Priding itself on bringing genuine Italian dining experiences to families across the UK, Bella Italia is launching its biggest ever new menu this May with 30 brand new dishes and 40 improved dishes. The new menu strives to cater for all dietary requirements, with over 20 options each for vegans, vegetarians, gluten free and dairy free.

We were recommended the N’duja Flatbread to start and this is a bread not to be missed. A flatbread with flavour and spice and (to quote a very famous song) all things nice, this is a perfect way to start your meal.

To complement the flatbreads we sampled a selection of cocktails. A pink drink is not my first choice however trying the Strawberry Colada really made me reconsider whether I should be always upgrading my Pina Coladas with a touch of strawberry puree. For those who want less of a sweet cocktail, the Passion Fruit Mojito has a little bit of a tart tang to tantalise the taste buds.

To kick off your Italian feast, the new menu has brand new sharing starters including the Antipasti Board with Salami, Parma ham, large Sicilian olives, Bufala Mozzarella and toasted ciabatta or Mini Ciabatta Bites, perfect for dipping in your choice of either garlic and rosemary or basil pesto sauce.

There were so many new dishes to try but while you wait for mains, why not enjoy the satisfying flatbread with starters like the Pea and Mint Arancini and the Fritto Misto. The Fritto Misto was delightful – the squid was perfectly cooked for the rather heavy batter, the cod goujons were tasty especially the fatter plumper ones and the prawns where scrumptious… the only problem being there was only two.

The Pea and Mint Arancini was a very generous portion and definitely one to share with an interesting combination which is proving very popular in just the very first few days of the new menu…

Choose from a delicious range of main dishes, including Tagliatelle Capra with pomodoro and pepperonata sauce and Cacio E Pepe, a dish dating back to the Roman age featuring Gramigna pasta with chicken and pancetta in a pecorino cheese sauce.

The Risotto Pescatore is not new on the menu however could not be missed and is one that should stay on the menu for a long time to come. I also recommend looking at the other two risottos because they cook the rice to perfection, not too al dente and not too creamy. In particular this seafood risotto had a lovely lobster bisque creamy feel rather than a cheesy one and for those who love their seafood this is definitely a dish to order.

The Gamberoni Pizza was a recommendation and a brilliant one at that. However having tried the seafood risotto my only constructive criticism would be that the mussels and the calamari was so delightful in the seafood risotto that it would have been preferable to have a little bit more variety with a mixed seafood pizza rather than just prawns however the mozzarella, the cherry tomatoes and the grilled lemon, all added to an exquisite flavour for a pizza with a twist.

Those looking for something a little lighter can enjoy Bella Italia’s light and fresh dishes, including Gamberoni Spirali, a dish under 300 calories with spiralised carrot, golden beetroot and courgette with king prawns in a spicy garlic and tomato sauce, Pollo Sapori Pizza, a half-moon pizza with roast chicken, garlic mushrooms, black olives, and three new salads, Giardiniera, di Verona and Parma Bufala – all under 600 calories.

Bella Italia has also expanded its vegan menu, with new options including Pollo Pesto with gramigna pasta, onion, red peppers and pachino tomatoes in a basil pesto sauce and Pizza Vesuvio with roast peppers, onion, fresh green chilli. This is in addition to other options for dietary requirements such as gluten-free pasta or pizza and vegan cheese.

The dessert menu has so many things to catch your eye I really wanted to try the Mini Doughnuts however I was drawn towards the Strawberry Cheesecake and I’m pleased that I ordered it. As you can see it matches the luscious picture on the menu and tastes divine.

For those with a sweet tooth, brand-new desserts on the menu include vegan Coconut Panna Cotta topped with mango, passion fruit and strawberry salsa in addition to Mini Doughnuts dusted with cinnamon sugar, served with dark chocolate sauce for dipping. The menu also boasts classic Italian desserts like Tiramisu.

For those who are happy to have a heavier dessert, we recommend the Cookie Dough Al Forno with a melting middle, topped with vanilla gelato and caramel sauce. This has to be one of my favourite indulgent desserts at Bella Italia. When it comes to chain restaurants, Bella Italia is producing desserts that are not only comforting but also moreish… that is if you have any room left at the end of your Italian feast!

