King's kin: a soho pub that captures culinary magic

Jess Shadbolt and Annie Shi’s King, a downtown dining destination, set a new standard for upscale dining nearly a decade ago, and now their cozy new pub, Dean’s, is carrying that legacy into SoHo.

A decade of effortless elegance

The restaurant’s ephemeral, hyperseasonal menu – alongside a wine list boasting hard-to-find bottles – quickly became the stuff of legend, drawing a consistent stream of discerning diners to its light-filled corner location. But it's not just the food and wine; it’s the atmosphere, meticulously crafted by interior designer Billy Cotton, that truly elevates the experience.

Cotton’s coastal echoes

Cotton, known for his work at Bridges, channeled the rustic charm of Shadbolt’s Suffolk hometown, incorporating mahogany butcher-block counters, Douglas fir paneling, and a surprising collection of vintage finds. A curved glass curio cabinet, originally a china hutch, now displays pewter mugs and an array of spirits, while a salvaged coal scuttle serves as a dynamic display for wine and flowers. Shadbolt and Shi, juggling motherhood and restaurant ownership, are redefining the balance between culinary ambition and personal life, a reality reflected in Dean’s’ relaxed, spontaneous vibe.

Michelin-starred momentum

Shi’s solo venture, Lei in Chinatown, has already earned Michelin Guide recognition, and her dedication is palpable. Shadbolt, too, welcomes her first child while overseeing the operation of Dean’s. ‘Things are different,’ she admits, ‘when we opened King 10 years ago as a full concept dining experience, that was a moment where we could be in the kitchen all day and all night.’

A taste of the unexpected

Consider the Stargazy Pie – a savory Cornish seafood pastry brimming with potatoes, butter, and a surprisingly intact mackerel head. Or the bacon and malt vinegar scallops, paired perfectly with the Artelium Curator’s Cuvée from Sussex. Dean’s isn’t just serving food; it's offering a carefully considered, transportive experience, one where hours melt away unnoticed. It's a testament to the power of creating a world, a feeling, that simply asks you to stay.

The takeaway

Ultimately, Dean’s isn’t just a pub; it’s an extension of Shadbolt and Shi’s vision – a space where culinary brilliance and effortless charm converge, offering a welcome respite from the relentless pace of city life. And, perhaps, a perfectly poured drink.