Gaucho at The O2 offers an exclusive sanctuary from the bustle of the legendary O2 arena with its stunning interior providing a haven of luxury amid the excitement at Greenwich Peninsula. Spread across three spectacular floors, the restaurant is a show-stopping combination of unique spaces. While the beautiful sunken seating area in the cocktail bar is the perfect setting for a pre-show drink, the opulent balcony lounge is an unbeatable place to soak up the energy of this iconic venue.

At Gaucho the beef is exclusively sourced solely from the Pampas, an area of Argentine lowlands famous for its fertile soil and home to rivers flowing from the Andes and seventeen types of grass. The Pampas is the perfect terroir for rearing this distinctive beef with every one of Gaucho’s steaks coming from Aberdeen-Angus cattle reared on this luscious grassland so guests will always experience the true taste of Argentina.

To ensure the highest quality meat, Gaucho remains closely involved with the cows throughout the farming process with their team of experts on the ground in Argentina having built strong relationships with some of the most accomplished beef farmers in the Pampas region who now produce livestock exclusively for Gaucho.

The farmers use modern technology, influenced by 150 years of farming history, and specific feeding stipulations. The cows they breed enjoy an organic and free-range lifestyle; roaming and feeding on the grassy plains of the Pampas.

Every cut of beef can be traced back to the farmer that reared the cow, so Gaucho know exactly where all the meat has come from. This commitment to quality allows the restaurant to produce the finest Argentine steak.

Gaucho at The O2 is located in the main O2 arena. As you arrive you can sit downstairs for a pre-dinner drink or just to sample delicious Gaucho cocktails with a friend. We were lucky enough to be dining so we jumped in the lift and made our way to the restaurant on the first floor.

The first thing you are shown upon arrival is the beautiful meat board showcasing the size and style of meat you will be trying if you are a steak lover.

As we settled in we ordered a fruity non-alcoholic drink and a whisky based cocktail called White Walker made from Roe & Co Irish whiskey, RumChata cream liqueur and Frangelico hazelnut liqueur – the perfect combination to satisfy my sweet tooth.

To start we tried the Cured Patagonian Red Prawn Tiradito with pickled cucumber, salsa verde and whipped crème fraîche. This starter is superb the raw prawns are tender and the natural sweetness explodes in your mouth with every bite. A light starter but one that is simple and well put together.

Another light dish well worth trying is the Seared Scallops which are served in the shell with blood pudding, spiced orange butter, charred orange, chorizo crumble and nasturtium. The texture and flavour of the scallops works well with the blood pudding and is not overwhelmed by the chorizo crumble.

We also tried the Buttermilk Fried Mollejas – sweetbreads coated in ají amarillo batter, pickled Guindilla chilli and a sweet and spicy saffron sauce. This dish was a real surprise the sweetbreads came as a generous size and tasted sublime. The saffron sauce with the chilli kick adds another dimension to this must-try dish.

For the main event we tried the Glazed Pork Belly with Pickled cabbage, celeriac, cider jus and crackling. As you would expect Gaucho really knows how to cook its meat. The pork was soft and tender and the cracking snapped in the mouth with firm texture but with ease.

My dining companion had the Tira De Ancho – a spiral-cut slow-grilled piece of beef steak with chimichurri. This piece of beef straight from Argentina is not just a special cut but a special treat. Soft and tender packed with flavour you won’t be disappointed.

For those looking for an indulgent treat, the Mac and Cheese with Spanish chorizo and ‘nduja is the perfect accompaniment to any main dish. The mac is soft but firm in texture and the meaty chorizo adds a delicate hint of flavour that will keep you coming back for more.

We highly recommend heading to Gaucho for your next steak fix to experience the true taste of Argentina right here in the capital!

Gaucho at The O2
Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
020 8858 7711
www.gauchorestaurants.com
@gauchogroup

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

Circus West Village, London’s newest neighbourhood at the foot of Battersea Power Station, offers plenty to do for adults and children alike this Christmas.

An interactive Christmas tree installation reaching over 7m in height that allows visitors to trigger an animated light show will be bringing a splash of light and colour to the riverwalk at Circus West Village. The structure has been designed to allow people to explore underneath it, revealing a more immersive and interactive spider-web shape. The tree is the first installation in the UK to come from Paris-based Studio Bruyant.