Speaking about the new menu, Executive Chef Vittorio Lettieri says, “The Italians get it right when it comes to spending quality time as a family and the best moments in life are those spent with loved ones, sharing food, friendship and laughter. So, at Bella Italia we’ve developed a delicious menu that offers something for everyone. Whether it’s a mid-week family dinner, a quick stop for a delicious dessert or even just a cocktail with friends, you can rest assured that you’ll find the perfect option for everyone whilst enjoying genuine Italian hospitality!”

We had a delightful afternoon at Bella Italia enjoying fantastic food and delicious cocktails with a perfect ambience for friends & family, business colleagues or even a date zero.

Bella Italia
www.bellaitalia.co.uk/new-menu
@BellaItalia_UK

Le Méridien Piccadilly is known for its creative family offerings so it was no surprise to see the Peter Rabbit™ Afternoon Tea launch earlier this spring at the hotel’s bright and airy Terrace On Piccadilly. The restaurant boasts a Victorian glass atrium with floor to ceiling windows and balcony overlooking Piccadilly, which has been decked out with an array of foliage to create a setting that perfectly echoes The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

The themed afternoon tea lets children and grown-ups alike enjoy one of the all-time favourite children’s stories with creative pastries and savouries inspired by the original Beatrix Potter tales. Savoury options include a very tasty Caught In A Twist smoked salmon and sun-dried tomato pinwheel although we were not impressed with Mr. McGregor’s Garden – a disappointingly stale mini baguette filled with vegetables referenced during Peter’s garden scramble such as carrots, radishes and pea shoots. If you’re feeling particularly peckish, please note that a second round of sandwiches is chargeable which is unusual for London afternoon teas.

Pastries are the highlight of the show with the beautiful Flower-Pot Hideout created from a delicious chamomile mousse inside an edible chocolate pot with flavours harking back to Peter’s warming bedtime tea after his adventurous day. Another favourite was the eye-catching Magnificent Mushroom of strawberry ganache with a crunchy meringue stem and carrot cake fans will not be disappointed with Every Bunny’s Favourite – a delicious carrot cake generously topped with creamy frosting.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an English afternoon tea without the obligatory selection of fresh scones, jams and clotted cream which come served alongside the tea. Although service at Terrace on Piccadilly could have been more attentive on our visit, with a mini version presented inside a wooden vegetable patch box for children, and adults’ delights served on a tiered slate planter, the tea is something fun and wholesome to be enjoyed by the whole family during a day out in the capital.

The official Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea concept is launched in partnership with Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd, Beatrix Potter’s original publisher.  The licensed deal was brokered by Silvergate Media, the global licensing agent for Peter Rabbit.

Speaking at the launch of the Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea, Le Méridien Piccadilly’s General Manager James Olivier said: “Creating a dedicated Afternoon Tea in celebration of the iconic British classic Tale of Peter Rabbit seemed like a perfect fit for our family guests. As the story is so rich in adventure and colour, our expert pastry team could really have fun with creating a nostalgic experience for the whole family to enjoy”.

Izzy Richardson, Head of Brand, Penguin Ventures said: “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Le Méridien Piccadilly, and the team there have created an absolutely beautiful and delicious offering. The Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea is so clearly inspired by Beatrix Potter’s best-loved Tale – guests are in for a real treat!”

Located in the heart of the West End and well-known for its unique family-friendly programmes aimed to inspire young explorers, the hotel’s new family package is perfect for discovering London with little ones. Children will be given an array of Peter Rabbit goodies including a purse, drawstring bag, and a bespoke Le Méridien Piccadilly Peter Rabbit book for bedtime reading, as well as the chance to take part in a dedicated Peter Rabbit trail across the hotel.

The Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea is £35 for adults and £25 for children. It is available from now until October 2019 every day of the week from 12.30pm to 5pm.

