Miznon founder to open new east London restaurant

Eyal Shani, founder of the restaurant brand Miznon, has announced that his newest London eatery, Lilienblum, will open in May. Named after the street of one of Shani’s first Tel Aviv eateries, Lilienblum will be launching in east London, nestled between Shoreditch and Old Street.

The kitchen will be headed up by Oren King, also hailing from Israel, whose previous positions have seen him work at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Roka and Hide. In contrast to Miznon’s fast-casual dining approach, the restaurant will focus on theatrical family-style sharing plates. Dishes will be cooked in an interactive open kitchen, with diners able to sit at the counter and watch the magic of King's kitchen first-hand.

The menu will be written in Shani’s quirky and tongue-in-cheek style, divided by ingredients rather than starters and mains. However, the friendly team will be on hand and sit with guests and gain an understanding of their likes and preferences, allowing them to come up with a suggested menu tailored to each table.

An extensive range of vegetable-based dishes will include green asparagus arranged in a paper envelope with a slice of cabbage cake. The seafood pan will also be available, roasted in tomato ovaries and pearls swirled with farro and clams. The meat offer will include ribeye steak and a half rack of lamb with Arabic salad.

The wine list and cocktails will play an important part in the Lilienblum experience. Overseen by general manager Kitty Sparks, previously of Fifteen and Aquavit, wines will feature an array of lesser-known Israeli varieties, as well as more classic European producers with an extensive selection from the Burgundy region. The cocktail menu will feature playful twists such as the Kittini – tequila and grapefruit martini, as well as the classics.

Lilienblum's interior has been designed by Eric Parry Architects with long-time collaborator Yakov Turjeman. It is centred on the open kitchen and the central ceramic column and colourful painted ceiling, with the entrance leading guests to the bar, restaurant and alfresco urban terrace.  

Lilienblum launches on Friday 19 May and is open Tuesday to Saturday, but available for private hire on Monday and Sunday. The opening hours are 12 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 11:30 pm Tuesday to Friday, and 4 pm to 11:30 pm on Saturday. 

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