Battersea Power Station’s Light Up Winter initiative, which will extend into January, includes interactive Christmas workshops and a play by Michael Morpurgo, the creator of War Horse, entitled Mimi and the Mountain Dragon. This family theatre show is full of adventure, snow, dragons, lively songs and magical puppets. Performances take place in The Village Hall at Circus West Village on select dates between 22nd and 31st December from 11am – 4pm.

There will also be live music performances every Thursday and Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday afternoons until the middle of January, with a range of soloists and duos playing their best upbeat tunes under Grosvenor Arch and on the Piazza. The initiative is from Busk in London, which supports and champions street performance across the capital.

To book tickets and to view the full programme please visit batterseapowerstation.co.uk/winter and follow @BatterseaPwrStn for the latest news and events.

One of our favourite restaurants for exceptionally fresh and delicious seafood and shellfish, also located at Circus West Village, is Wright Brothers. Designed by Macaulay Sinclair, the 126-cover restaurant and bar with a stylish and contemporary design showcases an open theatre-style kitchen.

Guests can watch the chefs at work whilst sitting at the counter or along the centre of the restaurant at mid-height marble topped tables.

The light and airy space also features a brand new addition to the Wright Brothers repertoire – a centre piece Josper charcoal oven which both seals and enhances the natural essence and flavours of seafood and meat on offer.

The drinks menu at Wright Brothers Battersea has a carefully selected wine list designed to complement the food offering, alongside Champagnes and craft beers, pale ales, stouts, IPA’s and Porters – all perfectly match the flavours of the seafood, oysters and meat. The cocktail list includes Battersea exclusive cocktails as well as favourites such as Wright Brothers Bloody Mary and options for teetotal guests or designated drivers such as the alcohol-free Prosecco and mocktails.

Group Head Chef Richard Kirkwood, came to Wright Brothers with 5 years’ experience from J Sheekey’s and counts his greatest influencers to be Tim Hughes of Caprice Holdings and Roy Brett, Head Chef at Ondine in Edinburgh. He says he enjoys working with fish for its lightness and quickness of preparation.

Kirkwood considers oysters the purest form of eating so what better way to start our meal than with a selection of oysters from Jersey, Carlingford and Morecambe Bay.

Group Head Chef Richard Kirkwood has created some exciting new dishes bespoke to Battersea including his take on the classic ‘eclade de moules’ – pine roasted mussels, as well as an indulgent roast shellfish platter .

Seafood lovers will be delighted with the grilled Galician octopus which is first steamed for one and a half hours before finishing its cooking on the Josper grill. The octopus is so tender and usually served with ajo blanco and smoked jalapeño chilli oil. However we were one of the last to try it with Cornish potatoes and chestnuts for a festive twist.

We also highly recommend the scallops which come with pumpkin puree and jalapeno oil. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the jalapeno added a fiery element that kept us coming back for more.

The menu at Wright Brothers Battersea also includes more meat options cooked in the Josper oven, including East Sussex collar of pork with chimichurri and Bannockburn beef on the bone.

Fans of Wright Brothers have plenty of choice when it comes to their renowned seafood classics such as the Dover Sole fresh from Billingsgate Market which came to the table whole.

It was impressive watching the fish being deboned in front of us by Jean-Michel Sourdrille, the genial General Manager. It took great skill to not miss a single bone. Jean-Michel explained he was classically trained and it is this attention to detail alongside the exceptional quality of the cooking and front-of-house service which makes Wright Brothers stand out.

Those looking for a meatier fish will enjoy the Sea Bass served with a zesty lemon risotto which complemented the fish perfectly.

Tenderstem broccoli for freshness and colour was joined by a festive dish of Brussels sprouts with chestnuts and pancetta.

For those with a sweet tooth, the chocolate marquise is a must, served with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. Upon delving into this warm dessert, the gooey chocolate centre spilled out in true food porn style.

The pineapple and toffee pudding was delightful with three distinct layers of different flavours and textures drizzled in warm toffee sauce. The addition of lime and coconut sorbet added a necessary brightness and tang to balance the sweetness of this sticky winter dessert.

Wright Brothers Battersea
Battersea Power Station, 26 Circus West Village, London SW8 4NN
020 7324 7734
thewrightbrothers.co.uk
@WrightBrosLTD

Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe is a modern British all-day dining restaurant partnered with the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Located on the banks of the Thames, Swan is split over two floors with riverside views over the river opposite St Paul’s Cathedral.

