Wildflowers

Newson’s Yard, a new destination for high-end design, is an appropriate location for this remarkably good-looking restaurant from chef Aaron Potter and interior designer Laura Hart. From the gorgeous marble-topped chef’s counter to the marble tiles, light and dark wood furnishings, brick walls, pale blue banquettes and candle-dressed tables to the outdoor seating under the glass atrium, it’s the type of place you don't want to leave. This is Potter’s first solo project after proving himself an asset at well-heeled neighbourhood dining spots including Trinity and Elystan Street. There's a terrific neighbourhood vibe here too, pepped up by an ‘80s rock and pop soundtrack and engaging, personable service under the judicious eye of Anthony Glaze (also ex-Elystan Street). The kitchen delivers a wealth of Mediterranean flavours with snacks of fennel salami and Cantabrian anchovy toast preceding starters such as a ravishing stracciatella with violet artichoke, dried apricot and black truffle. Mains prove equally accomplished: grilled Cornish red mullet with softened Grezzina courgettes and salsa verde, or perhaps an earthy surf-and-turf paella of tender rabbit and cuttlefish with a dollop of smooth blood-orange allioli. Baked wild mushroom rice with chanterelles is an enticing veggie option, while crispy ‘holiday’ potatoes are cooked to perfection. Any flaws? There was some heavy-handed seasoning in some dishes, but a dessert of blood orange, almond polenta cake with blood-orange sorbet made for a sweet and satisfying finish. The all-European wine list deserves commendation too: despite the prime Belgravia postcode, it has plenty of decent bottles below £50. One final tip: any opportunity to head up to the stunning first-floor wine bar should not be missed.

Housed in the recently launched Belgravia ‘design hub’ Newson’s Yard close to London Victoria, this large and rather swish Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is pitched as a neighbourhood brasserie and serves an impressive menu that’s big on premium ingredients cooked over fire. Wildflowers is the debut solo project from former Maria G’s executive chef Aaron Potter, who has teamed up with interior stylist and florist Laura Hart. Between them the pair have created a refined space that’s bright and paired-back in feel with muted pastel colours and several vintage pieces. It’s a vibrant and comfortable space; the sort of dining room that’s made for both quick bites and long, leisurely meals. For those looking for something a little more casual, head upstairs to the warmly lit wine bar, which nods to Italy’s cicchetti and Spain’s pintxos spots. Potter’s precise, seasonal cooking has echoes of both Trinity and Elystan Street, both restaurants he’s cooked at in his time, but is a little more relaxed in feel. Arranged into a typical three-course structure – it’s possible to share but also viable not to – the menu focuses on high-quality produce and is influenced primarily by the cuisines of France, Italy and Spain; think calamari sandwiches at lunchtime, and moules farcies with garlic and parsley butter in the evening. For drinks, there’s an exclusively European wine list that will have oenophiles salivating, as well as a refreshingly uncomplicated and grown-up cocktail menu.