A Foodie’s Guide To Sicily

Vittorio Meli

Born in Catania, Sicily, Vittorio’s family have owned and run restaurants for over three generations – so the chef certainly knows his stuff when it comes to good food. He is now at the helm of Zoom East, a Sicilian restaurant in London which features traditional dishes like caponata, arancini and Stocco Alla Messinese, a fish stew with olives, potatoes and capers. 

Vittorio Meli’s Pick: Best Restaurants in and Near Sicily

Pasticceria Savia, Catania

In Catania you must visit a ‘Tavola Calda Catanese’ (a Catanian ‘hot table’). These are casual restaurants or takeaways serving specialities including pizzette cartocciate and cipolline, savoury Sicilian pastries, and of course arancini. You can find Tavola Calda Catanese everywhere in the city but I especially recommend the traditional Pasticceria Savia, set at the corner between Via Etnea and Via Umberto. 

Via Etnea, 300/302/304, Via Umberto I, 2/4/6, 95131 Catania CT, Italy, lnx.savia.it

Zoom East

Trattoria Don Nino, Messina 

In the North of Sicily, at one of the three extreme points of the island is the city of Messina. Stocco alla Messines (stockfish) is the most important delicacy in the city – a real tradition that has historical roots linked to the geographically favourable position of the city on the Strait and its port in the Mediterranean Sea. Trattoria Don Nino is a great place to experience a classic Messina stockfish. 

V.le Europa, 39, 98124 Messina ME, Italy, facebook.com

Il Carretto, Cefalu 

Cefalu is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. In the historic centre a few steps from the Cathedral Basilica you will find Il Carretto offering typical Sicilian dishes with local products from fish to meat, both served directly at the table on lava stone. In Cefalu you will also often find slow-cooked black pig sandwiches served as street food. The Black Pig of the Nebrodi Mountains near Cefalu is a native breed with ancient origins. 

Via Mandralisca, 66, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy, facebook.com

Market A’ Vucciria, Palermo

In Palermo you must visit the market ‘A’ Vucciria’, an ancient bazaar with shops and food stalls – it can be hectic, but that is part of the charm. It is a great experience and the perfect place to try an array of different dishes as well as buy fresh ingredients. There you will find food stalls serving traditional dishes such as pane e panelle – chickpea fritters inside crunchy bread with lemon and parsley; Meusa (slow-cooked spleen with sweet and sour sauce) swordfish roll, boiled octopus, and cardoons in batter.

Piazza Caracciolo, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy

Osteria Mamma Carmela, Palermo

For a quieter option I would suggest Palermo institution Osteria Mamma Carmela in Borgo Vecchio via Principe di Scordia, just a few steps away from the famous theatre Politeama. Here you will find authentic, rustic cuisine not known to many. 

Via Principe Scordia, 159, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy

Getty Images

Trattoria Al Brigantino, Sferracavallo

Sferracavallo is a subarea very close to Palermo. It is famous throughout Sicily as a haven for seafood lovers. The Restaurant Trattoria Al Brigantino is one of the best known in Sferracavallo and offers customers typical dishes of Sicilian cuisine based on fresh fish.

Via Torretta, 104, 90147 Palermo PA, Italy

Restaurant Alla Kasbah, Mazara del Vallo 

Caponata is one of the most famous dishes in Sicily and something that you absolutely must try – Restaurant Alla Kasbah in the town of Mazara del Vallo is the perfect place. There is not actually a defined recipe, because each city or village has his own – and indeed each family in Sicily has his own recipe. Here you must also try the Gambero Rosso of Mazara – red prawns that the port town is known for. 

Via Itria, 10, 91026 Mazara del Vallo TP, Italy

Tha’am Restaurant, San Vito Lo Capo

Visit Tha’am restaurant, one of the most well-known restaurants in San Vito Lo Capo, to try classic Sicilian fish couscous dishes. A dish of North African origin, in Sicily couscous is cooked with fish or shellfish, and rich fish stock. 

Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 32, 91010 San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy, thaam.it

Zoom East

Panificio Giummarra, Ragusa

The Scacce Ragusane are a rustic and tasty dish of thin pastry with different savoury fillings, widespread in Ragusa and its province. It is difficult to find a bakery that competes with homemade scacce but in the heart of Ragusa there is the Giummarra bakery that perfectly replaces the home oven. 

Via Traspontino, 23, 97100 Ragusa RG, Italy

Pasticceria Artale, Ortigia, Syracuse 

If you’re visiting Ortigia, the historical centre of Syracuse located on Sicily’s south-eastern coast, I highly recommend Pasticceria Artale, an artisan bakery close to the Cathedral of Syracuse, for their sweet pastries. They also have a great lunch and dinner menu. 

Via Saverio Landolina, 32, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy, pasticceriaartale.it

Bar Girlando, Avola

Not far from the famous Syracuse on Sicily’s south-eastern coast is the coastal city of Avola where you will find Bar Girlando. Make a stop here to taste the fabulous ‘Granita di mandorle’ almond granita alongside the typical Sicilian brioche.

