selections, offers thoughtful pairings that complement the food's delicate flavours.

Service and Atmosphere

Staff move through the dining room with impressive composure and genuine warmth, striking a balance between attentiveness and discretion. They navigate the restaurant's digital-first approach—menus accessed via QR code—with ease, ensuring the technology enhances rather than detracts from the experience. The atmosphere buzzes with quiet energy; conversations flow, laughter echoes, and couples lean across tables in genuine connection. Dogs are welcomed with affection and treats, and families find themselves equally at home. This is a restaurant that takes its ethos seriously but never takes itself too seriously.