Fallow

Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RP, UK

Fallow, nestled in London’s St James’s Market, is the brainchild of former Dinner by Heston Blumenthal chefs Jack Croft and Will Murray, launched in 2019 and securing a Michelin Bib Gourmand shortly after. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant exudes an intense yet relaxed energy—dark marble countertops, rich leather seating, filament bulb light fixtures, and striking hanging seaweed installations, all designed with sustainability in mind. The décor is more than aesthetic; it reflects resourceful use of materials like mussel-shell terrazzo and repurposed pantry remnants, setting the tone for what’s to come at the table.

At the heart of Fallow’s appeal lies its modern British menu that unapologetically champions forgotten ingredients. Diners will find standout plates like the smoked cabbage in miso-black garlic glaze, the famous corn ribs, and the boldly creative whole cod’s head with sriracha butter—a spectacle and taste sensation that showcases head-to-tail cooking. Vegetarians aren’t left wanting either; dishes such as the hispi cabbage and the mushroom parfait, made partly from fungi grown on-site, are frequently praised as top-tier culinary adventures.

The dining experience sparks consistent praise across the board. The Guardian’s Jay Rayner called Fallow’s cuisine “some of the best food I’ve tried in London,” highlighting the mushroom parfait and sustainable ethos. The Plate Licked Clean review reflected on the “killer creative edge” and “intensity” of the cooking, with a vibrant atmosphere that pulses with excitement. On TripAdvisor, guests often commend the service as efficient and friendly, with many returning for dishes like the mushroom parfait and convivial Sunday roasts.

That said, Fallow isn’t without its critics. Some diners feel the overall experience errs on the side of “just okay”—pleasant ambiance and solid dishes, but perhaps lacking the warmth or polish of fine-dining peers. Reddit reviews echo this—one user stated “nothing in particular stood out… it was fine but I wouldn’t go again,” while others caution that the service and style, though sleek, may feel a tad impersonal in comparison to Michelin-starred counterparts.

Beyond the food, Fallow is a masterclass in modern hospitality. The restaurant runs a robust digital content operation, with a YouTube channel boasting over 1 million subscribers. Chefs regularly film recreations of British classics, like toad in the hole, merging edutainment with engagement and boosting bookings and brand presence. This blend of craftsmanship and creative marketing has placed Fallow at the frontline of the sustainable, socially savvy dining movement.

Overall, Fallow impresses as a thoughtfully crafted, boldly innovative dining venue. Its commitment to sustainability—both in cuisine and décor—shines through, and when its kitchen hits its mark, it delivers dishes that linger in memory (and on screen). That said, while many guests find it thrilling and memorable, others describe it as polished but reserved. If you’re after modern British cooking that pushes boundaries and don’t mind a sleek, sometimes cerebral vibe, Fallow is a compelling stop in London’s culinary circuit.