Viale Lido, 22, 96012 Avola SR, Italy, facebook.com

The post A Foodie’s Guide To Sicily, by Vittorio Meli appeared first on Country and Town House.

Best Restaurants in Reading

The Great House, Sonning

Coppa Club is famous for its dreamy riverside restaurants and clubhouses, which are beautiful spaces to eat, drink and work. You’ll find the original in Reading: The Great House, a former Elizabethan coaching inn set on a quiet stretch of the Thames complete with a restaurant, bar, terrace and snug area, plus hotel rooms. The restaurant is open for all-day dining, serving everything from pasta to burgers, pizzas and salads, alongside an excellent cocktail menu. There’s a great breakfast on offer too featuring the likes of avocado on sourdough and buckwheat pancakes – perfect if you’re heading there to work and fancy a bite to eat, or for a more leisurely brunch on weekends.

The Great House, Thames St, Sonning, Reading RG4 6UT, coppaclub.co.uk

Heckfield Place

Marle at Heckfield

The name at the helm here is culinary director Skye Gyngell, who you’ll be familiar with from her work at Spring, Somerset House. Her seed-to-plate philosophy goes further than any other, with almost nothing going to waste, and menus carefully planned around seasonal, estate-grown ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons and the biodynamic farm’s output, but you can choose from the likes of carpaccio of River Test trout, grilled lamb with green tomatoes and swiss chard or roasted wild sea bass with borlotti beans and slow-cooked courgettes (delectable). Vegetarians will delight in the unmatched quality of the seasonal leaves and buttered greens, they really are good enough to eat on their own, and in large quantities. For sustainable dining in Reading, Heckfield Place is unmatched.

Heckfield Pl, Heckfield, Hook RG27 0LD7; heckfieldplace.com

L’Ortolan

If it’s Michelin-starred dining you desire, it might come as a surprise that Reading residents can find it right on their doorstep. Having retained its Michelin star for 18 consecutive years, this beautiful Grade-II listed building (that lost its top floor to a war-time bomb) is the perfect place for a romantic dining experience. Top Chef Tom Clarke has crafted a French modern menu with seasonal, local produce at its heart, with truly spectacular offerings for all dietary requirements. The vegetarian dishes in particular shine – the beetroot terrine and goats cheese mousse are excellent. Opt for the gourmand menu for an indulgent journey through L’Ortolan’s finest offerings, allow the excellent sommelier to wine-match your courses and always, always, save space for the cheese course.

Church Ln, Shinfield, Reading RG2 9BY; lortolan.com

The Reading Room

If it’s fine dining in the heart of Reading that you’re looking for, head to luxury boutique townhouse hotel, The Roseate, Reading, where you’ll find its restaurant The Reading Room. For a decadent dining affair (with tables positioned around the spacious dining room to allow for social distancing and a more intimate dining experience for your party), the tasting menu by award winning Executive Chef Rajesh Maharjan is packed with seasonal British produce and mouth-watering flavour combinations. Tasting menu highlights include the scallop and pork belly starter, perfectly-cooked beef sirloin and a palette-cleansing pre-dessert. If you go a la carte, the Dorset crab starter is a must, as is the rich-but-not-too-rich black winter truffle linguine. Save space for dessert, but just don’t make us choose between the dark chocolate fondant or the savarin baba. Both are absolute perfection.

26 The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EJ; roseatehotels.com

The Corn Stores

The Corn Stores, a beautiful three-story Grade II listed building right by the station, has been transformed into a cocktail bar, steak restaurant and members’ lounge. Locally sourced British ingredients are at the heart of the menu, devised by John Sparks, whether it’s the meat prepared and aged in the on-site butchery or the salmon smoked in the smokery. The steaks are the hero of The Corn Stores’ offering, with beef fat chips and macaroni cheese sides making for a real glutton’s delight, but before you tuck in, be sure to take a drink downstairs at the bar. The Corn Stores’ signature cocktail menu alone is well worth the train ride out of the city – we’ll take a New Toad Sour and a Butter Old Fashioned, please.

10 Forbury Rd, Reading RG1 1SB; thecornstoresreading.co.uk

Thames Lido

After an energetic swim al fresco at the beautifully-restored Thames Lido, the chances are you’ll want to eat; luckily in the restaurant you’ll find a most appealing menu on offer. Thanks to strong connections with local producers the menu is tailored to suit the seasons and delivered with sustainability in mind. We’d whole-heartedly recommend the scallops and wood roast hake if you’re in the mood for fish; but check with the team to see what’s looking good for the day.

Napier Rd, Reading RG1 8FR; thameslido.com

Featured image: Jay Wennington, Unsplash

The post Where To Eat in and Near Reading appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Catey Awards: Who Were This Year’s Winners?

A number of British chefs were celebrated in the 2023 Catey Awards. Blanc was awarded with The Ruby Catey, a one-off accolade created to mark the Cateys’ 40th anniversary, for ‘redefining British hospitality and setting the benchmark for delivering sustainable gastronomy during a stellar career spanning more than five decades.’

Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir

The 2023 Chef Award, meanwhile, went to Gareth Ward, head chef of Ynyshir. Ward is no stranger to awards: Ynyshir recently came out tops in the National Restaurant Awards for the second year running. When presenting his Catey, the judges described Ward as a ‘maverick’ who had transformed fine dining.

Ynyshir

Clare Smyth MBE, who heads up the three Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill, won independent Restaurateur of the Year.

Scooping up The Special Award was Jeremy Goring, who was lauded for his efforts to help homeless people into roles of hospitality, which he did through the Hotel School. And Jason Atherton, who owns an array of restaurants all over the world, was presented with The International Award. 

Jacuzzi

On the restaurant side, Big Mamma Group was presented with group Restaurant of the Year for its collection of Italian-inspired trattorias. Founded by Tigrane Seydoux and Victor Lugger, Big Mamma Group was born in Paris, with East Mamma opening back in 2013. Over the years the group has expanded around Europe, with a number of restaurants dotted around London including recent openings Carlotta and Jacuzzi.

The Catey Awards are run by The Caterer, with winners chosen by a panel of industry experts. ‘This was a real milestone evening in the long history of the Cateys,’ said The Caterer’s editor James Stagg. ‘Celebrating the 40th anniversary of excellence in hospitality has given us the chance to appreciate the outstanding talent in the industry and those who have set the standards that are continually built upon.’

Here is the full list of winners.

• Foodservice Caterer Award, sponsored by Umbrella Training: Morag Freathy, Eurest
• Hotel of the Year – Group, sponsored by Caterer.com: Pan Pacific London 
• Best Employer, sponsored by mapal os: Red Carnation Hotel Collection
• Sustainable Business Award, sponsored by Violife Professional: Red Carnation Hotel Collection 
• Education and Training Award, sponsored by Liberty Wines: Steve Munkley, Craft Guild of Chefs 
• Wine and Spirit Ambassador Award, sponsored by Matthew Clark: Romain Bourger, the Vineyard, Berkshire
• Accessibility Award, sponsored by Blue Badge Access Awards: AbleStay 
• Public Sector Caterer Award, sponsored by Bidfood: Jayne Jones, Argyll and Bute Council
• Restaurateur of the Year – Group, sponsored by Entegra: Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux, Big Mamma Group
• Pub and Bar Award, sponsored by Britvic: Chestnut Group
• Manager of the Year Award, sponsored by Hotel, Restaurant & Catering: Francisco Macedo, Cliveden House, Berkshire
• Restaurateur of the Year – Independent, sponsored by Venners: Clare Smyth, CS Hospitality
• Newcomer Award, sponsored by MPLC: Culinera
• Menu of the Year Award, sponsored by Commercial Kitchen: Plates, London
• Best Marketing Campaign Award, sponsored by Amadeus: The Genuine Dining Co (JAAQ Cof ee – Changing Mental Health One Cof ee At A Time) 
• Best Use of Technology Award, Sponsored by Enhance Hospitality/Logit: The Lowry hotel, Manchester
• Health and Nutrition Award, sponsored by Brakes: Thomas Franks
• Chef Award, sponsored by Brakes: Gareth Ward, Ynyshir, Ceredigion
• Hotel of the Year – Independent, sponsored by Miele: Yorebridge House
• International Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by harri: Jason Atherton
• Special Award, sponsored by CH&Co: Jeremy Goring
• Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Britvic: Bill Toner
• Ruby Award, sponsored by P&O Cruises: Raymond Blanc

Find out more at cateys.com

The post The Catey Awards: Raymond Blanc and Big Mamma Group Among Winners appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Best Brunches in London 2023

start the slideshow

The post The Very Best Spots for Brunch in London appeared first on Country and Town House.

Best Restaurants in Wimbledon

Sticks’n’Sushi

This popular sushi and yakitori restaurant is a firm favourite with fashionable SW19 residents. Feast on signature ‘sticks’ – pork with miso, chicken meatballs, teriyaki salmon – alongside sashimi and salads, and be sure to finish with the special Wimbledon-themed dessert: a matcha and white chocolate pannacotta with a strawberry and Pimm’s reduction.

58 Wimbledon Hill Rd, London SW19 7PA, sticksnsushi.co.uk

The Alexandra

The Alexandra is all about getting involved in the festivities surrounding the biggest sporting event on the British calendar. With special themed drinks and classic British dishes, it’s a great place to pop into pre or post-match.

33 Wimbledon Hill Rd, London SW19 7NE, alexandrawimbledon.com

The Ivy Cafe

Head to Wimbledon’s Ivy outpost for stylish all-day dining (and drinking) done right. The weekend brunch is legendary and just the energy boost you need ahead of the action on Centre Court, especially when paired with a few refreshing Ivy Bloody Marys.

75 High St, London SW19 5EG, theivycafewimbledon.com

Thai Tho

Serena Williams once called this her favourite restaurant in Wimbledon Village and Maria Sharapova was a regular – and that’s pretty much enough said. After all, there is nothing quite like a tangy and comforting Pad Thai after a long day of running around on the court (or simply watching it).

