Located in the heart of London’s theatreland, the recently opened FishWorks Covent Garden serves up the freshest of fish and seafood, responsibly sourced from Devon and Cornwall’s fish markets and day boats. Add to this a beautiful marble oyster bar, an in-house fishmonger for taking a taste of the coast home and an opulent private dining room, and FishWorks Covent Garden is the perfect spot for business lunches, pre-theatre dining, leisurely dinners and private parties.

The elegant and contemporary restaurant is flooded with natural light courtesy of the expansive windows that surround the main dining area. The colour palette of soft blues, greys and white is nautically inspired. Traditional white tiling with ad hoc fish motifs is paired with two stand-out feature walls designed with copper ‘fish-scales’ to bring warmth and contrast to the space. Low hanging rope-effect lighted takes inspiration from the cabins of traditional fishing boats.

FishWorks in-house fish counter stands at the entrance to the restaurant and boasts the freshest display of the morning’s catch, from south coast wet fish through to crustacea and shellfish. Ask the specialist fishmonger for advice and recipes whilst he expertly fillets and prepares your catch to take home. Pair with a choice of specially created homemade sauces to bring your fish dish to life.

From lunch through to dinner, the á la carte menu will satisfy any pescatarian passion. Lavish lobster dishes, cracking crab and towering fruits de mer platters sit alongside a variety of classic and contemporary fish dishes. On Sundays it’s all about free-flowing prosecco – guests can enjoy three courses with bottomless prosecco or wine for only £38.50 per person.

These include a classic fish and chips given a luxe touch with monkfish, and the daily catch from the counter, served whole or filleted at the table. Opt for the seafood bouillabaisse and FishWorks will donate £1 to the Fishermen’s Mission charity.  Also on the menu is a divine day boat Dover sole, simply cooked with the respect it deserves.

Running along the main dining area you will find the dedicated oyster bar, fully fitted with built-in ice trays and piled high with freshly shucked oysters. Prop yourself up at the bar with a dozen bivalves and a chilled glass of champagne for the perfect light lunch. With its location, in the heart of London’s theatre district, FishWorks oyster bar is the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat before taking in a West End show. Alternatively, dine in the restaurant with the theatre menu offering two courses for £16.50 and three for £20.50. And that’s not all – pre-theatre guests are invited to return after the show for a digestif, receiving £10 off their bar bill.

Fresh seafood deserves beautifully paired wines, and FishWorks list of small-batch wines and champagnes has been curated by sommelier Tim McLaughlin-Green. The wine list also features a selection of ‘maritime’ wines, produced within 10 miles of the coast, and exhibiting a slightly salty note that perfectly pairs with seafood. For something a little stronger, the ‘spritz collection’ features premium spirits and award-winning premium mixers – try the Dark and Stormy Twist, a blend of Havana Club Dark Rum and No 4 Chocolate Tonic. A wide selection of beers and spirits is also available.

Descend the spiralled staircase down to The Cove, a flexible dining space with opulent yet relaxed interiors. The Cove can accommodate up to 40 seated guests and 60 for a reception with a selection of dining packages starting from £35 per person.

FishWorks’ legendary oyster masterclasses allow guests to dive into the origins of oysters before shucking and tasting 12 different oysters, each with its own wine pairing. For lovers of fine wine, the restaurant’s regular Sommelier Dinners feature exciting and innovative winemakers from across the globe with guest wines paired with specially developed fish dishes.

FishWorks has a lovely variety of oysters that are sourced from the best suppliers and brought in fresh daily. We tried three types to get our taste buds tingling. Morecambe Bay oysters are creamy in flavour compared to the sweetness and size of the Carlingford oysters.

FishWorks offer a fantastic menu and they have a great section to share. We love the idea of connection with dining companions over lunch and dinner and for the perfect way to connect over food, we ordered the Fruits de Mer.

This decadent dish comes bursting with shellfish – mussels, clams, Devon crab, crevettes and oysters are all served on a bed of crushed ice. This is some of the freshest seafood we have tasted recently and all locally sourced.

Why not try the daily catch board with a selection of fish all sold by weight. I chose the Day Boat Dover Sole – a very generous portion weighing in at 0.382g.

The fish can be served on the bone, simply grilled with lemon and parsley butter or pan-fried à la Meunière. I went for pan-fried then de-boned at the table and I was not disappointed in terms of its quality, flavour and presentation.

The Dover Sole was the perfect choice for me and was so skilfully filleted that I was pleasantly surprised to not find a single bone. The fish was soft, tender and juicy with the soft crumb added an extra dimension of flavour that gave this simple dish a definite wow factor.

My dining companion went for the Grilled Seafood Platter. This is a great dish to try if you fancy variety and you will not be disappointed with your choice. You can expect a delightful helping of sautéed scallop cooked with white wine and garlic butter topped with breadcrumbs and Pernod, a fillet of sea bass, some sea bream and a couple of chilli ginger prawns to add to the mix.

Feeling like our sweet tooth needed satisfying we went for two dishes to share. Our first choice was the Homemade zesty lemon tart served with raspberry sorbet. A perfect combination of citrus flair.

Our second choice was the Sticky chocolate brownie which is served warm with homemade pistachio ice cream. The perfect ending to a great meal.

Fun, fresh and fabulous, FishWorks Covent Garden is well worth a visit. For all those who love seafood (and who doesn’t?!), the restaurant brings a taste of the sea to your plate right to the heart of London.

FishWorks
2-4 Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5JY
www.fishworks.co.uk
@FishWorks

The 5-star London Marriott Hotel Park Lane offers an experience unlike any other. Located on the prestigious Park Lane, around the corner from London’s famous shopping streets and Royal Parks, the London Marriott Park Lane is a five-star boutique hotel with 152 elegantly furnished bedrooms and suites overlooking Hyde Park.

Comprehensively renovated in 2015, the hotel offers stunningly appointed rooms and suites that brim with amenities including 300 thread-count bedding, spacious work areas and deluxe Floris toiletries. This unique Grade II listed property prides itself on its residential feel and offers modern amenities and bespoke personalized service. Among its facilities, the hotel features an exclusive executive lounge, and an intimate health club with fitness centre and the only pool on Park Lane, an oasis of calm amidst the busy streets of London.

Set against the unrivalled backdrops of Marble Arch and Hyde Park, Lanes of London restaurant and bar offers a celebration of British classics in a welcoming environment, with a private entrance making it a destination in its own right.

The restaurant serves a British inspired menu using the finest seasonal and local produce in a welcoming and relaxed environment. It is a unique all-day dining and a socialising destination offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and a Botanical Afternoon Tea inspired by Hyde Park.

Lanes of London provides a secluded semi-private dining room which seats up to eight people is available for hire or the entire restaurant can be hired for an extraordinary event accommodating up to 200 people.

We were able to retreat from the busy hustle and bustle of London life and relax with a cocktail and an oyster whilst we perused the menu. We tried the Livingstone and Star Spritz cocktails with Carlingford oysters was delightful. For those looking for a sweet and slightly nutty flavour, you will be in heaven.

A dish that jumped out at us was the Yuzu spicy smoked salmon tartare with soya mayo, pickled quail eggs, edamame beans and avruga caviar. The fresh flavours worked well and the yuzu wasn’t overpowering.

What an appetising dish… the question is which where to start.

The Pan-seared scallops with butternut squash puree, buttered spinach, tapioca crisp and lemon sauce is a popular dish and we could see why. The butternut was well-seasoned and its texture paired perfectly with the scallops. It was also nice to have a crunchy texture with the tapioca crisp.

