In celebration of Chinese New Year, from 28th January to 24th February, both Yauatcha City and Yauatcha Soho will be paying homage to the year of the Earth pig by teaming up with celebrated design team, Isabel and Helen Studio to create a bespoke art installation within the restaurants inspired by the zodiac animal. An exclusive Chinese New Year menu will also be available featuring celebratory dishes.

The pig occupies the final position in the Chinese zodiac and encapsulates a care free nature marking the end of the cycle. It signifies growth and contentment and encourages restoration and reflection. The Year of the Pig installation will consist of multiple ‘bio-morphic’ pigs suspended from the ceiling using wire and created from a series of abstract shapes made from red Perspex and gold brass. The shapes will balance and slowly rotate in the air and when viewed at the perfect angle will reveal a Chinese New Year inspired pig. Encasing the restaurant exteriors will be a vibrant red and gold vinyl wrap featuring an illustration of the Earth pig by Quentin Monge, in addition to small coloured pig figurines lining the shelves of the restaurant windows.

An exclusive Chinese New Year cocktail will be offered for the celebrations called Nagami Fortune featuring Beefeater 24 gin, Kumquat marmalade, Raspberry cordinal and lime juice. In addition, Yauatcha’s pastry team have created a limited-edition macaron with a pig stencilled in gold and flavoured with Mandarin.

Yauatcha will also launch a limited-edition 8 course Chinese New Year menu for the festive season. The menu features a number of authentic Chinese celebratory dishes using auspicious ingredients, highlight dishes including Crispy monkfish cheek with enoki mushroom and salsify.

Also on the menu is Homemade prawn tofu with seaweed and water chestnut, Peking style pulled pork with golden mantou, and finishing off with a Mandarin matcha choux. The eight-course menu is £60 per person for a minimum of two people, and all dishes are available to order a la carte. See the full Chinese New Year menu listed below:

• Spicy scallop dumpling
• Wild mushroom dumpling
• Prawn and chicken shui mai
• Venison puff
• Crispy monkfish cheek with enoki mushroom and salsify
• Homemade prawn tofu with seaweed and water chestnut
• Steamed freshwater prawn with chilli
• Peking style pulled pork with golden mantou
• Szechuan three style mushroom
• Sticky rice with Chinese sausage
• Mandarin matcha choux with sesame, mandarin compote and orange chantilly

Meanwhile at Hakkasan Hanway Place and Hakkasan Mayfair until 24th February, the restaurant will reinvent the classic fortune cookie, commissioning renowned author Will Self to pen the fortunes. The fortunes will be written on a ribbon and placed around the Hakkasan macarons, to create the fortune macaron. Instead of housing a traditional fortune, each macaron will feature one of Will Self’s 88 witty, satirical and sometimes dark musings on the topics most relevant to modern day life in London. The fortune macarons will be available as part of the Chinese New Year set menu and also a la carte.

Will Self is an English novelist and journalist, was a food critic for The Observer, and has written for titles including The Guardian, Harper’s and The London Review. Self writes to astonish people with his fantastical style, and wrote ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Prawn Cracker’, a collection of non-traditional restaurant reviews for the New Statesmen. His 2002 novel ‘Dorian, an Imitation’ was longlisted for the Booker Prize and his novel ‘Umbrella’ shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. He is known for his unique style and tone of voice, which will be a defining feature of the Hakkasan fortune macarons.

Speaking about the partnership, Will Self said:

“I’ve always regarded myself as a writer who can… well, write anything – and I cut my teeth (an appropriate pun, perhaps) composing jokes and one-liners, so this commission from Hakkasan was an absolute joy for me: I loved having the opportunity to create a subtle interplay between the different fortunes, hoping that at the end of the meal the diners would open one… then another, share the fortunes, laugh – perhaps grimace a little as well! – and that this would make the ever-memorable experience of dining at these superb restaurants, yet more noteworthy.”

As the number 8 represents prosperity in Chinese tradition, a total of 88 different fortunes penned by Self will be featured in the fortune macaron conceived by Hakkasan Group’s Global Executive Pastry Chef Dale DeSimone.  The gold fortune macaron will be wrapped with a delicate red paper ribbon featuring a golden Hakkasan logo, the interior of which will be typed the fortune in gold.