Executive Chef Allan Pickett champions British produce with a particular passion for ingredients originating from his home county of Kent.

The first-floor bar serves British classics, such as Fish & Chips and Chicken & mushroom pie in a casual brasserie setting that is open from morning breakfast to pre or post theatre dinner as well as evening cocktails and selected local ales.

The restaurant offers British locally-sourced produce which changes with the seasons from their à la carte menu. A traditional roast is served on Sundays with all the trimmings followed by expertly-crafted desserts.

To start the meal in a festive fashion we order an aperitif and some sparkling water. Twenty minutes later, the drinks arrive with the bread and we can begin. My Fig Old Fashioned was made with Woodford Reserve, Angostura & fig for a seasonal serve that hits the spot. My dining companion had the Blue & Provencal mocktail with blueberry, lavender, rosemary & bitter lemon served in a copper mug garnished with a sprig of rosemary and orange slice.

For something to warm the cockles, the creamy cauliflower velouté comes poured on top of poached sea scallops, spiced raisins and caramelised florets.

Lovers of pâté and terrines at this time of year will enjoy the pressed country terrine studded with pistachio nut and served with red onion confit and toasted bread.

Moving on to mains, the pot roast rump of Romney Marsh lamb was meltingly tender in texture and full of flavour. Served with curly kale, caramelised shallot, garlic & thyme infused potato dauphinoise.

Steak lovers will be delighted with the generous 300g shorthorn rib eye which is served to your liking yet still juicy and tender with chips, watercress salad and béarnaise sauce. Sides include buttery heritage carrots and endive salad with walnuts which balance the richness of the meat dishes with a shot of bitterness.

Those with a sweet tooth looking for a seasonal British dessert, the cinnamon spiced steamed sponge pudding with ginger sauce hits the spot complemented by the rich and creamy custard.

Cheesecake fans must try the set vanilla cream cheesecake with poached blackberries & jam for a tasty end to a very tasty meal.

In addition to the main dining room of the restaurant, there are a variety of private dining rooms ideal for festive gathering and office dinner parties including the River Room with its large double-aspect windows, separated from the restaurant by stylish glass and copper screens, seating up to 40 guests.

The Bull Room is an intimate space for up to 12 guests with a unique blue bull tiled on one wall of the restaurant, taking in the buzz of the restaurant while enjoying the privacy of the elegant screens.

The Snug Bar is a cosy semi-private space for a cocktail on the sofas and armchairs, tucking into sharing boards and sheltered away from the main hustle and bustle of the bar.

The Balcony Room is located on the top floor, with its own private balcony, that looks over to St Paul’s Cathedral. The room can be used for a meeting or dinner of 70 guests or a standing reception of 120 guests.

Service from the front-of-house team can be hit and miss (we waited over 20 minutes for the aperitif cocktails and bread) but once the plates arrive, the food itself speaks for itself and never fails to impress. Executive Chef Allan Pickett has created a modern British menu that has something to please all tastes and we highly recommend visiting the restaurant during its quieter times to enjoy wonderful food and equally wonderful riverside views.

Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe
21 New Globe Walk
Bankside
London
SE1 9DT
www.swanlondon.co.uk
@SwanGlobe

The Ampersand Hotel is one of our favourite 5-star boutique hotels in South Kensington.

At the heart of the Ampersand Hotel is The Drawing Rooms offering a light and airy patisserie lounge.

With deep sofas and studded armchairs in scarlet velvets and kingfisher blues, The Drawing Rooms is the perfect place to enjoy pretty pastries, exceptional teas, and freshly-pressed coffees.

The Drawing Rooms is also home to The Ampersand’s award-winning Science Afternoon Tea. Inspired by the neighbouring Natural history and Science Museums, this was crowned ‘Best Themed Afternoon Tea’ at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2018.

Alongside a delicious selection of seasonal sandwiches, quiches and warm scones, guests can enjoy expertly-crafted pastries including white chocolate coconut sponge with vanilla buttercream, dust for mini dinosaur biscuit ‘fossils’ hidden beneath chocolate soil, and be transported with Milky Way macaroons and milk chocolate spacemen.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free guests will find menus expertly and creatively crafted to suit their specific dietary requirements. For an extra special treat, add a glass of champagne to sip with your sweet treats for only £49.50 per person.

