Tag Archives: eating out

Bills Putney Restaurant Review

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We had heard amazing things about Bills in Putney. Our neighbours recommended their breakfast, saying it was ‘first rate’. Of course this meant we went in with high expectations. Which always makes it harder for a restaurant to impress.

The restaurant was very busy, all of Putney seemed to be here. We had a look at the menu and it looked great. As did the decor, the shelves were filled with product from Bills.

We started off with the Bill’s Prawn And Avocado Cocktail with spicy salsa and cocktail sauce with deep fried tiger prawns, ciabatta crisps and lemon.  It looks superb and is very unique. However, I misjudged quite how spicy it would be and I couldn’t eat all of it. There could also be more avocado.

My colleague had the Crispy Duck Salad: spring onions, apple, radish, red pepper, coriander and watercress with a soy and lemon dressing. The salad was okay but not hugely impressive. It was quite bland and needed more dressing. billsprawncocktail billssaladFor mains we had Bill’s Fish Pie: queen scallops, smoked haddock, salmon, tiger prawns, peas and baby onions topped with an English mustard and cheddar mash.  The pie is very good with a generous variety of ingredients.

My colleague had ‘Sugar and Spice’ Marinated Half Chicken served with a Curried Slaw and Sweet Potato Fries. This was also good, the sweet potato fries were amazing in particular. We were very impressed with the mains after our so-so starters. Everything at Bills seems quite unique and has a twist. They make brave choices which sometimes work and sometimes don’t, obviously depending on a persons taste. Bills is a good place for something unique and different however.

billsfishpie billsFor our dessert we had amazing warm cinnamon mini doughnuts with strawberries and a chocolate sauce- they were amazing. My colleague had lemon meringue pie cheesecake in a glass, with yogurt ice cream, which was also good.

billsdoughnuts bills1

146-148 Putney High St, London SW15 1RR
020 8780 2818

 

Where To Spend Valentine’s Day

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Bespoke Valentine’s Day menu at Michelin starred restaurant Launceston Place

 

Head chef, Tim Allen from Launceston Place, will be creating a bespoke menu for one couple this Valentine’s Day. Upon booking, the couple will have the exclusive opportunity to have their ultimate menu created by Michelin starred Tim Allen, featuring their loved ones most desired dishes and favourite foods. The couple will enjoy their meal with the luxury of privacy in the romantic Chef’s Office, with each course served to them personally by Chef Allen. In addition to this, Launceston Place’s head sommelier will work with the couple to choose the perfect accompanying aperitif and wines to complement the bespoke menu. With a minimum spend price tag of £500, this unique experience is one of London’s most lavish ways to spoil your other half this Valentine’s Day. For more information or to book this bespoke experience contact 020 7937 6912 or email Ruth (ruthb@danddlondon.com). www.launcestonplace-restaurant.co.uk/offer/valentine-s-day-experience/1648

 

LOVE IS IN THE AIR THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT ZINC
This VALENTINE’S, brand new nightclub Zinc will throw a Valentine’s party where people could find love in the air at the summit of the iconic Centre Point building. Already becoming renowned for its world class DJs playing a unique blend of beach house, melodic, hard house and electro and a 24-hour license, Zinc will host a Valentines’ Party that looks set to be both a musical and visual feast. Guests can enjoy a Valentine’s cocktail, world class DJs and the chance to find love above the clouds!

Love is in the Air at Zinc

Friday 14th February 2014
10pm-4am
£55 per person
East Side tables: £1500
West Side tables: £500
Zinc
Centre Point
101-103 New Oxford Street
London , WC1A 1DD
www.zinc.uk.net

 

Share the love at Benares

 

To celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Benares, Atul Kochhar’s Michelin starred Indian restaurant, will be offering a five course Valentine’s Day menu designed for sharing. Couples will begin their evening with a specially created Champagne cocktail before tucking into dishes such as pan roasted Scottish scallops, ginger and grape dressing, classic tandoori organic free range Suffolk chicken for two, red onion salad, olive and tomato naan and Atul’s re-invented cream roll with strawberries.