Le Meridien Piccadilly
21 Piccadilly, London W1J 0BH
+44 (0) 20 7734 8000
www.terraceonpiccadilly.com
@LeMeridienPCDLY
#PeterRabbitAtLeMeridien

Cutting Room is a charming sharing plates restaurant and late-night cocktail bar on Charlotte Street which focuses on serving delectable little dishes lovingly crafted using well-sourced products that are as sustainable as they are seasonal.

Cutting Room is a new concept born from the creators of Bobo Social and the shabby chic interior and mismatched nostalgic plates and cutlery add to the charm of this delightful restaurant. The passionate and hard-working team including their talented chef welcome guests to enjoy bespoke sharing plates with lovely cocktails alongside the freshest tunes from their resident DJ.

As you would expect, recycling is a given but preventing recycling is also a focus of the restaurant. Hence, the Cutting Room does not serve bottled mineral water but instead offers purified filtered water. Spirits are purchased in reusable plastic bags to cleverly refill high-quality bottles.

The Cutting Room works closely with a select group of suppliers ensuring short supply chains and control over the ingredients making their way into the kitchen. The ever-changing menu is led not just by seasonal ingredients but rather by the freshest produce that can change from one week to the next as supplied by the restaurant’s dedicated Fisherman (Marrfish), Butcher, Grocer (Mother Nature) and Cheesemonger (Carron Lodge).

Focusing on sustainable and ethical ingredients, dishes on the menu are mainly cooked over charcoal using slow cooking methods, and the late-night downstairs bar serves bottle and barrel-aged cocktails. Made with thoughtfully-sourced produce, the meat section of the menu will feature charcuterie from Cobble Lane in Islington.

The menu is not the only thing that regularly changes at Cutting Room. The decor also changes on a monthly basis, with contemporary art displays from the neighbouring Woolf Gallery gracing the walls. When we visited, the highly structured geometric artwork of Jack Tanner mesmerised the senses with their optical explorations of physical form and colour using re-purposed screws, spray paint and oils.

Flock and Herd Butchers provide the meat for must-try dishes such as Braised Lamb Croquettes with Orange and Balsamic Reduction. Even those who are not fans of lamb will love these delectable delights.

Another highlight on the Meat Menu is Mild Goat Curry Slow Cooked in Thyme, Rosemary with Lentils. The Caribbean influences of this dish are clear to see and we loved the accompaniment of the high protein lentils which added great texture and flavour to the dish.

We also highly recommend the delicious Free Range Chicken Wings coated in a mouthwatering Sticky Bourbon Glaze. Chicken wings this good are a definite must-try as even this simple dish is executed with careful consideration by the wonderful chef and his team.

Exotic Meat Balls change weekly but are always guaranteed to please if the Water Buffalo version we tried is anything to go by. They had great texture – succulent and meaty – a real crowd pleaser!

Marrfish catch and deliver the freshest fish to the Cutting Room kitchen with highlights on the Fish Menu including Crab & Shrimp Balls with a Dill Caper Mayo. This seafood dish was a real winner.

Also worth a special mention is the Crispy Fried Squid with Fresh Chilli & Spring Onion served with Lemon Aioli. This has to be one of our favourite squid dishes of the season! We loved the cutting technique used by the chef to create bitesize pieces of squid unlike the usual calamari rings but just as succulent… if not more so!

Artichoke, Spinach and Parmesan Dip served with Rustic Bread is a big enough portion for two hungry chaps or three not-so-famished fellas. We felt that the texture was a little too runny being halfway between a dip and a soup but we loved the fabulous combination of flavours and weren’t surprised to hear that someone recently asked for a spoon to enjoy this dish straight from the bowl.

A selection of dessert cocktails will be served alongside puddings including Apple Crumble in a Glass of apple and cinnamon infused Bourbon with vanilla, Amaretto, apple juice and crushed digestives and Death by Chocolate Martini of Creme De Cacao with Frangelico and vodka.

The dessert menu is comprised of only three choices. The Vegan Chocolate Mousse made with avocado sounds interesting as does the Brussels Waffle served with Nutella & Strawberries. Sadly the White Chocolate Cheesecake with Lemon & Ginger was off the menu on the night we visited and had been replaced by a Blueberry Cheesecake that was rich and creamy but a little cloying.

