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

To mark the launch of its brand-new vegan children’s menu, wagamama is inspiring little noodlers nationwide by revealing the top 30 plant-based foods to try before they’re 12. The carefully curated list aims to encourage kids to be more playful with their palettes with a selection of fun flavours, crisp and crunchy textures.

Working with Specialist Paediatric Dietitian Bahee Van de Bor, wagamama has devised a colourful combination of exciting foods and flavours to encourage children to go outside their cuisine comfort zone. The vegan list was carefully selected based on natural, unprocessed foods, with a focus on ingredients that are nutritionally beneficial for children on a plant-based diet.

Launched to celebrate the new and refreshed dishes on the children’s menu available at wagamama restaurants across the UK, options such as tofu, lentils, passionfruit and butternut squash all make the list. The menu features a range of refreshed plant-based dishes such as mini yasai ramen with udon noodles in a vegetable soup and fried tofu, and mini yasai katsu curry with sweet potato and butternut squash in crispy panko breadcrumbs.

The new children’s menu also includes the tofu challenge, where kids are encouraged to try a piece of tofu in vegetable broth for free at all restaurants across the UK.

The brand has seen a 60% increase in the proportion of customers enjoying a vegan option as their main course[1]. The carefully crafted children’s menu serves up the same authentic wagamama experience that’s been enjoyed for the past 27 years but with a vegan diet in mind – offering choice to children so they can broaden their favourite flavours.

Ross Farquhar, Chief Marketing Officer, says, “At wagamama, being adventurous with food is central to our ‘positive eating, positive living’ ethos. After the huge success we’ve enjoyed with our vegan and vegetarian menu and seeing how parents loved how visiting our restaurants helped their little noodlers broaden their culinary horizons, we decided that introducing a plant-based children’s menu was the obvious next step. With our 30 foods to try before you’re 12 list, we’re encouraging kids to try new tastes and textures and develop a playful palette.”

Bahee Van de Bor adds, ‘It’s vital that children who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle are still consuming important nutrients. These include protein, iron and vitamin B12 for normal growth and immunity; essential omega-3 fats and iodine for brain development; and calcium for building healthy bones and teeth. The new vegan dishes on the children’s wagamama menu incorporates a number of these top 30, ensuring that children are getting all the nutrients they need whilst broadening their flavour horizons!’

Here is what wagamama believes are the top 30 things for children to try before they are 12:

1. Tofu
2. Edamame
3. Sesame seeds
4. Peanuts
5. Guava
6. Banana
7. Broccoli
8. Spinach
9. Sweet potato
10. Red split lentils
11. All beans: chickpeas, butter beans, haricot, adzuki
12. Soba Noodles
13. Beets
14. Carrots
15. Amaranth
16. Oats
17. Blueberries
18. Mango
19. Walnuts
20. Almonds
21. Apple
22. Passion fruit
23. Mushrooms
24. Bell peppers
25. Artichoke
26. Kale
27. Butternut squash
28. Aubergine
29. Rapeseed oil
30. Calcium fortified plant drink

For more information and to find your nearest wagamama, please visit www.wagamama.com and check out the hashtag #wagamamavegan on Twitter and Instagram @wagamama_uk

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.

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

VIVI Restaurant and Bar is a new all-day dining destination located in the iconic Centre Point in London’s West End bringing sixties back in style with stunning interiors, flair bartending and an all-day menu of delicious seasonal Sixties inspired dishes.

The restaurant is owned by premium hospitality group rhubarb – the creative team behind Sky Garden – with interiors by Gordon Young Architects and Nulty, the leading-edge lighting design consultancy, who have designed a fun and flexible lighting scheme to complement the playfulness of the interior design whilst respecting the listed heritage of the building – one of London’s tallest skyscrapers in the Sixties and Seventies.

With the restaurant’s name inspired by the year that Centre Point was built in 1966 – one imagines that rhubarb thought MCMLXVI or LXVI wasn’t as catchy as VIVI – this architecturally interesting space with views across New Oxford Street also takes its vibrant interior inspiration from the 1960s. The lighting design showcases the eclectic material palette whilst creating layers of light which help it transform from light and airy during the day to intimate and sophisticated for evening service.

