St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar by Searcys is home to Europe’s longest Champagne Bar where guests can sit back and enjoy a glass of bubbly whilst soaking up the charm of the world-class station of St Pancras International station which is a destination in its own right located in the unique Grade I listed building. Visitors can appreciate the Terrace Wires public art installation by Tracey Emin on the station’s Grand Terrace Upper Concourse. Depicting the words, ‘I Want My Time With You’ in Emin’s signature handwriting, the 20m long light installation is the largest text piece ever made by the artist.

This summer, the Art of Travel pop-up transformed the twelve private booths in the Champagne Bar into a different European city destination. Ranging from Eurostar destinations like Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam to further-flung European favourites like San Remo, Porto and Reims, each city brought a little essence of its culture to the Champagne Bar at St Pancras by Searcys. Each booth was decorated in pastel colours displaying their correspondent city map, with signs to each destination presented in a tasteful and pared-back style.

Guests were invited to sit at one of the twelve booths and push the famous “Press for Champagne” button for an exclusive experience in Champagne tasting. St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys was the first bar in London to introduce the charming switch, back in 2007 when it was first launched. For the Art of Travel pop up, Champagne partners Veuve Clicquot selected their Yellow Label, Rosé, Extra Brut Extra Old and Rich Rosé cuvées. Hailing from the famed town of Reims, home of the Champagne house and one of The Art of Travel “towns”, the brand is credited with creating the first modern Rosé Champagne. In addition to bubbles from Veuve Clicquot, Searcys extensive list of Champagne and sparkling wines has something on offer for all tastes and budgets.

As well as being visually show-stopping, Drinks Ambassador Joel Claustre carefully created cocktail and Champagne list to matched the atmosphere. Presented in a beautiful passport shape cover, the menu included a selection of Veuve Clicquot Champagnes available by the glass and bottle. Four bespoke Gin-based cocktails were created in collaboration with Sipsmith, which included a very special Champagne and gin cocktail titled “Take on the French 75”. This married Veuve Clicquot and Sipsmith for the ultimate cocktail experience, a delectable mix of orange, cocoa, bitters, Sipsmith gin and Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

With an air of romance about the art of slow travel, St Pancras International is the perfect destination to indulge as guests soak up the Victorian architecture and enjoy a taste of travel before or after boarding their train.

At a relaxed lunch in the Brasserie before boarding the train to Paris, we began with the prawn croquettes – fabulously explosive in flavour with the coriander whetting one’s appetite for the starters. More potato than prawn but a wonderfully comforting feeling from the very first bite.

Moving perfectly on to Dressed Portland crab served with brown sourdough – a super fresh dressed crab which allowed the quality of the shellfish to speak for itself.

My lunch companion had the octopus carpaccio with salt and pepper squid & watermelon. A delight to the palate.

The 45 days house-aged Lake District sirloin steak was ordered medium rare and came cooked to perfection. A great size for lunch, some with a healthy appetite may wish to add a native half lobster which was calling out to me from the menu.  Had it been later in the evening I would definitely have chosen the lobster which looked inviting from a fellow diner’s table across the way.

My lunch companion continued their seafood theme and chose a fish pie with buttered vegetables as it seemed heartier and more comforting for the colder temperature of the day. A perfect choice. For those who want something lighter or if the weather is a little more favourable, we suggest the native shellfish for two – this fruit de mer platter is an excellent choice if the Portland crab is anything to go by.

On the dessert menu, holding on the last little bit of summer we spied Eton mess with strawberry soup which surprisingly arrived at the table looking very beautiful with no mess at all!

But sometimes you just have to get messy and we were instructed by the waiter that it was left for us to mess up to our heart’s satisfaction and handed a spoon! Two hard knocks and quick reflexes to grab the meringue taking flight in the direction of a nearby table and we were very pleased with our interactive dessert.

Or if you don’t want to play with your food, choose passion fruit cheesecake with lime and coconut sorbet which was tart enough to tantalise the taste buds but sweet enough to end the meal with a smile.

St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar by Searcys
Grand Terrace, Upper Concourse, St Pancras International Station, King’s Cross St. Pancras, London, N1C 4QL
+44 (0)207 870 9900
stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk
@SearcyStPancras

Following success in New Delhi and New York, ‘India’s Best Restaurant’ Indian Accent landed in Mayfair at the end of 2017, quickly winning acclaim for its refined and inventive dishes. With Corporate Chef Manish Mehrotra leading the pass, Indian Accent showcases vibrant and interesting flavour combinations, continually redefining high-end Indian cuisine, while keeping faithful to traditionally grounded recipes.

Set across two floors, the elegant restaurant reflects materials and textures familiar in Indian architecture. A combination of brass, marble and combed pearl-lustred walls complement the rich emerald green velvet upholstery, with a striking spiral staircase leading to the stylish downstairs dining area and private room.

Indian Accent is the ideal venue for private hire, suitable for small gatherings through to large events. The downstairs restaurant and bar are available for private hire for up to 30 guests seated or 40 standing for drinks and canapés. The restaurant is also available for full exclusive hire with an additional 40 covers available in the main restaurant. Offering a range of menus, from canapés to sharing platters through to sit down dinners, the team at Indian Accent can create a bespoke event sure to impress every guest.

Indian Accent’s extensive drinks list boasts a range of over 100 rare whiskies, as well as an expansive list of wine, champagnes and cocktails. Whiskies can be ordered as flights, with choices ranging from ‘elegant & refined’, to ‘smoky and spicy’, whilst the wine list – curated by General Manager and Sommelier Patrick Frawley – is all-encompassing, with a vintage to suit any taste. For a truly memorable experience, choose the paired wine flight to accompany your eight-course tasting menu, with every pour perfectly paired to complement each dish.

For cocktail lovers, Indian Accent has an inspired selection of serves that match the calibre of the dishes. Creative concoctions include The Proper Copper, with Kaffir lime leaf infused vodka, honey and rose blossom water; Albermarle St. Swizzle, with chilli and pineapple infused rum, amaretto, orange and kewra; and a Green Chili Sour with hari mirch infused tequila, lemon oleo saccharum and mezcal. If you’re feeling spontaneous, opt for the ‘Bartender’s Choice’ and let the talented team create something perfectly suited to your tastes.

Corporate Chef Manish Mehrotra’s creative menus offer fine-dining at its best, from à la carte choices to the eight-course Chef’s Tasting Menu, complete with elegantly paired wines and available for both lunch and dinner. His contemporary dishes pair seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients with authentic Indian spices and diverse ingredients from across the world, always with an accent of India. Manish has received a number of accolades in recent years including ‘Best Chef of the Year’ by American Express and he has been commended for shining the World’s spotlight on Indian cuisine.

Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for at the Mayfair restaurant with a number of exciting dishes, as well as a dedicated vegan tasting menu, featuring choices such as tofu masala with asparagus and shishito pepper; and green peas kofta with sweet potato and coconut curry.

To start our meal, we were offered an amuse bouche which can often be hit and miss, but this pumpkin and coconut delight with a blue cheese naan was the perfect way to whet one’s appetite.

The meetha achaar pork ribs with sundried mango & onion seeds were an interesting option to see on an Indian menu. One of the least spicy dishes we ordered, packed full of flavour with a crispy mango outer crunch but juicy pork meat that fell off the bone.

The tandoori scottish salmon with lemon & black garlic cream had a beautiful presentation and a succulent creamy texture.

The cocktails at Indian Accent are considered and full of flavour with a hint of spice. We tried the Mughal Fortification – double barreled bourbon with toasted coriander honey and saffron and the Albemarle St. Swizzle – chilli and pineapple infused rum with amaretto, orange & kewra.

