After 12 years working in a selection of great restaurants (6 at L'ortolan and 6 at Chewton Glen) the young and talented Elliott Lidstone is the new former Michelin star chef of the Empress. Elliott is a proud resident of Hackney and sees this as a great chance to showcase his food in the vibrant East London food scene.
Using many of the quality purveyors of local ingredients - neighbouring Ginger Pig organic butchers and Jonathan Norris fishmongers, his seasonal and regularly changing menu is a wonderful addition to this burgeoning area. All complemented with a very interesting wine list - some unusual finds here - a Portuguese from Obidos and a Hungarian Olaszrizling, wines that we definitely want to try...and a quirky beer selection favouring Brewdog, Redemption and Camden brews on draught....
The new Empress restaurant has been bought and refurbished by entrepreneur Michael Buurman who has turned the former gastro pub into a light and airy, laid back bar and restaurant which fits in perfectly with the local Victoria Park Village clientele.