With late night DJ sets every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and contemporary art displays on the walls, Cutting Room manages to balance a trendy youthful vibe with honest flavoursome dishes that never fail to surprise and delight.

Cutting Room
95 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4PZ
0207 636 9310
www.cuttingrm.com
@cuttingrm

It may have been all over the news recently, not least because Meghan Markle adores its national dish, but one restaurant that’s been flying the flag in the UK for Filipino cuisine for the last three years is Romulo Café in Kensington.

With the brand itself celebrating its 10th anniversary this year (there are three siblings in Manila), now is the perfect time to head to west London and sample some kare-kare, sisig and Ms Markle’s favourite, chicken adobo.

Showcasing a variety of private spaces alongside the main restaurant, including the elegant and cosy Library, in September 2018 Romulo Café also became the very first Filipino restaurant in the UK to be granted a licence for civil marriages and civil partnerships.

Executive chef Jeremy Villanueva, whose impressive CV includes the likes of Le Gavroche under Michel Roux Jr, Brasserie Roux and Le Boudin Blanc in Mayfair, is faithful to the Romulo family’s heirloom recipes but has full license to innovate.

Thus since arriving at Romulo Café last year, he’s been busy complementing beloved signatures such as Dingley Dell Pork Belly Adobo (Adobong Baboy) and Chilli King Prawns (Sugpo Sa Aligue) with his own inspired creations, from Blue Swimmer Crab Meat Soufflé (Rellenong Alimango) to Slow Cooked Lamb Empanada (Lamb Kaldereta Empanada).

Whilst it’s hard to pick standouts from such dazzling fare, it has to be said that Jeremy’s Rib of Braised Grass-Fed Beef Sliders – slow-cooked British beef served on homemade traditional Filipino bread, caramelised honey chilli onion glaze and Queso de Bola cheese – takes some beating!

A riot of colour with their vibrant ingredients – sweet potato and ube (purple yam) among them – and sprinkled with pretty yellow and purple edible flowers, Romulo Café’s dishes truly are a ray of sunshine.

A carefully curated selection of Old and New World wines is available to complement the tastes and flavours of the food. Filipino-inspired cocktails, including Amor de Familia (Don Papa rum, lime, strawberries, pomegranate & egg white served on the rocks) and Pacquiao’s Last Punch (spiced Rum, lemon, pineapple, ginger and absinthe) add glamour and a touch of whimsy to the experience.

For those who are new to the delights of Filipino cuisine, Romulo Café offers the best introduction to the vibrant flavours of the Philippines in a romantic cosy setting starting with authentic and traditional beverages like Filipino Lemonade made with Calamansi juice.

Alongside this perfect tipple are other delicious concoctions and cocktails with a modern twist like Smokey & Stormy which blends Woodford Reserve, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur and Grand Marnier served in a whisky flask with the added theatrical flair of a smoking glass.

Romulo Café
343 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London W8 6NW
www.romulocafe.com
romulocafelondon

This February sees the launch of Brunch Off The Boat at New Street Warehouse’s Fish Market. Billed as London’s ultimate seafood brunch, the menu consists of an oyster and Bloody Mary station, crumpet menu, decadent seafood platters, trout roe eggs ‘n’ soldiers, fish burgers and tasty prawn and crab rolls.

Available every Saturday, London’s discerning brunch goers can also enjoy bottomless Prosecco or Moët and Chandon in the heart of the city.

Just a short stroll from Liverpool Street tucked behind the iron railings of New Street Warehouse, begin your brunch at Fish Market’s oyster and bloody mary station, where your friendly Oyster Shucker will shuck your oyster in front of your eyes before offering you an array of interesting toppings to dress the oysters.

Although some would argue that the best way to enjoy the briny flavours of a good oyster is to eat it au naturel or perhaps with just a squeeze of lemon and the tiniest drop of Tabasco sauce, you may prefer to complement the mineral qualities of an oyster with a topping of mignonette or something more unusual. We liked the combination of Japanese sauce topped with bacon bits and sesame seeds.