20 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5DX, thaitho.co.uk

The Rose and Crown

Just a short walk from the madness of Henman Hill, The Rose & Crown is where it’s at during the Championships. Every year they set up a large marquee bar which plays music until late for the duration of Wimbledon, and with large screens and a buzzing atmosphere, it’s the best place to go if you didn’t manage to bag tickets.

55 High St, London SW19 5BA, roseandcrownwimbledon.co.uk

Maison St Cassien

This Lebanese and Mediterranean café and restaurant is right in the middle of Wimbledon Village and perfectly placed for people watching. Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova are among many tennis champions who have popped in for a chicken shawarma and tabbouleh.

71 High St, London SW19 5EE, maisonstcassien.co.uk

The Fox & Grapes

A charming British gastropub which serves classics with a twist, and has won awards for its efforts. There are even rooms upstairs if your celebrations (of a British win?) get rowdier than anticipated.

9 Camp Rd, London SW19 4UN, foxandgrapeswimbledon.co.uk

Hemingways

Wimbledon’s favourite cocktail bar for when you want to experiment with something other than Pimm’s. Nab a street table if you can and soak up the last of the sun as you sip on English garden-inspired cocktails. The Forget-Me-Not tastes just like a British summer’s evening, and regular live music and open mic nights jazz up the atmosphere.

57 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5EE, hemingwaysbar.co.uk

The post Wimbledon 2023: Where to Eat & Drink Nearby appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Reinvented Manzi’s Has Arrived in Soho

Located at Bateman’s Buildings, a wide alleyway running south from Soho Square, the new Manzi’s will pay homage to its predecessor, keeping the focus on seafood. Classic dishes on offer include moules marinière, Dover Sole and a catch of the day, alongside modern additions such as stuffed calamari in tomato sauce, and a New York shrimp burger with spiced mayonnaise. There will also be a selection of larger dishes designed for sharing, including a monkfish wellington, a fish stew, and roast mixed shellfish. 

Alongside the fish, a selection of meat and vegetarian dishes are on offer. There’s roast chicken with potato rosti, for instance, as well as rib-eye steak, and Moroccan vegetable tagine.

Being located in the heart of London’s West End, the restaurant is sure to be a popular spot with theatregoers – and there’s a special set menu designed for pre or post-show dining. 

Drinks, too, will include nods to the original restaurant – with some fun new twists. The Retro’s Revisited cocktail list sees Manzi’s classics brought back to life, including an Old Cuban made with aged rum, lime juice and champagne; and the Naked & Famous, blended with mezcal, fresh lime, Aperol and yellow chartreuse. 

The restaurant spans two floors, with suitably glamorous interiors and large windows allowing plenty of natural light. Nautical touches are seen throughout: a colour palette of soft blues, whites and sea greens is used across the venue, walls are adorned with sea creatures, and the lobby features a mural from Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. 

The idea for a new Manzi’s originally came from Jeremy King of Corbin & King, the restaurant group which helmed prestigious eateries including The Wolesley and Brasserie Zedel. However, King left the group last year alongside co-founder Chris Corbin. Manzi’s is the first new opening from the Wolseley Hospitality Group since it changed owners. 

Bookings are available now at manzis.co.uk

The post The Reinvented Manzi’s Has Arrived in Soho appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Sustainable Restaurant Association’s New Standard: Everything You Need To Know

What is the Food Made Good Sustainability Standard?

Created by The Sustainable Restaurant Association, the Food Made Good (FMG) Standard is a global sustainability accreditation for the hospitality industry. The Standard is awarded to restaurants and other F&B businesses that meet a set of rigorous, measurable criteria across three main focus areas: sourcing, society and environment. The accreditation aims to encourage, support and recognise sustainability practices across the F&B industry worldwide.

While the Standard has been in existence since 2010, we’ve just launched a new, updated version that is globally accessible and applicable, and more user-friendly.

EDIT Hackney

Why is it important?

If we stand any chance of meeting our climate targets, then immediate, radical and sustained change is needed across all sectors, within this decade. Many people are unaware of the enormous environmental impact of the hospitality industry. Here are just some of the problems posed by the industry as things currently stand:

• The food and beverage industries are directly responsible for 30 percent of climate change. 
• According to UNEP’s 2021 Food Waste Index, a huge 26 percent of the estimated 931 million tonnes of food wasted every year comes from hospitality businesses.
• The F&B sector needs to cut emissions by 66 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050 (compared to 2010 levels) to ensure that the growth forecast for the industry does not mean a growth in carbon emissions. The industry will need to do even more to limit warming to 1.5oC.
• The restaurant industry generates over 11 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, primarily in the form of single-use items.
• Food production demands an enormous volume of water, with the worst culprits being animal-based products.
• Consumer food choices are swayed by ‘what is available, affordable and accessible, and how it is marketed,’ placing a considerable responsibility on the industry: our menus need a serious rethink. We will not meet our climate targets without changing how we eat, and this will not happen without a real commitment on the part of the hospitality industry.

