Sally Abé reveals latest London restaurant

Chef Sally Abé’s latest restaurant, The Pem, will open on Thursday 1 July at the Conrad London St James. 

The restaurant name is inspired by suffragette Emily Wilding Davison, whose family used the pet name ‘Pem’ for her, and celebrates generations of pioneering women leading from the front, which is reflected in Abé’s choice of senior team. 

Laetizia Keating (pictured, left) has been appointed as the restaurant’s head chef, having previously worked with Abé at the Harwood Arms, and before that at restaurants such as Benu and Mirazur.

Abé (pictured, centre) has also appointed Emma Underwood (pictured, right) as The Pem’s general manager.

“I have the freedom to serve the food I’ve always wanted to cook," says Abé. "It’s me on a plate.

"I’m taking classic combinations and really making them my own, like steak and oyster, cheese and onion – I won’t be messing with the framework but trying to put a new spin on them without creating challenging or modernist dishes.

"I want to bring a sense of familiarity and transfer those flavours to high-end restaurant dining. I’ve also put a lot of emphasis on the desserts, too many people miss out on the last course when they eat out and I’ve never really understood that, I love them.”

Guests can expect the likes of poached native lobster, shellfish cream, heritage tomatoes and sweet olive; roasted John Dory, with brassicas, lemon, sauce choron; and black forest gateau, chocolate curls, English cherry ripple ice cream.

“The Pem is the restaurant I’ve always wanted to see in the hotel, it’s glamourous and elegant," adds Beverly Payne, general manager at Conrad London St James.

"It’s very connected to the local area, and it’s going to be a magnet for those who already love Sally’s flair, and for everyone who wants to be excited by her imaginative food. Sally and I share the same work ethic and instincts when it comes to delivering a really top-class experience.

"We both very much lead from the front to create excellence, strong teams, and inspiration for a new generation of chefs and hospitality professionals.”

The Pem has a rosy-hued, art deco inspired design, with a spacious main dining room seating 70, and a separate private dining room for up to 24 guests.

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