Whatever your taste, there’s plenty of choices to experiment with at Fish Market’s oyster station. To accompany your oyster, the brunch menu includes a glass of either Bloody Mary with vodka, Bloody Maria with tequila or Red Snapper with gin.

For starters, choose between tempting seafood treats including a childhood favourite with a sophisticated twist in the form of dippy egg with trout roe and sourdough soldiers.

Other starters include crumpet royale, complete with hollandaise and poached Clarence Court eggs with a choice between toppings of prawn, smoked salmon or crab.

For those looking for a traditional British breakfast dish, we recommend the smoked Peterhead kippers with seaweed butter and sourdough toast. Deboned for ease, the smoky salty flavours of kippers bring back memories of country house breakfasts with an interesting contrast of textures between the fish and chargrilled sourdough toast.

Another delicious starter to try is the Cornish white & brown crab meat presented with half an avocado. This dish was fresh and tasty with a generous helping of crab meat.

Toast the weekend with bottomless bubbles before feasting on mains including London’s ultimate fish burger of smoked haddock fish cake, soft shell crab, avocado, fried egg with chips and anchovy mayo. Decadent and delicious, this burger is definitely in our top five best burgers in London.

Shetland mussels marinière had plump mussels in a light cream sauce served in a generous kilo pot served with chips. Do as the Belgians do and order a serving of Fish Market’s delicious homemade olive oil mayonaisse to go with your chips.

You will also find mains of prawn and soft shell crab rolls and a dazzling sharing seafood platter including dressed crab, Jersey rock oysters, prawns, mussels, cockles, tuna tartar and scallop ceviche.

Finish with a selection of mouth-watering desserts including melting chocolate pudding with hazelnut biscuit and calvados ice cream.

The molten centre was perfectly cooked with a rich chocolate flavour complemented by the boozy ice cream laced with Calvados. The pairing of chocolate and apple is unusual but a definite winner on the palate.

Don’t fancy Chocolate Fondant? How about the Sticky toffee pudding for a sweet end to your meal. It had a dense spongy texture that hit the spot with flavours of caramel toffee from the rich glossy sauce accompanied by a simple vanilla ice cream which let the toffee flavours take centre stage.

The restaurant has a buzzy vibe although some may find it a little too noisy when busy. Service was friendly and unobtrusive but had a slow start.

Bottomless bubbles are increasingly de rigueur these days at brunch in London with Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial for those with deeper pockets or a perfectly acceptable Prosecco Lampo from Borgoluce for those with lighter wallets. Two/three courses including bottomless bubbles is £35/40 and two/three courses including Moët and Chandon is £70/75

Brunch Off The Boat at Fish Market is the perfect opportunity for seafood lovers to indulge and relax on a Saturday and enjoy a unique seafood brunch in the bustling heart of Bishopsgate in the City of London. Well worth a visit!

Fish Market
16 New St, London, EC2M 4TR
0203 503 0790
www.fishmarket-restaurant.co.uk
@FishMarketNS

Bocconcino opened in the heart of Mayfair in 2014 and has since become renowned for serving both classic and modern Italian dishes from Executive Chef Marco Corsica.

The Berkeley Street eatery from restaurateur Mikhail Gokhner follows the best culinary principles of Italy, focusing quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Alongside the excellent food, guests to Bocconcino experience first class service, a luxurious setting, welcoming atmosphere, and a selection of the finest wines from Italy and around the world.

For chef Marco Corsica (previous of Daphne’s, Cecconi’s, Sartoria and Luciano), ingredients are key to recreating the authentic flavours of his homeland, and the produce will always be the star of a dish at Bocconcino.

Having grown up in a family of great cooks and trained as a chef in Naples, Marco expertly balances his respect for classic Italian flavours with a touch of contemporary flair.

Before starting the gastronomic adventure through Chef Marco’s menu, sit down and enjoy an aperitif such as Boulevardier made with Woodford Reserve for the cocktail connoisseurs or a non-alcoholic Apple Mojito for those doing Dry January.

