Drew Snaith and Hannah Kowalski to open new restaurant and wine bar SESTA on Wilton Way

Drew Snaith and Hannah Kowalski, previously affiliated with the Hackney-based restaurant Pidgin, are launching their own dining venture, SESTA, in September 2024. The new establishment, a restaurant and wine bar, will occupy the former site of Pidgin on Wilton Way, where Snaith serves as Head Chef and Kowalski was the General Manager. The duo aims to infuse the venue with a fresh identity while drawing on their extensive experience in the hospitality industry.

SESTA marks the first independent collaboration between Snaith and Kowalski, who have developed a strong professional bond over the years, having worked together at notable locations including Brunswick House and Pidgin. The team from Pidgin, including Sous Chef Ben Ing and General Manager Majalis Lundstrom Celedon, will join them at the new project, promising continuity and innovation.

The restaurant will feature an à la carte menu that emphasizes British seasonal ingredients. Snaith’s culinary approach is expected to blend traditional British and European influences with inspirations from his travels in Southeast Asia and a passion for live-fire cooking. The menu will rotate seasonally, with a strong focus on locally sourced produce, primarily from Shrub, a connector of restaurants to Sussex farms.

Diners can anticipate a variety of dishes, from snacks like Nduja Scotched Olives to main courses such as Cider Flambee Mussels and Cornish Brill. The menu also plans to offer a selection of large sharing cuts of meat, showcasing lesser-used cuts in innovative ways.

Complementing the food, Kowalski has curated a dynamic list of natural wines, with particular attention to French and other European wines, prioritizing small producers and sustainability. The beverage proposal at SESTA will also include a range of house-made spirits and plans for producing their own mead.

The venue will accommodate 26 guests inside and plans to introduce counter dining later in the year. The interior design will feature deep blue tones with gold accents and rotating art displays from local artists. An outdoor terrace will provide additional seating in a planted, aromatic setting.

Food Desk
Photo: Tom Atkin

For updates on reservation openings, please visit the restaurant’s Instagram page @sesta.dining