Both Hakkasan restaurants in London will be also celebrating the Year of the Pig with the wishing tree tradition inspired by the Lam Tseun trees in Hong Kong. Hakkasan will be inviting guests to write their wishes for the year ahead on specially designed ribbons which will then be hung on the wooden cages in the restaurant. There will be an 8 course Chinese New Year set menu available for £88 per person for a minimum of two people in which the fortune macarons will feature.

Yauatcha Soho
15-17 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 0DL
+44 (0) 20 7494 8888

Yauatcha City
Broadgate Circle, London, EC2M 2QS
+44 (0)20 3817 9888

Hakkasan, Hanway Place
8 Hanway Place, London W1T 1HD
+44 (0) 20 7927 7000

Hakkasan, Mayfair
17 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QB
+44 (0) 20 7907 1888

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

Bateaux London is the capital’s leading provider of restaurant dining cruises on the river Thames, whose repertoire of cruises has something for everyone and every occasion.

Guests can choose from a scheduled Lunch, Sunday Lunch Jazz, Afternoon Tea or Dinner cruise, dine in a private room or exclusively charter a vessel. If you are not ready to leave your child at home, then don’t fret children are welcomed on board for the lunch and afternoon tea cruises, but must be over the age of 12 years to join a dinner cruise.

With stunning river views, seasonal menus featuring fresh ingredients and live, unfolding entertainment there is plenty to look forward to as we stepped on to a Bateaux London cruise to join our fellow guests for a wonderful Dinner Cruise.

With daily cruise departures from Embankment Pier, which has easy access from London Waterloo, Charing Cross Main line and Embankment Underground stations, guests are taken on a journey of the Thames, past sights both old and new.

What better way to spend an evening than cruising down the Thames enjoying the sights of some of London’s favourite landmarks. The boat will take you past the Coca-Cola London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament amongst other notable landmarks along the River Thames.

Definitely recommend going for the Signature Thames Dinner Cruise – which includes all the elements to make your dinner cruise an unforgettable experience, with champagne on arrival, a window table affording spectacular views, five-course menu with wines from an elite selection and an after-dinner liqueur.

A musical blend of jazz is performed during the cruise by the resident band, which comprises of some of London’s finest musicians.

You can expect a classic British cuisine on board a Bateaux London cruise. Guests experience the energy and enthusiasm of the professional and friendly team where nothing is too much trouble. Menus are changed seasonally with a focus on fresh and sustainable produce which is sourced from quality suppliers. Below is a selection of dishes we sampled on board the Bateaux London Dinner Cruise. Together with your fellow guests on board the Symphony, no doubt you will enjoy the after-dinner dancing with an upbeat repertoire spanning five decades. With something to suit all tastes it s a nice way to spend an evening, ensuring quality time with your partner. Bateaux London’s dinner cruises are a wonderful backdrop to any celebration and offer the chance to get dressed up for a romantic dinner for two.

The fleet includes two vessels, each offering a different dimension to your experience, from a reclining glass roof to an all-glass structure and the largest observation deck on the Thames. Unique to the Thames, the Scandinavian-designed Harmony features flexible layout for dining and private dining spaces, ideal for an intimate event in a unique setting as each area benefits from large, picture frame windows affording spectacular views. A truly enchanting experience by day or by night, this is a fantastic way to enjoy London as you glide past the city’s famous landmarks. The Symphony’s all-glass structure enables guests to enjoy the magnificent views of London without interruption. Her wide expanse of glass, dark wooden flooring and sleek furniture bestow a bright and spacious atmosphere; complimented by extensive exterior viewing platforms.

Bateaux London
Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 6NU
020 7695 1800
www.bateauxlondon.com
@BateauxLondon

Thomas’s Café at Burberry offers calm refined elegance for any over shopped Papapreneur. It’s a spa like escape from the hustle and bustle of Regent Street just off the main thoroughfare on Vigo Street. Delivering a characteristic British, all-day dining experience, Thomas’s Café at Burberry invites diners to enjoy favourites such as the Sutton Hoo chicken salad, Bembridge lobster benedict, truffle crisps and quintessentially British afternoon tea. Thomas’s Café at Burberry embodies the British aesthetic of the Burberry brand in everything from its stylish interiors designed by The New Craftsmen to the signature dishes on the seasonal menu crafted by the chef.

Named after founder Thomas Burberry, Thomas’s Café at Burberry is located across two floors of the 121 Regent Street flagship in London with a separate entrance on Vigo Street. Café style seating downstairs overlooked by large windows and the tempting Cake Table is joined by a more formal dining space upstairs in the restaurant.

