Tag Archives: London.

Mews Of Mayfair Restaurant Review

Posted on by

Mews of Mayfair, the British bar and brasserie, is hidden away in the heart of London down a small side street just off Bond street. The main restaurant room has been beautifully decorated and its atmosphere is relaxed.

photo 1 (14)photo 2 (16)

We started our bottomless brunch with a delicious Mimosa and Bellini. They were well made and generous with the alcohol content.

Like many restaurants at the moment Mews is offering limitless refills of Mimosa’s, Bellini’s and Bloody Mary’s at just £15 a head. We certainly approve. Not having to worry too much about cost allows you to get on with enjoying your lunch!

Eggs Benedict

To start with we had an Eggs Benedict. A classic combination and still one of my favourites. As someone who has sampled many versions of this dish I can honestly say this was one of the best I’ve had. It was packed with flavour. The Hollandaise sauce was flawless and when it was combined with the gooey egg yolk, ham and toast it was devine. It really was a treat and the portion was extremely generous as you can see. A perfect start.

photo 4 (8)

Dorset Crab

This dish did a brilliant job of letting the crab, the star of the dish, shine. The crab was very tasty and fresh and the plate brought pack memories of the sea. The crab lay on a slice of toasted brioche. The slight sweetness of the brioche actually worked really well against the meatiness of the crab. The textures were very soft which was surprising but actually worked very well. Another superb dish

photo 3 (10)

Fish and Chips

This was another extremely generous portion, the fish was huge. This was definitely a bottomless brunch. The sweet mushy peas were delicious as was the fantastic fresh tartar sauce. The fish and chips were tasty but didn’t blow us away.

photo 2 (17)

Chicken

The chicken was cooked perfectly. It was very juicy and had a delicious crispy skin. The duck fat roast potatoes were stunning, absolutely perfect. The whole dish was perfectly seasoned and the stuffing and gravy added loads of flavour. Once again the portion was huge. By this stage we were absolutely stuffed. You couldn’t ask for much more from your lunch.

photo 1 (15)

 

Pancake

This pancake was packed with fresh fruit and drizzled with honey. It also came with some delicious cream but it could have done with a bit more sauce of some kind.

photo 3 (11)

 

photo 4 (10)

Eton Mess

Eton mess is one of my favourite puddings. It embodies everything that a good pudding should be. This Eton Mess was made with blackberries. It was light creamy and delicious and went really well with the coulis and meringue crumb. A very good pudding.

We had a wonderful meal and really enjoyed ourselves. Mews had some truly excellent food and the atmosphere and service were perfect. Definitely worth a visit.

 

Mews of Mayfair

10 Lancashire Court, New Bond Street, London W1S 1EY

www.mewsofmayfair.com

facebook.com/mewsofmayfair

@mewsofmayfair

 

3 South Place Bar & Grill Restaurant Review

Posted on by

First thoughts of the South Place Hotel, where 3 South Place Bar & Grill is located, is how classy it is. And quirky, with dismantled mannequins and sophisticated decor. It is both up-market and relaxing. We come to review the bottomless brunch, where Bloody Marys, Bellinis and Proseccos are endless with the 2 or 3 course brunch at the weekend from noon until 4pm. We approve. It is also great value at £20 for two courses or £25 for three courses plus £15 if you want the bottomless brunch. I was very surprised at the price actually, for three courses plus unlimited alcohol in a five star hotel: brilliant value. The staff are excellent; knowing what you want before you do and very helpful. There is a nice warm atmosphere and excellent, modern decor

 

We start with great warm bread and good soft butter that is easy to cut and a Mimosa (orange juice and prosecco) and a Bellini (peach juice and prosecco)

 

For starters we had.

Welsh Rarebit

Rich, creamy, cheese on soft bread. The crunch on the bottom holds texture well. Comes with a tomato and red onion with balsamic dressing. The perfect accompaniment. Acidity of tomatoes and red onion works beautifully against the rich cheese. Simple but excellent.

English Muffin

Poached Egg, Hollandaise sauce, smoked salmon

Excellent egg muffin with a good poached egg, Hollandaise sauce and smoked salmon. Rich and opulent. The muffin is beautiful, a luxurious starter with wonderful lemony hollandaise

 

southplacehotel2

southplacehotel3

southplacehotel

Arnold Bennett omelette

Béchamel Hollandaise sauce, smoked haddock.