Cooked medium rare, the Honey glazed duck with grilled peaches, maple roasted cauliflower puree, confit duck bonbon and cherry jus delights the palate. The duck was tender and the skin crispy with the right balance of fat. The cauliflower puree brought a nutty element to the dish which paired well with the duck and sweetness of the jus.

The Pork belly, buttered mash, sautéed spinach, squash puree and cider jus was recommended by our waitress and upon tasting, it’s no surprise why. The generous portion of meat had been cooked so that it was beautifully soft yet retained its flavour and with the combination of the mash and spinach was definitely satisfying.

To accompany these delicious main dishes, who could resist Sweet potato fries with truffle oil and parmesan.

The Sticky toffee pudding is a definite crowd-pleaser and comes with salted caramel ice cream encased in a sugar snap. This is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth and is a dessert we would definitely come back for!

The Pistachio crème brulée has a delectable nutty aroma and combined with the accompanying biscotti is a real treat on the palate.

Amidst the twinkling lights of Park Lane and city bustle, Lanes of London provides the perfect Christmas shopping pit-stop with two winter warmer tipples, priced at £12 each. The Caramel Hot Toddy is a warm, whimsical concoction of Chambord liqueur, Martell VS Cognac, Mozart chocolate vodka, salted caramel syrup topped with smooth milk foam and garnished with a sprinkling of gold flakes; leaving guests to float away to a Winter Wonderland.

For the richer palate, the Holiday Spice aperitif is guaranteed to evoke festive cheer and consists of Grand Marnier, spices, chestnut liqueur, Aperol, sweet cinnamon syrup and walnut bitters, garnished with a thin rim of redcurrant and cinnamon. Both cocktails can be perfectly paired with a miniature version of the hotel’s signature pudding for £18

This year, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane celebrates the festive season in style with a limited-edition Christmas pudding. From 1st December until 12th January, guests and London residents alike can purchase the hotel’s Park Lane pudding for £40 (serves up to eight people) and taste the magic of Mayfair from the comfort of their own home.

Created with combined warmth and festive flair by Executive Head Chef, Franky Fernandes and his team, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane’s indulgent pudding consists of nostalgia-inducing ingredients with a contemporary twist, featuring a creamy centre filled with mascarpone soaked Grand Marnier. Adhering to the time-endured, great British custom and in the style of advent, during the lead up to Christmas Day, a collector’s item, Royal Mint 2020 Britannia coin worth £140 will be hidden inside 25 cakes only, ready for some lucky guests and visitors to discover.

Available now for pre-order and shaped as a gift, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane’s Christmas pudding is the perfect present for loved ones and a memorable, family dining moment to be enjoyed by all at home. A smaller (just as indulgent) version can also be enjoyed as a sharing dessert option in the hotel’s British-inspired restaurant, Lanes of London for £18.

All Christmas pudding (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options) and festive winter warmer cocktails are available from Lanes of London from 1st December until 12th January.

Lanes of London
140 Park Lane, London W1K 7AA
www.lanesoflondon.co.uk
+44 (0)20 7647 5664
@Lanes_of_London
@LondonParkLane

Pioneers of contemporary Indian cuisine, Copper Chimney, have made the brand’s debut in the London dining scene with the launch of its first UK-based site in Westfield London this October. With 15 award-winning outlets across five cities in India, Copper Chimney showcases its signature contemporary Indian cuisine and flavours with a global audience. Exceptional hospitality, expertly sourced ingredients, secret spice recipes and the use of classic Indian culinary techniques are at the heart of Copper Chimney’s ethos. The move comes as Westfield London continues to attract independent eateries to become a sought-after foodie destination.

Since the opening of the first Copper Chimney site in 1972, the iconic Indian brand has aimed to showcase the culinary delights of undivided North India, exploring regions and showcasing cuisines from the food capital of India, Delhi to South Asia’s oldest city, Peshawar. Mr J K Kapur, founder of Copper Chimney, opened the first site in the exhilarating heart of Mumbai with passion and promise of fresh Indian cooking. To this day, the expertly trained chefs at each restaurant use the same cooking methods that were used in the very first Copper Chimney restaurant.

We started with one of Copper Chimney’s handmade breads that are cooked in the restaurant’s tandoor ovens in a show cooking style. Very mesmerising and relaxing to watch. The selection included the Roomali Roti, a soft, delicate, handkerchief-thin bread, tossed and cooked on an inverted tawa, this is Copper Chimney’s signature artisanal bread best paired with one of many flavourful curries on offer, and Kabuli Naan, a Copper Chimney favourite, offered at the first Copper Chimney in India only; a leavened tandoor cooked bread stuffed with ‘mawa’ and topped with dates and apricot.  The size and shape of the Kadak Roomali is often compared to part poppadom and part pizza! It tastes far better than that description would make it seem. It’s more accurately described as a handkerchief-thin bread roasted on an inverted ‘Tawa’ or local iron griddle which comes in three different varieties – Seasoned Lemon Chilli Butter, Spice Mix & Cheese and Ghee & Masala.

We had the Okra Kurkure suggested to us. Interested to try something new, we dived into the thinly sliced lady fingers, seasoned with a hot and tangy spice mix, served crisp. These are extremely moreish. Make sure not to fill up on them as there is a pleasant surprise awaiting you further down the menu.

Using an array of handpicked spices sourced from select farms across India, Copper Chimney’s secret spice recipes, that have been passed down three generations, infuse the brand’s signature flavours into their dishes. Each dish on the menu states exactly which region of North India it is inspired by. Signature appetisers will include the likes of Amritsari Shrimp, from the popular alleys of Amritsar,  Punjab, comes this carom-flavoured, batter-fried shrimp which we had the pleasure of tasting early on into our meal. These succulent seafood creations were an absolute taste explosion on the palate and set a high standard for the rest of the meal to live up to.

The Delhi-Style Fried Chicken, flavoured with hand-pounded garam masala, cayenne pepper and a complex array of spices is also highly recommended. The colours pop on the plate, in the same way that the spices delight on the palate.

Copper Chimney chefs have been renowned as masters in the art of the tandoor and they are not wrong. All Tandoor Grills are marinated for over eight hours to ensure the perfect succulent texture and a maximum hit of flavour. Tandoor Grills include, a Copper Chimney original Reshmi Malai Chicken, lightly marinated in hung yogurt and cream, delicately flavoured with white pepper and cardamom, as well as Tandoor Roasted Sweet Potato sprinkled with an in-house tangy and hot seasoning. Not normally a fan of sweet potato I was pleasantly surprised with the heat to the spiced coating and softness of the centre.

Mains feature an abundant selection of dishes from specials such as Grilled Burrah Chop, cinnamon scented, tender lamb chops marinated for over eight hours, seared and chargrilled. If you do not try these you are sorely missing out. Not everyone is a fan of lamb, but the flavours in this dish bring out the best tastes of lamb without overpowering the flavour of lamb that so many Brits react to like marmite. Even if lamb is not your go-to dish to order, encourage your dining companion to order this dish and have a taste – you will not be disappointed.

As a rice lover I was torn between the Chelo kebab and rice which is an Iranian staple but Copper Chimney add their own twist on it by cooking the rice in buttermilk and the comforting bowls of Biriyani cooked using the traditional Dum method. The Biryani won the day – what would you have chosen?