Once inside the glass-fronted entrance, you are greeted by a mix of neon pink slogans, large illuminated industrial lettering replicating the original Centre Point signage and a bespoke light installation, which carefully climbs the wall to draw the eye upwards towards the restaurant.

Upstairs opens up onto a central dining area that is defined by a large bespoke chandelier, handmade by designer Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt, from layers of custom coloured plexiglass. The chandelier’s design mimics the popular 60s children’s construction toy, ‘PlayPlax’, and is reminiscent of 1960s Italian design, French Art Nouveau and German Bauhaus modernism.

With a nostalgic British menu of modernised classics, The Dining Room serves everything from breakfast through to brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with a dedicated pre/post-theatre menu perfect for its location on the doorstep of London’s vibrant Theatre district.

Head Chef Arnaud Delannay’s signature dishes focus on bold flavours and fresh seasonal ingredients, and feature twists on the old classics such as cheese soufflé; Chicken Kiev and Duck à l’orange. Even the desserts go retro with highlights including Black Forest gateaux and sherry trifle.

The building’s Sixties heritage is captured in the interiors with the essence of that iconic decade running through every element of the restaurant whilst also creating a modern, bright and atmospheric space. In the main dining area, carefully placed downlights grouped together in clusters create a clean ceiling aesthetic whilst drawing focus onto the dining tables below. A timber backdrop embossed with the brass lettering ‘VIVI’, is grazed with a linear line of light from above, creating a feature wall and highlighting the texture in the wood.

The gorgeous bar area to the front of the restaurant space has a diffused light integrated under the countertop to elevate the feature metallic tiling, bathing it with light and picking up the texture and shapes in the material. A frosted backlit lightbox forms the backdrop to the bar, creating an eye-catching drinks display. Suspended above is a curved wine rack that has been fitted with an integrated LED strip, to capture the sparkle in the glassware and further frame this beautiful space.

The Bar is the perfect place to enjoy old school bartending with a sophisticated and imaginative drinks & bites menu set off by subtle reflective spotlights creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere during the evening. Creative cocktails are inspired by the music and history of the VIVI era, such as the Wild Honey on the Beach (Bulleit Rye whiskey, Pimento Dram, lemon thyme-infused honey, lemon), a homage to The Beach Boys, and The Weeping Guitar (Gin Mare, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, cucumber, elderflower, lime, tonic water), a toast to The Beatles.

The symmetry that runs throughout the interior design concept continues with the two private dining booths. Each area is sectioned off by intricate chain-mail curtains mounted in a curved brass frame, which houses an integrated LED strip to illuminate the exterior, creating a visual barrier and ensuring privacy for diners. Bronze pendants are carefully suspended over tables inside adding further intimacy to each space which can seat up to 14 guests enjoying their semi-private dining experience with all the atmosphere of the main restaurant on the other side of the chain-mail divide.

VIVI joins rhubarb’s portfolio of well-known London restaurants including Sky Garden, CODA by Eric Chavot and Verdi Italian Kitchen at the Royal Albert Hall. 2019 sees the opening of rhubarb‘s first international location with two restaurants and an extraordinary event space at Hudson Yards in New York, a new neighbourhood rising on Manhattan’s West Side

The opening of VIVI Restaurant and Bar heralds the re-generation of Centre Point into a premium London landmark with 82 new apartments within the building and a re-designed public square at the base of the skyscraper that will be surrounded by 45,000 sq.ft. of new restaurants and shops. The square is located next to the Crossrail entrance at Tottenham Court Road and will create a link between Fitzrovia and Covent Garden.

VIVI
Centre Point, 11 St Giles Square, London WC2H 8AP
0300 500 0958
www.vivirestaurant.co.uk
@VIVIRestaurant

Located in the iconic Borough Market, Roast is a unique London restaurant situated in the portico of Floral Hall – Borough’s former flower market.  Roast describes itself as a deliciously British restaurant which is fitting for a restaurant sitting at the heart of London’s oldest food market.