It is rich and creamy, the Omelette has a great texture: Perfectly cooked and not overdone; it’s just the right amount of soft. The smoked haddock is fresh and goes amazingly with the lemon.

Bubble & Squeak

poached egg, blythburgh bacon
Perfect eggs with superb presentation. Comes with Crispy, smoky bacon and goes great with the potato and egg.

bubblenadsqueak arnoldbennettomlette

Ice Cream Selection

Rum and Raisin, cookies & cream, blackberry ripple

Amazing ice cream. Really wonderful. Tastes like it is homemade. The cookies and cream has proper cookies, the blackberry ripple is amazing and different and the rum and raisin is very alcoholic and delicious.

Treacle Tart

Clotted cream ice cream

This is amazing. Has a thin and crunchy base, lovely treacle. It is soft and crumbly but holds together well. It is not too sweet
Has an excellent clotted cream ice cream accompaniment.

 

treacletart icecreamselection southplace bellini

Delicious food in a classy venue; it is hard to fault 3 South Place at all, one of the best brunches in London and excellent value to top it all off. We loved it and we will definitely be back.

Address: 3 South Place, London EC2M 2AF
Phone:020 3503 0000
Hotel class: 5 stars

 

Big Easy Covent Garden launching on 17th March

Posted on by

Big Easy Bar.B.Q & Crabshack: the evolution

A new 300-cover, American Bar.B.Q restaurant and bar in Covent Garden

the big easy covent garden

London’s Chelsea institution, Big Easy Bar.B.Q & Crabshack will open a new restaurant in Maiden Lane in March 2014. Taking inspiration from its King’s Road sibling it will offer a serious evolution of the beloved ‘crabshack’ in a more urban West End setting. The new venue will provide the most authentic, American fresh-smoked Bar.B.Q, seafood, cocktail and drinks offer in the UK.

 

In the kitchen taking the coveted and key role of Pit Master will be Pete Daversa, former pit master at Hill Country Barbeque Market in New York. Pete has also worked at Blue Smoke BBQ (NYC and opened in Hong Kong). Big Easy Founder, Paul Corrett’s design vision has been overseen by industry heavyweights Macaulay Sinclair.

 

The site has a formidable history: it is located in a former electrical power station built in 1883, owned by the Gatti Brothers and first used to light their own restaurant, ‘The Adelaide’ on the Strand. On the back of their success in the electricity business , the Gattis’ then formed the Charing Cross & Strand Electricity Supply Company and the site went on to power the first bright lights of the West End. The interior will honour the building’s original heritage, retaining many authentic features, such as copper conduits, brickwork, and steel and concrete girders, complemented by industrial lighting. Exposed timber beams and lots of Big Easy appeal – neon lobsters, Americana and nautical touches will add to the charm – set over three floors and 10,000 sq ft, forming an awe-inspiring space.

 

A central feature will be the striking nine metre theatre-style kitchen situated on the lower ground floor. Focus will be on a ‘wall of fire’, comprising two, 2.5 metre Argentinean-style parilla charcoal grills as well as a two-metre rotisserie spit that will roast whole hogs, and a huge 2.5 metre wood burning oven. A dedicated Bar.B.Q pit area will house two, 1.5 tonne J&R wood burning smokers imported from Texas where meats will all be freshly smoked on the premises using a variety of woods, including Oak, Hickory, Apple and Cherry, for up to 18 hours to impart their unique flavours.  Diners can keep an eye on what has just come out of the smoker via the restaurant’s website and social media.

 

The menu itself will be based around the finest Bar.B.Q pork and beef cuts, rare-breed British steaks and freshest local seafood.  In addition, carefully sourced beef including Wagyu and USDA and traditional-breed pork will be showcased together with what Big Easy is also renowned for – the very best and freshest lobsters. The lobsters will be sourced all year round from Nova Scotia for their consistency, flavour and quality. A specially designed 1500kg lobster tank has been constructed on the premises to house almost 2,000 live lobsters with sizes ranging from 1 to 10 lbs. As always Big Easy’s ever popular daily-changing specials will continue to ensure unparalleled value for money.