This was the most surprising dish on the menu. Brought as chefs compliments we were of the opinion that it was lamb keema with quail egg garnish. We were nearly right except the dish was actually soy keema, quail egg, lime leaf butter pao – this soy twist is a vegetarian’s dream.

A main dish that speaks for itself is seared scallops with chilli prawns & malvani dried shrimp rice. Although served with a tamarind sauce they held there own on a bed of rice. A light dish which wishes you could order it again.

The ghee roast lamb with roomali roti pancakes and chutneys was a another hit. Take some lamb which is infused with beautiful spice and add it to the roti with some cucumber and one of four well placed chutneys to give that extra kick.

The breads and side dishes have something for everyone. A more anglicised palate may enjoy the applewood smoked bacon kulcha and those who prefer spices will love the butter chicken kulcha. We didn’t try the wild mushroom kulcha with truffle oil drizzle but it does come highly recommended.

The black dairy dal had a creamy nutty texture and truly complemented the spices in the other dishes, making for a great side.

For dessert, we highly recommend the doda barfi treacle tart with vanilla bean ice cream but have been told the makhan malai with saffron milk, rose petal jaggery brittle & almonds is a most popular dish. This looks like a big dish but it is light and flavourful. Each mouthful keeps you excited as the dish has so many flavours that melt away in your mouth with the crunch of almond and glittery gold leaf adding new dimensions to this dessert.

Since opening, Indian Accent has been placed in the top 50 at the National Restaurant Awards Top 100 and was one of just four nominees for best newcomer in the 2018 Harden’s London Restaurant Awards in addition to most recently being awarded Newcomer of the Year at the 2018 London Restaurant Festival Awards.

Indian Accent has recently launched a new Express Lunch menu, priced at £24 per person including a starter, main course and five accompaniments, with the choice to add dessert for £5. This quick yet elevated Indian feast is available every day from 12pm – 2.30pm, with a guaranteed 45-minute turnaround to easily fit within your lunch hour. Expect seasonal flavours and vibrant dishes by Chef Manish Mehrotra with choices including raw mango prawns, Jersey Royal potatoes; Kerala seafood stew, pink pepper tadka; and roast beet, goat’s cheese raita, pistachio chikki.

For fine dining Indian style that’s conveniently located in the heart of fashionable Mayfair, we highly recommend a visit to Indian Accent.

Indian Accent
16 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4HW
+44 (0)207 629 9802
www.indianaccent.com/london
@indian_accent

The perfect escape to the French art of being fabulous, Les Platanes, the French restaurant by Thierry Laborde and Anton Efimov, is a hidden gem in the heart of Mayfair. Capturing the spirit of warm and convivial French dining, the restaurant is a welcoming, contemporary Bistrot de Luxe with an emphasis on cuisine from the South of France. Located in a nineteenth century townhouse on Bruton Place, a small cobbled street behind Berkeley Square, Les Platanes’ guests will find exquisite French cooking in a casual yet refined bistro, perfect for a leisurely lunch or an intimate dinner.

Heading up the kitchen is Thierry Laborde, one of the UK’s leading French chefs who has worked in some of London’s finest French establishments including Le Gavroche, Restaurant Le Louis XV, L’Oranger, and prominently opening Chabrot Bistrot d’Amis in 2011. Anton Efimov is Les Platanes’ operations director having previously worked in establishments including Mari Vanna UK, Raffles Townhouse, Chinawhite on Air Street, and Buta Kitchen LTD Azerbaijan.

The décor at Les Platanes takes its inspiration from classic French bistros with a subtle and elegant colour scheme featuring cream walls with accents of teal and oak wood flooring, complemented by recreations of great nineteenth and twentieth century artwork. A menu du jour is available during lunchtime, offering two courses for £21 with wine for £25 and three courses for £25 with wine for £29, with water and coffee included.

Thierry Laborde is passionate about bringing the best French produce to the UK, with independent suppliers garnered from his many years working with French cuisine. The chicken served at Les Platanes comes from Gascony, sourced from a medieval village where the poultry roam freely on the sun-soaked hills. The family’s poultry breeding methods are rooted in tradition but use modern feeding and monitoring techniques to ensure the best quality product. Les Platanes’ cheese and butter are sourced from a family run business in a small town south of Loire-Atlantique, which still use artisanal processes of double harvesting while keeping the milk unpasteurised. The cows are raised on the lush green pastures of the Vendée region and their milk is regularly analysed to guarantee the most exceptional result.

Les Platanes celebrates Southern French cuisine with a menu featuring contemporary reinventions of classic dishes. Inspired by the iconic trees to line the lanes of Provence and nearby Berkeley Square, Les Platanes takes its name from the French for ‘plane trees’; famous for their historical ties to both London and the South of France and their comforting, revitalising shade.

The menu includes starters such as Warm potato salad, topped with a poached duck egg and Ossetra caviar and Warm native lobster salad with fennel and fresh peaches.

For the carnivores out there who could resist the Bœuf tranchè cru, vinaigrette a la truffe – finely sliced raw beef with a flavourful truffle dressing and a distinguishes dash or herbs is an amazing way to start any meal.

For those who want to up the luxury one more notch, we highly recommend the Terrine de Foie gras des Landes – extremely reasonable in price this creamy homemade terrine could make even the most homesick Frenchman feel like they’ve returned home to their mother’s dining room.

Main dishes include Cornish turbot accompanied by Artichokes à la Barigoule feature alongside Sweetbreads, fresh morels, and green asparagus. Larger sharing dishes such as Roast chicken from Gascony, served with foie-gras and extra fine beans are also available.

The menu is packed full of choice but we could resist the Special as it is not often that you get to order Grouse let alone at the hands of such a remarkable chef. A well thought-out flavour profile of Grouse, carrots, foie gras with truffle chips. This is perfect as the winter sets in. If a special catches your eye, don’t hesitate Les Platanes knows what they are doing.

Thankfully you won’t have to wait for a Special now it’s Game Season. To celebrate the incredible game this time of year, Chef Thierry Laborde has created two special dishes for the restaurant’s menu; Scottish roasted grouse with truffled pommes sarladaise and bread sauce, and Red-legged Partridge with truffled pearl barley risotto and buttered cabbage. Both dishes make for the perfect autumnal comfort food, executed with the elegance and attention to detail.

Although there are two lamb dishes on the menu one clearly stood out. The Epaule d’agneau braise aux epices, sarrasin méridional consists of slow cooked shoulder of lamb served with aromatic buckwheat. However such a generous portion is made for sharing and we went for the Côtelettes d’agneau du Quercy, aubergine, pignons de pin. Ordered medium rare, the lamb retained it’s flavour showing it is well sourced. The flavours paired well on the plate, and it was almost too good to share.

In any good French restaurant, I believe you can tell the quality of the dessert menu by tasting their Paris-Brest. At Les Platanes, the Notre Paris-Brest Maison is delightfully delectable. Worth every calorie, it was a haven of yumminess in every bite.

Other sumptuous treats include Croute de Citron cote d’Azur for those who want a tarter finish to their meal. We loved it. Who can resist a palate-cleansing lemon tart.

If you want even lighter for dessert with a hint of alcohol, look no further than the Colonel Gascon Bio – a fresh and organic lemon sorbet, lavishly graced with Armagnac and a dash of lime zest. It almost resets the palate wishing you had another stomach to start again.

