The Berkeley hotel, in Knightsbridge, has transformed a former car park into The Garden at The Berkeley, a gorgeous outdoor restaurant. There are real trees strewn with fairy lights. Generously spaced tables, each topped with an automated hand sanitiser dispenser. There’s music pumping loudly enough to feel fun but so you can hear yourself talk with it. On a balmy Thursday evening it feels like … Continue reading The Garden at The Berkeley
Big Mamma Group is a collection of fun, Italian restaurants across Paris and Lilles, which have proved rather popular. Their latest venture is Gloria, a trattoria in Shoreditch, based on 1970s Capri. I like it already. Inside it’s stunning with something pretty at every turn. We sink into the thousands of cushions in our booth, admiring the specially designed crockery, from the candle holder to … Continue reading Gloria, Shoreditch
Take a look at Fischer’s or Colbert and you’ll see Corbin and King know how to make a bloody good neighbourhood restaurant. The latest addition to this subtle empire is Soutine on St John’s Wood High Street, North London. Arguably their nicest looking yet, Giles Coren best sums it up in his Times review: “It has been magnificently overhauled to look just like the sexiest … Continue reading Soutine, St John’s Wood
I do love a bit of dim sum; steamed, fried or baked those little parcels of yumminess always go down a treat. In London, the best I’ve had would be at Hutong and Duddell’s. The only problem there is they’re a little pricey. BaoziInn in Soho offers all dim sum for just £3.80 at lunch and I have to say, it’s got to be the … Continue reading BaoziInn, Soho
It’s not often new theatres are built – especially in the heart of Soho – so it’s exciting to see The Boulevard fling open its theatrical doors. It’s an impressive setup which can boast Europe’s most advanced revolving theatre. We see a two man play, The Sunset Limited, which doesn’t make use of this technical wizardry yet still keeps ups captivated for the full 95 … Continue reading The Boulevard Theatre, Soho
This is the new restaurant from Mr. Hospitality himself, Richard Corrigan, fellow Irishman and bloody-nice-bloke, John Nugent, and Tony Gibney, taking over the old Nuala site just off Old Street roundabout. The gorgeous basement bar remains, which serves a mighty-fine Guinness, while the ground floor dining room has the addition of an oyster bar, where we perch while watching the open fire cooking. It’s all … Continue reading Daffodil Mulligan, Old Street
Head chef at The Grill at The Dorchester, Tom Booton, is a sprightly 26 years old. He’s the youngest head chef in London. I think? Surely. He’s ex-Alyn Williams at The Westbury, which was certainly a brilliant restaurant before the fall out. The handsome space, all low lighting and gold galore, features a dessert bar where guests can stuff their faces on puds like banoffee … Continue reading The Grill at The Dorchester
As 5* London hotels go, Corinthia London is a real whopper. From afternoon tea, to Tom Kerridge to the finest spa in the city, it’s got it all. The latest addition is André Garrett, previously of Cliveden House, who’s overseeing the menu at The Northall. The vast space is refined without being stuffy; tall ceilings, natural light aplenty, plush carpets and crisp tablecloths. Our visit … Continue reading Northall at Corinthia London
I’ve heard plenty about Sticky Mango, housed in a sleepy side street in Southwark. Reviews from legendary Fay Maschler and that Giles Coren were both terrific. The place has some history. It used to be RSJ, a neighbourhood restaurant that those-in-the-know will know is where Posh and Becks once courted back in the day. Then head chef, Peter Lloyd, is now Chef Patron, and his … Continue reading Sticky Mango, Southwark
This seafood restaurant has been a hit on Brewer Street in Soho for over 20 years. Perched at a stall in the candlelit dining room, kitted out in pie ‘n’ mash shop white tiles, below a disco ball, tapping our feet to tune after absolute tune, it’s easy to see why. I haven’t had this much fun in a restaurant in ages. The menu, 15 … Continue reading Randall & Aubin, Soho
Although Alain Ducasse might be better known for his uber fine dining spots like Le Meurice or his newly-opened riverboat on the Seine, this bistro has been around since 1932. Once owned by Marthe Allard, and kept in the family for centuries, not much has changed about this charmingly quaint spot in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, since Ducasse’s takeover. You arrive in a corridor opposite a tiny, semi … Continue reading Allard, Paris
As we sit in Anthony Demetre’s Wild Honey in the Sofitel St James hotel I can’t help but feel relaxed. It’s a large, bright and cheery space, modern art fills the walls, giant chandeliers fill the ceiling. Service is upbeat and charming. The menu makes you hungry. How about classic bouillabaisse Marseille style? Or classic farmhouse terrine? Or a soup made from partridge, pheasant, woodcock … Continue reading Wild Honey, St James
This is the first Ivy Asia in London, one has been a hit in Manchester for a while now. You’d be right to assume Richard Caring (Sexy Fish, Annabel’s, Scott’s, 34 etc) plans to roll these out like the rest of his Ivy branded restaurants. UK domination, it certainly is. Best of all here is the design. There’s nowhere quite like it. Just look at … Continue reading The Ivy Asia, St Paul’s
You’ll likely know Bellamy’s as the Queen’s favourite restaurant – she’s famously visited on a few occasions. This Bruton Place stalwart (just down the road from The Guinea Grill) is celebrating its 15th Birthday. Owner, Gavin Rankin, flung open the doors after working as MD at Annabel’s Group, so he’s a well connected chap. It’s a rather understated affair from the room to the menu … Continue reading Bellamy’s, Mayfair
Emile won’t be around for long; if you fancy visiting this restaurant from Nick Gibson and Damian Clisby you’ve got just under 6 months. It’s a popup taking over the former Rok Shoreditch site and it’s the first time this illustrious pair have teamed up. Continue reading Emile, Shoreditch