 

Big Easy Covent Garden are getting serious about their drinks offering too: situated on the ground floor, will be a jaw-dropping, nine-metre bar, boasting over 500 bottles on nine levels with a focus on domestic and imported premium and American whiskeys, as well as rare tequila, rum, liquor and French and Spanish brandy. Imported, purpose built cocktail machines will dispense frozen Margaritas and other well loved cocktails as well as Manhattans and Old Fashioneds on tap. The bar list will also include ‘Boozy Juices’ and milkshakes with an alcoholic twist and a great list of craft beers including exclusive brews on tap.

 

Big Easy will continue to boast live music seven nights a week with two to three sets a night featuring some great musicians, with perhaps a few stars of the future making an appearance.

 

 

Big Easy Covent Garden
12 Maiden Lane
London

@bigeasylondon #thebiglaunch

www.bigeasycoventgarden.co.uk

Shuttlecock Inc. presents: Rumble: Part Deux

Posted on by

18th – 22nd & 25th – 29th March 2014

rumble 2Shuttlecock Inc. return to London in March with a Gallic spin-off of their sell-out pop-up, Rumble At The Deli… Rumble: Part Deux.

An off-the-wall parody of France’s rich gastronomic tradition, Part Deux will be fronted by Shuttlecock’s latest comedy creation, Arnaud Hérouville-Saint-Clair-Escoffier: great–grandson of culinary legend, Auguste, and chef/proprietor of Parisian institution, La Constellation – so named for its unrivalled string of Michelin stars.

Putting their reputations on the line, Part Deux will see chefs from both sides of the channel battle it out for the chance to scrub the great man’s oven with a toothbrush.

In the line-up of so far are Shuttlecock’s very own Ollie Templeton (Moro), defending champion Max Pasetti (Bocca di Lupo, Trullo), Tom Stracker (The Walnut Tree, The Ledbury, The Dorchester Grill, Heston’s Dinner), Tom Forster (St John, Bocca di Lupo, Trullo, Roberta’s, Chop Shop, Clamato, Septime), Freddy Money (El Bulli, The Dorchester Grill), James Knight (Moro, Barrica, Copita, Quality Chop House) and Ellen Parr (Moro, The Art of Dining).

Once again, the rules are simple:

Three rounds of no-holds-barred culinary one-upmanship

Two guest chefs

One winner

Inspired by some of Arnaud’s most famous recipes and using three key ingredients bought from the market that morning, the two challengers will create their own three-course menu for the evening’s diners, with each course going to a vote when the plates are cleared. Best of three: starter, main, pudding.

The winner soaks up the applause, the loser washes up the pots and pans.

Shuttlecock Inc. are four cousins from the creative Templeton family: Anna, Ollie, Will and Ed who share a wealth of experience from the event, theatre, culinary, cocktail, music and advertising worlds. Last year was their busiest yet, with a string of sell out events including immersive pop-up dining experiences, Mile High, Vieux-Québec, The Great Indian Peninsula Railway and Rumble at The Deli. Following Part Deux they will take their unique travel-themed concept to New York this April.

Allez allez!

Rumble Part Deux
16 Hoxton Square
London
N1 6NT

Tickets can be booked via the following website:

www.shuttlecock-inc.com

@shuttlecockinc

18th – 22nd March
25th – 29th March

£55 tickets for six dishes (three courses from each of the evening’s two chefs) and an apéretif on arrival

Cities At Dawn Workshops: A Photographers Dream

Posted on by
asWe are a huge fan of these Cities At Dawn workshops, they teach you how to capture  London, Paris and Venice at dawn. We have a blog from one half of Cities At Dawn Anthony Epes, (the other half is his wife Diana Bird, both are an incredible, talented team) You can also read about ‘the art of seeing’ which is what Anthony wants to help people develop on the workshops alongside all the technical stuff.

An adventure in Paris By Anthony Epes.

Last week a group of talented, eager and inquisitive amateur photographers joined me in Paris for my first Paris at Dawn workshop. It was a truly incredible, intense and inspiring experience.  After four days they had created a great portfolio of photos, we’d had many conversations about photography and walked miles exploring the beautiful, pretty, epic, gritty and sometimes crazy streets of Paris. There were many bars visited and a good amount of delicious food taken in.