The keenly priced wine list comprises the finest examples from the South of France including a selection of Bordeaux, Provence and Languedoc. The restaurant offer wines by the carafe in addition to a small selection by the glass. The list extends to over 130 bins including some lesser known bottles from small producers as well as favourites from well-known vineyards, some examples of this include 2015 Château Simone Rouge, Provence and 2016 La Syrah, Famille Dardé, Languedoc. Les Platanes also offer a selection of fine wines with rare vintages at accessible prices such as the 1996 Chablis Grand Cru Valmur, Maison Verget and a 1986 Château L’Evangile, Pomerol.

Les Platanes is an absolute star in the Mayfair restaurant scene. Amazing staff, a fabulous team both in and out of the kitchen. Ask to see upstairs, this venue is perfect to hire out for parties and the minimum spends are ridiculously low so get in while you can – I am sure it will book up fast. Whether you are looking to host a Christmas party for 50 or a dinner party for 12 on a special occasion, Les Platanes is one to put on your list!

Les Platanes
26-28 Bruton Place, Mayfair, W1J 6NG
020 7629 5613
www.lesplatanes.co.uk
@lesplatanesuk

To mark Ibérica’s 10th anniversary this year, we dropped into Ibérica Victoria for lunch to celebrate their special birthday. Ibérica Victoria is situated on the ground floor of the Zig Zag Building, located just moments from Victoria train station.

This Spanish restaurant showcases the true flavours of Spain in contemporary Iberian surroundings and offers gastronomic tapas from lunch until late evening amongst the relaxed and authentic atmosphere of a Spanish tapas bar.

For the last ten years, Ibérica has been a pioneering culinary force bringing authentic Spanish food to a wider audience in the UK. With his Celtic roots firmly in the mountains of Asturias in North West Spain, Ibérica’s celebrated Executive Chef Nacho Manzano – who has been awarded 3 Michelin stars – brings together ingredients of the highest quality from imported from carefully selected Spanish producers to create a delectable and definitive tapas experience reflecting the best of the fields, farms and seas of the Iberian Peninsula. Nacho’s central philosophy of cuisine revolves around traditionally made Spanish products and he is renowned for his modern interpretations of authentic recipes focused on the Asturian specialities of his homeland.

Iberica’s Group Head chef César García is the right hand of Nacho. The pair go a long way back in their native Asturias and not only make a great team but also have a great personal relationship. After finishing his culinary training in Spain, César worked alongside top chefs in the north of Spain for a brief period after which he moved to London as a young chef. Part of Ibérica Restaurants since the start, it is said that all their tapas recipes include a piece of César’s heart… figuratively and not literally, we hope!

Ibérica Victoria’s interiors are designed by internationally renowned architect Lázaro Rosa Violán of Contemporain Studios Barcelona creating a stunning restaurant with a cool Spanish air situated over two floors with a dedicated bar and beautiful terrace.

Sure to satisfy any wine connoisseur, the extensive Spanish wine list covers different regions of Spain to representing the rich diversity on offer and features over 50 different wines with around 20 of them from small boutique wineries that are not available anywhere else in the UK.

With the wines sourced directly from the producers committed to produce only the best wine using native grapes to reflect the local ecosystem in which the wine is produced. This allows Ibérica to offer guests a very competitive price on this top-quality boutique wines that are not available anywhere else outside Spain.

The menu features Spanish tapas classics including Jamónes Ibéricos y Serrano, top quality Spanish charcuterie and the finest artisan Spanish cheeses alongside meat dishes of pork, chicken, lamb and venison joining seafood delicacies like octopus, baby squid and mussels.

What better way to kick off our Spanish feast at Ibérica Victoria than with a refreshing aperitif cocktail. Ibérica has a drinks menu to suit every taste whether you want a fruity mocktail, a classic Old Fashioned or an indulgent Pornstar Martini.

Ibérica Victoria, like all the Ibérica restaurants in the group, clearly demonstrate an outstanding dedication to quality in both its food and wine menus supported by a passion for sharing food with friends and family that resonates with us. So for our lunch, we simply had to start with a platter of their famous traditionally made Jamón Ibérico.

This famous Spanish charcuterie is made from 100% pure-breed, black Iberian pig. These pigs mature slowly and roam freely in the Spanish countryside, grazing in fields and acorn woods. Depending on the producer and the desired intensity of flavour, the meat is hung for as long as four years, before this excellent product is ready to eat. The Jamón Ibérico really tastes as good as it sounds. The flavour is intense and you can easily appreciate the effort that goes into creating the different styles of jamón.

A great classic from the tapas menu is the Calamares. These fried baby squid are served with a delicious aioli and are a delightful snack for those wanting something tasty and light to start.

A great vegetarian tapas is the crispy aubergine fried in a light batter with ‘miel de caña’. This is a typical dish from Andalucía. The miel de caña adds a sweetness to the crunch of the batter and the mild taste of the aubergine makes for a dish that we will definitely return to enjoy again.

Such a lovely selection was taken to the next level with the Croquetas with serrano ham – delightful although perhaps not the lightest of options! Made to Nacho’s grandmother’s recipe, these Croquetas keep you coming back for more.

Another favourite from the menu is the Black Rice – prawn & squid ink rice served with aioli – a stunning contrast of  textures and flavours with the squid ink bringing an indulgence to the dish that is tempered by the aioli. If you like seafood, this is a must-try.

A dish that showcases the high quality of ingredients used by the chefs at Ibérica Victoria is the Bonito Del Norte –  cured raw white tuna from the Cantabrian Sea served with Andalusian ajoblanco & avocado. The tuna has a fresh firm texture without a fishy aroma that is perfectly balanced by the garlic and salt from the ajoblanco and the rich buttery taste of the avocado.

The Twice-Cooked Lamb with marinated cherry tomatoes & red peppers from León was a very tempting dish to savour. The meaty flavours of the lamb was balanced well with the sweet taste and juiciness of the tomatoes and peppers. This dish was our last tapas of an satisfying meal but left us feeling surprisingly moreish which clearly shows the qaulity and excellence of the food served at Ibérica Victoria.

Nacho can expect to enjoy another 10 years of success serving such authentivc and delicious Spanish food!

Ibérica Victoria
68 Victoria St, London SW1E 6SQ
+44 (0)20 3327 0200
www.ibericarestaurants.com/restaurants/iberica-victoria/
@Iberica_UK

Mamounia Lounge, the Middle Eastern restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Knightsbridge, is giving the traditional afternoon tea an Arabic makeover with the launch of its Lebanese and Moroccan Afternoon Tea menu.

Created by Head Chef Thamer Darwish, the afternoon tea pays homage to the ingredients and flavour combinations used in authentic Arabic cooking, featuring a selection of mini wraps, savoury and sweet hand-made pastries and authentic Moroccan mint tea served in a choice of sweetness – very sweet, slightly sweet or unsweetened.

The halal afternoon tea menu starts with an array of savoury delights such as Halloumi and Basil Mini Wrap and Farruj Meshwi Mini Wrap with Pickles and Onion Confit. Farruj Meshwi is baby chicken marinated with paprika, coriander, lemon and olive oil.

For cheese lovers, Cheese Briouat is baked filo pastry parcels filled with a mixture of potato, mint and five different cheeses: goats cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, feta and parmesan.

Two varieties of Moroccan-inspired bruschetta come topped with either Zaalouk or Mechouia. Zaalouk is a smoked aubergine paste with diced tomato, garlic, olive oil and Moroccan spices – supposedly velvety, on our visit we found it slightly slimy. The Mechouia was much better – a Moroccan taste sensation of slow roasted mixed peppers dressed with Moroccan vinegar and olive.

To round off the afternoon tea, sweet treats include delicious slightly spiced Date Scones served with clotted cream and two jams (prickly pear and strawberry chilli).

Other sweet offerings include a selection of traditional Moroccan pastries called maghrebine and the more familiar baklava filled with walnuts and pistachios. Both pastries were lovely but very sweet as one would expect.

Last but by no means least is the authentic Arabic milk pudding of Mahalabia flavoured with rose water, coconut and vanilla served with caramelised pistachios and date molasses.

With excellent service from the Front of House team, the Lebanese and Moroccan Afternoon Tea at Mamounia Lounge is the perfect choice for those with a sweet tooth looking for an alternative afternoon tea. It’s an interesting concept but for us, it doesn’t quite beat the quintessential English afternoon tea we know and love.

The Mamounia Afternoon Tea is served every day between 11.30am and 4pm and costs £20 per person or £29 including a glass of Champagne.

Mamounia Lounge
136 Brompton Road, London SW3 1HY
020 7581 7777
mamounialounge.com
@MamouniaLounge

Caxton Grill is the award-winning signature restaurant of St Ermin’s Hotel. The light and airy 72-seat restaurant with a private dining room for ten overlooks the hotel’s pretty courtyard garden and offers a mouth-watering selection of classic British dishes for lunch and dinner. Quality dishes and provenance are at the heart of the Caxton – with the focus of the menu being fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients; including fruits, vegetables and herbs picked from the Hotel’s very own rooftop Kitchen Garden.

Executive Head Chef at the St. Ermin’s Hotel, Alexander Boyd prepares quality ingredients a number of different, creative ways to enhance their inherent properties and deliver real depth of flavour and harmony. Alexander has an undeniable culinary talent, flair and a wealth of expertise. Using the finest, carefully sourced and local ingredients – Alexander is committed to creating innovative menus throughout the hotel, whilst bringing an added touch of elegance to the stylish Caxton Grill.

Having regularly served a plethora of high profile clients as former Executive Head Chef at The Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London – including the British Royal Family, Alexander’s attention to detail is unsurpassed. His menus seamlessly combine elements of fine dining, with modern culinary techniques and classic flavour combinations.

Well respected within the industry, Alexander has acted as a mentor to many of his former staff, sharing his faultless, innovative techniques and his passion for working with quality local suppliers to source the freshest seasonal produce. Putting this into practice, Alexander has already begun to utilise the St. Ermin’s Hotel’s own honey, produced by its 350,000 Buckfast honey bees gathering nectar from the nearby royal gardens of St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace.

Alexander also makes the most of the hotel’s thriving Roof Kitchen Garden, incorporating the homegrown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs into his inspired new afternoon tea and Caxton menus. We started the meal with homemade bread with a tender crumb and scrumptious crust. The whipped butter was smooth and creamy, flavoured with a hint of Dill.

The Smoked Chicken Terrine with sweetcorn mayo and charred baby corn was a pleasure to eat. Beautifully constructed, the smoke flavour was subtle and the meat satisfying. The sweetcorn mayonnaise and charred baby corn added a sweetness to the dish producing a winning starter.

Pan-fried hand-dived Scallops were a decent size and came perfectly cooked. Served with courgettes and their flowers added a lovely dimension to the dish.

Meat lovers will rejoice at the Lamb Belly with mandarin 40 hr creation served with rainbow chard and blackened sweet potato mash, spring onion broth and added foie gras! The lamb had a meaty flavour and contrasted well with the mandarin and the foie gras added an indulgent element to the dish.

Cooked to perfection on the Josper Grill for a juicy and tender result, the British Aberdeen Angus 35-day dry-aged rib-eye from Scotland was ordered medium rare with french fries tossed in Parmesan Reggiano and white truffle oil. The steak was served with St Ermin’s steak sauce and topped with foie gras. Another meat lover’s paradise on a plate!

Who could resist this side of Macaroni Cheese with four kinds of cheese? A must-try dish for cheese lovers.

To round off the meal, a must-try dessert is Whisky Eton mess with yoghurt foam and strawberries. What a fantastic way to finish!

Another sweet treat worthy of recommendation is the Lime Chiboust with brown sugar jelly, rum and mint sorbet. It tastes even better than it looks.

The relaunch of Caxton Grill has made the steakhouse concept stronger and there is more inspiration from and use of the wonderful fresh produce from the hotel’s rooftop garden which now has a full-time gardener looking after it. The garden is proving to be very successful this season with lots of delicious tomatoes (which are used throughout the menu even down to the homemade BBQ sauce) garden salad, herbs (used throughout the menu including Chimichurri steak sauce) and of course an abundance of summer fruits including strawberries, raspberries all used throughout the hotel from cocktails, to inspiring the Gardener’s Afternoon Tea as well as the desserts served in the Caxton Grill and on the Provence Terrace.

Caxton Grill
St Ermin’s Hotel, 2 Caxton Street, London SW1H 0QW
0207 227 7777
www.caxtongrill.co.uk
@sterminshotel #CaxtonGrill

Since opening its doors in 2016, Pomona’s has become one of Notting Hills’ trendiest establishments. Championing the use of fresh and sustainable produce, alongside an exemplary wine menu, magnificent cocktail list and unrivalled private event space and outdoor areas.

In the spirit of the restaurant’s namesake, Pomona the Roman goddess of fruit trees, gardens and orchards, Pomona’s charming ‘summer garden’ has undergone a distinctly British refresh to welcome a Martin Miller’s Gin Bar that offers signature cocktails and bespoke G&Ts.

Earlier this spring, Pomona’s appointed the very talented Ruth Hansom as Head Chef. Ruth’s passion for locally sourced British produce befits this favourite neighbourhood restaurant and permeates throughout her exciting new all-day and relaxed fine dining menus, that feature a twist on the traditional a la carte offering, with sharing dishes from the land, sea and earth.

Hansom joined Pomona’s from Luton Hoo hotel in Bedfordshire, where she held the position of head chef in the property’s fine-dining restaurant Wernher. Prior to this Hansom spent five years at the Michelin-starred Ritz London, rising through their culinary ranks to become demi chef de partie. She has been tipped as a rising star in the UK hospitality industry, being the first female winner of Young National Chef of the Year in 2017.

Cocktails to start… Basil & Yuzu Bellini – Yuzu infused sake, fresh lemon juice & basil leaves topped up with prosecco. Mezcal Old Fashioned – Union Uno mezcal mixed with homemade pineapple & peppercorn syrup, Peychaud & grapefruit bitters.

The Homemade Sourdough came with Marmite butter – love it or hate it, we could stop coming back for more. The creamy butter had a delicate Marmite flavour that wouldn’t scare off those who otherwise do not enjoy Marmite..

The melt in your mouth honey and truffle gougères were light and packed a punch making them a must for truffle lovers.

The Veal tartare with pickled fennel, garden herbs and sourdough was light with the veal so tender that it melted in the mouth. A great dish to tantalise the taste buds.

My dining companion had the dressed Dorset crab meat with brown crab mousse, watermelon and confit yolk. This dish was a pleasure from start to finish. The watermelon added a subtle freshness to the crab meat which combined with the yolk and flamed watermelon was a joy to eat.

It was rude not to try another dish championing a British seasonal ingredient – so we ordered the Wye Valley asparagus with pickled mushroom, truffle emulsion, pea shoot, Berkswell, and pine nuts. It was clear on the first bite that Pomona’s serves consistently well-executed dishes using high quality produce and the chef definitely knows how to combine mouth-watering flavours to produce dishes that stay moreish to the final forkful.

The Udale salt cured duck breast with jasmin raisin, turnip and apricot was seved medium rare. The crunch of the turnip contrasted with the tender texture of the meat which had a lovely crisp skin with a slightly gamey flavour that was complemented by the jus.

The Swaledale lamb rump with spring onion, wild garlic, English pea, morel was another treat. Served medium rare, the meat was full of flavour. The skin provided the crispy crunch needed to contrast textures whilst leaving the juicy meat to showcase its free range flavour that’s a real palate pleaser.

Simple but effective the smashed avocado side dish had a chilli kick tempered by the lime and coriander.

Hand cut triple cooked chips with whipped hollandaise were a restaurant standard that continues the trend of culinary excellence at Pomona’s.

Cocktails continued with a Whisky Sour with a dash of cab sauvignon and The Blueberry – Beefeater gin & St. Germain liqueur mixed with fresh mint, homemade blueberry syrup & citrus, topped up with soda water

We were excited by the dessert menu and even more so once it was on the table in front of us. The Valrhona chocolate fondant with roasted banana and peanut butter ice cream was a hit. This is a must-try for any nutty chocolate lover.

My dining companion ended their meal with the rhubarb soufflé with ginger crumble and a refreshing elderflower sorbet.

Speaking of Ruth’s appointment as Head Chef, Pomona’s Restaurant Director Jay Decker said, “We want to firmly establish Pomona’s as the go to foodie restaurant in Notting Hill, offering the very best locally sourced, ethically produced British cuisine, I’m delighted to have Ruth onboard, a chef that mirrors our values. With her arrival, a table here will be the hottest ticket in the neighbourhood, and I’m sure our local clientele and new customers, will be bowled over by what’s on offer.”

Previously winner of Young National Chef of the Year, and star of BBC Two’s Million Pound Menu, Ruth Hansom said “I’ve been working with Jay and the Pomona’s team to enhance their culinary offering, injecting a twist into the traditional menus. Guests can expect a relaxed, fine-dining experience, with sharing plates inspired by the land, sea and earth, featuring produce sourced from across the British Isles. I’m super excited about my future with the restaurant and the fantastic opportunity this new role offers back in London.”

Pomona’s
47 Hereford Rd, London W2 5AH
020 7229 1503
www.pomonas.co.uk
@pomonaslondon

Babbo – meaning ‘Daddy’ in Italian – is a vibrant Italian restaurant you-can’t-miss in the heart of Mayfair featuring contemporary renditions of classic Italian recipes (some passed down over 100 years) alongside signature cocktails and an expansive 230-strong wine list.

With a contemporary, inviting atmosphere and an eclectic interior, Babbo screeched onto the scene in seriously slick Italian style in April 2018 – with Chelsea teammates and Brazilian international players Willian and David Luiz as co-partners in the restaurant – and has been favoured by locals and visitors alike throughout its first year, racking up a squadra of celebrity fans and endorsements along the way, whom the Babbo team now call ‘family’.

Though Babbo is remarked for honouring authentic tradition in its exceptional food and drink offering, Spanish graffiti artist Victoriano’s artwork adds modern vigour to the setting with the incredible colourful and custom graffiti murals adorning Babbo’s walls.

Often parked outside is the snappy styled vintage Fiat 500, affectionately dubbed ‘Luigi’, which has similarly been tastefully graffiti-fied. The murals draw inspiration from Italian cinema spotlighting the concept of family and Victoriano’s past work has included commissions for Louis Vuitton, DKNY, W Hotels, Google and Converse.

In the cucina, executive chef Nicola Cariglia draws inspiration from his Southern Italian roots twinned with his experience at the likes of Corrigan’s Mayfair, Edera in Notting Hill, 11 Park Walk in Chelsea and Restaurant Vivendo in Geneva to creates menus which modernise traditional Italian dishes using only the best of British and Italian produce.

Both pasta and bread is made in-house, from scratch, every day – just like in Italy. To start our meal in a decadent fashion, we ordered Cod & Crab Croquettes and Truffle Arancini – delicious bites full of Italian flavour guaranteed to get the taste buds tingling.

Also worth a try from the Starters menu is Fried calamari, king prawns & homemade basil mayonnaise. Cooked to perfection, this dish is the perfect starter for any seafood lover.

Babbo’s signature dish, Lasagne al Ragout, is born from a century-old secret family recipe passed down through generations with love and respect.

Lovers of pasta and seafood will be more than happy with Pappardelle with lobster. The dish combines flavours and texture that compliment each other with the delicate taste of lobster and silky smoothness of the pasta.

Other standout pasta dishes include exquisite Spaghetti Con Calamari e Bottarga and Capelli d’Angelo (angel hair pasta) with your choice of indulgent toppings of either Caviale caviar or truffle grated tableside.

Dedicated carnivores will be pleased with Pan fried rack of lamb, foie gras, wild garlic & sour cream. This is a real treat thanks to the inclusion of decadent foie gras.

Other stand-outs and must-orders include Cotolletta Milanese (veal Milanese with saffron risotto) and Branzino al Sale (salt-crusted baked sea bass served and deboned tableside).

For the health conscious and diners with dietary restrictions, Babbo offers a separate vegetarian and vegan menu with gluten-free pasta options.

Not to be overlooked during the main event, the Sides are equally as delicious including Sauteed aubergine.

From the Dessert menu, classics such as Tiramisu and Chocolate Fondant sit alongside other sweet temptations such as a fruity Cheesecake with strawberry, mango & passionfruit and our personal favourite, Bavarese with Pistachio & vanilla mousse, white chocolate, black & white crumble and chocolate & passionfruit petit four.

Open every day from midday ’til 11pm – slightly later on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night – every Saturday, its DJ night with a live DJ set, spinning the decks from 8pm onwards.

Also look out for Babbo’s weekend brunch, a truly Italian twist on the now-staple leisurely mealtime imbued with conviviality and soundtracked by live music.

The restaurant is also available for private hire, offering full hire or private dining spaces to help toast important occasions and special celebrations, simply drop a line to reservations@babborestaurant.co.uk for more details.

Offering the ultimate location and eclectic surrounds, the warmest, most inviting atmosphere and the best combination of Italian food and drink this side of the Tyrrhenian, Babbo is a home from home, a place to tell stories, make memories, share food and celebrate with friends and family.

Babbo
39 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4JQ
020 3941 8641
babborestaurant.co.uk
@BabboLondon

Open 24/7 and located on the 40th Floor of 110 Bishopsgate, Duck & Waffle is the highest restaurant in UK, offering incomparable views of London. Designed by award-winning architects CetraRuddy, the restaurant features include a 24 seat “inside out” bar, a bustling open kitchen and a private dining room that seats up to 18 people. The décor is also playfully injected with modern influences: stainless steel and frosted glass are juxtaposed by Old World materials including white marble, rustic metals, weathered wood and ceramic tiles.

The restaurant offers a playful take on traditional British cuisine with broad European influences emphasizing local, rustic, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Offering a cheeky twist on classic and well-known dishes, the menu is designed for sampling and sharing and is complemented by an inventive cocktail experience served in a vibrant atmosphere.

Appointed Executive Chef in December 2018 after steadily rising in the ranks in the Duck & Waffle kitchen thanks to his passion, commitment and creativity, Daniel Barbosa says, “I’ve always been inspired by the fact that food, quite simply, makes people happy. And food that is thoughtfully prepared and presented only deepens that sense of happiness. At Duck & Waffle, we’re empowered to be creative with access to premium local, seasonal and when possible, sustainable ingredients. It’s truly a gift, every day.”

Remaining humble and modest about his role as Executive Chef, Daniel goes on to say, “My goal is to keep favourite mainstay dishes like the Fois Gras Crème Brûlée and the Nduja & Gruyère bread and add my own inspirations,’ he says. ‘I’m excited to enhance Duck & Waffle’s reputation for playful flavour combinations and fun twists on traditional European dishes, whilst tapping into the creativity of the talented chefs I have the pleasure of working alongside.”

Duck & Waffle is committed to serving up creative cuisine and highly innovative cocktails 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. So much so that savvy night owls never have to think twice about where to eat and drink during the wee hours now that the iconic 40th floor restaurant has revitalized the 24/7 experience with a fresh slate of savoury new menu items, available daily from 11.30pm to 5am. Not to be outshone by the food, a hardy selection of Duck & Waffle’s iconic cocktails will fuel the buoyant and buzzing nocturnal scene.

The new culinary additions to the Duck & Waffle late night menu reflect the brand’s signature culinary style under the direction of Executive Chef Daniel Barbosa. From the Bites section of the new Late Night Menu, we enjoyed sharing the FRIED BOCCONCINI MOZZARELLA served with sage mayonnaise.

For those looking for other dishes to snack and share, there is an array of Bites smaller dishes including “THE WINGS” – chicken drumsticks with celery relish, black garlic sticky sauce.

Also worth a try from the Bites menu is the CRISPY BABY SQUID with fermented black chilli, mayonnaise and lime. In the background, you can see the ‘NDUJA & GRUYÈRE BREAD – one of six freshly baked breads served at Duck and Waffle.

Other small plates include the PORK & APPLE CORN DOG with chipotle mayonnaise. Don’t these look scrummy?!

These small plates make for the perfect start to your meal for sharing with your dining companions to spark conversation and encourage connection over these delectable delights whilst enjoying the stunning views across the London skyline at Duck & Waffle.

For lovers of foie gras, we would recommend trying the FOIE GRAS CRÈME BRÛLÉE with pork crackling & marmalade brioche for a very different yet delicious way to serve this indulgent ingredient.

A small plate from the All Day menu which is one of our personal favourites is ‘NDUJA SEARED OCTOPUS with whipped yellow lentils, fennel & green sauce – a seafood lover’s delight!

The restaurant’s signature dish of DUCK & WAFFLE also appears on the Late Night Menu and is something every diner should (and must!) order with its crispy duck leg confit served on a pillowy soft waffle topped with a fried duck egg and drizzled with mustard maple syrup. Oh yum!

For the “I’m not sharing ” diner, Duck & Waffles “fillers” include the decadent “FRANCESINHA”, a bacon, beef, and linguiça sausage sandwich topped with Gruyère, duck egg and beer sauce.

For something equally as meaty on the All Day menu, try the SALT MARSH LAMB CHOP with wild fennel, seaweed tapenade and jus. Daytime visitors are in for a treat!

Late-night lovers of lamb can also enjoy this popular meat with the PULLED LAMB pita bread, charred aubergine & whipped feta cheese from Duck & Waffle’s Late Night Menu.

With all this meat, let’s not forget our vegetarian friends who will surely love the PURPLE ARTICHOKE GRILLED SANDWICH with mature Cheddar, sweet confit onions, ranch, and Kalamata olives.

For those looking to indulge in deluxe comfort food, the DUCK ‘N’ CHEESE hits the spot with confit duck leg, macaroni, American cheese, and a drizzle of Mornay sauce. This dish takes Mac ‘n’ Cheese to the next level!

Dessert lovers can tap one of two waffle desserts – our favourite would have to be the CARAMELISED BANANA WAFFLE with housemade hazelnut chocolate spread, vanilla ice cream, and peanut crunch. In addition to the sweet treats on the Late Night Menu at Duck & Waffle, diners have a few more dessert options to choose from elsewhere on the dessert menu.

This includes the restaurant’s hero dessert – THE FULL ELVIS. A seasonal version is always on the menu and is described as a waffle smothered with PBJ, caramelised banana, Chantilly cream and all the trimmings. Definitely a dessert worth splurging the calories on… “The King” would be proud!

In celebration of Wimbledon, Duck and Waffle were offering an ace serve on our menu – PIMM’S ETON MESS with strawberry, meringue, lemon Chantilly, Pimm’s jelly and a cucumber sorbet. They inspire and surprise with their topically themed yet delightfully tasty dessert.

Sadly the Eton Mess is no longer on the menu but we highly recommend the RASPBERRY DRIZZLE CAKE which is also vegan. It has pistachio ‘rice’ cream, dark choc tuille and raspberry sauce, Clementine & Dark Chocolate Martinez.

Under the creative leadership of award-winning Head of Spirit and Cocktail Development Rich Woods, Duck & Waffle’s cocktail list takes an avant-garde approach to mixology which transcends definition. Duck & Waffle bar is open 24/7 serving the full range of cocktails combining nostalgia with seasonality, inventiveness with a sense of exploration, and an incomparable range of ingredient diversity. Highlight on the cocktail menu include Rich’s seasonal twist on the classic Negroni.

Created by Rich to complement the late night menus, Late Night cocktails include the FIG & CHESTNUT MANHATTAN with Caramelised Fig-Infused Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Punt e Mes and Charred Chestnut in addition to the PINE NEEDLE LEMONADE Bombay Sapphire Gin, Distilled Lemon, Clarified Citrus and soda, served long in a flavour painted glass.

During our visit to Duck & Waffle, we enjoyed the BLACK CHERRY GODFATHER with Monkey Shoulder Scotch whisky, black cherry liqueur, dry & caramel bitters. The HAY OLD FASHIONED was also a tasty tipple presented in an interesting way.

If you have a severe case of midnight munchies, late-night bar food highlights include the fan favourite of BACON WRAPPED DATES with linguiça, Manchego and mustard, CRISPY POLENTA with Parmesan & truffle, and ‘THE BIG QUACK’, a duck patty with Swiss cheese and sweet pickle sauce served in a brioche bun.

So whether you pop in after painting the town red or simply want to indulge in a midnight feast with some exceptionally delicious dishes, make your way to Duck & Waffle this evening after 11.30pm for a meal you’ll remember long after the last bite.

Duck & Waffle
110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
+44 203 640 7310
duckandwaffle.com
@DuckandWaffle

From a limited-edition pièce de résistance burger to tri-colour marshmallows, Raymond Blanc’s Brasserie Blanc have pulled out all the stops this year to celebrate Bastille Day.

Brasserie Blanc has created the Boeuf Burger’gnon – a limited-edition special burger which combines the much-loved pub classic with the traditional French classic of Boeuf Bourguignon (said to be one of Raymond Blanc’s favourites). We challenge you to resist indulging in the Boeuf Burger’gnon with its tender beef burger topped with onion rings, crispy bacon, tomato and a rich red wine bourguignon sauce (£15).

This bit of French fun is inspired by the street food influence hitting the restaurant scene at the moment. It’s the perfect burger to celebrate the national holiday in Raymond’s French homeland.

To celebrate further finish off on a sweet note with an assortment of homemade bleu, blanc, rouge marshmallows (£3) in the colours of the French flag.

Enjoy the taste of France from the 8th through to 19th July at all Brasserie Blanc restaurants around the country and for one day only, guests who wear red, white et bleu will get half off their burger and fries (£7.50) on Bastille Day (14th July).

Find out more at www.brasserieblanc.com and follow @brasserieblanc on X (formerly Twitter) & Instagram.

If you’re looking for the ultimate country destination set in picturesque surroundings, we highly recommend visiting the recently opened George and Dragon pub, restaurant hotel in the National Trust village of West Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.

Following the continued success of his restaurant Plate in Shoreditch, Chef Owner Arnaud Stevens has created a delightful dining destination at the George and Dragon that allows guests to rediscover this historic 17th-century coaching inn, refurbished with 10 cosy guest bedrooms, restaurant and adjoining pub.

For those looking to escape the city and enjoy a relaxing country mini-break, the George and Dragon has 10 individually designed en-suite guest rooms. Decorated in a unique style combining eclectic antique furniture with the best of modern amenities, each room echoes the beautiful surroundings of the National Trust village of West Wycombe.

Rooms range from traditional four-poster beds to spacious family rooms, each taking advantage of the unique proportions of this storied building to offer accommodation that meets the needs of a variety of guests from couples looking for romance to mums and dads wanting to introduce their children to the pleasures of fine food and the great British countryside.

Known for his unique blend of French and British cooking influenced by his upbringing in the South of France and the cooking of his mother and uncle, Arnaud has taken over the reins at the George & Dragon delivering dishes which showcase the best produce to take the menu to the next level with reimagined country classics adding his signature culinary flair to old favourites.

Working closely with local suppliers within the area, Head Chef Arnaud’s refreshed menu at George and Dragon is inspired by what’s on his doorstep with game from E.J. Churchill amongst others. The offering centres around raw, flavourful produce and led to some of his most exciting dishes yet.

Starting with the guinea fowl terrine with a green kraut relish, rich in flavour and accompanied perfectly by homemade G&D sourdough bread with whipped creme fraiche better. Other delicious starters include the warming roast Cotswolds chicken soup with crispy sage dumplings and Cabernet Vinegar Marinated Beetroot with goat’s cheese.

Mains are split between sea, land and garden offering something for everyone. Carnivores will be delighted with the reimagined classic of the Chuck & Brisket Burger on a brioche bun with cheddar cheese and pale ale mustard mayo. Vegetarians are not forgotten with a delicious pearl barley risotto with butternut squash and Montgomery crispy buckwheat. Seafood fans will love the fresh roasted stone bass lemon, ginger and sprouting broccoli.

Lovers of the quintessentially British Sunday roast won’t be disappointed as Sunday roasts are still at the heart of the George and Dragon and a favourite of Arnaud’s; this season will offer the Roast Herefordshire Beef, Cotswolds Chicken with sage & onion seasoning and the Gloucester Old Spot Pork Loin with ripe apple sauce and the crispiest crackling, all accompanied by seasonal vegetables.

Whatever your preference, the menu at George and Dragon can be enjoyed by everyone, not just those following Arnaud’s reputation from Plate with a visit to this new restaurant but this charming eatery also welcomes the local residents of West Wycombe to try some outstanding food right on their doorstep.

George & Dragon
High St, West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 3AB
01494 535340
www.georgeanddragonhotel.co.uk
www.instagram.com/georgedragonWW

Located next door to the Goethe-Institut in London, Stein’s Berlin is an authentic family-owned German & Bavarian restaurant with a touch of class thanks to its Kensington clientele blending with the passion and dedication of German owners Bele & Reinhard Alexander Weiss who opened this third site of the Stein’s restaurant brand just over a year ago following on from the much-loved Stein’s outdoor restaurant in Richmond and Stein’s restaurant & biergarten in Kingston-Upon-Thames.

Stein’s Berlin in Kensington is very popular with local residents , students at nearby Imperial College and workers with weekday lunchtimes and evenings getting busy with a vibrant buzz. Weekends are quieter with the nearby Royal Albert Hall and museums make this the perfect dining destination for tourists and culture vultures. It’s a great late night venue after you’ve enjoyed a concert at The Proms.

But don’t be put off by its formidable portico exterior on Kensington’s Exhibition Road. Stein’s Berlin is a relaxed friendly restaurant serving deliciously authentic Bavarian food and wonderful drinks both sourced directly from Germany with a friendly front-of-house team led by Restaurant Manager Mario and talented chefs creating comforting and tasty dishes in the restaurant kitchen.

Bele’s husband – Reinhard Alexander Weiss – is the Director & owner of 3s Architects & Designers who has designed each interior of Stein’s restaurants and this latest Kensington site is no exception. Its listed building status and previous unsympathetic renovations presented challenges which, although made things difficult, did not prevent the Weiss’ from realising their dream of opening a restaurant in this affluent neighbourhood of London. Every last detail has been carefully considered and chosen specially for the restaurant. Even the tables were imported from Munich made of soft warm wood that feels super smooth. The long benches remind one of the traditional German Biergartens of Munich which Bele and her husband missed so much when they moved to England that they decided to open the first Stein’s in Richmond to fill the gap!

At Stein’s Berlin in Kensington, the centrepiece hanging from the ceiling is a reclaimed church bell from Germany with a chandelier beneath it. This interesting talking point was the original idea of Bele and is just one example of the attention to detail taken by the Weiss family in creating this lovely restaurant.

Stein’s Berlin is in fact so authentic that wherever possible, products are shipped in from trusted suppliers in Germany. The restaurant serves the popular Erdinger Weissbier on draught which can be found across the UK but also serves three German draught beers which can only be found here at Stein’s – Paulaner Helles, Adlerkönig and Weisser Hirsch.

The same goes for ingredients with the majority of the food is imported from Germany every week… even down to the Bavarian Potato Salad! Bele insists that German ingredients taste different to English ones and are made in a different way. This is obvious as soon as you take a bite into one of the sausages – the flavour and texture are entirely different from the equivalent German reproduction you would find from a UK supplier. Stein’s Berlin delivers more than just the stereotypical Oktoberfest beers, sausages and sauerkraut that most Brits think of when you talk about German food & drink.

Although called Stein’s Berlin, the restaurant is very much in keeping with the Bavarian cuisine served at the other Stein’s restaurants in Richmond and Kingston. As we tried recommended dishes from the menu, it was like being transported to one of the best restaurants in Munich where one can enjoy a feast of sumptuous flavours and authentic German hospitality.

Dishes on the menu have been chosen for their authenticity and popularity amongst German expats and lovers of Bavarian and German cuisine. Pretzels – the traditional German accompaniment to their wonderful beers and cheesy starters – are baked fresh every day and are full of gutsy flavour for something so simple yet executed brilliantly.

Starters include Nürnberger Würstchen Mit Sauerkraut, Kartoffelbrei Und Salatgarnitur – six genuine pork sausages from Bavaria with spices and herbs are full of flavour and quite unlike anything you’d find made in the UK although reminiscent in size to chipolata sausage. Served grilled with warm sauerkraut from Germany, supremely creamy potato mash and salad garnish. Goes very well with the special German sweet mustard sitting on the table.

Another must-try dish is Obatzda Mit Brezel – an authentic savoury soft cheese speciality with a tangy aftertaste served with radish and pretzel… Dense yet light. You’ll be tempted to order a second one. They taste that good.

A popular German favourite, Schnitzel ‘Wiener Art’ Vom Schwein Oder Huhn Mit Kartoffelsalat is a dish of Viennese style chicken schnitzel with Bavarian potato salad and salad garnish. Bele ordered this for us with the pan-fried potatoes – the swap was a perfect choice as this is a really moreish and flavoursome potato dish that is definitely a must try.

Star of the show is Knusprige Haxe Vom Schwein Mit Semmelknödel Und Rotkraut – roast pork knuckle with super crispy delicious crackling served with bread dumpling and red cabbage. Delicious sauce comes with the dish to smother your meltingly tender fall-off-the-bone pork with even more rich umami goodness. The pork knuckle is a popular choice amongst Asian guests. We love it too.

