Discover Nest: A Seasonal Star Among London Old Street Restaurants
Words: Josh Wood
Published on April 14, 2025
Tucked away on the bustling stretch of Old Street in Shoreditch, Nest is quietly redefining what it means to eat seasonally, ethically, and beautifully in the capital. This intimate restaurant has carved out a distinctive niche for itself among London Old Street restaurants, placing British ingredients and sustainable practices at the heart of every dish. For those seeking a genuinely thoughtful and flavour-driven experience, Nest is an exceptional find.
Rooted in Nature and Seasonality
What sets Nest apart from the many restaurants lining Old Street is its unwavering dedication to seasonal British produce. Each dish is a reflection of the land, the weather, and the time of year, with menus carefully designed to celebrate the UK’s natural larder. The restaurant rotates its tasting menus throughout the year, with themes inspired by different British landscapes. This creative approach not only keeps the offering fresh and ever-changing but also encourages diners to build a deeper connection to the ingredients on their plate.
The food at Nest is presented as a multi-course tasting menu, highlighting central meat or fish sustainably sourced from UK producers. Only one meat is used in the kitchen at a time, allowing for a nose-to-tail approach that minimises waste. Every course is a testament to our skill, with pared-back presentations that allow the purity and integrity of the produce to shine.
A Sustainable Ethos at Its Core
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Nest – it’s a philosophy that informs every part of the dining experience. From sourcing ingredients through regenerative farms and trusted fishmongers to crafting a drinks list full of low-intervention wines and ethically produced spirits, the team behind Nest take their responsibility for environmental impact seriously.
What’s more, the restaurant design itself mirrors this philosophy: understated, natural, and warm, with reclaimed materials and a layout that promotes connection. Diners are encouraged to sit back and savour not just the food but the story behind each ingredient. This deep respect for produce and provenance helps set Nest apart from more conventional fine-dining venues.
An Intimate Shoreditch Experience
Nest is not a large or ostentatious restaurant. With limited seating and a cosy, minimalist aesthetic, the space feels more like a private dining room than a traditional restaurant. This intimacy adds a layer of charm and exclusivity to the experience.
The service is knowledgeable yet relaxed, striking a balance between attentive and unfussy. Staff are happy to explain the inspiration behind each course or discuss the carefully curated wine pairings, all while maintaining a down-to-earth tone that keeps the experience approachable.
Part of a Celebrated Culinary Collective
Nest is one part of a growing family of food ventures led by a trio of friends with a shared passion for seasonal cooking and British ingredients. Our success at Nest has led to the creation of other respected restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant St. Barts and a countryside dining concept, Nest Farmhouse, in North Norfolk. This broader vision has helped shape Nest into a restaurant with purpose, anchored in values that extend beyond the table.
A True Standout on Old Street
In a neighbourhood known for its trendsetting eateries, global cuisines, and ever-changing pop-ups, Nest manages to stand out by doing something quietly radical: focusing on simplicity, sustainability, and seasonality. It’s a place where every ingredient has a story, and every dish reflects thoughtful intention.
Whether you’re a Shoreditch local looking for a special evening or a London visitor seeking something off the typical restaurant trail, Nest is a must-visit. It’s not just one of the best restaurants on Old Street – it’s one of the most principled and rewarding dining experiences in the city.
Nest
374-378 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT