Country and Town House Magazine | Food & Drink

Inside Château Léoube, the Bamfords’ Eco-Minded Winery in Provence

Ellie Smith — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:44:27 +0000

Ellie Smith raises a glass of organic rosé at Château Léoube, where high society meets sustainability

Inside Château Léoube, the Bamfords’ Organic Winery in Provence

Since Carole Bamford launched Daylesford back in 2002, it has become a household name in the UK – synonymous with the Cotswolds and all things organic. Lesser known, though, is one of the Bamfords’ other ventures: a wine estate in Provence, which, over the past 25 years, has been quietly but surely flying the flag for eco-minded viticulture.

We’re talking about Château Léoube, a perfectly polished vineyard spread across four miles of coastline in the heart of Cap Bénat (the largest protected site in the Var), nestled within the sleepy town of Bormes-les-Mimosas. The Bamford family bought the estate back in 1997, enthralled by its seaside location, which not only looks beautiful, but also brings a unique quality to the winemaking. They set out to transform Léoube into an organic winery that showcased their holistic philosophy of nurturing the soil and working with the rhythms of the seasons.

Brought in to spearhead the process was Romain Ott, fourth generation winemaker of the esteemed Ott family, who, having grown up in the region, was already well acquainted with the land. After ten years of careful planting and planning, the first vintage was born in 2008. Nowadays, Léoube produces around 350,000 to 400,000 bottles of wine each year, with 80 percent of that being rosé, alongside white, red and sparkling.

The land is protected, meaning it has reached capacity in terms of production – allowing the focus to be on quality rather than quantity. ‘The Léoube style is authentic fine wines that are balanced, delicate and elegant,’ describes Romain. A love for the natural world dictates everything at the estate. ‘We have three jobs: to look after the land, to nurture nature, and to look after its biodiversity,’ Jérôme Pernot, Léoube’s head of export, tells us. ‘As much as we can, everything we do is by hand, from the planting to the trimming.’ The soil is nourished using only natural composts and manures, with no herbicides or pesticides used, and during the winter months sheep graze the land, acting as a natural method of weed control.

Naturally, there’s a bit of Provençal glamour too – albeit in a relaxed way. Café Léoube is the estate’s chic beachside restaurant serving Mediterranean fare, made using ingredients from the on-site market garden.

And in 2021, James Middleton had his wedding at Château Léoube, attended by the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. But beneath the crisp glasses of rosé, pristine white linen and VIP guest list lies a clear, important message: that saving the earth starts from the ground up. As Romain puts it: ‘Viticulture at Léoube is and always has been a long-term vision, so sustainability is vital.’

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A Foodie’s Guide To Sicily, by Vittorio Meli

Ellie Smith — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:20:55 +0000

Feeling inspired to book a trip to the idyllic Italian island of Sicily after watching The White Lotus? Bring your appetite: Sicily is a haven for foodies, jam-packed with excellent fine dining spots, traditional trattorias and glamorous beach clubs – hence the outcry at the fact the HBO cast ate pretty much all their meals in the hotel restaurant. Here, Sicilian chef Vittorio Meli, who heads up Zoom East in Whitechapel, highlights the places they should have visited. Read on to discover his pick of the best restaurants in Sicily.

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

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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

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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

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Where To Eat in and Near Reading

Rebecca Cox — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:50:02 +0000

Reading might not be the first place you think of when it comes to gastronomic delights, but Berkshire is actually brimming with culinary talent. From cool new concept members’ clubs to fine Michelin-starred French cuisine and renowned hotels, there’s something to satisfy all tastes. These are the very best restaurants in Reading.

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

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The Edinburgh Food Festival: What To See – And Eat

Ellie Smith — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 09:33:17 +0000

Edinburgh is renowned for its annual art festival, Fringe, but just before it kicks off the Scottish city hosts a big foodie event. Returning to George Square Gardens this July for its ninth edition is the Edinburgh Food Festival, a celebration of the city’s eclectic food and drink scene – and the line-up is looking as delicious as ever.

Edinburgh Food Festival Announces Its Line-Up

Taking place from 21 – 30 July 2023, the free-to-enter festival offers plenty of food to eat on the day and take home with you, plus a programme of live events, which take place in the al fresco Treehouse Kitchen.

On Saturday 22 July, spice will be in the spotlight, with highlights including a tasting event with the experts from BoTree seasonings, looking at single origin spices and the stories behind them. MasterChef 2023 contestant Vijaya Kunaparaju will be leading a curry workshop for children, plus sharing her secrets on preparing the perfect dosa. Also not to be missed is a cooking demonstration from Ka Pao executive chef Sandy Browning, who will focus on pairing Scottish produce with Southeast Asian flavours.

Naturally, the environment will be a key theme throughout. Visitors can take part in workshops surrounding topics such as ethical eating, seasonality, and zero waste food – with a different focus for each day of the event. And later in the festival, Edinburgh community garden Rhyze Mushrooms will explore the importance of mushrooms in our planet’s ecosystem through a variety of workshops and cooking demonstrations.

On the final weekend of the festival, the focus will be on wild food. Visitors can learn how to make their own kimchi and kombucha, and author and herbalist Mo Wilde will share her experience of living on a foraged diet. MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin will also be cooking up a wild feast in the Treehouse Kitchen.

The Global Kitchen, meanwhile, will host a variety of street food stalls. Feast on chicken wings from Okanda, Lebanese falafel from The Falafel Stop, and North American-style desserts from The Funnel Cake Co. There will be plenty for vegan and gluten-free festival-goers too.

A new element for 2023 is the Producer’s Market, where you’ll be able to shop for local produce from Scotland’s finest makers. Think raw superfruit juices from Seabuckthorn Scotland, stuffed cookies from Leith-based Babyfaced Baker, Greek pastries from Lady and the Bear, and homemade cannoli from Glasgow hotspot Cannoli Get Better. All in all, you won’t go hungry.

For more information visit edfoodfest.com

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Best Pink Champagne and Sparkling Wine For Summer 2023

Ellie Smith — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 08:50:31 +0000

Leisurely lunches by the seafront. Balmy date nights. Celebratory garden parties. Rosé champagne is the perfect tipple for summer celebrations, but which bottle is best for you? Here we bring you the C&TH pick of the best pink champagne and sparkling wine, plus some tips on what to pair it with.

What does Pink Champagne Pair Well With?

There’s no denying rosé champagne is an aesthetically pleasing option, but it’s also great for food pairing. Lighter varieties go well with seafood, while robust rosé champagnes can stand up to strong meats like spiced lamb or ’nduja. Rosé champagne is also often paired with desserts, particularly fruity puddings and dishes with a touch of acidity. You can find more on this here.

Best Pink Champagne and Sparkling Wine For 2023

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Hambledon Première Cuvée Rosé, £75, hambledonvineyard.co.uk

Hambledon’s first Première Cuvée Rosé is a blend based on the 2016 harvest, with a delicate strawberry pink colour and a multi-layered palette with notes of summer raspberry fruit and blackberry.

Lanson Rosé Fruit Market Champagne, £59.50, thechampagnecompany.com

A classic, fresh champagne, Lanson Rosé Fruit Market has a pure colour with pink salmon hues, with aromas of roses and fruit alongside more discreet notes of red fruit.

Veuve Clicquot Rosé, £56, clos19.com

Madame Clicquot created the House’s first blended rosé champagne by adding red wine to white champagne in 1818. In the centuries since, it has been perfected to what it is today: a full-bodied, fruity variety with flavours of strawberries and cherries.

Ruinart ‘Second Skin’ Brut Rosé Champagne, £69.99, majestic.co.uk

Founded all the way back in 1729, Ruinart was the very first champagne house, meaning it has centuries worth of winemaking experience. Its Brut Rosé Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with flavours of guava, pomegranate and berries. The ‘Second Skin’ bottle, meanwhile, offers an eco-friendly alternative to a gift box.

Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial, £51.50, clos19.com

For a classic pink fizz, Moët’s Rosé Imperial is always a winner: a fruity, dry wine with notes of raspberry, wild strawberry and cherry, well-suited to leisurely summer afternoons.

Bollinger Rosé Champagne, £56.99, majestic.co.uk

Created in 2008, Bollinger Rosé is a pink twist on the House’s classic powerful style. Made from Pinot Noir with a dash of each of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, it has flavours of summer berry fruits with a soft texture – a perfect choice when paired with seafood or fruit-based desserts.

Charles Heidsieck Rose Reserve Champagne, £60.50, thechampagnecompany.com

The vivacious bubbles of Charles Heidsieck’s rosé are the result of an ageing period of over 48 months, with a deep, powerful palate evoking tastes of strawberry, raspberry and blackberry.

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé 2013, £253, thewhiskyexchange.com

This 2010 vintage from Perrier-Jouët has a unique, delicate flavour featuring spring flower aromas and zesty, citrus elements. A blend of 90 per cent Chardonnay and 10 per cent Pinot Noir grapes, it pairs well with white fish, mild cheeses and citrus desserts.

Taittinger Brut Prestige Rose Champagne Gift Box, £39, thechampagnecompany.com

Taittinger’s pink champagne gets its vibrant hue from the addition of 15 per cent still red wine from the vineyards of Ambonnay and Bouzy. It’s a full-bodied, velvety wine with flavours of fresh fruit, ideal to pair with fish, seafood or summer fruits.

Dom Perignon Rose Vintage Champagne, £299, ocado.com

You can’t go wrong with Dom Perignon. At £299, this vintage rose is a pricier option – but it’s perfect for special occasions, with tropical hints of guava blended with zesty notes and toasted spices.

Louis Roederer Rosé Brut Champagne (Vintage), £68.99, vivino.com

Louis Roederer is best known for its iconic Cristal, but its rosé variety is equally delicious. It’s a fresh and fruity wine, with strawberry and blueberry flavours underpinned by more concentrated citrus notes.

Champagne Billecart-Salmon, Rosé, Brut, £68.95, harveynichols.com

Billecart-Salmon’s rosé champagne is renowned for its quality, with the secrets of its production close-guarded among the family, handed down across seven generations. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir vinified as red wine, it has a pale yet radiant pink colour with a fresh finish and hints of raspberry.

Main image: Getty Images

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The Catey Awards: Raymond Blanc and Big Mamma Group Among Winners

Ellie Smith — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:21:45 +0000

Often nicknamed the ‘Oscars of the hospitality industry,’ the Catey Awards are one of the most prestigious on the food calendar. This year’s winners were announced at a ceremony in London last night, with names including Raymond Blanc and Clare Smyth winning gold, alongside restaurants from the Big Mamma Group – the name behind buzzy restaurants like Carlotta and Jacuzzi.

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

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Tasting Menus Worth Shelling Out For in London

Ellie Smith — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 09:45:18 +0000

For those who struggle to pick a dish when dining out, tasting menus can be a godsend. These leave tricky decisions in the hands of those who know best – the chefs – and the whole table is usually required to join in, eliminating the ever-present fear of food envy. Done right, a good tasting menu will offer a whirlwind of different tastes, textures and visuals, nailing the portion sizes to leave diners satisfied but not overly full. Prepare to be wowed with our pick of London’s standouts.

16 Best Tasting Menus in London

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Lyle’s

Proving less is more is Lyle’s, an understated restaurant with much to offer. Despite its Michelin star and spot in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, there’s nothing pretentious about James Lowe’s fine dining venture: instead of tablecloths and candles you’ll find white-tiled walls, concrete flooring and simple seating. But amid these stripped-back settings you’ll be treated to some rather extraordinary food. Classic British dishes are given interesting twists, showcasing Lowe’s impressive art and technique. Dinner is a tasting menu – with a choice of classic or vegetarian – featuring six dishes with optional wine pairing, with short descriptions of dishes adding an element of surprise. Everything is seasonal-led, with Scandinavian influence and some obscure ingredients thrown in for good measure: at the moment, diners can expect the likes of quail broth with green asparagus, cheviot mutton with preserved citrus, and sweet woodruff ice cream. It’s an eco-friendly option too: the restaurant was recently awarded three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

Price: £95 for six courses, £69 for wine pairing

Address: Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6GY

BOOK: lyleslondon.com

Ikoyi

This two Michelin-starred restaurant hit the headlines recently after being named in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, coming in at number 35. Founded by friends Iré Hassan-Odukale and Chef Jeremy Chan, it combines West African spices with British ingredients, made using organic meats, biodynamic vegetables and fish from UK waters dispatched using the Ikejime method. The tasting menu is served for dinner Monday to Friday, and at lunchtime on Fridays, and features dishes like aged sirloin with salted citrus and lobster, turbot and caramelised chicken wings, smoked jollof rice, and a poppyseed and rum cake. It’s worth noting the menu can’t be adapted for vegetarians or vegans.

Price: £300

Address: 180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA

BOOK: ikoyilondon.com

Evelyn’s Table

Intimate chef’s table experience Evelyn’s Table is another favourite among London foodies, scooping up second place in Harden’s 2023 best restaurants guide. Hidden below The Blue Posts pub in Soho, with room for just 12 guests, it has a speakeasy, supper club-style vibe. You won’t find out what’s on the menu until you arrive (dietary requirements are submitted in advance), but you can assure you’re in safe hands with chef James Goodyear, who combines a love for British produce with Scandinavian and Japanese cooking techniques – underpinned by his French training. Expect top-quality dishes, with optional wine pairing, served amid a relaxed, unique setting.

Price: £120 for five courses

Address: 28 Rupert St, London W1D 6DJ

BOOK: theblueposts.co.uk

Dai Chi

Nestled in the hustle and bustle of Soho lies Dai Chi, a sophisticated and intimate restaurant offering two sets of tasting menus influenced by Osaka’s dining culture. The omakase-styled set menu is centred around crudo, and Dai Chi’s interpretation of kushikatsu, fried skewers of the highest quality meat, fish and vegetables (kushi = skewer, katsu = deep-fried). An extensive and unique wine & sake list has also been curated to pair perfectly with the kushikatsu.

Price: £42 for six courses

Address: 16A D’Arblay St, London W1F 8EA

BOOK: daichi.london

Native at Browns

The London outpost of wild food restaurant Native, which sits within Mayfair store Browns, has added a tasting menu to its repertoire, offering seven courses alongside foraged cocktails and natural wines. Dishes are based on what the team are able to forage that week, but it could look something like: zero-waste bites made from kitchen offcuts to begin, followed by hand-dived scallops, wild hare ragu, regenerative rib of beef, and a dessert made from white chocolate and bone marrow caramel.

Price: £72 for seven courses

Address: Native at Browns, 39 Brook St, London W1K 4JE

BOOK: nativerestaurant.co.uk

Taste of Samba at SUSHISAMBA

London’s hottest sushi spot and twilight cocktail venue with a view is venturing further into daytime territory with its new ‘Taste of Samba’ lunchtime tasting menu. Inspired by the cuisine of Japan, Brazil and Peru, the ever-popular SUSHISAMBA flexes its culinary skill across four new menus (including a vegetarian menu), each with six courses amounting to between 10 and 13 dishes. Start with a humble batch of edamame and a bowl of moreish crunchy plantain chips with aji amarillo, before venturing into refreshing crispy lobster taquitos and tender wagyu gyoza, bursting with hearty flavour.

Moving between fish, meat and veggies (who knew asparagus could be so flavourful), though the menu is well-paced, you’ll find yourself fit to burst by the end. Regardless, the deserts are a delicious cherry on top of the tasty experience; if you try the chocolate banana cake, make sure you order the rich Cafe Millonario to sip alongside (the SUSHISAMBA take on an espresso martini, with Bacardi Carta Negra rum, spiced maple and dark chocolate liqueur). By Olivia Emily

Price: The Taste of Samba menu starts at £75 per person, or £70 for the vegetarian menu

Address: Available at SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden (35 The Market, London WC2E 8RF) and SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower (Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY)

BOOK: sushisamba.com

Image (c) Steven Joyce.

Scully St. James

Chef Ramael Scully’s acclaimed Asian fusion restaurant, Scully St. James, is transforming its evening offering into an eight-course tasting menu. Guests will embark on a journey through Scully’s heritage (he was born in Malaysia, and grew up in Sydney with a mother of Chinese/Indian descent and an Irish/Balinese father) and cooking techniques, with a focus on fermenting, preserving and ageing ingredients. That means unique flavours, but also low waste, with a standard and a vegan menu to choose from. Your experience will begin with three surprise snacks, followed by Scully’s famous Arepa made with eight-day fermented corn bread and served with Scully’s Mum’s eggplant sambal. Other notable dishes on the menu include Lake District short rib pastrami brined, smoked and slow cooked with Urfa (a Turkish chilli pepper), plus a traditional Indonesian rice dish called Nasi Jagung, made with cooked dry cracked corn. All this will be paired with unique wines, from orange varieties to a Madeira Verdelho red from Portugal.

Price: £120 for the standard menu, £90 for the vegan menu, both eight courses

Address: 4 St James’s Market, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4AH

BOOK: scullyrestaurant.com

Umu

Forgoing the theatrical bells and whistles found at London’s more name-checked Japanese establishments, Umu favours a more refined, less Westernized cuisine that won it a Michelin star within months of opening (it now has two). Around 70 per cent of the fish served is British, and such is Chef Yoshi’s dedication to the highest quality produce that he personally trained Cornish fishermen in the ikejime method of killing and preserving fish to ensure it met his exacting standards. The seasonal kaiseki tasting menu takes you on a journey of elegant, traditional and previously unheard-of dishes, with many of the top contenders being fully vegetarian. Winter dishes include charcoal grilled roe deer, Cornish squid with sea urchin, and Scottish langoustine with Tokyo turnips, with the option to add a wine, sake or non-alcoholic drinks pairing.

Price: £250 for eight courses

Address: 14-16 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6LX

BOOK: umurestaurant.com

Amethyst

Drawing from Carlo Scotto’s global travels, this exciting Mayfair spot offers brilliant tasting menus taking you on a journey from India to Japan to his home in Naples. The overall theme of the food? Modern European with global influence, and this is delicately balanced throughout. A fantastic chef’s table view places all guests round a communal table (struck through the middle with real amethyst) offering are prime seats to spy Carlo and his team – an assembly line of culinary athletes – chop, sprinkle, and generally artfully prepare these small plates.

Price: From £75 for five courses

Address: 6 Sackville St, London W1S 3DD

BOOK: amethystdining.com

Read our review here

Restaurant 1980 by Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay’s third restaurant at The Savoy is a tribute to esteemed chef Auguste Escoffier, who worked at the esteemed hotel back in 1890 – hence the name. The small restaurant opens only for dinner, offering a tasting menu featuring seasonal French dishes with European influences. Think native lobster vol-au-vent, Aberdeen shortrib, and blood orange parfait with chocolate and cardamom.

Price: £165 for nine courses

Address: 68 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HP

BOOK: gordonramsayrestaurants.com

Six by Nico

After proving popular in cities like Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester, Scottish-Italian chef Nico Simeone brought his innovative dining concept Six by Nico to London last year. The Fitzrovia branch follows the same unique format as its siblings: an ever-evolving six-course tasting menu that changes every six weeks, each following a different theme. This April, the restaurant is celebrating its sixth anniversary with two destination tasting menus, inspired by Nico’s trips to Marrakech and Lisbon. From Marrakech, there are dishes like lamb tagine and chermoula cauliflower, while the Lisbon-inspired creations include roast pork with chorizo jam, and pastel de nata with caramelised puff pastry.

Price: £44 for six courses, an extra £35 with matching wines

Address: 41 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RR

BOOK: sixbynico.co.uk

Read our review here

Muse by Tom Aikens

Muse is the latest venture from chef Tom Aikens, who returned to London’s fine dining scene at the start of 2020 following a five-year absence, bringing with him years of experience in the world of high-end restaurants. Aged 26, Tom became the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars, going on to cook at the likes of Pierre Koffman’s La Tante Claire, Pied-à-Terre and Joel Robuchon in Paris. Muse is a culmination of all this: a ‘gastronomic autobiography’, as he puts it. You’ll find the restaurant tucked away inside a tiny townhouse in a residential Belgravia mews, spread across two floors and seating just 25 diners. The eight-course tasting menu tells a story, with each dish reflecting a part of Tom’s life. A salmon and cucumber creation titled ‘5 minutes and a few seconds more’, for instance, is an ode to Pierre Koffman, who would race Tom in prepping a whole salmon. And for dessert? ‘Wait and see’, says Tom – a nod towards the often-used mother’s response he remembers from childhood.

Price: £170 for ten courses

Address: 38 Groom Pl, London SW1X 7BA

BOOK: musebytomaikens.co.uk

Restaurant Story (currently closed for refurbishment)

Chef Tom Sellers earned his stripes working in top kitchens across the world before opening his own restaurant aged just 26, Restaurant Story in London Bridge. After five months it gained its first Michelin star, which it has held onto ever since – and this year received a second. As the name suggests, Tom likes his dishes to have a narrative behind them. Upon arrival you won’t receive a menu: instead you’re asked for your likes and dislikes and a parade of exceptional tasting dishes will arrive on your table. There are some signatures though, like the famous beef dripping candle, an edible candle which creates a dipping sauce for your sourdough, and the ‘Storeos’ – a savoury spin on Oreo cookies filled with cheese. Not a meal you’re likely to forget any time soon.

Price: £225 for ten courses

Address: 199 Tooley St, London SE1 2JX

BOOK: restaurantstory.co.uk

Hot Stone

Sushi lends itself naturally to tasting menus, with lots of small bites being the norm. This is demonstrated to perfection at buzzy Islington restaurant Hot Stone, which offers two tasting menus: one focused solely on seafood, another adding wagyu beef into the mix. Both begin with salty edamame beans and sashimi, before venturing in separate directions – the seafood option towards tuna carpaccio, miso black cod and Japanese yellowtail, and the other towards sirloin Japanese wagyu served with yuzu soy jalapeno sauce. Each finishes with a green tea matcha cheesecake and mochi selection, with the option to add wine and sake pairings.

Price: Seafood Tasting Menu is £85, Seafood & Wagyu Tasting menu is £110, £45 extra for wine and sake pairings

Address: 9 Chapel Market, London N1 9EZ

BOOK: hotstonelondon.com

Image from Instagram

Kitchen Table

After 15 months of closure, Michelin-starred Fitzrovia restaurant Kitchen Table reopened last summer with a fresh look and an exciting new menu. Spearheaded by husband-and wife-duo, Noma-trained James Knappett and sommelier Sandia Chang, Kitchen Table used to sit at the back of gourmet champagne and hot dog restaurant Bubbledogs, which sadly closed for good during the pandemic. It’s been repurposed as a cocktail bar though, while Kitchen Table continues to serve as an intimate dining room seating just 18. The setting may be low-key, but the two-Michelin-starred food is anything but: diners will embark on a dazzling 20-course gastronomic feast. Prepare for some surprises – the daily-changing menu is intentionally enigmatic, with one-word descriptions of dishes, but the chefs will talk you through their magic along the way.

Price: £300 for up to 20 courses

Address: 70 Charlotte St., London W1T 4QG

BOOK: kitchentablelondon.co.uk

Chicama

The second restaurant from the Pachamama group, Chelsea’s Chicama is a charming restaurant named after a coastal town in Peru – not the word chic, although that does describe it well. Unlike its sister, Chicama is meat-free, focusing instead on fish served small plates-style, with seafood delivered daily from Cornwall and given a South American twist. The classic tasting menu features sea bass ceviche with soy tiger’s milk and sesame, for instance, while the tuna is served with an avocado jalapeno sauce. Vegetarian or vegan? Fear not: the plant-based dishes are equally delicious, with tasting menu highlights including fried aubergine with plantain miso and charred sweet potato with BBQ plantain. Don’t knock the tapioca marshmallows before you’ve tried them: made without eggs or sugar, these bitesize snacks have the texture of fluffy marshmallows but the flavour of cheese – they’re made with deep-fried parmesan, and served with a chilli sauce. Pisco Sours are the natural drink of choice, though the Spicy Margarita shouldn’t be overlooked. Eat al fresco on the lovely plant-filled outdoor terrace, or watch the chefs working their magic up close from the pastel pink marble counter, which looks onto the open kitchen.

Price: £60 for nine courses

Address: 383 King’s Rd, London SW10 0LP

BOOK: chicamalondon.com

The post Tasting Menus Worth Shelling Out For in London appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Very Best Spots for Brunch in London

Ellie Smith — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Brunch: it’s an institution. It may not be the most important meal of the day, but it’s definitely the best – if you know where to go. And what better way to catch up with friends than over some eggs and avo? Or perhaps a stack of buttermilk pancakes? Whatever your mid-morning cravings look like, London is filled with great brunch spots, from the classic Wolseley to lively parties and cute cafes. These span a multitude of cuisines, from vibrant Aussie-inspired dishes to sushi buffets and Middle Eastern fare, and are the kind of places you could while away hours on a Saturday. Read on for the ultimate guide to brunch in London (and if you want to up the ante, go bottomless here).

The Best Brunches in London 2023

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Abuelo, Covent Garden

Head to Abuelo for a quiet(er) pocket amid bustling Covent Garden. A brunch spot of the Australian variety, expect Latin American twists on classic fare, nodding to the founders’ backgrounds. The coffee is fantastic, and you’ll find a quintessential menu brimming with recognisible favourites – think poached eggs, banana bread, and plenty of sourdough – elevated with more unique ingredients such as mascarpone, pumpkin, goats cheese and dukkah. Sweet toothed brunchers should try the Fresh Fig & Honey Whipped Mascarpone (on sourdough, with blossom honey, salted pistachios and micro flowers), while savoury fans will love Smashing Pumpkins (roasted spiced pumpkin with a poached egg, goats cheese and roasted rosemary walnut crumble on sourdough), or the spicy goodness of Huevos Divorciados de Turco (poached eggs, labneh, chimichurri, avocado salsa and smoked paprika) with sourdough for unabashed dipping. With a focus on aesthetics, your chosen plate will thrive on camera – and on your Insta story, tried and tested – but, showcasing the best of fresh produce, it’ll taste amazing, too. By Olivia Emily

26 Southampton St, London WC2E 7RS, abuelocafe.co.uk

Bacchanalia, Mayfair

For a decadent brunch with a touch of theatre, head to the aesthetic dreamland that is Bacchanalia, the latest addition to Richard Caring’s portfolio. The Greek-inspired restaurant has just launched a Sunday brunch offering complete with music from a roaming four-piece band. Chef Athinagoras Kostakos has created a new Mediterranean menu featuring dishes like an Italian-style florentine made with grilled focaccia, wild greens, Amalfi lemon and spicy hollandaise sauce; and eggs and truffle served on a crispy potato rosti with stracciatella.

1-3 Mount St, London W1K 3NA, bacchanalia.co.uk

The Perception at W London, Leicester Square

Located in the heart of Leicester Square, W London is a stylish and sophisticated hotel with excellent dining facilities. Its brunch offering, served in The Perception restaurant, includes dishes like the mouth-watering W Spice Chicken with piquant herbs and bulgur wheat dressed with edible flowers, plus a juicy Pulled Pork Burger with tangy pickled red cabbage, a crisp fried egg, and a dollop of slaw served with a side of fries. It doesn’t stop there either: finish on a sweet note with the edible orange shell, served with boozy vanilla ice cream oozing with tart passion fruit pieces and sweet caramelised pineapple chunks. Afterwards, grab a drink at the hotel’s glitzy bar; our top pick is the signature Whispering Angel cocktail.

W, Leicester Square, 10 Wardour St, London W1D 6QF, marriott.co.uk

Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair

Step through discreet doors into London’s best restaurants for art lovers, hidden atop The Audley. The spectacularly light-filled Mount St. Restaurant has a brand new breakfast and brunch offering. Sip mimosas, breakfast martinis or bloody mary’s under the watchful gaze of Andy Warhol and Henry Matisse’s work, and notice as the sun pours through towering windows, moving across the room as you tuck into eggs, and resting in golden pools and slices across the red chairs (art in their own right, designed by Matthew Day Jackson) and the stunning specially-commissioned mosaic ‘Broken Floor’ by Rashid Johnson. Indeed, the room is an artwork in itself: rich wooden tables are topped with Sophie Taeuber-Arp lamps, Salt & Pepper Cruets by Paul McCarthy, and the most delicate of wine glasses. Executive Chef Jamie Shears has creatively reimagined breakfast: dip asparagus soldiers into soft boiled eggs or tuck into bacon chop served with bubble & squeak and a duck egg. Or keep it simple with the classics: all the eggs (Benedict, Florentine, you name it) are well represented, alongside the likes of London Rarebit, porridge, Swiss bircher muesli, kedgeree, and the classic Full English Breakfast, all exquisitely elevated into the realm of the divine. By Olivia Emily

First Floor, 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX; mountstrestaurant.com

The Riding House Café, Bloomsbury

If you’re familiar with the Fitzrovia and Victoria sister restaurants of the Riding House Café, you probably already love the chain’s expansive brunch menu. The team’s latest jaunt, a new opening in Bloomsbury, doesn’t disappoint. Moments from Russell Square, the newest space has all the get-up that made its predecessors successful: from open-kitchen so you can watch the chefs work, to its many nooks and crannies (which provide intimate seating arrangements for those all-important catch-ups with friends) – and of course the menu, a love-letter to hollandaise sauce. Upon entering, the Bloomsbury branch feels as much like a conservatory as a café, with banquette seating lounging beneath dramatic arch windows and the many, many plants. While the Riding House Café is well known already for its hollandaise eggs (the ‘Burgerdict’ is a fan favourite for brunch crowds), we recommend venturing further afield into the depths of its menu. You certainly can’t leave without trying the fluffy pancakes topped with berries, maple syrup and a clotted cream so sweet that it will make your head spin – in the best way. Accompany with a brilliant allpress coffee for a perfect start to the (mid)day.

1 Brunswick Centre, Bloomsbury London WC1N 1AF, ridinghouse.cafe

Peggy Jean, Richmond

Fancy brunch on a barge? The Peggy Jean has a great story – previously a neglected boat from Jesus College, Oxford, it’s now experiencing second life as a trendy brunch spot in Richmond on the river. And while the barge doesn’t move, the Aussie-inspired food may transport you to warmer climates… The peach melba coconut French toast is a must-have, so picture-perfect you’ll want to savour it, and so tasty you’ll nonetheless devour it almost immediately. The torched peach is warm on the dripping, sugary bread and brilliantly paired with coconut yoghurt plus freeze-dried raspberries, keeping it totally vegan. If you’re feeling savoury, there’s also a fantastic offering of eggy-potato dishes. The Dirty Daisy smashes tater tots together with Monterey jack cheese and chorizo, for a brunch dish with plenty of kick. Wrap up warm on chillier days, but rest assured you’ll be warmed by the pizza ovens. Enjoy watching paddle boarders float past. It’s also worth noting the Daisy Green Collection has numerous branches across London.

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

The Mandrake, Fitzrovia

Hidden behind a discreet door on Newman Street lies a surrealist wonderland: The Mandrake. The first hotel from Beirut-born Rami Fustok, The Mandrake is named after a mystical medicinal plant, a theme which stretches throughout this jungle-style retreat – epitomised in the leafy, jasmine-bedecked Jurema Terrace. Head there on a Sunday to try the hotel’s new Sunday brunch, an al fresco dining experience featuring eclectic South American fare, ethnobotanical cocktails and live music. Begin with padron peppers flavoured with smoked chilli salt, plus crab and fennel tostadas with sea herbs and lime. For the main event, choose between mushroom and kale tacos, a chorizo and poached egg muffin with chimichurri hollandaise, or – our top pick – a buttermilk fried chicken bun, all served with sides of fries and salad. For dessert, think classics with a fun twist: there’s a strawberry, vanilla and red pepper parfait infused with red chilli, and a Guatemalan chocolate mousse with coconut, buckwheat and almond. Cocktails, meanwhile, celebrate the power of plants: The Blue Lotus is a mix of Grey Goose vodka, raspberry, champagne, blue lotus and passionflower, while The Yohimbe is a refreshing combination of gin, basil, watermelon, yohimbe and goji. Alternatively, a bottle of crisp rosé wouldn’t go amiss – particularly if the sun is shining.

20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG, themandrake.com

The Buttery, Belgravia

Here’s a secret: hidden at the back of Belgravia’s Lime Tree Hotel you’ll find one of the city’s best al fresco brunch spots. The idyllic hidden garden is part of The Buttery, the hotel’s café opened post-pandemic, where in-the-know diners and hotel guests alike head for a laid-back, leisurely brunch. The menu features a mixture of classic and edgier dishes: you’ve got your Eggs Benedict, avocado on toast and pancake stacks, but also homemade crab cakes, and spiced acorn squash with couscous. For sweet-toothed brunchers, the Nutella French toast is a highlight: soft brioche dipped in sweet batter and toasted with Nutella sauce. Feeling savoury? The Allotment Breakfast is a vegetarian twist on the classic full English featuring grilled halloumi, grilled Portobello mushrooms, St. Ewe eggs and some particularly tasty roasted potatoes. If the weather’s not on side, the indoor area is equally charming, with rustic interiors bringing a countryside feel.

135, 137 Ebury St, London SW1W 9QU, limetreehotel.co.uk

Ottolenghi, Spitalfields

Hidden away on a quiet Georgian passageway is the institution that is Ottolenghi. Inside, you’ll be met with low-lit spotlights, touches of soft red velvet, with a low-key atmosphere of clientele. Now onto the food: obviously Ottolenghi is thrown about so much these days, but trust us, the brunch lives up to the hype. Go for either the shakshuka or salmon and eggs on focaccia, and accessorize with a flat white and their zinger drink (it’s a lime, gingery hand-cut ice corker). You’d be hard-pressed to find a better brunch spot in the city.

50 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LJ, ottolenghi.co.uk

Aqua Kyoto, Oxford Circus

If you’re one of the rare people who doesn’t actually like traditional brunch food – pancakes and eggs aren’t for everyone! – then Aqua Kyoto’s free-flow brunch might be the one for you. This contemporary, high-end Japanese restaurant in the heart of the West End always has delicious food and drink offerings, and its brunch menu is no different. The three-course extravaganza is served in the moodily-lit dining room, where a glitzy marble sushi counter sees the chefs hard at work. They do the hard part: a selection of starters and deserts are pre-curated. You just choose your preferred main: Ginger Miso Sea Bass, Tofu Kara Age, or Robata Grilled Beef Sirloin. The Aqua Kyoto waitstaff are attentive, almost redefining ‘free flow’ with drinks consistently and generously topped up. But the starters are the real star of the show: seemingly never-ending, they arrive one by one, ranging from classic Rock Shrimp Tempura to supremely tasty Chicken Kara Age to the stunning Signature Sushi Platter. Top it off with a cocktail on the lovely Fuyu rooftop terrace. From £45pp. By Olivia Emily

5th Floor 240 Regent Street, (Entrance 30 Argyll St) W1F 7EB, London W1B 3BR, aquakyoto.co.uk

Read our full review here

Dipna Anand at Somerset House, the Strand

Thought brunch was just eggs, eggs and more eggs? Not at Somerset House. Yes, you’ll find eggs on the menu at Dipna Anand’s brunch menu, but forget poached or fried, it’s masala scrambled and served inside a crushed paratha as part of this traditional Punjabi and South Indian selection. Other favourites include the vada pav (a Bombay street food favourite of potato vada inside a soft bun) or the smashed avocado and paneer salad served on a naan (the paneer scramble is the only way we’d like to start a Sunday from now on). Aside from the delectable food selection, the restaurant’s appeal lies in the location – the South Wing of Somerset House with cosy booths and tables overlooking the river. Finish with a warming masala chai or hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort meal.

Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA, dipnasomersethouse.co.uk

Ella’s Place, Parson’s Green

Seemingly a just florist shop from the outside, Ella’s Place is a bit of a best-kept secret for Parson’s Green locals. Walk through past all the bouquets and you’ll find the most beautifully biophilic space for brunch. Be warned though: you’ll eventually spend every weekend here sipping on green smoothies and the signature Ella’s Brunch (that includes a delightful mango twist).

305 New Kings Rd, London SW6 4RF, facebook.com

West 4th, Parsons Green

Recovering from the night before? Head to Parsons Green’s fairly new Canadian restaurant and bar West 4th, which features its own DIY Bloody Mary Bar – a drink renowned for its hangover-curing qualities. The Vancouver-inspired eatery serves brunch in the mornings before evolving into a chic charcuterie and wine bar. The kitchen is headed up by chef Joseph Berney, who, aged just 22, has already worked at a number of top restaurants including Scott’s and Clipstone. Breakfast dishes include unique takes on the traditional Canadian dish of Poutine, stacks of pancakes and waffles, plus healthier options like acai bowls and Eggs Benedict.

175 New Kings Rd, London SW6 4SW, west4thlondon.co.uk

Bibo, Shoreditch

Brunch with a side of Latin music? Don’t mind if we do. Tucked away in a sophisticated basement below the chic Mondrian Hotel, Bibo is an understated spot with a weekend brunch menu brimming with Spanish specialities, from padron peppers to patatas bravas, grilled avocado to tuna brioche, croquetas con jamon ibérico to chorizo brioche, and the gambas fritas with moreish spicy mayo. There’s a slice of classical brunch offerings – Eggs Royale and Benedict – for safety seekers, but you should really indulge in the Spanish and opt for a show stopping paella (choose between eggs and cecina, lobster, chicken, ibérico ribs, and a veggie option), perfectly soundtracked by @bonita_bonita_fm playing salsa, latin, jazz and psychedelia. Wash it all down with a glass of sangria (or one of the many other tempting cocktails), and don’t miss the desserts. Unleash your inner child with the nostalgic rice pudding, finished with a smashable caramelised top. By Olivia Emily

45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT, sbe.com

Image (c) Steven Joyce

Crazy Pizza, Knightsbridge

For those wanting an early energy boost before they hit the shops, brunch at Crazy Pizza might just be the best option. Located next door to Harrods, the restaurant is offering early shoppers a chance to unwind and energise with its brunch menu. Tuck into an array of new breakfast options, from mascarpone-laden French Toast with cinnamon, blueberries and maple syrup, to smoked salmon draped Eggs Royale. Or if you’re craving something a little more indulgent, try a stack of American pancakes with berries, caramelised banana, sour cream and maple syrup. And because Crazy Pizza is determined to live up to its name, the restaurant has also added a selection of its signature pizza dishes to the menu, such as the Continental and the Salmone pizza. Feeling thirsty? Wash it all down with one of Crazy Pizza’s breakfast cocktails, which include Mimosas, Bramble Spirtzes and Crazy Maries.