Some gorgeous desserts include a selection of German cakes and pastries created by a wonderful baker-turned-pastry-chef in addition to sweet treats like the signature dessert – Karamellisierter Kaiserschmarrn in Der Pfanne Mit Gerösteten Mandeln, Rosinen Und Fruchtmus.

This much-loved warm dessert of caramelised chopped pancake served in a pan with roasted almonds, raisins and variety of fruit compote. The pancake is rich and very fluffy although make sure you leave plenty of room for this dessert as it’s is very delicious but a little on the heavy side. Other delectable desserts include the cherry lovers favourite – Black Forest Gateau or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte as they say in Bavaria!

In addition to the dozens of German offerings on the drinks menu from beer to wine and spirits, Stein’s commitment to offering genuine German food and drink products includes a surprisingly wide selection of non-alcoholic German drinks like Almdudler – a light refreshing herbal lemonade Austria – and Spezi- the infamous Coke/Fanta mix that’s tastes much better than it sounds!

Teetotalers can also look forward to enjoying Sigfried Wonderleaf non-alcoholic German gin with all the flavour of a traditional dry gin but without the after-effects the next morning! There is also Erdinger Weissbier Alkoholfrei – a very low-alcohol wheat beer with only 0.5% VOL from the famous Erdinger brewery – like all good German beers, it comes served with a serious frothy head just as the Germans like it.

SLOAN! highly recommends Stein’s Berlin for Londoners and tourists alike – if you’re looking to experience real German food and drink and don’t want to have to step on a plane to Munich, you can’t do much better than visiting Stein’s Berlin. The restaurant gives everyone a warm welcome from the students of Imperial College to European princes and foreign ambassadors looking for a taste of Germany in the heart of Kensington!

Stein’s Berlin
51 Princes Gate, Exhibition Road, Kensington, London SW7 2PH
+44 (0)20 3968 4600
www.berlininkensington.stein-s.com

STK London’s Summer 2019 menu has created quite a stir and we were one of the first to try it at the restaurant located at ME Hotel on The Strand – one of London’s most dynamic modern hotels and the doorstep to London’s West End. We still love it today.

STK is an international restaurant success story located in LA, NYC, Miami, Dubai, Milan, Ibiza and of course here in London. STK prides itself on providing a top draw fine dining experience.

STK London distinguishes itself with a vibrant mix of stylish dining and lounge spaces paired with signature menus and world-class service. Any event – large or small, decadent or relaxed – will be customized to suit your needs guaranteeing an event that you or your guests won’t forget.

Serving the finest USDA grade steak with delicacies such as the American Snake River Wagyu Sirloin and large feasting boards for two with their classic Sirloin Steak, Lil’ BRGs, Beef Short Rib, Wagyu Beef and Rice, Parmesan Truffle Chips with American Style Creamed Corn.

The new menu also brings an array of fresh salads including Prawn & Scallops Salad and fresh seafood options such as the Soft Shell Crab sliders. Not to mention the raw bar, with Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche.

A deliciously warm cheese bread was brought to our table with a chive sauce to whet our appetite. Looking out the window even the most novice of tourists would know that they were now in the heart of London with Covent Garden on one side with its fabulous theatres and the City and Royal Courts of Justice on the other side.

Who could resist a signature staple of STK – the Soft Shell Crab Sliders are every bit as legendary as their reputation. They are so fresh it even feels as if they are walking towards you.

The Roasted Octopus Leg & Oat Fried Chicken starter has been upgraded for their previous menu. The chicken now rolled in oats contrasted with the previous blackened chicken wings and was a successful alteration as the chicken was super succulent. The octopus held its own but we would have preferred it to be slightly softer to cut through. Other chefs have recommended rubbing the sea creature with a radish, or boiling them with a cork to keep them soft and tender… sous vide is also a popular way to prepare octopus in chef circles. We were also treated to an indulgent cocktail each – the Not Your Daddy’s Manhattan made with Woodford Reserve and Licor 43 was excellent.

The Twice Cooked Suckling Pork Belly – a new addition to the menu – was soft, succulent and the outside of the pork had a tasty chargrilled appeal. The carrots and asparagus attempted to give a veggie component to the dish and the duck egg didn’t disappoint. These accompaniments definitely worked in unison.

The rib-eye steak was 350g of corn fed USDA beef and comes under the Medium section of the Grill menu but it definitely is not a portion for the faint-hearted. For those who want to share there are also large and extra-large cuts of meat up to 900g. I would highly recommend the truffle butter as a topping or the STK special sauce. The tantalising touch of tamarind in the BBQ base really wakens up a classic sauce.

STK have a large selection of toppings. The ones we recommend are the duck egg and the soft shell crab. The lime and chilli prawns were nice but we felt that there are better toppings to spend your calories on!

The Mac & Cheese was one of the best we have tried here at SLOAN!. The cheese was not too heavy but flavoursome with a very generous addition of truffle which could be tasted throughout the dish. The pasta was perfectly tender. All in all a dish that is criminal if you don’t try it!

We had to dash of to a PR event so there was no time for desserts but some that come highly recommended are the New York Cheesecake, Sweet Board and for those who want to be super indulgent, go for the Junk Chalice – a whopper of a dessert with vanilla & caramel pecan ice cream, boozy whipped cream, popcorn, salted caramel brownie, caramel sauce, marshmallow and candy floss.

STK is the steak dining destination in London. In addition to the fabulous Summer menu, weekend DJs, a stunning interior and great opportunities to share food with friends, makes this place a definite SLOAN! favourite.

STK London
336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA
+44 (0)20 7395 3450
stksteakhouse.com/venues/london/
@eatSTK #STKLondon

Nothing says ‘Thanks, Dad’ like an ice-cold beer, which is why this Father’s Day, Turtle Bay – the Caribbean restaurant and bar with 43 restaurants across the UK – is treating all dining Dads to a pint of its very own, specially branded beer on the house to help you give Dad a day to remember while bagging the title of ‘Favourite Child’!

Pop along with Pops on Sunday 16th June, order from the ‘Jerk It’ menu and Dad’ll receive a pint of Turtle Bay’s tasty house beer. And your Old Man might just need that ice-cool brew after sampling some of the flavours of the Caribbean.

On the ‘Jerk It’ menu, you’ll find Turtle Bay’s famous Jerk Chicken, marinated for 24 hours in its sumptuous, signature jerk mix and finished over open flames. Or perhaps the Babyback Pork Ribs will be the dish to get Dad’s taste-buds tingling? Whatever he chooses, Dad is sure to eat like a Caribbean King this Father’s Day – especially when he gets to enjoy a cold one free of charge too.

The rest of the family will be spoilt for choice when it comes to Turtle Bay’s huge range of mouth-watering cocktails. Why not bring a slice of sunshine to your meal with one of its traditional, Caribbean rum cocktails? Turtle Bay also has a vast range of alcohol-free cocktails, wines, beers, and homemade soft drinks.

Give Dad a taste of the Caribbean – and a free beer! – this Father’s Day at Turtle Bay. Simply download the Turtle Bay App between the 3rd and 16th June to claim your Dad’s free pint.

For a feast to remember at your local Turtle Bay this Father’s Day, book your table now at www.turtlebay.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE – Fathers are entitled to one free beer between 12 and 7 pm on Sunday 16th June 2019 when ordering from the Jerk It section of the menu. This promotion is only available to those that download the Turtle Bay App from the 3rd of June – 16th June as they will receive a reward in the app enabling them to redeem the free beer.