Lyle’s is an all-day restaurant from James Lowe and John Ogier that opened in Spring 2014. The food is modern British, simple and driven by a common sense kind of mentality.
Located on the ground floor of The Tea Building in Shoreditch, the design of the space is pared back and unpretentious which reflects the approach to the food. Chefs work in full view at a charcoal grill and wood fired oven; the space is harmonious, but with no art, no frills, and the joyful hum of people being well looked after.
The owners, John and James, met in 2006 at St John Bread & Wine, where John worked as manager and James as head chef. Post St John Bread & Wine, James founded chef collective The Young Turks with Isaac McHale (The Clove Club) and Ben Greeno (Momofuku Seiobo), and launched the successful pop-up ‘Upstairs At The Ten Bells’ in Spitalfields. Offering a seasonal British menu, the lunch menu at Lyle’s is a la carte while dinner is a set menu (£44). The approach to the menu throughout the year changes; vibrant and exciting in Spring and Summer, comforting and fortifying in Autumn and Winter. Right now, the menu features dishes such as Peas & Ticklemore, Raw Hereford Rib & Cured Mullet Roe, Lamb’s Sweetbreads, Yoghurt & Baby Gem and Sea Trout Head & Samphire.
Lyle’s hosts monthly guest chef dinners under the banner ‘The Guest Series’ as well as an annual event during game season, aptly called Game. The Guest Series has become a popular feature at Lyle’s, having hosted James Henry of Bones in Paris, Elena Reygadas of Rosetta in Mexico and Junya Yamasaki of Koya in London. These events are our way to showcase some of the most talented chefs from around the world.
“I believe that a restaurant should never stand still. We are looking to constantly evolve. The Guest Series gives us an opportunity to learn from others and see a different point of view,” explains James Lowe.
Lyle’s was voted sixth at the National Restaurant Awards in July 2015, ‘15th best restaurant in London’ by Time Out in July 2015 and included in the Conde Nast Gold List 2015 .