It is not enough for businesses to signal that sustainability matters; they must demonstrate that they are taking action across all areas of their business. Diners care more than ever about sustainability and are increasingly wary of – and clued into – greenwashing. The Food Made Good Standard is a third-party certification that signals to your staff, suppliers and customers that yours is a progressive business that understands the fundamental importance of doing the right thing for both people and planet, and puts sustainability at the core of operations.

How are restaurants measured? What sort of factors are considered?

The Food Made Good Standard examines a business’s policies and practices across three pillars – Sourcing, Society and the Environment – to give a 360° evaluation of a restaurant’s operations. We look at a wide range of issues. ‘Sourcing’ covers supplier relationships, traceability, human rights, biodiversity, animal welfare and sustainable seafood. ‘Society’ includes workplace practices, community outreach, nutrition and responsible drinking. Under ‘Environment’, we look at carbon emissions, water and energy use and waste management (both food and non-food).

We ask for different pieces of evidence to support clients’ answers, including:  

• Written policies, such as a procurement policy, staff handbook, environmental management policy, a supplier code of conduct 
• Supplier invoices 
• Third party certifications   
• Copies of menus  
• Training supports 
• A copy of a piece of communication about the impact area in question (for example, a social media post) 

We have a team of in-house auditors who evaluate each assessment. The assigned auditor will read through the assessment, cross reference the answers given with the evidence provided and check to see that the evidence contains the relevant information. 

Any feedback – including flagging inconsistencies, requesting a further explanation, or asking for additional evidence – is reviewed by a second auditor, before it is sent to the client. The client then responds and provides further evidence as needed. After a final review, the auditor puts together a final report for the client. This includes a summary of the client’s overall performance, and identifying actions the client can put in place to improve their impact in the future. The accreditation is valid for two years.  

Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir

There are lots of accreditations around – how does this one differ?

It stands out in a few ways. 

• The Food Made Good Standard is specifically designed for the hospitality industry, which makes a big difference. This industry has its own inherent challenges that need to be overcome on any restaurant’s sustainability journey – including a huge food waste problem, a long history of treating staff poorly and the fact that an enormous majority of its carbon emissions are generated throughout the supply chain, rather than within the businesses themselves. 
• The Food Made Good Standard takes a big-picture, holistic view of what sustainability should mean for the industry. Undertaking this work means a restaurant is not only minimising food waste, carbon emissions or water use, but also implementing sustainable sourcing policies, designing menus that are good for both people and planet, treating staff with compassion and dignity, and getting involved in the local community. The Standard changes what it means to be a sustainable restaurant in the 21st century.
• It’s important to note that, while there are lots of accreditations out there, many of them are not as focused on practical, tangible actions. For example, a business can be a B Corp and still serve eggs from caged hens, or fish that is endangered; a B Corp can still be sending waste to landfill. This is no disrespect to B Corp as an accreditation; it does a lot of fantastic work in building a better corporate world. However, the Food Made Good Standard really shines when it comes to honing in on the specific actions that food-serving businesses need to take – across all facets of their operations – to transform the wider food system. 
• Finally, the Standard is now also globally applicable and accessible, meaning that restaurants anywhere in the world can sign up and know that the work involved will be relevant for their business.

Pensons

Any notable trends you’ve observed within the sector? Cutting-edge techniques restaurants are using?

There’s definitely more happening in terms of transparency on menus, driven by legislation but also by consumer demand. Things like calorie labelling and allergen labelling are paving the way for other types of information to be provided on menus: carbon footprints, water use, food miles – and there’s a big consumer appetite for this sort of transparency. There are also some really exciting initiatives out there that are finding creative ways to repurpose food waste into new revenue streams. 

It’s important to remember that sometimes the most impactful sustainability work comes in ‘unsexy’ forms. We recently judged the Sustainability Award for the Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards, and Pensons Restaurant in Worcestershire won. They have a wide range of relevant, sustainability-focused business practices, but they scooped it in the end because they’ve implemented their own on-site laundry. That might not sound exciting, but this initiative saves 8,300 miles and 15,000kg of CO2 every year compared to the round-trips they used to take to do laundry; generates power entirely from on-site solar panels, saving 1,485kg of CO2 annually; and uses collected rainwater for 75 percent of its water needs. In addition to these significant, quantifiable environmental benefits, the project highlights the growing issue of water scarcity and has even created a new full-time job. Ideas like this – stemming from a practice of continuous self-examination and being open to experimentation – are so impressive.

Find out more at thesra.org

Featured image: Silo London

The post What Is The New Food Made Good Standard? appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Best Restaurants in Bristol

Freddy Bird

‘I was born and raised in Bristol but moved to London to gain some experience at The Square and Moro – where my love for cooking over fire was born. I returned to Bristol in 2008 to head up the kitchen at The Lido and have been lucky enough to experience the amazing renaissance of food culture in this great city. Although there are many new places opening up all the time, there are a few places around that I keep coming back to time and time again.