From the menu, a tempting array of antipasti such as Scallops served with a cauliflower purée and bottarga. The scallops are the perfect choice for a light antipasto. The subtle cauliflower purée allows the delicately cooked freshness of the scallops to take centre stage on the plate.

Guest can also enjoy classic Italian starters such as Aubergine Parmigiana which is a fantastic starter with a deep fleshy centre and a crust of tomato and cheese topped with basil. A definite must try.

For those that want to take a trip to the sea what better than to try the Linguine with Scottish lobster and cherry tomatoes from the Primi section of the menu. The lobster was fresh, meaty and generous accompanied by the thick tomato sauce with the Linguine perfectly al dente. A delight on the plate.

In addition to pasta dishes, Bocconcino also serve delicious risottos such as Saffron risotto with slow-cooked venison ossobuco. The saffron risotto was an extremely generous portion but so delicious that one had to devour every last bite. I would recommend this as a stand-alone dish for a quick and tasty bite with friends. It’s generous enough to not require the need to do a tasting menu or a four-course meal. The veal ossobuco was tender yet meaty and was a perfect contrast to the creaminess of the risotto.

The pizzas look as good as they taste including the signature Pizza Bocconcino with Stracchino, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes & Parma ham

Or the fiery Pizza Diavola with Tomato sauce, mozzarella & spicy salami.

The team of talented pizzaiolos prepare and cook the pizzas in the traditional wood-fired oven.

For secondi, Marco’s open firing cooking adds a beautiful flavour to a selection of steaks with other meat dishes including my personal favourite of Rack of lamb with mash potato and artichoke. The lamb is served more on the rarer side so l would recommend asking for it cooked medium. For mustard lovers the skin of the lamb is well coated so for those with a delicate palate it is worth mentioning this to the waiter.

Guests can also enjoy seafood dishes boasting ingredients brought in daily fresh from the sea. Get your order in early and make the most of these deliciously cooked piscine.

One of our favourite seafood dishes was Roasted octopus with caponata and Sardinian seafood fregola.
The octopus was well cooked and perfectly paired with seasonal vegetables however having just tasted the saffron risotto the impact of this dish was not enough to knock the veal ossobuco off the top spot of Italian dishes to order again.

To complete the ultimate Italian feast at Bocconcino, guests can indulge in traditional desserts including Tiramisu and the delectable Hazelnut Millefeuille for an Italian twist to the French classic made with the finest hazelnuts from the Piedmont region of Italy. This dish is a must try with a homely feel the sweet flavours combine well and the dish is light enough treat yourself.

With authentic Italian food, an extensive wine list, welcoming and stylish design, and outstanding service, Bocconcino offers an exceptional Italian dining experience in the heart of Mayfair.

Bocconcino
19 Berkeley Street, London, W1J 8ED
+44 (0)207 499 4510
www.bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk
@BocconcinoUK

Having joined The Gainsborough Bath Spa as Head Chef at the start of 2016, Dan Moon has enhanced its position as one of the most popular eateries in the city of Bath transforming the face of fine dining in the world-famous spa town with his ever-developing menus and dishes which delight the senses.

Having received an extraordinary response from the local community and further afield and in recognition of his culinary flair and soaring popularity in the local area,‘Dan Moon At The Gainsborough Restaurant’ was unveiled in July 2017 as the re-launched hotel restaurant in honour of its brilliant Head Chef.

With a focus on pioneering cooking techniques and theatrical presentation, Dan’s dishes are so much more than just an experience for the taste buds, and reflect his position as a trailblazer on the modern British culinary scene. Dan’s passion for the all-encompassing experience of dining out is at the very heart of the restaurant. A highly creative chef, Dan considers every plate to be a canvas upon which he paints a picture for the diner. Every micro-blossom and dash of sauce has a ‘flavour purpose’ in addition to its visual effect; every element of every dish is painstakingly developed and tested to ensure a cohesive whole.