 

The Benares Chef’s Table, an exquisite private dining space, is also available for an evening of Valentine’s indulgence. After being welcomed with a glass of Champagne and a special gift from Benares, couples will be treated to a six course tasting menu with perfectly matched wines whilst watching the chefs in action through a glass wall.

 

The Valentine’s Day menu is available on Friday 14th from 6.30pm for £75 per person, or at lunch and before 6.30pm for £50 per person. The Chef’s table package is priced upon enquiry.  www.BenaresRestaurant.com

 

CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE AMPERSAND HOTEL

Deluxe Studios from £280

Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea from £32.50 per person

 

A romantic break in London is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift and a stay at The Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington, is sure to woo loved ones. Guests looking for the wow-factor should book a Deluxe Studio; complete with king size bed, a grand freestanding bath and impressive views of London. With its stunning botanical themed interior, love is sure to bloom.

 

Once settled in, guests can choose to enjoy a Champagne Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in the privacy of their guestroom.  The Ampersand Hotel ensures a soupçon of romance is sprinkled throughout the guests’ experience, from the book of love poetry placed in guest rooms to the love note that guests are encouraged to pen to their loved one prior to thestay; left on the guests’ bed as an additional surprise.

 

VALENTINE’S DAY FOR SINGLES

Ensuring that it’s not just couples that have all the fun on Valentine’s Day, The Ampersand Hotel will also be serving Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Rooms; perfect for a group of friends.

 

APERO

For a relaxed Valentine’s Day meal, head to Apero and enjoy the delicious sharing menu created by Head Chef Chris Golding. Located in the original 19th century vault below the luxurious décor of The Ampersand Hotel, Apero offers a taste of the Mediterranean with a tempting menu of sharing plates and cocktails.

 

The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER

http://www.ampersandhotel.com/

 

Valentine’s Day Special at Plum + Spilt Milk

Enjoy this Valentine’s Day at Plum + Spilt Milk, located in the renovated and incredibly decadent Great Northern Hotel. Priced at £65 per person, their delicious sharing menu includes a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne on arrival, a Native Seafood Platter, 32 Day Aged Beef Wellington and Chocolate Fondue. www.plumandspiltmilk.com/

 

Copa de Cava (located beneath Camino Restaurant Blackfriars)

Enjoy perfect pairings of cava and tapas at Copa de Cava; the UK’s first authentic cava bar, this Valentine’s Day. Priced at £60 per person, their specially designed menu combines six authentic cava’s each carefully paired with accompanying tapas dishes including the Presa Ibérica; a succulent shoulder of rare Ibérico pig, creamy pearl barley, Ibérico ham and Manchego. For anyone with a sweet tooth the Crema Catalana; cinnamon custard foam, crispy caramel and freeze dried raspberry, is the perfect end to a romantic evening. www.camino.uk.com/restaurants/copa-de-cava/

 

Valentine’s Menu at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘seaside restaurant in the City’. Priced at £65 per person, Bonnie Gull has created a unique Valentine’s taster menu including champagne and oysters, halibut, venison as well as a selection of sweet treats. To view the full menu and to keep up to date, please follow the team here. www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Gull/202711063100754?fref=ts www.bonniegull.com/

 

HONK IF YOU’RE HORNY THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT HONKY TONK
Valentine’s day is just around the corner but fear not singletons, Honky Tonk has the answer to all your prayers. This year come and join the singles party on 14th February at both Honky Tonk Chelsea & Honky Tonk Clapham and Honky If You’re Horny! Each table will have a very special cupids horn on it and when you see a certain someone who catches your eye, give it a good squeeze & let them know that they could be your valentine’s this year!

For those attending the party at Honky Tonk Clapham the wheel of fortune will also be transformed into the wheel of love where you can win a shot and other prizes to give to the lucky lady or lad who you may have your eye on. So come down and celebrate Valentine’s day the Honky Tonk way.