What better way to begin our evening at Roast than with an aperitif. I ordered a non-alcoholic Tequila Sling blending lime juice, almond syrup, orange juice and passion fruit. My dining companion chose a Sweet Black which is a delightful combination of Makers Mark bourbon, spiced Dubonnet, Peychaud bitters and fresh blackberries.

Executive Chef Paul Shearing uses the finest seasonal and quintessentially British ingredients to create classic dishes that both supports and celebrates Britain’s farmers and producers, many of whom are stallholders in the market below. To start our meal, I chose the Ragu of Highland venison with pappardelle, haggis and Berkswell cheese. This dish tasted like Scotland on a plate thanks to the rich gamey flavours of the haggis and venison.

Another dish celebrating great British ingredients is the hand-dived Orkney scallops with Saddleback pork and rhubarb. Three succulent scallops grace the plate with slices of house-smoked aged Saddleback Pork – sourced from Wick’s Manor Farm in Maldon, Essex. The Yorkshire rhubarb compliments the flavour & texture of the scallops and pork with the perfect balance between sweet and tart.

Elegant soaring windows offer spectacular views of the historic setting of Borough Market below or the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance and the restaurant boasts an extensive wine list, including exclusive English wines that are only available at and to Roast. Known for serving the ‘Best Breakfast in London’, Roast uses a wide variety of seasonal ingredients in our dishes, many of which are rarely seen in other restaurants.

The stunning, open-plan interior comprises a reception area, a stylish bar and the spacious restaurant, set over two levels. Roast is an exceptional venue for breakfast meetings, weekend family lunches, pre-dinner cocktails and exceptional lunches and dinners. Delicious mains include Roasted lamb rump with potato and garlic purée, Savoy cabbage, malt vinegar gravy and parsley purée. This dish celebrates the unmistakable flavour of lamb from Elwy Valley in Wales.

Committed carnivores will also love the dishes from the grill including this succulent 35-day dry aged rib-eye steak. A hefty 300g slab of meat is served with perfectly cooked chips but for those wanting something further side dishes with their mains, we recommend the delicious rosemary roasties and mixed seasonal vegetables fresh from Grovers and Turnips of Borough Market.

To finish, a steamed pudding is the perfect choice for those with a sweet tooth who want to keep dessert deliciously British. We loved the taste and texture of Roast’s sticky date pudding surrounded by a pool of yummy toffee sauce and sprinkled with crunchy almond brittle. Clotted cream is a very British accompaniment to this delectable dessert.

Another highlight on the dessert menu is the walnut frangipane – an interesting take on this classic pudding complemented by the flavours of almond clove ice cream melting into the sponge and the sweet flavours of pear compote with dried fruits.

Roast restaurant in Borough Market is a breathtaking dining destination that’s perfect for a truly memorable occasion, be it a romantic dinner for two or a lavish wedding. The restaurant has a long-standing reputation for corporate entertaining and client events from private parties and business meetings to launch events and more making Roast a deliciously British restaurant for all occasions.

Roast Restaurant
The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, London SE1 1TL
0203 006 6111
www.roast-restaurant.com
@RoastRestaurant

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

Last year, Plateau Restaurant Bar & Grill in Canary Wharf appointed former National Chef of the Year, Frederick Forster in the role of Head Chef taking over at the helm of their sky-high kitchen with a refreshed European inspired menu that reflects the seasonal changes from the winter chill to warm summer days.

With experience working with great names in gastronomy such as Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Keller and Pierre Gagnaire, Frederick’s cooking draws inspiration from modern European cuisine whilst highlighting fresh and seasonal British produce cooked simply and elegantly.

Plateau provides a welcomed return to D&D London for Frederick who previously held the position of Head Chef at La Pont de la Tour in 2015, another D&D London venue. Frederick trained under the eyes of Pierre Gagnaire as a Roux Scholar before receiving numerous awards including Chef of the Year 2011 and Master of Culinary Arts 2013.