32-34 Hans Cres, London SW1X 0LZ, crazypizza.com

COYA Mayfair

If you’re after a classy party brunch, head to the glitzy COYA Mayfair for its Soul Grandioso event: a champagne-fuelled affair complete with music, dancing and three courses of Peruvian-inspired food. Held in the restaurant’s vibrant Latin American bar, the brunch kicks off with a selection of nibbles such as corn tortillas and guacamole and salmon tacos, alongside Dom Pérignon champagne – enjoyed to the soundtrack of live singing from host Susan. Next up: a decadent ice platter filled with dishes from the counter – think sea bass ceviche, yellowfin tuna, miso cucumber and crispy corn – followed by your choice of mains, with options including corn-fed baby chicken, sirloin steak and Peruvian potatoes with truffle. It’s all rather civilised at first – but before you know it, the curtains are closed, the music’s kicked up a notch and guests join Susan on the dancefloor. From 3pm, brunch-goers are invited to head downstairs for cocktails and dancing in the Pisco Bar. £150pp

118 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NW, coyarestaurant.com

Sumosan Twiga, Knightsbridge

Overflowing, Jay Gatsby-style with champagne, sushi and sumptuous Italian dishes: Sumosan Twiga’s Uptown Christmas brunch is an excellent excuse to ditch the home office for the streets of Knightsbridge. Like its sister restaurant in Monte Carlo, this energetic Sloane Street outpost offers a menu of exceptional Japanese food and traditional Italian cuisine with decadent, perfectly-balanced dishes like miso-marinate black cod and grilled chicken with teriyaki and togarashi spices served at (Covid guideline-friendly) spaced tables. Don’t forget to finish off in true festive style with a Flor de Jamaica cocktail of Bombay Sapphire, Jamaican Flower, Allspice berry, ginger and orange oils.

165 Sloane St, London SW1X 9QB, sumosantwigalondon.com

Trade, Spitalfields and Islington

While Trade may boast some of the best sandwiches in London, we can’t stop thinking about its impressive brunch menu. Fondly called the ‘brunch beacon’, Trade’s all-day breakfast and brunch menu is served everyday until 4pm and features classics like smashed avocado, egg on toast, and pancakes. Not adventurous enough? Try the Char Siu Pork Belly, Cornbread and Pickles or the Miso Aubergine, Avocado and Dukkah for a taste sensation that blends East and West. After you’ve had your fill, wash it all down with a cup of coffee or dive into the tea selection Trade has on offer (White pear and ginger? Yum!). Brunch here is a taste sensation you won’t want to miss.

47 Commercial St, London E1 6BD (Spitalfields) and 330 Essex Rd, London N1 3PB (Islington), trade-made.co.uk

Rondo at The Hoxton, Holborn

Rondo, The Hoxton’s lively restaurant serving up seasonal British fare, has upped its game by taking its bold ethos to brunch enthusiasts. Set in a cosy spot at the back of this West End hotel, the restaurant is a relaxed, yet luxurious nook with industrial accents. Once seated, treat yourself to a pear bellini or smoky Bloody Mary (if a little hair of the dog is needed) to accompany a new brunch menu so indulgent you won’t be able to touch a morsel for the rest of the day. Choose between dishes like Rockefeller oysters with ‘Nduja, smoked eel kedgeree and crispy polenta with mushroom ragu. The ultimate decadence is croissant French toast oozing caramelised bananas and rum and raisin. Still got room for something sweet? There’s even a dessert menu to finish off, with gooey chocolate cake and raspberry sorbet and cherry and almond tart. The perfect start to a lazy Sunday wandering around Covent Garden.

199-206 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD, thehoxton.com

Madera at Treehouse London, Marylebone

A sky-high Mexican restaurant found within the Treehouse London hotel, Madera is always buzzing – but the stylish eatery is a particularly good spot for weekend brunches. Think fajita bowls with guacamole and charro beans, chicken tacos and chimichurri-marinated steak, alongside more classic brunch dishes like avocado on toast and eggs royale. Finish on a sweet note with churros and chocolate sauce, dulce de leche or Oaxacan chocolate cake – all to be enjoyed alongside sweeping views of the capital.

14-15 Langham Pl, London W1B 2QS, treehousehotels.com

Sartoria, Mayfair

Start your Saturday morning sipping on a glass (or bottle) of the Delevingne sisters’ Della Vite prosecco paired with delicious and authentic Italian food at the iconic Sartoria restaurant, just off the corner of Saville Row, Mayfair. Indulge in the best dishes that Italy has to offer with the Portofino Brunch menu, whether you are celebrating with loved ones or simply looking for a lavish weekend treat. Tuck into the many innovative Italian twists on brunch classics with the exquisite eggs purgatorio, served with tomato sauce, nduja and roast peppers, or the comforting Italian Job, an Italian take on the classic full English breakfast. Washed down with a refreshing and light glass of fizz, it is the ultimate luxury Italian brunch experience.

20 Savile Row, London W1S 3PR, sartoriarestaurant.co.uk

No. Fifty Cheyne, Chelsea

On a rainy day, there are few places more inviting than No. Fifty Cheyne. Everything about this neighbourhood gem is idyllic, from its riverside, Old Chelsea location to its bright blue flower-festooned exterior to its cocktail bar snug. It’s an undoubtedly smart spot – think marble tables and drop-down chandeliers – yet endlessly cosy at the same time, with chandelier-lit lighting casting a golden glow across the dining room. The restaurant’s new all-day brunch menu makes the situation even dreamier, which comes courtesy of Head Chef Ian Smith and his team. Whether you’re after dishes that lean more towards breakfast or lunch, all brunch needs are met here. Think classic dishes with a luxurious twist: buttermilk pancakes come with whipped strawberry cream and homemade syrup, while the organic scrambled eggs are spruced up with Australian black truffle. For those feeling extra indulgent, the crispy chicken and buttermilk waffle dish is the stuff of dreams. Alternatively, veer into lunch territory with the seafood linguini or order from the extensive grill menu, cooked on an open grill sitting in the middle of the room. Defy the rule that says brunch should only be one course by finishing with a dark chocolate fondant, served with honeycomb and malt ice cream.

50 Cheyne Walk, London SW3 5LR, fiftycheyne.com

Beam, Notting Hill

With three locations, one in Crouch End, one in Highbury and the newest location in Notting Hill (across the road from the popular Farmacy), expect queues down the street at weekends for the popular brunch offering, which perfectly balances the requisite green smoothie and beetroot smoothie options with the, let’s be honest, necessary Saturday and Sunday indulgences, from French toast and Turkish eggs to Kahvalti, a Middle Eastern breakfast sharing spread. Halloumi portions are generous (the halloumi, aubergine and sticky walnut salad is delicious), the doughnuts are irresistible and the people watching is enormously fun.

103 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill W2 4UW, cafebeam.co.uk

Milk, Balham

Balham has become something of a brunch mecca in recent years, with hip Hildreth Street spot Milk taking centre stage. Set up by Aussie duo Julian Porter and Lauren Johns, Milk first opened back in 2012 as M1LK, but in 2015 it underwent a refurbishment, re-opening without the numeral as Milk. First thing’s first: you will have to queue on weekends, as the Balham brunchers are out in force – but hold out, because the food really is top-notch. Hungover? Go for their sweetcorn fritters, served with smashed avo, halloumi and smoked bacon; or the Kurdish baked eggs with chorizo, spinach and labneh. If you’re after something quirky, the fillet’o’fish sandwich is a popular choice, made with red snapper, baked eggs and nut milk. Decor is light, bright and simple, with outdoor tables set on cobbled Hildreth Street, ideal for the summer months. Great coffee, delicious food, friendly staff – what more could you want?