Both Honky Tonks are rapidly becoming West London’s destination diners of choice. They offer regular live music and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on a variation of the blues, jazz and rockabilly played over a hundred years ago when the first honky tonks sprung up in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

Honky Tonk Valentine’s day
Friday 14th February 2014

Honky Tonk Chelsea
6 Hollywood Road,
London
SW10 9HY
Tel: 0207 351 1588

Opening Times: Tues- Sat, 6pm-12.30am

Honky Tonk Clapham
16a Clapham Common South Side,
London
SW4 7AB
Tel: 020 7627 6257
W: www.honkytonklondon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honkytonk.clapham/
Twitter: @honkytonklondon
Opening Times: Monday-Wednesday 5 pm to 12 pm, Thurs 5pm -1am,
Friday 5pm-1.30 am, Sat 12pm- 2am, Sunday12pm-11.30pm

 

FISHBone pop-up diner at Kensington Place

Inspired by the restaurant’s hit summer menu, Kensington Place in Notting Hill will transform its private dining room into a pop-up diner of the same name this February. Dishes will include a range of ‘fast-fish’ dishes, including Salmon ‘doner’ with pitta, cucumber and yoghurt and Pulled skate with beurre noisette and capers, alongside the classic Scallopdog with brown shrimp and cucumber vierge. White wine sangria, hot and cold sake and a selection of British beers and spirits make up the drinks list. Seating only 36 diners, FISHbone will be a quirky and informal addition to the West London dining scene. www.kensingtonplace-restaurant.co.uk/offer/fishbone-pop-up-coming-soon/1640

 

Get hooked on Angler at South Place Hotel this Valentine’s Day

 

Feed your romance at the Michelin-starred restaurant Angler, located in The City atop the cool and contemporary South Place Hotel, a rose-petal trail away from Liverpool Street station. With stunning views of the London skyline, the award winning Angler is a gourmet dining experience to share with your other half. The restaurant will be serving a decadent Valentine’s Day set menu on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February, priced at £85 per person, prepared by Executive Chef Tony Fleming. The simple yet sophisticated six course menu will feature the best of British seafood sourced from across the British Isles. The beautifully presented dishes include carpaccio of octopus, served with a salad of squid and mango, with soy and ginger dressing; fillet of brill with ragout of squid, fennel puree and sea purslane; and milk chocolate mousse with blood orange to share.

 

Couples wanting to completely escape can indulge with the “Chef’s View package” which includes dining in Angler’s Chef’s View to watch the skilled team at work, while taking in the venue’s beautiful interiors and signature mirrored ceilings. Guests can tuck into a personalised menu created by Tony himself and take advantage of their own dedicated sommelier for the evening, before staying overnight in South Place Hotel’s luxury Suite 610: a chic open-plan living space filled with design classics and saucy artwork, whilst offering panoramic City views and did we mention the glass bathtub? The offer is priced at £1,370 and also includes a bottle of Moet Champagne on arrival, homemade chocolate truffles and rose petals on the bed at turn down.

http://anglerrestaurant.com/

 

Copa de Cava

 

For true romance this Valentine’s Day, enjoy perfect pairings of cava and tapas at the beautiful Copa de Cava, the UK’s first dedicated cava bar. Priced at £60 per person, their tasting menu carefully matches six of the best cavas from Spain with creative and authentic tapas. From Presa Ibérica and hand carved jamón, to seafood and cheeses, to a deliciously sweet Crema Catalana, you’ll enjoy a romantic voyage of discovery through Spain’s incredible food and wine producing regions.

 

Call 0207 125 0930 or email reservationscopadecava@camino.uk.com to book a table. Copa de Cava is located a minute from Blackfriars station and 5 minutes from St Pauls.

 

Valentine’s Day Special at Plum + Spilt Milk

 

This Valentine’s Day, Plum + Spilt Milk are offering a delicious sharing menu for two priced at £65 per person including a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne on arrival, a Native Seafood Platter, 32 Day Aged Beef Wellington and Chocolate Fondue. Located in the newly renovated and incredibly decadent Great Northern Hotel, it is the perfect setting.

 

http://plumandspiltmilk.com

 

Valentine’s Menu at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack

 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘seaside restaurant in the City’. Priced at £65 per person, Bonnie Gull has created a unique Valentine’s taster menu including champagne and oysters, halibut, venison as well as a selection of sweet treats. To view the full menu and to keep up to date, please follow the team here. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Gull/202711063100754?fref=ts

Pont de la Tour – #PontMemories

 

Iconic Butlers Wharf restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour, has started its Valentine’s Day celebrations early, by running a social media campaign called #PontMemories. They are calling for diners past and present to share happy memories of times spent at the restaurant for a chance to win a complimentary glass of champagne over Valentine’s weekend. In addition, one lucky couple will win a complimentary meal. www.lepontdelatour.co.uk

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Ametsa at The Halkin by COMO

 

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year by treating your other half to an eight course tasting menu at the Michelin starred Ametsa with Arzak Instruction which specialises in exquisite New Basque Cuisine. The set menu is priced at £105 per person, and at £145 per person with matching wines.

 

Couples looking for a more casual way to spend the evening can enjoy “Love Bites”, a selection of Ametsa’s delicious Basque tapas dishes served in the cosy Halkin Bar. Priced at £24.50 per person, the menu includes mini desserts and wine pairings. Ametsa is located in the refined and luxurious Halkin by COMO, in London’s Belgravia. For bookings please contact Ametsa on 020 7333 1234 or email ametsa.thehalkin@comohotels.com. www.comohotels.com/thehalkin/dining/ametsa

 

Shake Shack’s “Valentine”

 

This Valentine’s Day Shake Shack customers will be given a Shake Shack “Valentine” voucher for a complimentary single cup or cone of their legendary frozen custard.

Dense, rich and creamy ice cream, spun fresh daily right at the Shack, the frozen custard can be redeemed on their next visit through to 31st March 2014. Any couples dining on the day will also be offered a complimentary glass of prosecco.  Happy Valentine’s from the team at Shake Shack!

www.shakeshack.co.uk

 

Valentine’s at Vertigo 42

 

This Valentine’s Day couples can enjoy a romantic afternoon tea at London’s highest Champagne bar Vertigo 42. A selection of finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats can be enjoyed with tea, toasted with a glass of Palmer Rose pink Champagne for £40 per person.

 

Vertigo 42 is also offering a Valentine’s evening package of a bottle of Palmer Rose Champagne, a canapé sharing platter for two and a selection of macaroons. Served with breathtaking views of the City skyline for £150 per couple. http://www.vertigo42.co.uk/

 

Fashion Meets Food As Yauatcha & Harvey Nichols Team Up for Chinese New Year

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This February sees a unique twist on Chinese New Year with an exclusive collaboration between Michelin-starred Chinese dim sum teahouse Yauatcha, by the internationally acclaimed Hakkasan group, and global luxury fashion destination Harvey Nichols. Renowned for their fantastical and elaborate store windows, the Harvey Nichols visual display team have designed a spectacular one-off window display, to be exhibited at Yauatcha in Soho from 20th January to 10th February.

chinesenewyear

Inspired by the Chinese tradition of spreading luck by gifting friends and family red envelopes containing money, Yauatcha and Harvey Nichols designed the display to capture the essence and ethos of Chinese New Year, the most auspicious date in the Chinese calendar. As 2014 is the Year of the Horse, the creation focuses around a large red origami-style Perspex horse jumping into the front window, with a flowing mane and tail brought to life with almost 1,000 bright red folded envelopes, hand made by luxury paper merchant GFSmith. The window display will extend back into the restaurant, with red paper envelopes flying from the horse and forming patterns in the air above and around guests. Smaller origami horses will also appear along the front and side windows.

 

Throughout the collaboration each guest at Yauatcha will receive a red envelope containing vouchers for fashion and beauty treats, along with a bespoke Chinese New Year cocktail created by the Yauatcha and Harvey Nichols bar managers and available at the Fifth Floor Bar. During the campaign eight special golden tickets will be given to guests at random, containing lavish prizes such as meals and cocktail masterclasses at Yauatcha and makeovers at Harvey Nichols.

 

In addition, Hakkasan group’s Executive Pastry Chef Graham Hornigold has created bespoke macarons and petits gateaux, which will be added to the existing array of award-winning desserts, macarons and handmade chocolates. The limited edition flavours include:

 

Red Macarons depicting the Chinese character for the Year of the Horse, filled with mandarin ganache and mandarin pâte de fruit. Mandarins are traditionally given at Chinese New Year, and symbolise luck and fortune.

Red Petits Gateaux in the shape of a traditional Chinese New Year lantern, depicting the Chinese character for the Year of the Horse. A jasmine mousse filled with a honey panna cotta centre, with caramelised mandarins and sesame brittle. The mandarins symbolise luck and fortune, the sesame seeds fertility.

 

Price: Macarons – £1.60 each, £9 per 6 pieces, £18 per 12 pieces. Petits gateaux – £5.90 (retail), £8.50 (a la carte).

Guests at Yauatcha on the afternoon of Sunday 2nd February will view the spectacle of the traditional Chinese dragon dance, with the raucous theatrical procession of the dragon visiting every table with its colourful and noisy celebratory performance.

 

Honest Burgers Restaurant Review

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My first thought of Honest Burgers’ new restaurant in King’s Cross? How much it feels like being on a boat – all thanks to the shape of the building and the big windows. It’s cosy, with brilliant views for people-watching. Inside, it is stylish – stripped back, but not bare. The place is packed with a variety of people, girlfriends catching up, couples, and, of course, people just wanting a good burger. It is busy, buzzing and feels like the place to be.rose hawaiianbeer

The staff are helpful and passionate about the place. Always a good sign. We order a rose, the Plumpton Estate Rose, England, and a Hawaiian ale, the Kona Big Wave Golden Ale. The rose comes in a normal glass, which I thought was a great touch. Even better; the beer comes in a mini tankard. It’s pretty cool. The rose is a wonderful colour with perfect balance. The ale comes in an ice-cold glass and is clean, light and refreshing with a great flavour. Later, my coke comes in the can with a straw. It is all these little touches that make Honest Burgers great, and I haven’t even gotten to the food yet….< chicken chickenburger tribute tributeburger

I order a Tribute and my colleague orders a chicken burger. The chicken is free-range and comes with lettuce, tomato and mustard mayonnaise. The chicken is succulent and fresh, the mustard mayo is delicious and not too overpowering. My colleague described the bun as ‘crispy tasty’ and declared the burger ‘amazing’.

The Tribute is Ginger Pig Dry Aged Beef, cooked medium-rare (pink in the middle – one of the reasons it tastes so damn good) with bacon, American cheese, burger sauce, French’s mustard, pickles, onion and lettuce. Phew. It is, quite simply, the best burger I have ever had in my life. Fresh ingredients, great ingredients. Everything really works and I haven’t even gotten to the chips yet.

Each burger comes with a huge serving of house chips. A serving of what are, frankly, the best chips EVER. I am told a lot of effort was put into making sure that the burgers and the chips were equally as good, and they really have managed to pull it off. The chips are perfectly cooked and dusted with rosemary salt. They are full of flavour, well seasoned and a beautiful, crispy texture. Just writing this makes me dream of them.

Honest Burgers is expanding all the time, with the King’s Cross branch opening as recently as December 12th. I really hope they continue to grow, because frankly, everyone needs an Honest Burgers near them. They really don’t compare to any other burger restaurant I have ever been to. The best burgers and the best chips in town, along with a good selection of drinks.

I will definitely be back.

Honest was started by foodie entrepreneurs, Dorian Waite and Tom Barton,fresh out of uni in 2011 and has grown from an outside catering company to five incredibly successful restaurants in just two years. Honest isn’t simply a fad or a knee-jerk reaction to a consumer trend either, Honest champions the use of great British produce and stands by its name – everything from the food to the decor is completely stripped back and honest. The only thing to go into the burgers is beef, salt and pepper. That’s it.

honestburgers

With Honest’s Kings Cross restaurant situated just seconds away from the huge catchment area of Kings Cross station, and their largest site to date, it’s clear they have big plans.

Having just secured a £1 million investment from Santander, Honest are looking to expand throughout 2014 and into 2015. Currently London-based, Honest hopes to move past the M25, south into Brighton, or north to Manchester or Leeds.

The Honest website can be found here www.honestburgers.co.uk.

HONEST BURGERS KINGS CROSS

251 PENTONVILLE ROAD,
LONDON N1 9NG
+44 (0)20 3302 3452

Dirty Apron Restaurant Pops Up At Simmons Bar

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Looking for somewhere new to eat? Dirty Apron has teamed up with Simmons Bar to offer you a fun, playful dining experience, serving up a range of delicious home cooked treats that will suit everyone’s palette. At Simmons King’s Cross choose from a range of scrumptious delights including barbecued pulled pork, lamb and harissa meatballs and crispy polenta fries.

Dirty Apron Restaurant Pops Up Simmons Bar - Louis Amore-2 Skull Head Simmons Bar - Louis Amore-The Bar

Dig in to a variety of hot deli sandwiches at Simmons Camden including a Dirty Yanker – pastrami, mayo, Swiss cheese, balsamic cabbage and American mustard. Or go wild with the yummy Dirty Jerk – jerk chicken & plantain with lime and pineapple salsa.  Prop yourself at the vintage school desks and wash these delicious dishes down with a couple of Simmons scrumptious cocktails while they blast out an eclectic mix of music to keep you entertained.

 

Don’t miss out on the Simmons experience get yourself down to both venues on Wednesdays and Thursdays to experience the hearty, healthy food and delightful cocktails for yourself!

 

Dirty Apron pops up at Simmons King’s Cross every Wednesday 12pm – late and at Simmons Camden every Thursday from 5pm – late

Simmons King’s Cross

32 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DT

Opening Times: Sunday to Wednesday 4pm – 12am, Thursday – Saturday 4pm -Late

Simmons Camden

7 Camden high Street, Camden, London, NW1 7JE

Opening Times: Sunday to Wednesday 4pm – 11.30pm, Thursday – Saturday 4pm – Late

www.simmonsbar.co.uk

Twitter: @SimmonsLondon Facebook: SimmonS

The Terrace by Absolute Taste launches in Fenwick, Royal Tunbridge Wells

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Leading bespoke catering and events company Absolute Taste have launched The Terrace, a new restaurant located within the prestigious department store Fenwick, Royal Tunbridge Wells. Absolute Taste managing director Lyndy Redding and her team have worked closely with Fenwick to create a selection of menus showcasing beautiful and locally sourced produce offering breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea daily. Situated on the popular top floor, the stylish restaurant designed by Brinkworth has increased capacity to 220 covers and now offers outdoor seating on the terrace, hence the name. Whether taking in an early breakfast, in preparation for a busy days shopping or a long and lazy afternoon tea with friends, the venue offers fabulous food in a relaxed environment throughout the whole day.

 

Absolute Taste has created a contemporary British menu with a selection of hot and cold favourites. Breakfast is either a quick bite (homemade granola or an Absolute Taste homemade muffin), or, for a more substantial morning meal, indulge on delicious eggs Benedict.  Guests can enjoy main courses such as the signature Fenwick burger, served with Kent cheddar, smoked bacon, portabella mushroom, tomato chutney and hand cut chips or locally caught fish and hand cut chips with homemade mushy peas. A range of salads are available such as endive, bluebell cheese and Kent apple salad served with caramelised pecan nuts and French dressing, and “pizzettes” on offer include gorgonzola, fig and pear topped with rocket. A traditional roast is available every Sunday.

 

The perfect destination for families, The Terrace offers a “Little People’s Menu” with a selection of small versions of classic British favourites such as: miniature pork sausages and mash; and grilled chicken with new potatoes and seasonal vegetables. For pudding, children can be treated to the famous Absolute Taste brownie, served with Taywell’s honeycomb ice cream and honeycomb sauce.

 

Guests visiting for afternoon tea can choose from the counter display piled with delicious homemade cakes, pastries and cookies. A stylish bar serving a range of specially selected wines is the perfect spot for guests to unwind.