Frederick has built his reputation working in restaurants around the globe including Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Michel Roux Jnr’s Le Gavroche, Gordon Ramsay’s L’Aubergine and three Michelin starred La Côte d’Or at the Sandy Lane Hotel, Barbados. Most recently, Frederick was the Head Chef at the Bleeding Heart groups Don restaurant.

The winter menu is filled with heartwarming dishes to suit all tastes. With stunning views across the city, start with drinks on Plateau’s cosy 4th floor terrace to escape the bustling streets below while enjoying bar snacks including courgette tempura with saffron aioli and duck confit and duck liver croquettes with gooseberry preserve.

As Head Chef of Plateau, both the grill and restaurant menus showcase Frederick’s experience with a focus on seasonal and distinctive ingredients. For those wanting a light starter, the Ham Hock Terrine has an added touch of luxury with its foie gras centre.

For those who want seafood decadence, we recommend the King Prawn Ravioli which was not overpowering with the lobster bisque foam for those worried about a strong seafood flavour however my dining companion said it could afford to be a little stronger for those who love dishes from the sea.

A selection of steaks aged between 21-30 days sit alongside hearty dishes such as lamb with couscous, yoghurt and olives and baby chicken spatchcock with harissa, lemon, chilli and mixed salad are on the Grill menu.

Frederick’s seasonal Restaurant menu is more refined including baked baby beetroots with goats cheese ravioli, soft quail eggs and pine nut dressing; loin of venison with parsnip puree, braised leaves, quince and spiced sauce and poached monkfish with glazed cauliflower and mustard seed sauce.

We chose the Barbary Duck which was perfectly tender and full of flavour. The confit potato cakes that accompanied it were absolutely exquisite and a fabulous addition to the plate.

For those who never order chicken out of fear of it not being adventurous enough, Plateau is definitely a place to experiment with the Chicken Supreme, you will not be disappointed.

For those who want more than just a view and want to excite their sugary taste buds you can’t go wrong with a comforting classic in the Sticky Toffee Pudding…

Or if you wish to be more seasonal we highly recommend the Rhubarb Crumble…

Perfect for a romantic meal, catch up with friends or a business lunch.

For those who wish to celebrate the season in style, transport yourself to Plateau while sampling a selection of Frederick’s mouth-watering dishes combined with beautiful floor to ceiling views of Canary Wharf.

Plateau Restaurant, Bar & Grill
4th Floor, Canada Place, London E14 5ER
020 7715 7100
www.plateau-restaurant.co.uk
@plateaucanarywharf

Following the appointment of Kim Woodward at popular Soho haunt 100 Wardour St, the talented Executive Head Chef has revamped the original lounge menu, adding an array of delicious new dishes including some enticing and tasty new vegan additions.

As the first female Head Chef to ever take the helm of the Savoy Grill in its 126 year history, Kim has landed herself in amongst the culinary elite. Since joining 100 Wardour St as Executive Head Chef in the Summer of 2018, Kim has successfully integrated London’s demand for vegan friendly cuisine into the 100 Wardour experience and continues to challenge the expectations of sustainable, conscious food with the new expansive menu.

With an amicable trust in the power of seasonal produce, Kim constantly evolves her dishes in coexistence with the natural cycle of the seasons. With an approach that heightens classical cuisine with modern technique and health conscious ingredients, Kim’s latest dishes are a first-class nod to the health conscious movement.

In addition to the new menu, D&D London have marked 2019 as the year for serious change, making a company-wide resolution to reduce waste and tackle the issue head on with its ‘Waste Not, Want More’ campaign. The campaign sees the restaurant group take an active step to reduce group waste typical to the hospitality industry, such as surplus ingredients, by creating a series of upcycled dishes using offcuts and commonly discarded ingredients. Additionally, the group is partnering with The Felix Project, who collect good quality, surplus food from suppliers, and deliver it to charities, helping to save food and change lives.

100 Wardour St will be taking part, featuring an upcycled dish in its Lounge & Bar Menu made from roasted cod loin, banana, chickpea & bean curry, made with banana skins to add extra flavour. Kim said: “There are many ways to reduce food waste in the kitchen and it’s becoming more and more important everyday to be conscious of how easy it is to be wasteful. For example, using over ripened bananas in the curry sauce adds bags of flavour.”