What a fantastic Afternoon Tea ahead of us. Who could resist these sumptuous looking sweet treats!

We loved the dark chocolate & raspberry planet mousse, chocolate spaceman, Blueberry & yuzu macaroon, Chocolate & coconut half-moon cake and Strawberry & elderflower jelly petri dish. The dish had an eerie out of this world feeling with the dry ice poured around the planet mousse making you feel like one has just landed!

The savoury offering includes Smoked salmon & avocado on blinis and Brioche with roast beef, watercress, cornichons.

Even a Science Afternoon Tea would not be complete without the quintessentially British scone. At the Ampersand Hotel, these were homemade white chocolate and cranberry & plain scones served with Devonshire clotted cream, homemade strawberry preserve and Lemon curd squeeze tube. We were also able to add freeze-dried raspberry, freeze-dried pineapple, and crunchy caramel toppings.

The Chicken with basil & lemon mayonnaise and Truffle egg mayonnaise buns were packed full of irresistible flavour and tasty textures.

Science Afternoon Tea is served from 12.30-9.00pm, Monday to Saturday and 12.30-6pm on Sundays. £39.50pp or £49.50pp with a glass of champagne.

If you’d like to try this Science Afternoon Tea with a twist, The Drawing Rooms also offers a tipsy Science Teapot Tales menu which sees afternoon tea favourites served alongside a cocktail flight including Darwin’s Draught – a refreshing mix of Lalani & Co Earl Grey infused Chase vodka, Kamm & Sons, cucumber, apple and ginger.

Also on the cocktail flight is Marie Cure-All – Lalani & Co Premium Genmaicha infused rum with Aperol, Antica Formula & Amer Picon – will be served alongside perennial afternoon tea favourites. The Science Teapot Tales menu is served from 12.30-9.00pm, Monday to Saturday and 12.30-6pm on Sundays. £49.50pp.

For a playful Kid’s Sci-Fi Tea menuThe Kid’s Sci-Fi Tea adds an immersive twist to the Science Afternoon Tea. Served on brightly coloured rocket stands, the menu offers a special selection of children’s favourites.

These include mini hot dogs, and kids are encouraged to experiment by topping white chocolate & cranberry scones with lemon curd served in squeeze tubes, freeze-dried raspberry pieces & crunchy caramel balls.

Kid’s Sci-Fi Tea is served from 12.30-9.00pm, Monday to Saturday and 12.30-6pm on Sundays. £29.50pp.

The Ampersand Hotel
10 Harrington Rd, Kensington, London SW7 3ER
+44 (0) 207 589 5895
ampersandhotel.com/whats-on/luxury-afternoon-tea
@ampersandhotel

The newly opened Toomai Square in Greenwich brings bold pan-Asian cooking to the heart of the borough. The family-run restaurant – which also offers takeaway – combines much-loved Thai, Chinese, Malaysian and Indonesian classics on one menu, with healthy options and bespoke cocktails to boot.

The restaurant was set up by Executive Chef Bhola Prasad & his brother Kumar Sunil who come from a small village in Northeast India.

Toomai Square is fast becoming a go-to destination for families with its vibrant and varied menu and options to please everyone. It’s also a great destination for city workers looking for after-work dinner and drinks.

Toomai Square is not just a dining destination for top-notch Asian food. Guests can enjoy Toomai twists on favourites thanks to their creative cocktail menu and the wine lists boasts labels for all budgets and a large selection of Japanese whiskies and well-known spirits makes the restaurant yet more appealing as a destination for pre-dinner drinks.

We started our evening at Toomai Square with a cocktail and a snack before being brought a selection of dishes especially chosen by the chef. For those who like juicy chicken wings to whet their appetite, you can’t go wrong with these.

It was also nice to try the non alcoholic mocktail Bee Good which is a delightful combination of fresh blueberries, pomegranate juice and ginger accompanied by a very much alcoholic Pornstar Martini. This signature cocktail certainly started the evening with a bang!

Ingredients are of the highest quality, with dishes that even Asian cuisine connoisseurs would be impressed by. The flavour-packed menu includes lollipop chicken to fire up your meal. These pieces of chicken are fried in batter served with hot garlic sauce. We also highly recommend the calamari – it’s traditional and a far cry from the battered calamari you see on most menus. The standard of the food at Toomai Square tantalises your taste buds from the very first bite.