 

Absolute Taste is behind some of the most glamourous and high profile parties worldwide. Lyndy Redding and her team work tirelessly to achieve new culinary goals with their distinguished menus ensuring each event is as memorable as the last. Most notably, Absolute Taste catered for the 2012 London Games and The Winter Whites Gala 2013 for Centrepoint hosted by HRH Duke of Cambridge. They have also just been awarded the coveted Event Caterer of the Year at 2013 Catey Awards.

 

www.absolutetaste.com

Fenwick Tunbridge Wells, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge wells, Kent TN1 2SR

Augustus Harris: A Covent Garden Bacaro Launches

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Augustus HarrisThis winter Augustus Harris arrives in Covent Garden. Inspired by the bàcari of Venice, it will serve cicheti and other bar snacks alongside wine and cocktails in the evening, and sell wine and Italian produce during the day. Named after Sir Augustus Harris, the 19th Century manager of the Drury Lane Theatre, the small and intimate bàcaro looks set to be an exciting addition to Covent Garden’s ever-increasing food scene.

Set over two floors and with 35 covers, a curved copper bar will display the cicheti available that day, and wooden shelves will be laden with olive oil, wine, pasta, biscotti and other Italian dry goods, all available to take home. Guests can sit at the bar or by the large windows overlooking Catherine Street and watch the world pass by or head downstairs where the walls are clad with walnut and large bronze mirrors.

Augustus Harris will offer a concise all-Italian wine list and a range of classic cocktails including; Americanos, Negronis, Bellinis and, of course, the Spritz. Guests can enjoy a selection of crostini such as; Capocollo with Artichoke, Porcetta with Taleggio and Herbs and Mackerel with Pickled Red Onion. Simple bar snacks will also be available, including: Fennel, Radish and Orange Salad, Anchovy and Butter Soldiers and Stracciatella Cheese.

Sir Augustus Harris, whose statue stands directly opposite, was considered the father of modern Pantomime and much loved for his lavish productions. His penchant for good food and drink led to him being known as one of the great bon vivants of the time.

Founder Charles McDermott sums its up: “I’’ve always been drawn to Venice and especially the bàcari – they don’t take themselves too seriously and have a great simple and honest attitude to food and wine. I wanted to create a place where you could enjoy beautiful ingredients over a drink and be drawn into the bàcaro experience.”

Augustus Harris
33 Catherine Street
London, WC2B 5JT
Website:www.augustusharris.com
Enquiries: info@augustusharris.com
Twitter: @augustus_harris
Instagram: @augustus_harris

Opening Times
Monday-Thursday: Shop – 12pm – 1130pm | Serving drinks and food: 5pm – 1130pm
Friday-Saturday: Shop – 12pm – 1130pm | Serving drinks and food: 12pm – Midnight

Lima Becomes Europe’s First Michelin Starred Peruvian Restaurant

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It was announced this morning in the 2014 Michelin Guide for UK & Ireland that LIMA restaurant in London’s Fitzrovia has achieved the distinction of becoming the first ever Peruvian restaurant in the UK and Europe to be awarded a coveted Michelin star.

 

The announcement was made at 7.00am this morning by Michelin which is arguably the most revered of all restaurant guides.   Having opened in August 2012 to critical acclaim, LIMA is the creation of executive chef Virgilio Martinez and the Gonzalez brothers. The menu, overseen by Martinez and head chef Robert Ortiz, integrates both traditional and contemporary Peruvian cuisine, representing the gastronomic expansion that has taken place in Peru in recent years.

 

Gabriel Gonzalez, co-owner of LIMA, said, “A Michelin star is an incredible accomplishment. I am so proud of Robert Ortiz and the team at LIMA who work to exceptional standards at every service, and feel this really is a testament to all of our hard work over the past year. To be the first Peruvian restaurant to achieve a star in UK and Europe is a huge accolade.”

 

Having opened only 13 months ago, Lima has undoubtedly played a huge part in the growing recognition and popularity of Peruvian food in the UK.

 

LIMA

31 Rathbone Place

London

W1T 1JH

www.limalondon.com

@Lima_London