18-20 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9RG, milklondonshop.uk

Rail House Café

Round the corner from Victoria station you’ll find Rail House Café, nestled within the buzzing Sir Simon Milton Square. The offspring of Fitzrovia’s Riding House Café, this trendy spot is a large and airy space with industrial chic interiors, partly inspired by the concept of a bustling metropolitan station. Brunch options accommodate both health-conscious diners and those after something more indulgent: there’s house muesli and granola, but there’s also buttermilk pancakes with triple-smoked streaky bacon and maple syrup. The full veggie breakfast is particularly good: grilled halloumi, smoked piquillo peppers, fried potato, eggs, mushrooms and slow-roasted tomatoes. With a range of seating options available – including an al fresco bar, ground-floor restaurant, upstairs bar and private dining room – Rail House Café is a perfect for group dining.

8 Sir Simon Milton Sq, London SW1E 5DJ, railhouse.cafe

Farm Girl, various locations

While everyone else is busy queuing outside the original Farm Girl in Notting Hill, head to one of their other venues. The uber-popular café now has locations around the capital in locations including Belgravia and Soho. You will have seen the Super Lattes all over your Instagram feed, and we can confirm they are just as delicious as they look – the Rose Latte is a classic, while the Butterfly Matcha and Liquid Gold (made with turmeric, cinnamon, astragalus, honey and coconut milk) are definitely worth a try if you like your drinks to be of the ultra-nourishing kind. Their avocado toast is undoubtedly one of the best in town, and their salad and Acai bowls are a great hangover cure that’ll leave you feeling fresh. The ‘build your own bowl’ option will ensure everyone’s kept happy.

Various locations, thefarmgirl.co.uk

34 Mayfair

Situated just a few metres from the old American embassy, this brunch spot exudes Upper East Side style and you’d be forgiven for mistaking another patron for Jay Gatsby himself. The Art Deco burnt-ochre booths and lighting are dispersed with pops of colour from bright, flowery Liberty London print cushions and matching menus (the pattern was developed exclusively for the restaurant). And then the food. You won’t find smashed avo on toast here, but instead enjoy buttermilk fried chicken waffles, shrimps and lobster rolls, and huevos rancheros with spiced black beans. For those after more traditional brunch offerings, there’s pancakes, baked egg shakshuka, and Argyll smoked salmon served with scrambled eggs. Wash it all down with a delicious green juice, or for something slightly more indulgent, a bloody Mary. What’s are you waiting for, old sport?

34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley St, London W1K 2HD, 34-restaurant.co.uk

The Wolseley, Mayfair

Classic and timeless. You can’t help but feel that you’re a ‘someone’ from the moment you step inside. The menu is extensive and caters to all tastes; the devilled lambs kidneys, haggis and grilled kippers are big-hitters, but for those who aren’t big morning eaters there’s granola, fruit and bread to graze on. If AA Gill wrote a whole book about it, then it’s got to be good.

160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB, thewolseley.com

Brother Marcus, various locations

Brother Marcus is the brainchild of three school friends, who decided to quit their day jobs and set up their own café from scratch in Balham. When we say from scratch we really mean it – the trio did everything themselves, from painting the walls to building the seats for the back garden. Although that venue has closed now, there are four other branches in London, located in Spitalfields, Borough Yards, South Kensington and Angel. The sweet potato, courgette and feta fritters topped with a poached egg are a popular option, as well as the Pork Pita: pork belly, fried egg, cucumber, spring onion, sriracha & tomato relish in a Cretan pitta.

Various locations, brothermarcus.co.uk

Pachamama Marylebone

Despite its location in the basement of one of the buildings on Thayer Street, Peruvian restaurant Pachamama is bright and airy, with an art deco air about it. Their brunch waffles, which come with either a quinoa or sweet potato base, taste just as good as they look. Choose between a mixture of sweet and savoury toppings, from Peruvian fried chicken to peanut butter with grilled plantain and cacao nibs. Or if it’s not too early in the morning, try one of their ceviche dishes like the sea bass with tiger’s milk and sweet potato crisps. Can’t decide? Go for the brunch tasting menu, which includes a number of dishes designed to be shared by two people. There’s another outpost in Shoreditch, too.

18 Thayer St, London W1U 3JY, pachamamalondon.com

Galvin at Windows, Mayfair

Situated on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, Galvin at Windows boasts some of the city’s best views – but it’s less flashy than many of London’s sky-high restaurants. There’s a feel of old-school, understated elegance, with 30s-inspired décor and impeccable service. Ex-Ritz chef Marc Hardiman heads up the kitchen these days, and the food is excellent. Brunch is a lavish affair, with the option to have a full on three-course meal. If you’re in the mood to indulge American-style, go for the brioche French toast with cured rib eye bacon, Cacklebean eggs and maple syrup, or the perfectly crispy buttermilk chicken, which comes with a particularly tasty tarragon aioli. Alternatively, keep it light and healthy with the Arnold Bennett omelette, or the creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes. Whatever you do save some space for the hazelnut praline choux bun, whipped with a chocolate ganache. Who says you can’t have a brunch pudding?

22 Park Ln, London W1K 1BE, galvinatwindows.com

A.O.K. Kitchen, Marylebone

With its opulent interiors and trendy sugar-free menu, A.O.K. Kitchen fits right in amid ever-chic Marylebone. The setting is built for Instagram: think mother of pearl floors, plush velvet seating, flower ceiling and silk wallpaper – but it’s not all about appearance, and thankfully the food is really good too. Open all day, the space comprises of a restaurant, bakery and bar, with a menu inspired by the sun-soaked shores of California. Everything is free from refined sugar, but this certainly doesn’t mean all boring salads – they describe their food as ‘comfort food with a healthy approach.’ Brunch offerings include pancakes with maple syrup and berries, sweet potato and feta frittatas and breakfast tacos, alongside baked treats like savoury muffins and gluten-free pastries.

52-55 Dorset St, London W1U 7NH, aokkitchen.co.uk

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The French Renaissance: Best French White Wines

Tom Gilbey — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 09:25:55 +0000

France doesn’t have the best reputation for consistency and value when it comes to wine, but it’s come a long way in recent years. Well, actually, our wine stores and supermarkets have come a long way in making it much easier for us to spot the good’uns. A walk up the aisles now gives us plenty of variety, much more consistency and some great value. But does France give us anything that we can’t buy from every other great wine producing country?

The short answer is, yes it does. As with their food produce (take Brie de Meaux for example), they protect their wine styles fiercely, ensuring their wines speak of their area of origin. ‘Gut de terroir’ they call it: the taste of the grape in that particular soil in that particular area.

Given, then, that the French work so hard to protect their wine styles and our UK wine buyers have made it increasingly ‘safe’ for us to buy them, it seems that there’s never been a better time to head for the shops.

Here below are some of France’s great white wine styles with a fabulous example of each to try.

Best French White Wines

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Sauvignon de Touraine

Often priced below £10, and delivering all the freshness and zestiness that a good Marlborough Sauvignon does but with an extra hint of herbaceousness, making it both interesting and delicious.

Sainsbury’s Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, Taste the Difference, £10, sainsburys.co.uk

Chablis

Every wine country in the world wants to make one of these… but they can’t. The result of Chardonnay, grown on fossil rich Kimmeridgian clay soils in the cool climate of northern burgundy, these wines are dry with plenty of green apple fruit and incredibly classy. The only Chardonnay I know of that Sauvignon Blanc lovers will enjoy too.

Chablis Louis Moreau, £14.99, waitrose.com

Saint Veran

One of France’s most consistently delicious expressions of Chardonnay. Here, in southern Burgundy, the warm sun heats up the clay rich vineyards to produce wonderful creamy, citrus like wines.

Saint Véran ‘Haute Cuvée’ 2020, Rijckaert F. Rouve, £18.99, majestic.co.uk

Sancerre

This is the most famous appellation of the Loire Valley where Sauvignon expresses itself with crisp, gooseberry-like fruit and freshly cut grass. The perfect wine with seafood.