Unexpectedly the star of the show was the honey chilli vegetable patties with honey and sesame chilli sauce. It would be criminal not to order these… even carnivores love them.

For mains, chef’s specials like Lobster Yellow Curry, Vegetarian or Chicken Laksa and Lamb Shank Massaman are sure to impress, while a full Thai curry and noodle menu adds even more choice.

Sticking with a chilli theme, our next dish was this chilli chicken which is generous enough to order as a main course as a good alternative for vegetarian diners would be the chilli paneer.

Any fitness enthusiasts will be pleased to see dedicated ‘healthy choice’ options, including Thai-style soups and an enticing salad menu. Those who like a lighter option should try the dim sum dishes served with a sweet soy sauce. We had the delicious handmade steamed dumpling with a succulent prawn filling.

Those who want meatier options should go for the chilli lamb. Compared to the previous chilli dishes, this dish had a peppery heat which added variety to the feast of flavours during our meal at Toomai Square.

The SLOAN! team love curries so we ordered a chicken green curry… a prawn panang curry…. and a lamb shank massaman curry. And the winner was… the lamb massaman curry.

This was arguably one of the best massaman curries we have ever reviewed. It even converted a massaman curry hater into a massaman curry fan. The massaman curry is made with lamb, potatoes & nuts, garnished with flaked almond & pickled onions.

Guests won’t want to miss out on the brothers’ signature Pad Thai – a traditionally made dish showcasing their experience and travels around Asia. Another noodle dish we recommend is the top quality Singapore noodles.

For lovers of Thai food, the Panang curry will not disappoint with its fresh green vegetables and succulent prawns. It delighted the senses.

Making the most of the breadth of the Pan Asian menu at Toomai Sqaure, we couldn’t resist the Chicken Green Curry with fresh green vegetables.

What a lovely selection of dishes from the talented chefs at Toomai Square restaurant in Greenwich.

The black cod was nice but the curries definitely stole the show.

The SLOAN! team didn’t partake in dessert and those who are thinking of lunching here there are some delicious lighter options and salads on offer. There really is something for everyone.

But Toomai’s unrivalled offering doesn’t end in the restaurant. The menu is available for takeaway too – perfect for busy Londoners who want refined Asian food but don’t feel like eating in.

Restaurant owner, Kumar Sunil, says: “Our restaurant’s cuisine is created by the marriage between Chinese cooking methods (stir-frying small cuts of meat and veggies on high heat), Indian flavours (hot, spicy, sweet and sour) and Thai freshness/exoticness, creating the perfect symphony of flavours.”

Kumar added, “Our cuisine is a simple yet clever combination of Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into that je ne sais quoi.”

Toomai Square
5-6 Lambarde Square, London SE10 9GB
0208 066 1199
www.toomaisquare.co.uk
@toomaisquareuk

It’s time to celebrate the most wonderful time of year with the Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane.  This quintessentially British tradition with a Yuletide twist is one we love to do.

Offering a cosy retreat from Christmas shopping and the merriments of Hyde Park, the Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane offers three tiers of seasonal delights incorporating a host of festive themed sweet treats such as white chocolate ganache macaron, coconut and mango yule log and an iced shortbread snowman.

We arrived at London Hilton on Park Lane and made our way to Podium Restaurant to try the much anticipated Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea. Setting the jovial tone, the special delicacies of the Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane provide the perfect opportunity to embrace the magic of Christmas whilst sipping an indulgent glass of Pommery Champagne or enjoying a comforting cup of Twinings tea available in black, green and white teas in addition to fruity infusions.

We started off with a festive twist enjoying a super-fruity tea which was a deliciously juicy and mouthwatering blend. Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane had already got the thumbs up from our table before the first bite had even happened!

The Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea menu at London Hilton on Park Lane includes an assortment of freshly prepared festive open sandwiches which are something a little different yet still luxurious and indulgent with each bite enticing you back for another taste.

There is plenty of variety as well with options including seafood favourites such as Smoked salmon & horseradish cream alongside Prawn cocktail & lettuce together with the classic teatime treat of Cucumber, chive & cream cheese sandwiches all served on malt bread. We also loved the meatier options of Coronation chicken with curry & pineapple in addition to Ham, tomato chutney, mustard & cress brought to you on ciabatta bread making for a mix of textures and flavours to keep your taste buds tantalised!

