US seafood restaurant arrives in Mayfair

US restaurateur Kathy Sidell is opening her seafood restaurant Saltie Girl on North Audley Street in Mayfair this month.

The president and founder of the East Coast's Sidell Hospitality Group has joined forces with UK restaurateur Varun Talreja, co-founder of Greek restaurant Meraki.  

Richard Turner, who is best known for his work with the Hawksmoor group, is consultant chef for the launch. He has worked alongside Sidell to develop a menu that features clam chowder, New England lobster roll, whole fried seabass, and fried lobster and waffles.

Saltie Girl was established in Boston in 2016 and is known for its oysters, lobster, caviar, tinned fish, cocktails and more. 

The Boston restaurant currently offers 65 varieties of tinned fish at any one time, all served alongside French bread, butter, a trio of salts and condiments.  

“My inspiration for Saltie Girl comes from two places," says Sidell. "The first, of course, my upbringing on the East Coast of America, spending much of my time sailing with my father on the Atlantic Ocean and eating crispy fried clams, briny fresh oysters, Nantucket Bay scallops right out of the water, Maine lobsters spanking fresh from a fisherman’s boat – these are the tastes and experiences we want to share with our guests.

"The second inspiration came several years back on a visit to a small picture-perfect, stand-up wine bar in Barcelona that served wonderful seafood, all cold. This is where I fell head over heels for tinned fish. I feel Saltie Girl will speak enthusiastically to the British palate with its many iterations of seafood. Londoners and visitors alike will be intrigued by our offerings and the fine food and service that we pride ourselves on.” 

Saltie Girl London will open on North Audley Street on 8 November. The opening of the London restaurant coincides with the launch of a third outpost of the brand in Los Angeles.  

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