Expertly spiced, slow cooked curries are a speciality at Copper Chimney. Dishes include an original recipe of Butter Chicken, boneless tandoor chicken simmered in a tomato, butter-infused gravy, accentuated with dry fenugreek

and Bazaar ke Chole, chickpeas soaked in an infusion of tea leaves and a homemade spice blend, flavoured with dried pomegranate, best paired with a potato and onion kulcha bread. The breads are definitely some of the best around. These are comforting, provide variety and step away from your usual Peshwari, keema and garlic suggestions but also have your favourites to hand.

My favourite was the deconstructed naan.

Side dishes also educate your palate to enjoy authentic dishes from India. Our favourites include Dal Maharaja which is a combination of whole black lentils, tomatoes and spices slow-cooked for hours, finished with a dollop of Organic ‘Ghee’. Perfect to warm you up on a wintery afternoon.

I also highly suggest for any budding Popeyes out there to try the Lasooni Spinach which is a simple yet inviting dish. Fresh spinach with a hint of roasted garlic is a perfect accompaniment to any of the curries.

To finish, desserts continue to showcase exceptional Indian flavours with the likes of a Garjar Pistachio Crumble, slow-cooked carrot pudding with cardamom and sweetened milk layered with chopped pistachio and praline crumble.

Not to be overlooked, drinks are a key element to Copper Chimney’s offering, with expert mixologists from India creating standout concoctions inspired by Mumbai. Signature cocktails include the likes of Mumbai Mule, whisky, spiced liqueur, saffron-cardamom bitters, lemon juice and ginger, and the aromatically infused Matunga Kaapi, Scotch whisky with a splash of single malt, cinnamon banana gomme, filter kaapi, burnt cinnamon and coffee dust. During the afternoon, a range of signature Chais and coffee are served. You can spy the lovely way in which the drinks are presented below. Detail has gone into not only the drink itself but the vessel in which it is served. It’s these excellent touches that make Copper Chimney a firm favourite making its list of regulars not only long but full of well-known names. If that wasn’t enough, they are true supporters of culinary empowerment and give back too.

Outside the restaurants, Copper Chimney, as a brand and company, works closely on a goal of “Food and Nutrition for All”, and has been working closely with Action Against Hunger to find ways to fight hunger and malnutrition. Copper Chimney parent company’s foundation has sponsored numerous villages in India to support 1000 day interventions for children suffering from malnutrition, and proudly worked with NGOs such as the Robin Hood Army to serve over 6 million meals across 800 villages.. Copper Chimney is continuing its work with Action Against Hunger at its Westfield location, by helping raise funds for the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

Copper Chimney
Southern Terrace, Westfield London, Ariel Way, White City, London W12 7GA
020 8059 4439
www.copperchimney.uk
@copperchimneyuk

For exemplary and creative cooking one of our favourite places was in the heart of Marylebone, and it was called Xier – one of London’s most exciting dining destinations. Sadly Xier is no longer but the talent behind the dishes below has moved to Amythest so all is not lost. We decided to leave this special place in as the creativity behind the dishes is still worth a read.

A spacious yet intimate room, Xier exudes chic style and simple elegance. Soft greys and fine cream tones are complemented by the dappled light flooding through large windows with sheer curtains, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Modern artwork matches the suitably stylish space, whilst the well-stocked walk-in wine cellar adds warmth and charm.

The first solo venture from chef Carlo Scotto, the cooking at Xier reflects his devotion to his craft, uncompromising standards and meticulous work ethic. Trained and mentored by Angela Hartnett, Carlo’s innovative cooking is receiving widespread praise and critical acclaim, thanks to his creative flair, unusual flavour combinations and theatricality. Having chatted to Carlo during dinner we were inspired by the detail that goes into planning the experience which his diners enjoy. From weighing each plate to makes sure the perfect balance of ingredients is served to making the tasting menu change as often as every 3 weeks, Carlo puts the needs of his customers above any perceived limitations of time and effort from his team and himself. The other boundary Carlo breaks is that of what food pairings work. For example, do you think salmon and foie gras would go well together? Carlo says some people have even suggested that is so far from possible they would call a chef who suggested it “crazy”. However, having tasted the interesting pairing I would say behind many “crazy” actions is the work of pure genius and that is what is present in Carlo.

Open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, the intimate 36-cover restaurant offers a 10- course tasting menu of sublime plates peppered with innovative touches, such as tiny iced glasses of pine water to cleanse the palate and fresh, warm sourdough with coffee butter.

Often described as ‘an alchemist of cooking’, dishes are surprising and exciting, drawing inspiration from Chef Carlo’s extensive travels through Europe and Asia, in particular Scandinavia and Japan. Imaginative and experimental, the menu provides a culinary narrative of Carlo’s life. Expect beautiful looking plates, featuring unusual flavour combinations, prepared with the utmost care. Choices on the ever-evolving autumn menu include grilled beetroot with plums and goat’s yoghurt; garden gyoza and warm hay tea; black cod in caramel miso with fig sorbet and burned fig leaf oil; and pigeon with yuka fondant, beetroot, girolles, and black garlic.

Finish off with Swedish cheese accompanied by Chef Carlo’s ‘fresh fizzy grapes’ before a finale, simply entitled ‘Sweet Tooth’ – a surprising and delightful plate of not one, but five delicious and beautiful desserts – one being the peanuts biscuit, passion fruit jelly, banana jam, salted peanuts praline’, itakuja chocolate mousse and banana & peanuts ice cream.

A 10-course vegetarian tasting menu features innovative plates such as arancino and elderflower miso dashi; yuka fondant with Coco de Paimpol beans, aubergine, fromage au pernod; and plankton risotto and sumac.

Xier’s expert sommelier, Fillipo Carnevale, pairs premium wines and bespoke cocktails to perfectly complement each course. A large walk-in wine cellar offers something for all tastes, with an impeccably curated selection paired with each course. For those in search of alternative serves, the experienced bar team are on hand to mix up any number of contemporary concoctions. Signature cocktails include the Manzanita with Absolut Elyx vodka, absinth, apple liqueur and passion fruit; and Pink Cuban with Santa Teresa 1796 Rum mixed with mint leaves and topped up with Canard-Duchene Champagne Rose’.

The team who works to produce the fabulous creative dishes we were about to consume is far more of a family than a group of people passionate about food. You can really tell the knowledge and expertise of the food is present from the newest staff member to the most seasoned. Our tasting experience went as follows:-

We were treated to a very seasonal pumpkin canape which was taken to the next level with burnt fig leaf oil

and of course some theatrical dry ice

My dining companion started with the Grilled Beetroot, Plum and Goats Yoghurt, beautifully presented and a fresh but earthy way to start the meal.

As I am not a beetroot fan I asked to deviate from the tasting menu slightly by hopping over to the vegetarian menu to try the Arancini and Elderflower Miso Dahsi. The truffle flavour was a pleasant surprise and the miso dashi was served warm which was a subtle floral accompaniment to a beautifully flavourful dish.

Next palate pleaser came in the form of an Orkney Scallop Crudo, Trout Roe, Elderflower Miso Dashi. This time the dashi was served cold which transformed the flavour. The puffed rice was a complete contrast to the succulent scallop and the trout roe again perfectly considered. Carlo explained salmon roe can be rather large and often too fishy and other caviar too small it gets lost. And Carlo has it spot on. Each portion was just right and made for the perfect mouthful with each and every bite.

Perhaps the most controversial of all dishes was the Rose Cured Salmon, Foie Gras, Figs, Hazelnuts & Apple. This dish has to be tried to be understood. It takes your palate to another dimension. Experimenting with food is what dining at this level of restaurant is all about. If you just went out and had the same dishes every day perhaps you would love them and compare and contrast different restaurants producing similar dishes and feel as if you were a culinary expert. However, it’s dishes like this I would encourage everyone to try and for more chefs to create. We need people to push boundaries or are palates will become culinary complacent. I absolutely adored this dish, not just for its uniqueness but because it actually works amazingly together.

Garden Gyoza and Warm Hay Tea was a very different way to take the meal. The detail and method of making the hay tea was fun to find out about and I am still wondering how they manage to get 5kg of hay in their kitchen to make it! It’s also fun to eat, served with solid silver chopsticks, first you delight in the gyoza then you are invited to pick the bowl up and sip the tea in a traditional style. Xier gets the balance just right, directing their customers on how best to enjoy the meal so no knowledge of food or traditions is required. A perfect way to impress a date and bluff your culinary expertise!

My dining companion choose the Black Cod in Caramel Miso, Fig Sorbet, Burned Fig Leaves Oil. The quality of the ingredients really stood out for this dish. The main menu has a balanced combination of land, sea and earth but the menu can also be accommodated for a purely pescatarian menu if you would so like. To do this for today’s menu would be to swap one of the meat dishes below (Beef or Pigeon) for their Red Mullet, Coco De Paimpol Beans, Aubergine, Fromage Au Pernod and vegetarians can delight in the Taro Fondant, Coco De Paimpol Beans, Aubergine, Fromage Au Pernod.

I had spied the Plankton Risotto And Sumac on the vegetarian menu and in all my years of reviewing restaurants and loving food I had never tried Plankton let alone in a risotto so I asked to yet again deviate from the menu. Not because the menu was lacking but because it all looked so good I wished I could have had an extra stomach to try everything! Again we had a beautiful surprise of truffle. What I love about Xier is it is like walking through a palace. I remember going through Hampton Court Palace with my mother and she explained how just one of the fabrics or colours from each room were subtly taken into the next to help with continuity and create a better flow. Xier is a palace in the palate. Each dish combines so well with the next. So far we have truffle, fig, elderflower, hazelnuts all popping up throughout the menu providing a wonderful forage into the familiarity on the senses but variety for the adventure.

An interesting palate cleanser was presented to us in the form of a gin and tonic granita.

Organic Beef Fillet, Celeriac, Runner Beans, Scorched Onions & Leeks was my next choice. Great combinations and the sizing here was just right. So often on tasting menus overwhelm with quantity by the time you reach dessert. Careful planning here avoids that but you definitely have more than enough of each taste to enjoy each experience.

My dining companion opted for Pigeon, Taro Fondant, Beetroot, Girolles, Foie Gras & Black Garlic served medium-rare. The presentation of each dish has been faultless. The taste even better.

Not a fan of cheese, I opted for just the fizzy grapes but the actual dish is Swedish Cheese and Fresh Fizzy Grapes which my dining companion enjoyed.

The fizzy grapes look innocently normal at first glance and their creation was purportedly an accident at first. The process is now a closely guarded secret so we were told but one we found out although I don’t know if we should share as you would all be attempting to make them at home. We suggest you pay a visit to Xier and ask Carlo yourself.

The dessert was presented in a trio of extremely generous portions of what is referred to as “Sweet Tooth”. The figs made a reappearance with liquorice ice cream, a carrot dessert was definitely bordering on the unusual and definitely far more exciting than a carrot cake and finally a comforting banana, passion fruit and chocolate delight. Can you guess which is which?

No menu would be complete without the Petit Fours however, there is a truffle surprise in the truffle. We will let you find out what it is for yourselves!

Whilst Xier is located on the first floor, this dual restaurant features a more casual affair downstairs. XR on the ground floor is open for lunch and dinner offering an elegant, modern European menu majoring in British produce. We look forward to returning to taste XR, which celebrates the sharing concept in an innovative way.

Xier | XR
13 – 14 Thayer St, Marylebone, London W1U 3JR
+44 (0)20 7486 3222
www.xierlondon.com
F: @xierlondon | I: @xier.london

If you’re looking for something special for lunch, look no further than Hankies Marble Arch which offers authentic Indian street food with a twist. The brilliant restaurant created by Chef Owner Anirudh Arora combines the fuss-free, fresh, light and aromatic small plates and incredible value for money that are synonymous with Indian street food in the stunning surroundings of the luxury Montcalm Hotel in Marble Arch.

Hankies Marble Arch is decorated with beautiful artefacts, glassware and china sourced from Indian markets and antique stores by Anirudh himself – the chef and Hankies founder provides a feast for the  eyes as well as the stomach!

Having perfected his culinary skills in some of the best restaurants in India and London, Anirudh launched Hankies Marble Arch in January 2018 with a personal mission to make authentic and delicious Delhi street food accessible and enjoyable in a beautiful and curated London setting. With the most expensive dish on the menu just £9, and the majority around £4-6, the menu is very reasonably priced for this part of town and encourages diners to indulge in Anirudh’s relaxed yet well-executed North Indian cooking.

Hankies Marble Arch specialises in the roomali roti – a thin, wheat-based flatbread served folded into ‘hankies’. The roti dough is hand spun until almost thin enough to see through and then cooked on a burning hot tawa which takes pride of place at the front of the restaurant presenting diners with the ultimate food theatre. These moreish roomali roti are perfect accompaniments to all the meats and vegetables dishes on the menu. Use them to scoop up or enclose the delicious starters and mains alike.

To start we ordered the Chilli Vanilla Caprioska a combination of vodka, chilli, vanilla syrup and crushed ice. A tantalising start to the tastebuds, enough heat to whet ones appetites but enough sweetness to balance the drink. We also choose the Peppery Strawberry which comprises of Havana club, strawberry ,basil and crushed pepper. The rum is definitely a centre piece of this drink with a sweet yet peppery kick.

Peshwari Roomali is an experience not just a dish. A little sweet for some but for us we couldn’t get enough of this comforting combo of coconut, almonds, sultanas and honey.

We were drawn to the Bhatak Ki Kurchan which is a crispy duck, masala cashew nuts, watermelon, mint and a sweet and spicy drizzle. My lunch companion was so mesmerised by this dish it was hard to get a bite. A complex dish showcasing the talent in the kitchen. The pomegranates added a pleasant surprise with an extra flavour explosion with each bite. A generous portion not small at all. Extremely reasonably priced.

A new addition to the menu is the Crispy “Gold” Soft Shell Crab and we hope it stays. Many may know soft shell crab from a Chinese menu but Indian spices really open your eyes to what can be done with this dish. The turmeric, amritsari spices brought a new dimension to this sea creature. Paired with a spicy sour mango dip was a genius idea.

Yellow Chilli Garlic Prawn with chive, garlic, shiso ‘n’ cumin drizzle were my favourite item from the grill menu. These spices fill the palate with flavour that lasts. The perfect last bite.

My dining partner chose the lamb chops from the grill menu. Again the flavours are well thought out but here they are balanced so expertly that the natural lamb flavours creep through without detracting from the creative combo of Kashmiri chillies, paprika and mustard oil.

Truffle Naan is an exciting addition to any meal. Or those who like a keema naan here they serve it with goat not lamb.

Butter chicken, a classic Delhi style pulled roast chicken, buttery tomato sauce, fenugreek and garam masala. Although no heat to this dish don’t be fooled there is a wonderful amount of flavour to compliment the softness of the pulled chicken.

Crab Dumpling – a crab meat Kofta style dumpling curry. Made with the brown meat of the crab, this flavourful dish wow. Not for the fainthearted this dish awakens the tastebuds with a chilli heat. We loved it paired with a Lychee Rose Petal cocktail. A delicate blend of Tanqueray, Rose and Lychee this clever creation diffused the chilli heat without replacing any flavour. For vegetarians there is a vegetarian style option with a similar sauce made from fine beans, saffron yoghurt with baby morels.

A staple dish to garnish any table is a Puloa rice, but Hankies takes it a step above available in prawn, chicken or seasonal vegetable on a bed of basmati rice and saffron. Delve beneath the rice surface to find 4 huge prawns and a delectable sauce.

For vegetarians and carnivores alike the Hankies daal is a black lentil stew which must be tried. Other vegetarian options include Saag a roasted pumpkin and spinach subzero and the Dum Aloo Khumbi an interesting pairing of stuffed baby potatoes, button mushrooms, yoghurt and fennel sauce.

We chose the saffron jelabi (the cutest dessert to have graced my plate at an Indian restaurant) and homemade kulfi for dessert. The latter comes in three flavours Mango & Saffron, Fennel ‘n’ Paan and Pistachio & Coconut. Can you guess which flavour we chose?

On Sundays, Hankies Marble Arch offers Sunday Roast with an all-you-can-eat twist – an authentic Indian delicacy of Roasted Lamb Leg glazed in Honey and Mint has been slow braised overnight following the cooking methods from the royal kitchens of Lucknow. For those looking for Brunch with a difference, Hankies has its own version of a Delhi Egg Trolley – egg carts are one of the most popular of all street foods in India. At Hankies Marble Arch, Sunday diners can enjoy eggs cooked cooked to their liking served street food style accompanied with bottomless drinks options of Prosecco, Cobra beer or guilt-free non-alcoholic juices & soft drinks.

Hankies Marble Arch
61 Upper Berkeley Street, London W1H 7PP
0208 958 3222
www.hankies.london
@hankies67

The Hunter’s Moon on Fulham Road opened its doors on 8th October 2019. Rustic yet chic, stylish and full of charm, it’s sure to join the list of places to be seen in South West London. SLOAN! Magazine was one of the first publications to be invited to dine at The Hunter’s Moon and we couldn’t wait to experience Chelsea’s latest local!

The Hunter’s Moon offers an atmospheric and buzzing setting on the ever-fashionable Fulham Road. The newly opened pub and dining room is named after the orange glowing full moon that appears in the night sky between October and November each year.

A charming fusion of traditional and modern British style, The Hunter’s Moon features bespoke hand-made furniture and artisan textiles and materials, alongside unique reclaimed antiques and vintage finds. The bar has a dark, warm and sophisticated colour palette, offset by deep accents and complemented by textures, striking patterns and prints. Soft layered lighting and eclectic artwork adorning the walls further enhance the atmosphere, providing an inviting space for guests to relax. Dogs are welcome and well catered for too, with water bowls available on request and maybe even a treat or two.

The Hunter’s Moon was founded by Chef Director Oliver Marlowe (previously of The Glasshouse and Chez Bruce) and Hubert Beatson-Hird (previously of The Mitre in Fulham). Open seven days a week, it offers a daily-changing menu of modern European dishes alongside an extensive and comprehensive drinks list.

Alongside style, comfort is key at The Hunter’s Moon with a choice of seating options including horseshoe shaped booths, fitted banquettes and dining chairs with hand-made cushions. The fireplace, AGA, vintage dresser and wine bottle storage feature further lend to the rustic lux design. A large skylight floods the restaurant space with natural daylight, whilst plentiful plants and foliage add an alfresco vibe, bringing the outside in.

In The Hunter’s Moon kitchen, Chef Director Oliver Marlowe has created an exciting menu showcasing classic British favourites alongside more innovative choices, using the best seasonal ingredients. A blackboard champions a range of meat cuts and daily specials, whilst those looking for a more casual bite can choose from a bar menu of snacks and sharing plates with options such as hearty scotch eggs and sausage rolls, alongside courgette and ricotta croquettes and steak tartare.

As our evening at The Hunter’s Moon began, we decided to share half a dozen Porthilly oysters with shallot vinaigrette.

Torn between the scallop ceviche and the butternut soup l decided to try the soup and wasn’t disappointed in this winter warming wonder soup.

My dining companion chose the steak tartare. It was lovely to see a twist on a standard presentation the tarragon mustard brought a heat to this raw dish. The oyster mayonnaise was subtle but perfectly balanced and the micro onion rings where almost too cute to eat.

Having started with the land my dining companion moved onto the sea ordering the roast Cornish cod with ‘nduja risotto, salted almonds aioli and aged pecorino. A must for dairy lovers l do hope they keep this one on the menu.

I ordered the cornfed chicken with roulade of foie gras, creamed potato, wild mushrooms and salsify. I normally don’t order chicken but it came recommended. Pleasantly surprised the chicken came beautifully tender with a touch of luxury from the foie gras. The attention to detail that goes on behind the scenes consistently produce succulent chicken makes this a must for chicken lovers everywhere.

To finish and satisfy my sweet cravings I ordered the vanilla creme brulée. Perfectly caramelized, it was such a generous portion that I couldn’t finish but it more than satisfied my sweet tooth.

Across the table I could see a treacle tart taunting me, I was told that it was the best treacle tart ever so I managed to find that extra room for a bite or two! Comforting, sweet but not overpoweringly so, the treacle tart is a tasty way to end your evening.

If you plan to head to The Hunter’s Moon for weekend brunch and want to be wowed by an imaginative bloody mary, ask about Susan… if you want to know more keep reading!

On Saturday at The Hunter’s Moon, brunch dishes include huevos rancheros with grilled flatbreads; and eggs benedict with Gochujang hollandaise and crispy pork belly. As a quirky addition to your brunch, The Hunter’s Moon also offers its signature Bloody Susan to share. This DIY Bloody Mary is served on a lazy Susan in the centre of the table, providing a choice of Clamato or tomato juice alongside a selection of garnishes to style it your way, from traditional choices including celery and horseradish, alongside changing special extras from crispy bacon to Mersea oysters.

On Sunday at The Hunter’s Moon, the classic Sunday roast menu features a choice of prime cuts, from treacle cured sirloin of Stokes Marsh Farm beef, to butter roast cornfed chicken with bread sauce, each accompanied by perfectly crisp roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, spinach and gravy. Sides are made to share with delicious choices including smoked bacon and cabbage; roasted artichokes and endive with aged balsamic; and three cheese baked cauliflower with autumn truffle.

On the drinks menu at The Hunter’s Moon, an extensive wine list with a selection from a wide number of regions and vintages to suit every taste is joined by craft beers and ales alongside international brands and top shelf spirits, with classic cocktails available on request.

Whether you’re brunching, lunching, dining with friends or just having an after-work drink, The Hunter’s Moon has it all.

The Hunter’s Moon
86 Fulham Road, South Kensington, London, SW3 6HR
+44 (0)7497425819
www.huntersmoonlondon.co.uk
Instagram: @huntersmoonsw3

Tucked away just a short walk from the bustling South Bank and Waterloo Station, Sticky Mango is one of London’s best-kept secrets. Chef owner Peter Lloyd creates modern interpretations on South East Asian cuisine. Sticky Mango was awarded Best Fusion at the 2019 Golden Chopstick Awards.

Sticky Mango is spread over three floors of an historic building on Stamford Street and was previously home to RSJ Restaurant which was run by Nigel Wilkinson for decades and was renowned for its Loire Valley wines. Peter opened Sticky Mango on one floor of RSJ in 2016 following the closure of Spice Market (created by 2 Michelin Star Chef Jean-George Vongerichten), where he was head chef for five years.

Inspired by his travels in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, Peter describes his food as giving “an explosion of flavour – offering a portal into an exotic world.” He balances sweet, sour, salty and umami flavours throughout his menus which are designed for sharing. Choose from small plates from £6.50 each or big plates to share from £10 each or the very reasonable priced nine-course tasting menu at £35/person with a vegetarian option at £30/person.

On the Wine List, Sticky Mango continues RSJ Restaurant’s reputation for Loire Valley wines with a carefully curated list of unusual wines. On the menu, signature dishes include Soft Shell Crab Steam Bun; Malaysian Chicken Curry Puffs; Massaman Lamb Shank; Vegetable Char Kuey Teow and Singapore Chilli Lobster.

Desserts take eastern flavours to new levels such as Peanut Nougat Satay with Charcoal Lime Ice cream (inspired by Peter’s recent trip to Indonesia) and the eponymous Sticky Mango Rice – Peter’s signature dish.

Lloyd has travelled extensively around Asia and his food is inspired by real experiences whether that’s being invited into private homes in Indonesia to learn from home-cooks or tasting and
learning about the history and culture of South East Asian street food. He says: “Thanks to reading and travelling, I began to understand the cuisine and it opened up a whole new world of flavours – it was like a new beginning for me; like starting my career again. I started to understand the concept of Asian food and coupled with my experience as head chef at Spice Market, I put the two together to develop my own style.”

The lower ground floor is home to a stylish cocktail bar featuring house cocktails and can be used for private parties and events with the neighbouring dining room. With dimmed lighting, arched ceilings and silk wallpaper, the intimate space can seat up to 48.

In June 2019, Lloyd commissioned a unique tribute to his hero Anthony Bourdain, with a striking work of street art on the side of the restaurant created by artist Jerome Davenport @ketones6000. The work features the statement “Context and memory play powerful roles in all the truly great meals in one’s life.” A statement which encompasses Lloyd’s own understanding of food.

For those hoping to avoid turkey overload on the menu for Christmas office parties or celebrations with friends & family over the festive season, Sticky Mango offers private dining rooms for group bookings of between 8 to 75 people. The South East Asian cuisine is a welcome change from traditional menus with a set three-course menu with three options per course (£24.95 per person) as well as Sticky Mango’s renowned 9-course tasting menu (£35 per person) and Gourmet Tasting menu for £45 per person.

Sticky Mango
33 Coin Street, London SE1 9NR
020 7928 4554
www.stickymango.co.uk
@stickymangoldn
@chef_lloyd

Florentine Restaurant & Bar offers an all-day dining experience in stylish surroundings just minutes from London South Bank’s trendy Lower Marsh and Waterloo. Florentine is located on the ground floor of the Park Plaza London Waterloo hotel just opposite Lambeth North tube station. The restaurant is open daily for brunch, lunch and dinner.

The bar is a popular hang out with hotel guests and locals alike, serving British bubbles by the bottle such as Chapel Down and Camel Valley, craft beers by Brewdog and Portobello Brewing Co. and signature cocktails using housemade syrups and infusions with DJ sessions throughout the evenings and weekends for a refreshing, relaxed vibe.

The brasserie-style restaurant serves a range of simple and eclectic international dishes, from small plates to larger sharing dishes. The menu features all-day egg dishes from decadent Black Truffle Scrambled Eggs to guilt-free Egg White Omelette to classic Eggs Florentine.

One of the standout dishes on the sharing menu is the mouthwatering Tomahawk Steak – 1 kilo of grass-fed beef, aged 35 days on-the-bone and served with chips and jus.

A unique dish is the Ostrich Egg Full English Breakfast which can easily feed four to six people as its the equivalent of 25 hens eggs! Fried or scrambled, the ostrich egg comes with Portobello mushrooms, tomatoes, streaky bacon, Cumberland sausages and baked beans. Although a popular choice, it’s important to mention that ostriches are temperamental creatures who only lay on average one egg every two days in season so ostrich eggs are subject to availability & pre-order only. It is best to call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Another unique dish that sounds like something from Man V Food is the Herculean Burger. Weighing in at 2.2 kg and said to be enough for four people, this gargantuan burger named after the famous Greek hero who completed impossible tasks is served with montgomery cheese, portobello mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes, streaky bacon, black truffle, chips and sweet potato fries plus 5 dips.

Kick off your evening with one or two of the Small Plates selection of nibbles. We ordered the Green Olives and Smoked Almonds and loved the heady smokiness of the nuts which paired nicely with the mild saltiness of the olives. These are the perfect nibbles to accompany an aperitif before dinner or for those not drinking why not try a mocktail such as Fresh Sunset – a guilt-free blend of strawberry puree, cranberry juice, and apple juice.

Another tantalising small plate for nibbles is the Zucchini Fritti although this came out needing a little more seasoning. Thankfully salt and pepper mills are at the ready on the table for those who like to pep up their food.

Starters on the menu include a fresh and healthy tasting Chicken and Avocado Salad with baby gem lettuce, burnt corn and honey & mustard dressing. The dressing has just the right balance to whet the appetite and satisfy any early hunger pangs. It is also available as a main so a perfect choice for the calorie conscious for dinner or those looking for a healthy lunch.

Another starter that is available as a main is the restaurant’s signature pasta dish of Buffalo Ricotta Ravioli served topped with shaved black truffle. This cheese lover’s delight has a buttery rich sauce and fresh pasta parcels filled with creamy ricotta… definitely not one for the dairy intolerant!

For those looking for a seafood starter, the Fried Squid with lemon mayo is a tasty option. This can come out slightly chewy in texture but is served in larger than bitesize pieces in a crisp batter.

Mains at Florentine feature a crowd pleasing selection of meat and fish dishes including Beef Lasagna, Tuna Steak and Veal Milanese. The freshly-made flat breads are also very popular, baked in Florentine’s feature bread oven. The restaurant is very proud of its option with San Daniele ham, melted mozzarella and fresh tomato and rocket.

For those who like to end their evening on a sweet note, we hear that the Tiramisu is highly recommended as is the Affogato which comes with the traditional shot of espresso to pour over vanilla ice cream which has been coated in crumbled pistachio meringue. We tried a bespoke version of chocolate ice cream with hot chocolate to pour over… a chocoholic’s dream!

Florentine restaurant is open Monday to Friday 11:30am to 10:30pm, Saturday 10am to 10:30pm and Sunday 10am to 10pm. The bar is open until 1:30am every night.

Florentine
6 Hercules Road, London SE1 7DU
+44 (0)203 146 5800
florentinerestaurant.co.uk
@FlorentineLDN

Celebrating Britain’s culinary tapestry, Galvin at The Athenaeum sees the Galvin brothers bringing their unique take on traditional cuisine to Mayfair’s luxury 5-star hotel with a menu promising modern British dishes crafted with seasonal and artisan produce. The hotel restaurant is open all day for breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner – and everything in between.

Galvin at The Athenaeum is the hotel’s restaurant from award-winning London chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin. For the first time the brothers have stepped away from their trademark French-inspired menus in favour of championing Britain’s delicious homegrown produce and supporting independent farmers across the UK. An exciting array of menus include Afternoon Tea and Private Dining, and feature a modern take on classic British dishes combined with Galvin favourites.

Chef-restaurateurs Chris and Jeff Galvin make up one of Britain’s biggest culinary success stories of the past decade. Both have previously received Michelin stars in their own right, and have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, among them Sir Terence Conran, Antony Worrall Thompson and Nico Ladenis.

The brothers are known for their love of French cuisine but employ the same passion and philosophy with everything they do. It’s all about simple, ingredient-led cooking with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Executive Chef Ian Howard and Restaurant Manager Barry Soars deliver hospitality excellence throughout each and every menu at Galvin at The Athenaeum from breakfast and lunch to afternoon tea and dinner, ensuring that not only is there something for everyone but no guest is ever left wanting in terms of quality, service and a quintessentially British experience.

Noting the salmon on the menu my mind immediately jumped to a traditional smoked salmon with avocado and I wasn’t convinced it was enough to delight my palate. However what arrived at the table was a beautiful salmon tartare with avocado and a fennel salad. The micro herbs added a pleasant addition but were not overpowering and the freshness of the salmon was able to thrive. A fabulous dish that everyone who wants to take salmon to the next level should order.

The chicken salad was order by my dining companion. The mango and coriander were a nice pairing taking a traditional Caesar salad to a much needed new heights.

For mains I had been recommended the rib eye and it was served to perfection…

with shoe string fries and purple sprouting broccoli

For fish lovers the plaice was an interesting option. The garlic croutons really held the flavour and had an almost Christmas spice feel to them. Other diners chose the trout and said they would order it again.

For dessert I kept it light with sorbet, and randomly was really drawn to the pear sorbet. Not being a pear fan this surprised even me but I have to say it was a perfect way to end the evening.

For chocolate lovers this hazelnut delight was taste-tastic. The gold sable was a flamboyantly lovely touch.

A delightful evening with a huge thank you not only to the wonderful kitchen team but to the fabulous Andrea who took baby Sloan to see his very first commercial kitchen, not to mention babble to the bar staff and reception team. When the team go this much out of their way to make a night special, its no wonder people keep returning time and time again. Employee of the month awards should definitely be dished out for the outstanding service here. A lovely night was had by all.

Galvin at The Athenaeum
116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BJ
+44 (0)20 7640 3333
galvinrestaurants.com
@galvinathenaeum

Royal China Fulham just happens to be the smallest and most intimate restaurant of the six popular and prestigious London restaurants that form part of the Royal China Group including the critically-acclaimed Royal China Club. It may be small but what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in the quality and authenticity of its Cantonese cuisine.

Thanks to their central locations in prime areas of the Capital, you are guaranteed to be never too far away from traditional Hong Kong Chinese cuisine served in sophisticated interiors where rich golden accents contrast elegantly with striking red and black features.

In Royal China Fulham their signature lacquered murals depicting an ornate Chinese illustration covers one wall of the restaurant creating a focal point that draws the attention away from the expansive menu for a moment of artistic contemplation. Textured gold walls run along the other wall balancing the decor.

With Royal China on the doorstep you don’t have to travel far to experience genuine Hong Kong Chinese cuisine in comfortable surroundings with the distinctive black and gold lacquered wall depicting the characteristic mural… unique to each restaurant in the Group.

Royal China is renowned for its dim sum which are served daily from Noon until 5pm with each restaurant employing a dedicated Dim Sum Chef who is a true master in the art of preparing and cooking these bitesize delights. We couldn’t wait to try them!

The steamed chilli pork dumpling took a pork gyoza to the very next level. Full of flavour, the chilli kick blended well with a very generous portion of pork within these dumplings.

The soft shell crab was disappointingly small but only because it tasted so good.

The deep fried baby squid are not only great value for money they burst full of flavour with just the right balance of salt and chilli. Beautifully presented – definitely a firm favourite on this menu.

The honey roast pork puffs were divine. My dining companion often orders this dim sum staple at most restaurants and has rated these the best he’s ever tried.

The sweetcorn and crab soup was a pleasant surprise as had a generous portion of crab which so many places lack. Great flavour and an interesting dish for something so simple.

The chill prawn dumpling and coriander was a slice of golden heaven. I personally preferred them to the chilli pork dumplings but I think it’s a matter of preference – land or sea.

The pork noodles were a little hit and miss. The pork was perfectly cooked and kept you coming back for more. The noodles were soft in texture but hadn’t soaked up enough flavour. Not to worry a quick mix with a few sauces from our other dishes and this dish soon went from a 6 to an 8.

The ebi vermicelli was a special dish and recommended. A great combo of crunch and the succulent sea. Crumbly and comforting, let’s hope they keep it on the menu for a long time.

With Halloween just round the corner, those looking to get ghoulish with their gyoza should try Royal China Fulham’s special pumpkin-flavoured Minced Duck Dumplings. Priced at £7.80, the Minced Duck Dumplings are wrapped in a delicious Pumpkin Juice Bun – we love the orange hue which looks very seasonal! Available until 31 October 2019, the pumpkin dumplings are the perfect way to celebrate Halloween when dining out.

The Royal China group continues to fly the flag for quality Chinese cuisine in London and Royal China Fulham keeps up with this tradition of offering Londoners with sophisticated flavoursome Chinese dishes that are authentic and beautifully presented… we dare say that Royal China offers some of the best Chinese food in London and even gives Chinatown restaurants a run for their money!

Royal China Fulham
805 Fulham Road, London SW6 5HE
020 7731 0081
www.royalchinagroup.co.uk/restaurants/fulham
@royal_china_uk

Celebrating its first year anniversary since its relaunch, The Montagu Kitchen is a modern British all-day dining destination set within Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill in the heart of Marylebone, where guests can come together to eat, drink, socialise, and relax. Inspired by the gardens at Chartwell – the private home of Sir Winston Churchill, in Kent, the team serve seasonal food using local suppliers and fresh British produce, which aims to reconnect diners with nature through simple dishes that bring a little bit of the gardens at Chartwell to the city.

The Montagu Kitchen is conveniently tucked away in upmarket Marylebone yet still moments away from the heart of London’s West End. The restaurant offers a British menu featuring locally sourced fare. Amongst the most loved dishes are Dingley Dell pork belly, served with roasted heritage carrots, glazed apples whilst for dessert, a firm favourite is the black tea & apple bar served with cardamom, salted caramel and parsnip.

Throughout October, 5-star Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is putting on a series of gastronomic events to celebrate all things British. In partnership with London Restaurant Festival, as part of World of Hyatt’s strategic partnership with the city-wide festival, The Montagu Kitchen has curated a specially crafted festival tasting menu. World of Hyatt is Hyatt Hotel’s global loyalty programme that provides members with access to unique experiences

The Festival Set Menu combines a traditional and contemporary selection of seasonal British tastes from the kitchen’s most loved dishes. Priced at £30 it features a selection of its new autumn menu including; Kent honey glazed pork belly lollipop, roasted celeriac, pan seared sea bass, braised beef short rib and a cinnamon and cream cheese mousse. Available to book from 9 September here for lunch and dinner throughout October.

In addition to the festival set menu, the Marylebone based hotel, will also host a one–off tasting menu experience on 23 October, with newly appointed Executive Chef, Jonathan Felix. Moreover, the new ‘On the Grapevine’ series will offer wine lovers an evening of sampling fine French and British wines and an opportunity to find out about the winemaking process from the producers themselves on the 4, 11 and 18 October, taking place at the hotel’s Library Suite.

Over the weekend 19 – 20 October, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill will host the Ultimate Gastronomic Weekend – a truly unforgettable foodie experience. After checking in, guests will be treated to a chef-hosted lunch at The Landau. On Sunday after breakfast at The Montagu Kitchen, guests will take a river cruise along to Battersea Power Station to eat with Francesco Mazzei, Richard Kirkwood and Vivek Singh. With accommodation across the weekend in one of The Churchill’s sumptuous guest rooms, guests are sure to enjoy the hotel’s comfortable surroundings including the award-winning The Churchill Bar & Terrace and convenient Marylebone location.

