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
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
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
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
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
This is the original Hakkasan, based, you guessed it, in Hanway Place, which is a piddle-riddled alley just behind Tottenham Court Road. The Hakkasan restaurant empire has grown to 12 restaurants worldwide but this one has been here since 2001. On one of the hottest days of the year, there is no finer place to have lunch than in Hakkasan’s air conditioned basement. Outside it’s … Continue reading Hakkasan Hanway Place
Ex MasterChef: The Professionals contestant, Adam Handling, has grown quite the restaurant empire. There’s The Frog in Covent Garden, The Frog in Hoxton Square, his zero-waste coffee shop, Bean and Wheat, just next door and most recently Restaurant Adam Handling at Belmond Cadogan Hotel in Chelsea. This visit is to Covent Garden to try his new menu. But first, we head to the basement for … Continue reading The Frog by Adam Handling, Covent Garden
Tamarind has recently undergone a ravishing, multimillion pound makeover. There are now two dining options when visiting this Mayfair Indian stalwart; upstairs for lunch or downstairs for dinner. Up (where we go) is a rather bright and airy affair with views of the neighbouring rooftops. In the basement it’s more sexy with an open kitchen for added drama. We’re prepared a mini tasting of highlights from … Continue reading Tamarind Mayfair
Things are looking good for the Hotel Café Royal at the minute. They’ve opened Laurent, serving steak and sushi (lush) and the lobby has undergone a dashing makeover giving the hotel the grand entrance it always deserved. The latest edition to this Piccadilly stalwart is Cakes & Bubbles, a café-cum-restaurant serving, as you may have guessed, desserts and Champagne. It’s the creation of Albert Adriá, … Continue reading Cakes & Bubbles, Hotel Café Royal
“RedFarm brings a greenmarket sensibility to modern and inventive Chinese food” says their website. Whatever that means. The potential for this import from New York to be a bit crap is quite high. (This is their first in the UK, next to Balthazar in Covent Garden). But it’s actually loads of fun. Dishes like pork and crab xiaolongbao (£8), that’s those soup dumplings which are … Continue reading Red Farm, Covent Garden
Tom Kerridge has quite the restaurant empire. Over in Marlow, Buckhimshire he has the two Michelin-starred Hand and Flowers. Up the road he now owns a butchers called The Butcher’s Tap and a pub, The Coach. The latest addition is Kerridge’s Bar & Grill in one of London’s finest hotels, Corinthia Hotel London. Kerridge’s wife, Beth is an sculptor and the dining room is filled … Continue reading Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, Corinthia Hotel London
I went to Cora Pearl for a weekday dinner when it first opened and loved it. Beautiful room, warm service and tasty grub – nothing not to like. I was excited then to hear this sister restaurant to Kitty Fisher’s is now serving Sunday lunch. Their ham and cheese toastie (£7.50) has become quite a ‘thing’. For good reason. But it’s the daintier dishes that show … Continue reading Cora Pearl, Covent Garden
Harry’s Bar on James Street (just by Selfridges) is inspired by its namesake, the fancy Mayfair private members’ club Harry’s Bar, that opened on South Audley Street in the 70s. It’s the brainchild of Richard Caring. He’s been rolling out Ivy Cafés/Brasseries/Grills like there’s no tomorrow and I imagine he’ll be doing the same here. But panic not, this ain’t no crap chain. It’s rather … Continue reading Harry’s Bar, James Street