A definite must for those with a sweet tooth, Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane offers cakes and pastries which not only look good but they taste heavenly. These include an Iced shortbread snowman alongside Raspberry & strawberry parfait with appetising miniature fancies such as Praline & milk chocolate sphere, Coconut & mango log, White chocolate ganache macaron and Chocolate & mandarin tart.

Executive Head Chef Anthony Marshall has created the Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea with the able assistance of his pastry chefs Emmanuel Bonneau and Sam Leatherby who were crowned winners of winners of Bake Off: The Professionals 2018. Even a Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea would not be complete with the scones.

Emmanuel and Sam – the award-winning pastry chefs at London Hilton on Park Lane – offer teatime guests a unique choice of freshly baked chocolate chip scones in addition to the more traditional plain and raisin scones served with Dorset Clotted Cream and strawberry jam plus the unusual but delicious option of Salted caramel spread for an interesting twist to the usual fare one encounters at other Afternoon Teas in London.

The Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane is a great way to satisfy those sugar cravings and get into the Christmas spirit whether you are catching up with friends or embarking on a romantic date with a quintessentially British theme.

Located in the heart of Mayfair, London Hilton on Park Lane is a charming destination to visit at any time of year. Situated minutes away from The Strand and the West End’s famous bars and landmarks, it is the ideal venue to escape this Christmas.

The beautifully presented selection of tempting delicacies served at the Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane is available for just £39 per person on weekdays from 2pm to 5pm and from 12.30pm to 5pm Saturday and Sunday with the upgrade to a Royal Afternoon Tea with a glass of champagne for £49.00.

Podium Restaurant
London Hilton on Park Lane
22 Park Lane, London W1K 1BE
020 7208 4022
info@podiumrestaurant.com
www.podiumrestaurant.com
@londonhiltonpl

Heliot Steak House is an award-winning steak restaurant located inside The Hippodrome, in the heart of London’s West End. In addition to the decadent dining to be had, there is also a wealth of entertainment available 24-hours a day. The 180-seat cabaret theatre hosts the best jazz, swing, soul, cabaret and burlesque acts from Wednesday through to Saturday night and the casino offers three floors of gaming with a designated poker deck.

The restaurant is named after one of the first acts to play at the Hippodrome, the tenacious lion tamer Claire Heliot, who was famous worldwide for feeding raw meat to lions on stage and was often described as one of the most thrilling acts ever seen.

The restaurant enjoys a rare view looking out into the casino’s three gaming floors and is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal in a fun environment followed by a show in the 180-seat music and cabaret theatre or a drink in one of the building’s six bars. Head Chef Ioannis Grammenos – named as the world’s first Meatologist – oversees the menu at Heliot Steak House.

All the steaks at Heliot Steak House are USDA Prime 3-year-old grain fed beef of the highest quality. Less than two per cent of all beef from the US receives the Prime designation. After starting with the best beef, the steaks are aged for a minimum of four to six weeks for tenderness and flavour, then the meat is trimmed and seasoned before hitting the flame-grill to be cooked to your liking.

The menu at Heliot Steak House offers a selection of dishes created for each season inspired by classic American cuisine with touches of lighter European ingredients used in the starter dishes, grills and fish main courses.

The highlight of the menu are the signature 28-day aged USDA prime steaks, which are available in nine different classic cuts including fillet and T-bone. Each steak is aged for between four and six weeks to develop tenderness and flavour before being flame-grilled to perfection under the watchful eye of Head Chef Ioannis Grammenos.

Diners can choose from a wide variety of traditional and innovative sauces, including blue cheese butter and spicy peanut butter, and toppings including roasted bone marrow and lobster tail, to complement.

The foie gras comes with apple puree, peach saffron and caramelised hazelnuts. The dish uses the mix of flavours and textures to create a delightful series of tastes supporting the main star the show the decadent foie gras.

Heliot’s grilled octopus with crayfish & charcoal mayonnaise is a dish not to be missed. The plate is enticing to the eye and the mix of the flavours combine well to create a seafood explosion in the mouth

Head Chef Ioannis Grammenos is starting a steak revolution teaching people to cook meat in a series of Meatology masterclasses that will take place throughout the year and which will educate meat lovers on how to cook the perfect steak as well as how to prepare the beef and use all the various cuts.

One of Head Chef Ioannis Grammenos signature dishes his Chateaubriand with crispy soft-shell crab, roast bone marrow and chimichurri sauce is a dish for any discerning steak lover. This dish brings together the land and sea to give you a variety of delectable flavours that will keep you entertained throughout.

For those not wanting to part take in meat Heliot also has seafood options we tried the pan-fried salmon with salsify saffron and Jacquart Champagne sauce.

The dessert menu is presented with a dramatic flair befitting the history of The Hippodrome, which was established in 1900 and has a rich history, playing host to stars such as Harry Houdini, Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland and The Jackson 5. Those with a sweet tooth can opt for the White Russian Cheesecake complete with smoky special effects.

Other opulent creations include the Charlotte – a delicate chocolate mousse served with dulche de leche ice cream & hot chocolate sauce – or the raspberry meringue accompanied by lemon sorbet & candy floss. Each dessert can also be paired with a dessert wine, chosen by the in-house sommelier.

With a range of around-the-clock menus to accompany the 24-hour mix of gaming and entertainment available in the venue, Heliot Steak House caters for all guests’ needs from midday brunch through to midnight steaks. This deliciously different dining destination offers one of the best nights out in London, a winning combination of high-quality steak and top notch entertainment all under one roof.

Heliot Steak House
The Hippodrome Casino, 10-14 Cranbourn Street, London, WC2H 7JH
0207 769 8844
www.hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-bars-lounges
@heliotsteakhouse

This November, the team behind the modern steakhouse, The Jones Family will be celebrating Thanksgiving with a special menu at both of their restaurants in Shoreditch and Belgravia. From Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 November, they’ll be sharing thanks with a three-course dinner, paired with cocktails inspired by timeless US anthems that celebrate four classic US harvest fruits: apple, blueberry, grape and cranberry. Plus there’ll be some food for thought on the table when the culinary traditions of The North and The South are put to the test for dessert. We hotfooted it to nearby Belgravia to give thanks for The Jones Family’s Thankgiving menu!

Historically, Thanksgiving was a three-day celebration so The Jones Family have decided to spread the tradition over three evenings. The paired cocktail menu option starts off with an ode to Guns n’ Roses in the form of Bad Apples: a cocktail made with Wild Turkey Straight Rye, Laird’s applejack, pumpkin butter, lemon, sugar and bitters.

The first course, Cream of Squash Soup with Pumpkin Seeds & Winter Truffle, is paired with Forever in Blue Jeans – a cocktail inspired by the iconic Neil Diamond song. Made with Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, Aperol, sweet vermouth, blueberry and sugar, the vanilla spice notes of the bourbon brings out the texture and sweetness of the squash.

But, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving, or as others fondly call it, Turkey Day, without America’s favourite bird. A beautiful roast turkey will be served for the main course and the team at Jones haven’t held back on the trimmings: buttermilk mash, greens, sprouts, garlic buttered breadcrumbs, lashings of gravy, Jones’ Thanksgiving stuffing, and not forgetting a side of cranberry sauce.

For this course, the Jones wine team looked to The Mamas & The Papas, California Dreamin’ to inspire their drinks pairing: a 2014 Truchard Chardonnay, from Carneros, Napa Valley, California. An attractive, crisp oaky nose of apple and lime with a good acidity to bind together the ripe melon and citrus fruit with the creamy texture – a perfect accompaniment to the rich flavours of the main course.

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Then to finish, the ultimate American Pie! America is a cornucopia of culinary traditions and the flavour of a Thanksgiving pie has always been a North vs. South debate: Pumpkin or Pecan? The Jones Family leaves it to you decide offering you the chance to sink your teeth into both Anna’s Pumpkin Pie with double cream and Lizzy’s Pecan Pie with nougat & cranberries.

Sip on Sweet Bitter Love, a digestif designed with the late, great, Aretha Franklin in mind, made with Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, sherry, cranberry, pineapple and sherry vinegar, perfect for the sweet tooth.

The Thanksgiving feast is £35 per person or £70 per person with drinks pairings and will run every evening from Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 November at The Jones Family Kitchen. As you’d expect, bookings are essential and the dinner must be ordered beforehand by emailing the restaurant. Further details below.

The Jones Family Kitchen
7-8 Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9NF
+44(0)20 3929 6000
bookbelgravia@jonesfamilykitchen.co.uk
www.jonesfamilykitchen.co.uk
@jonesbelgravia