Sancerre, Domaine Naudet, £19.99, waitrose.com

Vouvray

Vouvray has to be made using Chenin Blanc and here in the Loire it can conjure up a whole orchard of fruit in the glass. Look for Vouvray Sec if you want a dry wine and strap yourself in for a wonderful taste sensation.

Bernard Fouquet Cuvée de Silex Vouvray, £9.59, waitrose.com

Sauternes

This is the most famous sweet wine in the world. Sauternes sits to the south of Bordeaux where they allow the Semillon and Muscadelle grapes to ‘dry rot’ in September. This concentrates the sugar and makes for an intensely sweet dessert wine that’s a match made in heaven with Tarte Tatin.

Tesco Finest Sauternes, £13, tesco.com

Muscadet de Sevre et Maine ‘sur Lie’

Famed for producing 1980’s battery acid, Muscadet is now a delicious Sauvignon look-a-like with energy, freshness and plenty of ripe fruit.

Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine ‘Sur Lie’, Domaine de la Tourmaline, £7.99, majestic.co.uk

Condrieu

The most well known appellation of the Northern Rhone and unquestionably the greatest expression of Viognier… in the world. This is the benchmark. It’s expensive but if you want to experience the ripest peach getting hitched to the raciest apricot then try this wine below.

Condrieu ‘La Butte d’Or’, Alain Jaume, £34.99, majestic.co.uk

Tom Gilbey has over 30 years of experience in the wine trade. In 2020 he founded his eponymous wine company, which curates wine-focused events in venues across London, plus sells wine online. Find out more at tomgilbey.com

Main image: Getty Images

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Gastro Gossip: Putting New Food On Your Radar

Tessa Dunthorne — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 16:45:04 +0000

Hungry? You will be after reading this. We’ve gathered the latest and greatest snacks and tipples and restaurants you need to know about – you’re welcome, hedonists, these are the hottest new foods to try.

Get A Taste Of This: New Food To Try This Month

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Game, Set, Bake

Family-run bakery Cavan has thirteen locations across south-west London – and they’re celebrating that little local tennis tournament currently happening just moments away from its stores (you might have heard of it?). If you’re craving more hits of Wimbledon, they’ve prepared an ultra-cute array of inspired bakes. From shortbread tennis balls to classic strawberries and cream muffins, these are ace-worthy treats. thecavanbakery.co.uk

Jazz, Nice.

Brunch in style – the St Pancras Brasserie is launching a decadent Sunday brunch (served up with a whopping side of live jazz). The bottomless experience has a mouthwatering seafood and seasonal menu, but if you’re worried about missing out on the classic roast options, you can still opt into a gravy-soaked signature beef with Yorkshire pudding. And no matter if dinner-table conversation dries up – as there’s the plethora of resident musicians to keep you entertained, while you eat in gorgeous 1920s art-deco surrounds.

£60pp without drinks, £110pp bottomless champagne, launches 9th July, stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk

Love-Love Bagels

Strawberries and cream cheese – not your typical bagel fillings. But these limited-edition bagels from B Bagel are absolute grand-slam winners. Available 2-31 July, £4.45 take-away, bbagel.co.uk

Wanton More Of These

The legendary Poon’s (famous for its wantons) has launched its first homeware range, and the new tea towels – detailed with hand-drawn Chinese vegetables from winter melons to water chestnuts – are a special treat from the cult-favourite restaurant. £16, poons-pantry.com

It Takes Guts

The new Gut Health Booster Bundle by Allplants contains all the nutrients your gut microbiome is craving. Dishes range from its award-winning Miso + Tamari Tofu bowl to the spicy Smoky Soul Chilli. This bold B Corp brand incorporates wonky offcuts into a number of its perfectly portioned dishes to keep the planet happy, too, alongside your belly. £36.86 for seven
meals and two smoothies, allplants.com

Wharf It Down

Plant-based dining (but not in a preachy way). Tuck into a whipped feta garden plate, or burnt aubergine muhammara borek, at the newest site by Mallow, just opened quayside in Canary Wharf. mallowlondon.com

Hungry for it

Diet-related disease is now a bigger killer than smoking in the developed world. Ravenous by Leon founder Henry Dimbleby and journalist Jemima Lewis wants you to reconsider what you eat for the planet’s sake – and your own. £14.99, profilebooks.com

Darling Donuts

Peckish during the Pride parade? Pop into the viral pastry destination, Donutelier, for an out-and-proud doughnuts.

The limited edition doughnuts come in two vibrant, oozy flavours: Rainbow Coconut (soft toffee, coconut and white chocolate Chantilly), £6, and Pistachio Pride (pistachio varigato and ganache, white chocolate Chantilly), £6.50. donutelier.co.uk

Not Your Typical Off License

Fine wines and spirits merchants, Berry Bros. & Rudd, will open its first dedicated spirits shop next year at 63 Pall Mall. Expect the most curated and luxurious collection of tipples – from whisky to armagnac, aged kegs to the most freshly bottled beverages, it looks like we’ll be spoiled for choice. bbr.com

Drink The Rainbow

Crust Bros, the award-winning pizza restaurant in Waterloo, is launching a limited edition spritz menu to celebrate Pride. All six of these delicious drinks – which are paired with a range of bases, whether Midori or Aperol – come together to form the colours of the rainbow. Which means you’ll need to get at least six, really. crustbros.co.uk

Got The Juice

No nonsense juice which does what it says on the carton – this stylist and minimalistic squished fruit juice comes in a range of flavours, including apple, orange, pomegranate, cranberry, grapefruit, tomato, and pineapple. A cooler-than-cool picnic companion. Available in multipack of six as a monthly subscription for £15, eagerdrinks.com

Near The Bells Of Shoreditch

A new opening from the brains behind Townsend in Whitechapel is cause to ring the celebration bells. Nick Gilkinson’s latest venture, Maene, will transport European bistro culture to an old Victorian warehouse in Spitalfields. Expect lounging lunches and impromptu late-night meals. Open now, maenerestaurant.co.uk

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Celebrate the sunny weather with outdoor adventures. Make sure to take Pique’s picnic hampers range with you. It includes child-friendly treats (from £15) and indulgent jam-packaged spreads with paired drinks and chocolatey bites (from £60). piquefood.co.uk

Flirty Tipple

Savoia’s sexy, rose-tinted aperitif sets a certain kind of mood. This bittersweet base won’t leave you heartbroken – it’s made from oak-aged masala fine wine from Sicily, alongside 20 botanicals including gentian root and bitter orange peel. From £22, casa-savoia.com

Cheat Meal

Veganuary may be long since over but some habits stick. Flirt with some artisanal vegan spins on the dairy-stuff – Julienne Bruno’s vegan burrella will have your senses fooled. From £4.50, juliennebruno.com

Sugar Crush

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a classic box of chocolates – and Maison Pierre Marcolini’s new cœur à cœur collection of locked hearts are the perfect way to let them know how you feel. Little bites of affection. £11.90, available in the Marylebone Maison Pierre Marcolini boutique, Selfridges and Harrods. marcolini.co.uk

TV Dinner

Who said a frozen meal needed to be boring or bland? Instead of slaving away mid-week over the stove, let the experts at Dovebrook Kitchen prep your dinner. Plus, it’s all vegan. Our favourite? The Perisan dried lime and herb stew. Bundles from £54, dovebrook.com

Spill The Tea

Pop the kettle on and enjoy a deep dive into the history of tea, as told through the story of the Twinings tea company. Beautifully illustrated and absolutely captivating, make sure to pop the kettle on before hunkering down. £25, twinings.co.uk

A Brew-Ti-Ful Tin

What’s better than sustainable coffee pods? Stylishly stashed sustainable coffee pods, certainly. Illustrator and tattoo artist Poppy Crewe has inked up a limited edition tin for Grind’s world-first home compostable caffeine hits. The cute illustrations celebrate the rise-and-grind of the natural composting process. Dreamy. grind.co.uk

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