Thomas’s Café at Burberry serves an all-day menu of British classics, from breakfast to afternoon tea through to champagne and oysters. The ground floor café is great for grabbing a coffee or a quick bite to eat and the first floor restaurant is perfect for those looking to while away the time at a more leisurely pace.

The menu at Thomas’s Café at Burberry is based on the finest seasonal produce from small farmers and artisan suppliers across Britain and showcases produce such as Secret Smokehouse Salmon, Sutton Hoo Chicken, Wye Valley asparagus and British cheeses like Cropwell Bishop, Montgomery’s Cheddar and Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire.

The peaceful ambience, stylish interiors and exceptional service make Thomas’s Café at Burberry the ideal spot for working lunches, business meetings or simply a great place to share quiet conversation over a lunch with an old friend.

The lobster is a popular choice with diners – juicy succulent seafood served with chips or Benedict-style with English muffin and spinach. The Irish Carlingford oysters are an indulgent option for seafood lovers dining at Thomas’s Café at Burberry.

Also popular is the quintessentially British Afternoon Tea served later in the day at Thomas’s Café at Burberry.

This great British tradition is raised to new heights with carefully crafted cakes and superb sandwiches.

As soon as we arrived for lunch at Thomas’s Café at Burberry, we were whisked up the spiral staircase to the first floor restaurant and shown to our table by the window. As we perused the menu, we indulged in a very special tea. The A’a Black Tea from Big Island Tea Garden in Hawaii might be £20 a pot but it is worth every penny and perfect for a special occasion. Reportedly only 1000 people each year have the opportunity to taste each limited edition batch.

With a smooth, complex and well-rounded flavour profile that includes all the wonderful tastes of a black tea but without any of the tannin/oxidation flavours that require you to add milk and/or sugar, you don’t even consider it with this tea! The tea was expertly offered by the waitress who instructed us how to properly prepare and drink the tea to fully appreciate the experience.

Carlingford Oysters were the star of the show and it’s no surprise these came highly recommended. Large, plump seafood specimens that were perfect au naturel but even better with wasabi and fresh horseradish garnish taking them up to a whole other level.

What a lovely city view. The tranquillity of Thomas’s Café at Burberry contrasts with the hustle and bustle of shoppers on Regent Street below.

Cumberland baby sausages are a great opener to the meal as were the Truffle crisps. The sausages were coated with damson jam and served with English mustard. They had excellent flavour and the wonderful damson flavour worked very well with the pork meat. The truffle crisps had a fantastic taste and crunch that worked well with the flavours of the sausages.

The Smoked haddock Scotch Egg made with quail’s eggs are coated in golden crumb with a meaty texture inside and a squidgy centre. The Dijon mustard dip complemented the meaty filling. This dish was a lovely combination of fresh flavours with the lightness from the haddock along with a luscious quail’s egg.

As the Sunday sun slipped behind some clouds, we moved on to the mains. The Fish Pie is a highly recommended dish with the perfect ratio of filling to mashed potato topping.

A very popular choice is the Lobster and chips. Simple yet delicious these lobster is so fresh you can taste the subtle sweet flavours without needing to add further dressing to the dish. Thomas’s Café at Burberry really know how to do their seafood and clearly have great British suppliers so they can offer the freshest ingredients possible.

Eggs Benedict is a great choice for those who want to add some brunch vibes. The Hollandaise sauce has a beautiful creamy texture to complement perfectly cooked eggs and wafer thin ham. Thomas’s Café at Burberry pulls out all the stops and presents fantastic food that will leave you yearning for more.

For those with a sweet tooth, the short dessert menu at Thomas’s Café at Burberry still manages to offer something to please most tastes with Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart joined by a comforting Hedgerow Pudding and the show-stopping Autumn Ice Bowl with Granny Smith apple sorbet, blackberry ice cream and shortbread.

Thomas’s Café at Burberry offers an elegant oasis of calm in the heart of London’s bustling West End. Every dish on the seasonal menu is a winner from the small bites all the way through to dessert. If you’re looking for refined dining and quiet sophistication, look no further than this charming café celebrating the best of British.

Thomas’s Café at Burberry
5 Vigo St, Mayfair, London W1S 3HA
020 7806 8904
uk.burberry.com/stores/thomass-cafe/
@burberry

Very little knocks Bombay Brasserie off my top spot for delectable Indian dining but LaLiT’s Baluchi pleasantly surprised. Innovative, scrumptious and the only restaurant I know to do naan pairings with wine. If you haven’t tried it, put it on your 101 foods to try list, but possibly best enjoyed without Minipreneur unless they are ready for a wonderfully spiced meal.

