Dishes include the Insta-worthy Matilda Chocolate Cake.
We couldn't think of a better location for Parker's first foray outside of Dubai than Jumeirah Lowndes in London. Located close to the luxury department store Harrods, Independent Food Group's latest London opening is ideally suited to the Dubai-based hotel chain, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to Middle Eastern travellers and well-heeled Knightsbridge locals.
Parker's was first launched in Dubai by the Independent Food Company, the same group behind the cult burger brand SALT and the Middle Eastern hotspot Somewhere. Known for its playful, crowd-pleasing dishes and interactive brand storytelling, Parker's has built a loyal following since its inception as a Snapchat pop-up. At the time, guests were invited to hunt for keys hidden across the city in order to access the venue. That spirit of discovery still lingers, and the London outpost launched with a social media-led "key hunt" across the capital, rewarding loyal followers with early access.
Occupying the street-level space at Jumeirah Lowndes, Parker's London is hard to miss thanks to its emerald green awning and terrace tables that spill out onto the pavement. Inside, the décor treads a careful line between stylish and familiar. The space is warm and unpretentious, peppered with framed photographs of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and subtle nods to the brand's roots. Karak Tea is served in tall dallahs, coffee arrives in cups embossed with key motifs, and plates occasionally land on the table bearing messages like "with love" – small but thoughtful details that reinforce the concept's quirky identity.
The menu spans breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a strong emphasis on comfort food reimagined through a modern lens. At breakfast, the Feta Shakshuka (£19) offers a gently spiced take on a Levantine staple, complete with roasted tomatoes, whipped feta and warm pockets of pita. Avocado Toast (£14), although familiar, is elevated with a generous scattering of salad, pomegranate seeds and tangy cheese.
For those with a sweet tooth, the French Toast Collection features iterations ranging from Chocolate Mousse French Toast to Mango Peach French Toast. Elsewhere, the Kiri Cheese Cinnamon Pancakes (£18) are unapologetically indulgent – a trio of fluffy pancakes drizzled with lemon frosting and maple syrup, finished with a crumble of cinnamon and a generous dollop of Kiri cheese. The Parker's Beehive (£20), a signature item, features oven-toasted sesame milk buns served with whipped Chantilly cream cheese and topped with maple honey sauce. It's theatrical and rich, yet balanced enough to avoid feeling cloying.
Later in the day, the kitchen transitions. Dishes like the Spicy Toffee Shrimp (£23), served crisp and glossy in a slick of sweet heat with a side of lime ranch, are emblematic of Parker's London's appeal and ideal for sharing. The Mac & Cheetos (£25.50) is Insta-worthy, its neon-hued topping a cheeky riff on childhood snacking culture. The Choco Coffee Slider (£11) surprises with its umami-meets-mocha flavour, where beetroot, beef, and a chocolate-coffee sauce somehow play well together.
It's the Matilda Cake that remains Parker's calling card. Inspired by Roald Dahl's infamous Bruce Bogtrotter scene, the towering slice is a maximalist homage to chocolate. Layers of moist sponge, thick ganache and lashings of sauce make it not only Instagrammable but genuinely delicious. It's easy to see why this dessert has become a hallmark of the brand, and launched a thousand copycat cakes. Chocoholics will love it, as it features layer upon layer of chocolate.
Service, while friendly, can at times lack polish. There were delays in taking orders and moments when dishes arrived in slightly haphazard succession. Yet the atmosphere remains warm and welcoming, and any missteps are smoothed over by staff who seem genuinely enthusiastic. It's a casual confidence that reflects the Independent Food Company's experience in building engaging, personality-driven brands.
The clientele during our visit was a blend of well-dressed Knightsbridge locals and UAE nationals, many of whom appeared familiar with the Parker's brand. The arrival of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the first visitor to the London location – as shared proudly on Instagram – has only solidified Parker's position as a cultural bridge between Dubai and London.
In a neighbourhood that already boasts the refined Maison Ani at Jumeirah Carlton Tower and SACHI at the Pantechnicon, Parker's London celebrates flavour, nostalgia and familiarity – with just enough flair to keep things interesting.
It may be a newcomer to the London scene, but its sense of self is already firmly in place.
GO: Follow @parkers.london on Instagram for more information.