‘I’m a huge coffee drinker so I’ve got to start my day with one (or three). The coffee scene in Bristol is really booming and you can find great coffee all over the city now; favourites are Spicer and Cole in Clifton Village and Hart’s Bakery at Temple Meads. Hart’s do the most amazing pastry selection too so if I’m feeling peckish I’d find it difficult to turn down their layered pastries.’

Freddy Bird

Freddy’s Pick: The Best Restaurants in Bristol

Bravas

Bravas is a wonderful tapas place started by an old sous-chef of mine at the Lido, Imogen and her partner Kieran. The tapas-style of eating is quite big in the city. At Bravas there’s always delicious sherry, food and service – I really like their open kitchen which provides a buzzing atmosphere.

7 Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6LD, bravas.co.uk

Wapping Wharf

CARGO down on Wapping Wharf is a great place to grab some amazing smaller bites to go or to take home with a bottle of wine or cider – I enjoy the tacos at Cantina (the little sister of Bravas), and a block of local cheese or two at The Bristol Cheesemonger.

Wapping Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RW, wappingwharf.co.uk

The Mayflower

The Mayflower is my favourite pit-stop after a long service. Open until 3am and situated under the bus station, it’s location only adds to its charm and the most delicious and authentic Chinese food. I regularly order their chilli squid, steamed tripe and ginger or crispy fried pig’s intestines – I know they sound a bit off the wall but they are seriously amazing.

1a, 5a Haymarket Walk, Bristol BS1 3LN, mayflowerbristol.com

The Lido Bristol

Freddy Bird recently opened a new restaurant in Bristol’s Westbury Park, Little French. He’s also worked at The Lido Bristol and Three Brothers Burgers.

And here are some of our favourites…

Wilsons

Founded in 2016 by Jan Ostle and Mary Wilson, Wilsons is a neighbourhood restaurant with impressive green credits, having received a Michelin Green Star. Its own farm grows produce for a weekly-changing six-course tasting menu alongside a daily ‘du jour’ set lunch menu.

24 Chandos Rd, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PF, wilsonsbristol.co.uk

Rock Salt

Much to the dismay of locals, the lovely Bellita on Cotham Hill closed in 2021 – but its replacement Rock Salt offers new culinary delights. Here co-founders Harris Massey of Dishoom and former Dhamaka chef Kedar Subedi bring together many years of experience to create a unique fusion restaurant which offers both Indian and Chinese cuisine, with sweet and sour chicken sitting alongside their signature lamb raan.

34 Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6LA, rocksaltbristol.co.uk

Little French, Issy Croker

Rosemarino

For a really good brunch, head to Rosemarino, a bright and airy award-winning Italian restaurant in Clifton. They’ve won best breakfast and best Italian restaurant at the Bristol Good Food awards for three years in a row, and if you go you’ll see why. Their all-day breakfast menu features classic brunch dishes cooked to perfection: Eggs Benedict, spicy shakshouka and fan favourite ‘Tommy’s 1 Pan’: ham hock with chopped sausage, onions, mushrooms and potatoes, cooked with eggs and served with toasted focaccia. It’s also a lovely dinner spot – the menu changes every day but it’s generally vegetarian friendly, making the most of local, fresh and seasonal produce. Staple dishes include risottos, pasta, gnocchi, homemade bread and antipasti platters designed for sharing.

1 York Pl, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1AH, rosemarino.co.uk

Thali Cafe

Originally a food truck in Glastonbury, Thali Cafe now has restaurants dotted all over Bristol. Authentic Indian dishes are served ‘Thali’ style: a way of eating in India where a selection of dishes are served on one big steel plate. Fan favourites include the Goan fish curry, a crispy paneer dish and the spinach daal, served with fresh spinach and a handful of aubergine curry. Fresh ingredients, great flavours, and a relaxed atmosphere – a winning combination.

Various locations, thethalirestaurant.co.uk

The Ox

The Ox

Hidden away in a basement below The Commercial Rooms on Corn Street is The Ox, a stylish and intimate restaurant in the heart of the city. As the name suggests, the menu features good quality, perfectly cooked meat, with prime focus on juicy steaks from the local butcher’s Buxton of Winterbourne. Cousin of popular bars Hyde & Co, Milk Thistle and Pata Negra, The Ox has an impressive cocktail menu too.

The Basement, 43 Corn St, Bristol BS1 1HT, theoxbristol.com

Bosco

Bosco is a great Italian restaurant on Whiteladies Road where you can watch your Neapolitan style pizza being cooked on a wood-fired oven. It’s not all about the pizza though: must-try dishes include the arancini (heaven), and the rigatoni with pancetta and pecorino. They do a perfect Aperol Spritz too.

96 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2QX, boscopizzeria.co.uk

Boston Tea Party

A firm favourite with students and locals alike, Boston Tea Party recently became the first café to ban single use coffee cups. There are various branches across Bristol and Bath, but their flagship on Park Street is our favourite – the tiered garden is a dream during the summer months. Their brunch is particularly good, and it’s near-impossible to resist a purchase from their cake display.