What can be expected from the latest additions to the menu are a refreshing ‘Confit duck terrine, spiced cherries, onion jam, brioche’ and punchy ‘Kingfish ceviche, grapefruit, radish & citrus dressing’ to start. For the main course try the new ‘Cornish crab tagliolini pasta, red chilli, garlic & lime’ and ‘Berkshire glazed pork cheeks, sage & kale pesto, salsify crisps for the mains. Finally, indulgent desserts such as ‘Warm chocolate lava cake, roasted banana ice cream’ and updated ‘Vanilla creme brulee, pistachio biscotti.’

For the vegans and veggies, the options are just as alluring with a creamy ‘Celery, spinach & mint soup’ to start. Inventive mains such as ‘Cauliflower Steak, Pickled Walnuts with Truffle Crumble’ and ‘Grilled hispi cabbage, Stilton polenta, tomato relish, pine nuts’ can be chosen for the main. Finally, fear not the popular star of the show, the ‘Vegan Chocolate Brownie and Coconut Sorbet’, will still be available to leave you with a deliciously sweet aftertaste.

A visit to 100 Wardour Street is not complete without trying a cocktail or two created by the talented mixologists behind the bar.  For rum lovers we recommend the Banana Republic made with Havana 7 YO Rum, Pusser’s Spiced Rum, Banana Liqueur, MARTINI Gran Lusso and Orange Bitters. Or for something non-alcoholic from the Virgin Cocktails menu, we recommend French 86 made with Seedlip (one of our favourite non-alcoholic spirits), champagne syrup, apple juice, lemon juice and mint.

Another favourite from the Tiki Cocktails Menu is The Hanging Man – a visually arresting drink made from Pusser’s Gunpowder Rum, Smith & Cross Rum, Aba Pisco, Falernum, Plum, Lime Juice, Egg White, Passion Fruit Syrup, Homemade Ginger and Grapefruit Syrup topped up with Grapefruit Soda. Or go guilt-free with a refreshing Passion Fruit Virgin Mojito.

Kim’s revamped lounge menu is a delectable list of deliciousness. Here are some of our favourite dishes from the new menu starting with a SLOAN! favourite – arancini – here made with mozzarella cheese, basil pesto and tomato.

Crispy Squid with lime and green mango served with a sweet chilli sauce is the most popular starter on the menu and clearly shows the inventiveness of Kim’s combination of flavours and textures.

Buttermilk fried chicken served with a fiery sriracha chilli dip will blow your socks off… in a good way!

Which is your favourite… arancini or squid? We have to go with arancini every time… you could say we are arancini addicts!

Sharing is caring so we recommend you order a few of the Nibbles to share and spark conversation and appreciation over these tasty treats from Executive Chef Kim Woodward and her kitchen team.

The delicious array of moreish morsels on the new Lounge Menu will keep you coming back for more!

For more substantial dishes on the new menu, meat lovers will be delighted with the Herdwick Lamb Cutlets served with spiced aubergine and rocket salad.

The Cornish Crab Tagliolini pasta with red chilli, garlic and white wine wasn’t as impressive as it could have been. A vegan-friendly alternative is the fresh linguine pasta with cep & chestmut mushroom bolognese.

Desserts include the vegan chocolate brownie with coconut sorbet – just one of the new vegan-friendly options created by Executive Chef Kim Woodward on her revamped Lounge Menu at 100 Wardour Street.

For those who can’t resist a cheesy end to their meal, the selection of British cheeses served with quince jelly and seeded crackers is a must.

You can enjoy all these fantastic creations in the iconic Soho Bar and Lounge at 100 Wardour Street. With food served until late, alongside a world-class cocktail service and live music playing five nights a week, 100 Wardour retains its position as one of the most sought after dining destinations under its new direction from the exceptional culinary genius of Kim Woodward.

100 Wardour Street, London W1F 0TN
020 7314 4000
www.100wardourst.com
@100wardourst