Don’t Tell Dad is a neighbourhood restaurant and bakery in Queen’s Park, devised by Daniel Land - the original co-founder of Coco di Mama.
The restaurant is situated on Lonsdale Road - an address that has garnered considerable reputation for excellent food and drink in recent years. Don’t Tell Dad joins the likes of Carmel, Milk Beach and Lula on this popular street.
The restaurant design and ethos is inspired by Daniel’s late sister Lesley, and the team includes former Noble Rot, Forza Wine and Spring chef Luke Frankie who joins as head chef, as well as head baker Keren Sternberg, who joins from lauded Notting Hill bakery Layla.
Don’t Tell Dad will operate as a bakery during the day, with Sternberg and team turning out sweet and savoury pastries as well as breads and sandwiches, ranging from hazelnut brown butter croissants and pistachio Danishes, to an artichoke, sage and Lancashire cheese Pain Suisse.
Meanwhile, the restaurant leans towards seasonal French and British dishes. The opening menu includes crab tart with crab oil mayonnaise, roast pumpkin with brown butter, hazelnut and crispy sage, and spiced mallard with celeriac and Swiss chard.
‘This is a true passion project,’ says Land. ‘To showcase sensational food by a madly talented chef, drink properly priced top notch booze, and during the day, indulge in freshly baked goods by one of the best bakers in London. It’s a homage to all the great places I’ve been spoiled by over the years and my attempt to add to that canon, for all of us in Queen’s Park.’