Various locations, bostonteaparty.co.uk

Poco Tapas Bar

A tapas restaurant launched with the planet in mind, Bristol’s Poco Tapas Bar was named the most sustainable restaurant of the year in 2016 thanks to its commitment to the zero waste movement. Food is seasonal and changes often, but classic dishes include deep fried oysters and pork belly with fennel.

45 Jamaica St, Bristol BS2 8JP, pocotapasbar.com

Souk Kitchen

With two locations across Bristol, Souk Kitchen serves up vibrant and delicious Mediterranean food for great value – think marinated halloumi, chargrilled meats, falafels and lots of hummus.

277 North St, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP and 59 Apsley Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2SW, soukkitchen.co.uk

Featured image: Getty Images

The post The Best Places to Eat in Bristol: A Foodie’s Guide appeared first on Country and Town House.

5 Poolside Restaurants in London

Laurel’s On The Roof

Easily one of the hottest poolside spots in town is Laurel’s On The Roof, a rooftop bar, restaurant and pool found at the top of Mondrian Shoreditch. Inspired by the glamorous pool parties of 70s LA, the vibrant eatery features relaxed lounge seating and low-hanging rattan chandeliers, with dishes inspired by Californian cuisine. Think tuna ceviche, beetroot carpaccio and lobster risotto, alongside a Sunday brunch menu featuring the likes of French toast with bacon and smoked salmon bagels. There’s a relaxed feel during the day, and come evening time DJs kick things up a notch with soul, funk and electric beats. 

45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT, book.ennismore.com

Shoreditch House Pool

Pen Yen at Shoreditch House

When the sun comes out, East Londoners with a Soho House membership (or with friends willing to share) flock to the rooftop of Shoreditch House for a day by the pool. Sun loungers tend to get snapped up in the early hours of the morning, but more widely available are tables at Pen Yen, the club’s buzzy poolside restaurant. The Japanese-inspired eatery arrived in Shoreditch last year after proving successful at Soho Farmhouse, focusing on izakaya-style cuisine and robata grills. Favourites include the signature back miso cod, sticky pork ribs with ginger and garlic, tofu steak, and robata corn with miso butter, plus sushi rolls, salads and small plates.

Ebor St, London E1 6AW, sohohouse.com

Cafe at the Lido

Beside north London’s Parliament Hill Lido sits a charming cafe, focusing on Lebanese fare. Lido swimmers and Hampstead Heath walkers alike can pop in for salads, falafels and cooked breakfasts, alongside coffees, teas and cakes. Everything is vegan, and the cafe offers views of the water.

Parliament Hill Fields Lido, Gordon House Rd, London NW5 1LP, parliamenthilllido.org

Serpentine Bar and Kitchen

After a refreshing dip in Hyde Park’s lake, pop to the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen for an al fresco lunch. Housed inside Patrick Gwynne’s building on the eastern edge of the Serpentine, there’s a lovely terrace overlooking the water, open for breakfast, lunch and drinks. Enjoy brunch classics like Eggs Benedict and shakshuka, or visit at lunchtime for a wood-fired pizza, salad or burger. There’s also a dedicated kids menu with a choice of fish and chips, roast chicken with potatoes, and tomato and basil pasta.

Hyde Park, Serpentine Rd, London W2 2UH, royalparks.org.uk

The Berkeley

Hotels with rooftop pools are a hot commodity in the capital, so there’s always a lot of buzz around The Berkeley’s. Available exclusively for hotel guests (sorry), the endlessly chic pool boasts views of the capital, with a retractable roof for when the weather plays ball. While not a restaurant as such, there’s a pool deck menu offering a short and sweet selection of healthy dishes, such as yellowfin tuna tartare, chopped kale salad, a poke bowl and panzanella. Pair with smoothies, beers or a cocktail – the Paloma, made with pink grapefruit soda and Patron Silver tequila, will go down a treat on a sunny day.

Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL, the-berkeley.co.uk

Featured image: Laurel’s On The Roof

The post 5 Poolside Restaurants in London For Summer 2023 appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Best Riverside Restaurants in London

Fiume

The clue’s in the name: fiume translates as river in Italian, and that’s exactly where you’ll find this gem from Francesco Mazzei. Perched on the banks of the Thames in Battersea Power Station’s Circus West Village, Fiume is the perfect setting for enjoying some rustic southern Italian fare. Head chef Lazarin Kroni and his team cook up fresh, hearty dishes inspired by the Amalfi Coast: think grilled seafood, hand-rolled pasta, pizzas and sorbets. Pair with an Aperol Spritz or two for a real taste of la dolce vita.

Battersea Power Station, Circus West Village, London SW8 5BN, fiume-restaurant.co.uk

Le Pont de la Tour

One of the capital’s longest standing riverside restaurants, La Pont de la Tour has been around for over 30 years – and its charm shows no sign of slowing. The sophisticated French eatery offers unparalleled views of Tower Bridge, best enjoyed from the large outdoor terrace. Traditional yet innovative cooking is the focus, with the menu featuring dishes like moules mariniere, roast native lobster with garlic butter, and steak frites. There’s also a set menu offering three courses for £35 – and this summer guests can enjoy special cocktails from Mirabeau.