Cuisine having been his passion since from a young age, Dan is West Country born and bred, with Bath being the city where he has truly made a name for himself. Dan is a huge supporter of local farmers and produce, and sources his fresh ingredients making the most of the South West’s verdant pastures. Taking inspiration from the desire to constantly innovate, and his upbringing in the lush and blossoming countryside of Devon, many of Dan’s dishes feature micro-cresses, blossoms and flowers. From blue borage flowers to oyster leaves, every single dish is accented with one of Dan’s very special touches. To do this, Dan maintains strong relationships with all local suppliers and includes them in menu development discussions, demonstrating his all-encompassing dedication to his dishes right from the first inception of the ingredients to the final dramatic flourish on the plate.

Having previously won the coveted 3 AA Rosettes and The Caterer’s Acorn Award, along with the Bath Life Award for Restaurant of the Year in 2009 during his time at Homewood Park Hotel, Dan continues to amaze with his impressive achievements and recognition across the industry. Dan is consistently pushing culinary boundaries and surprising patrons of the restaurant with his extraordinary combinations, bringing The Gainsborough Restaurant plaudits as so much more than a hotel restaurant. Dan aims to constantly inspire and innovate, always using the best locally sourced produce to create stunning dishes, which are just as beautifully presented as they are flavoured.

Of his time at The Gainsborough, Chef Dan Moon said “When I first joined The Gainsborough Restaurant, my focus was on creating new flavour combinations and giving dishes a depth of flavour that surprised and excited guests, and I never looked back. For me, every single meal of the day should be a celebration, whether it’s a quick breakfast for guests, an indulgent afternoon tea, or a six-course tasting menu experience, I want my diners to feel special with every bite they take. I feel so proud that this has been reflected in the popularity of the restaurant and its establishment in both the local and tourist market.”

Known for his reputation, skill and enthusiasm, award-winning chef Dan Moon has an ethos and attitude to fine dining that fits perfectly with The Gainsborough’s position as one of the region’s iconic restaurants. Dan has crafted a number of delicious menus to suit any occasion, meaning diners can return time and again to expect a totally different culinary experience at this fabulous Bath restaurant.

It’s often said that you can tell how a meal is going to be just from the very first course which is normally the bread option. The selection of bread at Dan Moon’s restaurant did not disappoint. Not only did you have interesting bread flavours but the butters paired with them ranged from sea salt to tomato… and my favourite, the black garlic. The only thing wrong with the bread was that it was so moreish, you would be wise to refrain from indulging too much as to not spoil what was coming next!

The amuse-bouche was beautifully presented, a nice chicken tea with onions, black caviar and cress – a perfect way to whet your appetite.

To start I chose the scallops which came with seafood risotto and a yuzu explosion of flavour with delicately balanced on the top. This dish is a must for any seafood lover. The combination of textures are a delight to the palate.

My dining companion chose the chicken liver parfait. Again beautifully presented and delightfully tasty. We would recommend perhaps ordering some extra bread if you’re looking to fully enjoy the parfait in a more traditional way.

The mains did not disappoint. There was so much choice however the lamb which came from the Mendip Hills is highly recommended and was cooked beautifully medium rare.

There are dishes for vegetarians and pescatarians alike but those who like Asian influences must try the Duck which was a delightful presentation of Confit Leg Spring Roll, Plum Purée and Sesame.

For dessert, there was a good selection. We chose the lemon posset which was delightfully fresh with an interesting crunch from the meringue and a perfect way to end a carnivorous meal.

We also chose the salted caramel cheesecake which was paired with banana. A classic combination but perhaps not to everybody’s liking!

Dan Moon at The Gainsborough Restaurant
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Beau Street, Bath BA1 1QY
+44 (0) 1225 358 88
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
@GainsBathSpa #thegainsboroughbathspa

Peruvian hotspot Floral by LIMA in Covent Garden is launching a colourful new, ‘retox’ menu – perfect for those who aren’t quite ready to let go of the festive feasting! Available for lunch only from 7th January 2019, the menu has been created in collaboration with the group’s Head Chefs Robert Ortiz, Patricia Roig, and Instagram foodie, Licky Plate (@LickyPlate), known for his love of indulgent and satisfying dishes.

