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Nest Restaurant Old Street: Seasonal British Tasting in Shoreditch

Intimate Shoreditch dining with seasonal British tasting menus celebrating local landscapes and ethical ingredients.

4.8

Nest Restaurant Old Street is an intimate, seasonal British dining destination in Shoreditch, London, known for its creative tasting menus centered on hyper-local, ethically sourced ingredients. Set within a cozy space featuring a horseshoe-shaped counter and candlelit ambiance, Nest offers evolving menus that highlight one hero meat or landscape each season, paired with thoughtful wine selections. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and minimal waste complements its refined yet unpretentious culinary style.

A brief summary to Nest Restaurant Old Street

  • 374-378 Old St, London, EC1V 9LT, GB
  • +447769196972
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Tuesday 6 pm-10 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-3 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-3 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-3 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-3 pm

Local tips

  • Book well in advance as Nest has only about two dozen seats and is popular for special occasions.
  • Try the tasting menu to experience the full seasonal concept, including the unique soda bread with cultured butter.
  • Ask about wine pairings that complement the current seasonal menu for a complete culinary journey.
  • Visit during the midweek lunch or dinner service for a slightly shorter and more affordable tasting menu.
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Nest Restaurant Old Street location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Nest Restaurant Old Street

A Culinary Nest in Shoreditch’s Heart

Nest Restaurant Old Street nestles in a charming Victorian red brick building near Shoreditch Town Hall, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere amid the vibrant Old Street area. The interior is styled around a horseshoe counter that arcs from a lively wine and cocktail bar to an open kitchen, creating an intimate and interactive dining experience. Dusky green walls, ceramic tiled floors, and candlelit tables add rustic charm, while the compact space fosters a sense of closeness and engagement with the culinary craft unfolding before you.

Seasonal Menus Rooted in British Landscapes

True to its name, Nest’s menus are deeply seasonal, changing roughly every three months to reflect the shifting British landscapes and their bounty. Each phase focuses on a distinct theme such as “Sea & Coastline,” “River & Valley,” “Highlands,” or “Game & Forest,” spotlighting locally sourced produce and rare breeds. The tasting menus typically revolve around one hero meat or primary ingredient per season, such as game birds in winter or aged Peking duck in summer, allowing the kitchen to minimize waste and maximize flavor precision.

Innovative and Thoughtful Culinary Craft

Chef Johnnie Crowe, formerly of The Harwood Arms and Anglo, leads the kitchen with a philosophy of elevated simplicity and zero waste. Dishes are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, from dehydrating and rehydrating ingredients to creative uses of pork fat and foraged elements like sea buckthorn. Signature dishes might include grey mullet crudo with sansho peppercorn and figs, monkfish croquettes with wild garlic mayo, or a whole-smoked grouse served with juniper and raspberry jus. The soda bread with neon-green cultured butter and desserts like Bakewell tart with meadowsweet ice cream showcase the kitchen’s balance of tradition and innovation.

A Dining Experience Beyond the Plate

Nest’s service is personal, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable, enhancing the cozy and relaxed ambiance. The tasting menu is presented in a sealed brown envelope, adding an element of surprise and anticipation. The restaurant also features a bar area known as the ‘Nest Cellar’ for walk-in drinks when tables are not available. Wine pairings are thoughtfully curated to complement the menu’s themes, drawing from international regions that echo the British landscapes represented on the plate.

Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

Sustainability is central to Nest’s ethos. By focusing on one main meat or ingredient per season and sourcing from top conservationists and rare breed farmers, the restaurant minimizes waste and supports ethical food production. The kitchen’s use of every part of the ingredient, including rendered fats and excess juices, exemplifies this commitment. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also deepens the connection between diners and the British countryside’s natural rhythms.

Position in London’s Culinary Scene

Since its founding by Luke Wasserman, Toby Neill, and Johnnie Crowe, Nest has become a celebrated fixture in London’s dining landscape. Its move from Hackney to a larger Shoreditch location has allowed it to maintain its intimate feel while welcoming more guests. The restaurant is praised for delivering Michelin-star quality food without the fuss or frills, making it a top choice for special occasions, romantic dinners, and those seeking a refined yet approachable tasting menu experience in East London.

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