36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE, lepontdelatour.co.uk

Scott’s Richmond

At the end of last year, Richard Caring’s uber-glamorous Mayfair restaurant Scott’s opened a second branch on the Richmond riverside. Unsurprisingly, celebrities were flocking to the seafood destination within weeks of the launch, with everyone from Ed Westwick to Lady Amelia Winsor and Peter Crouch spotted dining there. Inside is suitably glitzy, with a standout central bar and chandeliers aplenty – but for the best riverside views nab a seat on the al fresco terrace. Settle in for English oysters, fruits de mer platters and champagne for the ultimate summer’s evening.

4 Whittaker Ave, Richmond TW9 1TH, scotts-richmond.com

The River Cafe

A true London stalwart, The River Cafe has remained largely unchanged since Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray launched it back in 1987. Perched beside the Thames in Hammersmith, it’s an endlessly glamorous spot serving Italian fare, with its own dreamy riverside terrace. The menu is seasonal, though some signature dishes remain constant, such as the chargrilled squid with chili and rocket, and the Chocolate Nemesis dessert. 

Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA, rivercafe.co.uk

The Gun

Off-the-beaten-track gastropub The Gun is a bit of a walk from Canary Wharf, but it’s well worth going out of your way for. Perched right on the riverside, the stylish pub boasts lovely views of the 02 and Greenwich – particularly from its waterside terrace, which fills up quickly during the summer months. Despite undergoing a lengthy refurbishment a couple of years ago, The Gun maintains its history and heritage, with long-cherished features such as open fires and wooden panelling. Head there on a Sunday afternoon for a roast with a view.

Docklands, 27 Coldharbour, London E14 9NS, thegundocklands.com

Tavolino

A more recent addition to the capital’s riverside dining scene is Tavolino, an Italian restaurant opened in 2020 in London Bridge. Grab a table on the outdoor terrace to enjoy panoramic views of the Gherkin, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, paired with Sicilian-inspired dishes. The restaurant is spearheaded by Louis Korovilas, former head chef of pasta bar Bancone, and pasta takes centre stage here too, alongside antipasti and pizzas. To drink, sip wines from Italy’s lesser known vineyards alongside plenty of cocktails.

2 More London Pl, London SE1 2RR, tavolino.co.uk

Sam’s Riverside

Sam Harrison has been a favourite in west London for many years now, having run Chiswick hotspot Sam’s Brasserie for a decade. Now he’s at the helm of another eponymous restaurant, Sam’s Riverside, a bright, airy brasserie in Hammersmith. Big windows offer beautiful riverside views, with a particularly special private dining room seating up to 18 people. The menu focuses on seasonal British cuisine, with oysters a speciality, alongside dishes like scallop ceviche with mango and passionfruit, spatchcock poussin with asparagus, and Cornish hake with fennel. Alongside this there’s an extensive wine list, with all wines handpicked by Sam, including plenty of English sparkling.

1 Crisp Rd, London W6 9DN, samsriverside.co.uk

Sea Containers London

This sleek hotel marooned on the South Bank has remained one of the city’s most popular riverside spots since opening in 2014. Its ground floor restaurant offers relaxed all-day dining with views of the Thames, with stylish interiors courtesy of Tom Dixon alongside a terrace which is currently running in collaboration with Laurent-Perrier. Kick off with some small plates such as four cheese croquettes and grilled sweetheart cabbage ahead of meat and fish grills, pastas and salads. 

20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD, seacontainerslondon.com

Peggy Green

The latest addition to the Aussie-inspired Daisy Green Collection, Peggy Green is housed on a restored former Jesus College Oxford barge docked on the Thames in Richmond. It’s the perfect spot for a fun Saturday brunch with friends, with both outdoor and indoor seating and an ultra-instagrammable look – think pink umbrellas, greenery aplenty and blue booth seating. Favourites here include the legendary sweetcorn fritters and the Daisy Green twist on a Full English, The Bondi, featuring fermented charcoal sourdough, avocado, bacon and chilli and fennel sausage. Add an extra layer of fun by going bottomless, with 90 minutes of free-flowing Daisy Green fizz.

The Boat, Bridge Boat House, Riverside, Richmond TW9 1TH, daisygreenfood.com

OXO Tower Restaurant

Rooftop and riverside: the restaurant at the top of the OXO Tower ticks two big boxes. Whizz eight stories up to see London from a unique vantage point, plus enjoy refined British dishes and top-notch cocktails. This chic stalwart has been around for over two decades and is a surefire hit for special occasions. Its afternoon tea is well worth a try too – particularly special when enjoyed al fresco.

Barge House St, London SE1 9PH, oxotowerrestaurant.com

Featured image: Peggy Green

The post The Best Riverside Restaurants in London appeared first on Country and Town House.