With eight successful US restaurants in the Altamarea portfolio already, one might have expected the New York group to impart a certain amount of stereotypically American flavour to their first London venture, but not a bit of it. Just as the Stateside restaurants all have their own identity, British-born Ahmass Fakahany, the group’s owner, has ensured the Haymarket addition Chop Shop has integrated with the surrounding community seamlessly, offering something of the New York neighbourhood restaurant without a Stars and Stripes in sight.
Chop Shop is based on a butchers, although thankfully any unpleasantness necessary for the preparation of the dishes is kept way out of sight. A few cleavers embedded in the wall are the most outspoken feature in this otherwise restrained venue, designed by 44th Hill. A bar tended by aproned staff is stuffed with vintage retail and industrial objects, leading into the dining area which is split over two levels. The retro feel is down to an impressive 75% of the materials used in Chop Shop’s interior being reclaimed. Lots of exposed brick is paired with salvaged tile, found in Shoreditch by principal designer Stuart Taylor and which forms the basis for the overall look. The kitchen is helmed by Will Guess, at 27 already a London restaurant veteran, and he has designed the menu around steak and chops. Mmmm, meat…