Pan-Indian dining destination Baluchi offers dining with a difference – a taste of traditional India in the heart of London. Located in luxury boutique hotel, The LaLiT London, this is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city combining Indian culture with quintessential British charm.

The 120-year-old neo-baroque Tooley Street building used to be the home of 19th Century St. Olave’s Grammar School and the remaining architectural features such as the high ceilings and the original windows are reminiscent of the Victorian institution. Just a stone’s throw away from Tower Bridge, the hotel is discreetly tucked away in the heart of city and conveniently close to many of London’s stunning attractions and business hotspots.

At the helm of the kitchen at Baluchi, Executive Chef Santosh Shah has launched new autumn menus bringing fresh seasonal flavours and beautiful presentation to the table. Overseeing all food served at The LaLiT London, Santosh has also designed the High Chai menu of delicate dishes served for afternoon tea in The Gallery, and a new Indian street food menu on the hotel’s al fresco Terrace.

Inspired by the rich curries of the North-West Frontier, the fine dining restaurant pairs the best of international culinary concepts with the complex and innovative flavours of India, each dish rich with history and authenticity.

Chef Santosh has created refined dishes which simultaneously embrace and elevate traditional Indian ingredients and recipes synonymous with the North-West Frontier.

To begin our gastronomic journey, pre-dinner cocktails were served with Baluchi’s signature roasted poppadums.

We were delighted to try some of the new autumn dishes showcasing Santosh’s experimental signature style include salmon chatpati with avocado and mustard oil purée, radish and caramelised puffed rice.

Another delicious new dish is tandoori octopus and colocasia leaf terrine with clay oven-roasted baby potatoes, labneh, coriander chutney and puffed quinoa.

For our vegetarian friends, we recommend the tandoori celeriac with mint chutney, burnt apple gel, masala seeds, gun powder and coconut foam.

Chicken lovers will swoon over the succulent kaffir lime chicken tikka with its Thai-inspired flavours. The tandoor-roasted free range corn-fed chicken is served with cashew crumble and coriander chutney. This new take on the traditional starter dish was inspired by Chef Santosh’s last trip to Thailand.

Moving on to main dishes, Chef Santosh chose some highlights from his new autumn menu for us to try including a game season signature of venison served with quinoa khichdi, yoghurt sauce, salsify and beetroot powder.

We were also presented with a plate of the biggest and juicest king prawns we’ve ever seen. The tandoori prawns were full of flavour and served with samphire and sauteed spinach and moilee sauce.

Freshly baked Indian breads come straight from the dedicated Naan’ery, which stretches across the back of the lavish dining hall. Traditional Indian naans, roti, kulcha and paratha get a 21st century makeover with fillings such as potato, ceps and truffle; fig and paneer; and coconut mango. Our naans came with a surprise serving of one of Baluchi’s Founder Chairman’s favourites – tarka dal made with yellow lentils in a sauce flavoured with cumin, ginger, tomatoes and green chilli.

Another signature dish from Chef Santosh’s autumn repertoire is butter chicken. Suitable for sharing, this traditional Delhi style tandoor roasted corn-fed chicken is enrobed in a heavenly tomato and fenugreek sauce laced with the rich flavour of ghee.

The decadent desserts made by Baluchi’s talented pastry chef are not to be missed. We loved the pistachio kulfi Indian ice cream served with two of our favourite ingredients – faluda and fragrant rose syrup.

If you like cake, you will love the ginger & mint cake served with dark chocolate crumble, a fruity berry sorbet and crisp honeycomb. What a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Whether you visit Baluchi for lunch or dinner, you are in for a wonderful gastronomic experience delivered in an exciting experimental style by Executive Chef Santosh Shah supported by his talented team including Chef de Cuisine Jomon Kuriakose (who recently appeared on BBC’s Celebrity Masterchef).  Baluchi is well worth a visit and will certainly live up to your culinary expectations if not exceed them.

Baluchi at The LaLiT London
181 Tooley Street, London SE1 2JR
020 3765 0000
www.thebaluchi.com/london
@BaluchiLondon @thelalitlondon

For budding papapreneurs who want to take their loved one somewhere special yet not have to rely on just the food and drink to wow, I found that places with a view never disappointed. I recently tried out Helix at the Gherkin. There was enough variety to entertain and surprise my lady including a picturesque view of London, and a tasty tipple or two for me as well.