The collaborative menu will offer both a main course and dessert, combining Floral by LIMA’s South American vibrancy and flair with Licky Plate’s penchant for over-the-top, visually striking dishes.

The main dish of traditional Venezuelan ‘arepa’ – a type of bread made using maize – uses beetroot as a natural food colouring, before being stuffed with tender, slow-cooked pulled suckling pig, spring onion, charred corn and sweet pomegranate seeds, topped with plantain crisps and micro herbs.

Guests can also order the indulgent ‘picarones’ – a stack of Peruvian pumpkin and sweet potato doughnuts served with scoop of homemade dulce de leche ice cream and chacana syrup – a traditional offering made from tangy molasses.

To accompany the menu, diners can order a wide array of cocktails from Floral by LIMA’s recently-launched basement bar The Lost Alpaca, including their mezcal-based Lima Negroni.

On creating the collaborative menu, @lickyplate comments: ‘I’d eaten at Floral by LIMA before and loved it, so when they asked me to come and design a retox menu with them, it was a no-brainer – I just knew they’d nail it. Arepas are a total rising star of the street food scene in London and to bring them indoors, with all the knowledge of South American cuisine that Floral by LIMA have, felt like a great fit for me’.

The ‘retox’ menu will be available for lunch only from 7th January until 31st January with the arepa priced at £8 and the picarones priced at £7. Lunch at Floral by LIMA is available Monday to Friday from 12pm to 4pm and Saturday & Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

For those who wish to explore more indulgent dining options from the a la carte menu, here are our recommendations from our recent dinner at Floral by LIMA on Garrick Street.

Despite the retox theme this January, why not try one of the guilt-free refreshing mocktails. We recommend the Tropical Passion – a blend of lychee, passion fruit, vanilla fresh lime and sugar and the Moksh – a mix of apple, fresh lime, fresh mint & home-made ginger beer.

A highlight from the Bites menu is the Peruvian Fried Chicken which comes with a potato, lime and lemongrass dip. The chicken was tender with the breadcrumbs adding a nice contrasting texture and the zingy dip upping the moreish factor.

For seafood lovers, the Braised Octopus is a must try with the succulent quality of the octopus pairing well with the other flavoursome components of cassava, tomatoes and purple olive mayonnaise.

LIMA’s Fried Squid and King Prawn is another of our favourites. The freshest seafood is lightly battered and served with creamy corn puree and aji panca aioli for an authentic Peruvian taste sensation.

One of the best dishes on the seafood menu is the Nikkei Rice – the addition of squid ink brings out the flavours of the sea and each mouthful entices you to take another bite… just beware of the inevitable black tongue when taking a selfie over dinner!

For those looking for something meaty, the Pan Roasted Lamb Rump is LIMA Floral’s twist on a classic and comes served medium rare with Peruvian potatoes and fig. The lamb had a pleasant herby flavour and soft juicy texture which combined well with the fresh earthiness of the indigenious potatoes.

Duck lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the chef’s take on Hoisin Duck. The rich flavours of the Chinese sauce bring out the flavours of the duck with the Peruvian twist of the toasted arepa wrap making it easy to scoop up the meat together with the crunchy cucumber and carrot salad for a fun way to enjoy this tantalising dish.

Our final dish of the evening was a real show-stopper of flavours and textures. Suckling Pig is slow braised for maximum juicy tenderness with a moreish crispy skin and a delicious Celeriac purée and tasty cassava crisps served alongside. Peruvian piggy heaven!

This Papapreneur loves the A La Carte menu curated by Vigilio Martinez at Floral by LIMA showcasing some of the UK’s finest produce with a selection of unique ingredients from Peru. His idea of gastronomic luxury is simply having natural, indigenous and unique Peruvian flavours served in a clean and contemporary style that never fails to delight and surprise the diner.

LIMA Floral
14 Garrick St, London WC2E 9BJ
020 7240 5778
www.limalondongroup.com/floral
@floralbylima @lickyplate