Ahead of the London Restaurant Festival gastronomic events, we stopped by The Montagu Kitchen for a spot of lunch. Warm bread with a paprika butter was served for the table as we perused the menu.

Devon Scallops jumped out at us immediately and they lived up to expectations. Succulent, flavourful paired with a Kent honey roasted butternut squash purée balanced in texture by a quinoa salad made for a perfect combination to excite one’s palate. We were also able to sample the cocktail menu and it doesn’t disappoint. We tried a classic old fashioned and two cocktails (The Clementine and The Fig) from the signature garden cocktail menu. All cocktails were expertly crafted and the mixologist was on top form.

Gressingham Smoked Duck came with figs and pears. Personal preference steered me towards the figs which paired well with a delightful cocktail made from figs, Bacardi and a special magic touch. The slow cooked pears were a good match for this super autumn dish that’s still light enough to remind you of summer yet comforting enough that it moves you towards the colder weather.

21-Day Dry Aged Rose County Beef Rib Eye came cooked medium rare as requested and the truffle jus combo made the dish for me. Subtle enough to complement the steak whilst still allowing the quality of the meat to come through but flavourful enough to awaken your senses.

We tried the Sweet Potato Fries and Triple Cooked Chips with our mains. Simple crisp and flavourful.

My dining companion chose the Hampshire Lamb Rump served medium. Had a nice crunch in the skin, the meat was again full of natural flavour. Came with a celeriac puree which felt more for decoration than for flavour. Perfect size portion for lunch but would prefer a slightly larger portion if it were the evening.

The Tenderstem Broccoli had a slightly smokey flavour and pleasant al dente texture.

For dessert we went for Montagu’s Sticky Date Pudding with vanilla ice-cream and toffee sauce which was truly indulgent.

Home baked cake is a thick slice of sheer indulgence but it would be criminal to leave without trying it especially as it is baked fresh every day. Today’s offering was a rather naughty but very nice chocolate cake.

To find out more and to book tickets, please visit www.londonrestaurantfestival.com and find out more and become a member of World of Hyatt, please visit world.hyatt.com

The Montagu Kitchen
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill
30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
+44 (0)20 7299 2037
themontagurestaurant.co.uk
@HyattChurchill

Yuu Kitchen launched its latest residency at ICEBAR London in Heddon Street at the end of June. Yuu Kitchen is inspired by the fun and freshness of flavours from south-east Asia and the Pacific Rim and the team from Yuu Kitchen Spitalfields are delighted to bring their new offering to a more intimate setting off Regent Street, W1.

Yuu Kitchen was created by experienced restaurateurs and long-time friends from Australia, Stephen Lowe and Jon de Villa. Head Chef Jon’s menu is inspired by his heritage and travels across south-east Asia and brings in his experience from Nobu London.

The thrill of the arrival begins at the entrance on Heddon Street, where an atmospheric mural staircase transports you immediately to the edgy underground scene of a Japanese street, lit only by neon, opening out into a basement bar and restaurant with absolute wow factor – the lounge features a long high-top table seating 10-12 and the main dining area is presided over by a back-lit 25 foot long Asian dragon, or Shenlong, created by celebrated Hong Kong artist, Lun Wong.

With moody lighting and more art in the booths, it provides the perfect backdrop for some of London’s most innovative south-east Asian and Filipino inspired dishes. Continuing the theme from Yuu Kitchen’s original restaurant in Spitalfields, the team have collaborated again with artist Lun Wong, known as Lunatic, by commissioning bespoke art pieces for the venue to continue the story of the artwork.

To coincide with the newly relaunched ICEBAR, Yuu Kitchen Mayfair represents opposite themes of heat and ice. The drawing style of the artwork is very similar to the original Yuu Kitchen Aldgate’s style but modernised and slightly simplified.

The dragon mural has strong significance both within Asian culture and the theme of fire, as well as running parallel as an eastern dragon to the ICEBAR’s western dragon. All artwork revolves around the themes of fire and revenge.

South-east Asian food is at the core of the Yuu Kitchen menu and whilst Japanese flavours feature heavily, the menu also pays homage to Head Chef, Jon de Villa’s heritage, with a Pinoy section giving a nod to Filipino cuisine and some of Jon’s family recipes handed down over the years. Perhaps south-east Asia’s last secret cuisine, Philippine inspired food is mix of Indian, Chinese, Spanish and American influences.

Jon’s Pinoy dishes introduces guests to Filipino favourites with a London touch. Torn between the Chicken Karaage and the Baby Octopus Karaage we went towards the seafood version although the chicken is recommended. The octopus had the right balance of softness and bite with a crunchy flavourful texture to the batter and a soft centre.

This was joined by a vegan-friendly sweet and sticky eggplant, which was wok-fried with white miso and then topped with crunchy shallots and sesame. One to ask the chef for the recipe as you won’t find it in many places. Definitely tops our list for vegetarian & vegan favourites.

For those who enjoy soft pillowy Taiwanese Bao Buns, these come in a range of fillings including 7Up braised pork belly, buttermilk crispy chicken, wagyu beef, panko jackfruit and mushroom. However, we were drawn to the crispy soft shell crab with lettuce, red onion, radish pickle and wasabi mayo. This delightful dish keeps you coming back for more with each Bao filled with a half shell crab.

Delicious home-made recipes bring a fresh new take on familiar dishes. For those who want to spice it up a notch, you can’t go wrong with the chicken wings in a spicy Carolina reaper chilli sauce although if you are less adventurous you can opt for filipino style sticky adobo wings which has all the flavour but leaves the heat at home.

If you want a dish that promises maximum flavour from melt-in-your-mouth slow cooked meats, we highly recommend the Lechon Kawali. This 12 hour braised pork belly comes with Mama Sita’s sauce.

Come in for a closer look of this Pinoy classic with a Yuu twist….

To finish there is a short but innovative dessert menu with unusual items, the Ube Cassava Cake is one to try because it’s very rarely on your typical London menu. For those unfamiliar with ube, one of the most noticeable quirks of this dessert is that it is a deep purple. Now how often can you eat root veg as a cake, have it served purple and tasting so sweet. Exactly! That’s why we had to try it. Other desserts such as Ice Cream Bao, Coconut Bread Cake and Avocado and Yuzu Parfait will also satisfy any sweet tooth.

Yuu Kitchen has just launched their Bottomless Brunch in their Heddon Street Restaurant for £37 per person. It comes with the obligatory bottomless bubbles for one and a half hours… and they really do mean bottomless, with constant topping up from attentive staff to ensure all the guests get their fare share of fizz. The menu consists of a 10-course sharing menu created by former Nobu Chef, Jon de Villa.

It features Edamame to start followed by a range of sharing dishes including Cauliflower with a jalapeno dressing, Sweet and sticky eggplant, Vietnamese vegetarian Ssam and steamed rice. Their signature dish of Spicy Tuna Tostada is also featured. Then there are the infamous Crispy pigs ears, which are slow-cooked and honey soy glazed plus Chicken Inasal and Baby Back Ribs. If there you’re left with any room, a Banana Turon and rich coconut bread cake is offered for dessert.

Yuu Kitchen Mayfair @ ICEBAR London
31-33 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BN
+44 (0)20 7478 8910
www.yuukitchen.com
@yuu_kitchen