Searcys’ iconic restaurants, Champagne bars and events have a world-renowned, long-standing reputation for quality and innovation. The first ever event caterers in the UK, founded in 1847 by John Searcy, they’ve carved out a name as brave market- leaders, launching bold, forward-thinking concepts including the original in-station Champagne bar at St Pancras, one of London’s first skyscraper restaurants, as well as cafés and restaurants in two World Heritage Sites. Their 30 plus venues across the UK, serve fresh, modern dishes that focus on sustainability, local produce and world-class service standards.

The Gherkin was the building that first changed the landscape of the new London skyline. Since then it has reasserted its architectural worth as well as its culinary credibility in the face of its new sky-high neighbours. In July 2018, Searcys at the Gherkin launched a reimagined dining and bar concept of HELIX and IRIS on levels 39 and 40 of London’s iconic Norman Foster-designed building.

The names of the restaurant and bar derive from the Gherkin’s structure itself, the helix shape which is the pinnacle of the building is an iconic sight, visible across the city. Less well known, is that when viewed from above it forms an iris shape – designed by Foster to reflect the Gherkin’s place as the eye over the city.

HELIX restaurant, located on level 39 at the iconic Gherkin offers sky-high contemporary dining at both lunch and dinner with majestic views across the city. A proud celebration of British produce in one of London’s finest landmarks, Executive Chef Daniel Loftin, previously head chef at Royal House London and Peninsula Restaurant, delivers menus that put seasonal and local produce centre stage.

Perched high above the city, this elegant, contemporary space combines big-sky views and intimate dining. Helix’s menus focus on celebrating seasonality and the best ingredients available in the British Isles, keeping Searcys’ commitment to sustainability and quality at its heart. Salmon comes directly from John Ross Jr, holders of the Queen’s warrant, in Scotland, all fruit and vegetables are sourced from the UK, and meat is locally and lovingly selected from some of the country’s finest farms.

The Dorset crab with grapefruit, soy and sesame was very flavourful and fresh. The sweetness of the crab, fruitiness of the grape and tartness of the apple were beautifully brought together by the soy and sesame sauce into probably one of the best starters I’ve had. The various flavours of the diverse components of this dish married together to create an amazing dish with its presentation as equally impressive as the taste.

Crispy pig’s head with ‘nduja, pecorino and burnt apple clearly demonstrated a mastery of both the finest British ingredients and the art of plating.

The Venison main course was beautifully presented with a lovely piece of venison. The sauce was wonderful.

Line-caught wild bass was cooked to perfection with the addition of octopus and sea vegetables adding further flavour dimension to this superb seafood dish.

The Chestnut parfait dessert had a gorgeous grouping of the many components and flavours. Light but satisfying, filled with wonderful flavours and textures. A wonderful way of ending the meal.

The Lemon tart is served in contemporary fashion with delicate meringue, sweet raspberry puree and smooth creme fraiche ice cream to create a dessert which really refreshes the palate.

Alongside the restaurant, the IRIS bar has made the epic 360° views available to the public for the very first time. Previously the site of a members-only club, IRIS is open to all and will offer an extensive cocktail menu as unique as the setting, paying homage to the London sights and neighbourhoods that can all be spied below from the Gherkin’s distinctive position.

Guests are able to reserve a space in the IRIS bar from 11am to 11pm. Searcys’ expertise in exquisite champagne, English sparkling wine and cocktails, alongside unrivalled London views, make every visit to the Iris bar a celebration. The unique cocktail menu draws inspiration from its very special view with the list overseen by Head Mixologist Federico Geniale.

Cocktails include The Little White Bird, inspired by the Kensington Gardens, with its Peter Pan associations of Violet liqueur, vanilla vodka, lychee, elderflower, lemon and English sparkling wine.

Whilst the Jack the Ripper (Mediterranean herbs vodka, beetroot juice, tomato, lemon, Worcester sauce, Mexican sauce), a dark local twist on the Bloody Mary, references Whitechapel’s most famous former visitor.

The dress code is casual elegance. HELIX lunch service is from 12pm – 2.15pm and dinner service is from 6pm – 9pm. The IRIS Bar is open from 11am to 11pm

HELIX Restaurant
Searcys at The Gherkin
30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8AP
0330 107 0816
www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk
@SearcysGherkin