On our first morning we met at 4am when Paris was still heavy in darkness and wandered through the beautiful cobbled streets of Montmartre, past the debris of last night’s fun and the many cafes that line the streets that are usually heaving with people. The winding roads and alleys (and many steps!) took us up to Sacre Coeur. We met people along the way – a group of French revelers intent on continuing the night, a painter I know who was out walking his dog, a few workers on their way home – and as is usual when there is no one else around, people were friendly and chatted to us along the way, curious to find out what we were doing up at such an hour and wanting to see out work.By old Shoreditch Station

The dawn didn’t disappoint. We stood on the hill by Sacre Coeur and watched as Paris was lit up by a red and yellow sun. The group were instantly inspired and a furry of activity, running up and down the steps, trying to capture the amazing dawn light as it changed rapidly. I was there to assist, giving tips and providing guidance.

Dawn gives you a tiny window of opportunity to see some of the most beautiful light of the day, you have to be prepared and you have to be quick. Every dawn is different, sometimes you might have an epic sky for a few hours or you can be waiting for hours and then suddenly for 30 seconds  the sky burst with incredible light, only to vanish in seconds. Be prepared or miss out on the best light of your life. It always gives me a thrill to wait and see what each morning will bring.

The next morning we headed down to Notre Dame on the Seine and Ile St Louis. Sunrise over any river, especially one that has so many beautiful bridges like in Paris, is a good opportunity for great photos . I really enjoyed introducing the group to these iconic places, even though I have been to these spots dozens of times, the beauty of Paris is so incredible that even I manage to get new shots each time I visit. This little stretch of the city is one of my favourite places to shoot, the little lamps by the river, the grand imposing Notre Dame, the pretty little bridges.

cad-6Our Parisian adventure also included lots of technical and composition sessions, and a 1-2-1 with each of  the photographers, for me to look over their portfolios and give them some advice about how they can each develop. I love getting to know each person’s body of work and it helps me when I am out and about to give advice that is specific to them.

We also took an afternoon walk from my apartment in Batignolles along Pigalle and the ‘saucy’ bit of the city (and past the Moulin Rouge, which looks much smaller in real life than one imagines), to Rue Barbes which is a heavily north and West African area with a great French and ethnic market and food shops, through the Sri Lankan area around the gritty Gare du Nord (where the smells of curries and parathas coming from the cafes make your mouth water) across Jardin Villemin, one of those pretty parks the Parisians do so well, and ending up at Canal St Martin a sort of London East-Endish cool area. Design shops, cool bars, a couple of galleries line the canal which is beautiful, especially in the morning with its high green bridges and tall trees. We stopped at Le Comptoir General, a very cool bar/cafe that’s down a little unmarked alley way, and had African street food and some much deserved beer.

The workshop finished up at my apartment on Sunday morning, over an indulgent breakfast of buttery croissants and cad-2chocolaty, custard pasties. We looked over the images the group had got, talked about our experiences and discussed any lingering questions. And then reluctantly, we all left to pack up and go home to our real lives. I found it incredibly inspiring to spend this time with these people who were so curious and interested in discovering Paris, taking photos and building their skills. Being with other people who share your passion is such a pleasure. Talking photos, taking photos, exploring, being together – it’s such a joy. We all came away inspired by each other and of course by Paris, at dawn.

 
Workshop dates for 2014 are:
 

 

cities at dawn cities at dawn cities at dawn cities at dawn

Made In Chelsea Trio Front Row At The Ong-Oaj Pairam Show

Posted on by

ONG-OAJ PAIRAM LAUNCHES NEW AW14 COLLECTION FOLLOWING A SUCESSFUL CATWALK SHOW

British-Thai designer Ong-Oaj Pairam showcased his third season yesterday during a successful runway show at Fashion Scout, Freemasons Hall. The show explored a fascination with danger, dreaming up an army of seductive super villains inspired by the designer’s all-time favourite anti-hero Ursula from the Little Mermaid and was attended by Binky, Louise and Mark from Made In Chelsea.

made in chelsea made in chelsea fashion week

Ong-Oaj uses the finest British textiles and original prints, many pieces accented with hours of hand embroidery. The colour pallet reflects the warning markings of dangerous animals, dark sultry dresses are accented with toxic bright outwear and metallic snakeskin accessories. Ong-Oaj developed his prints drawing on inspiration from the darker works of American modernist artist Charlie Harper, and through an exploration of toxic animals and plants.

 

Where To Spend Valentine’s Day

Posted on by

image009 image012 image014

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/

 

Yauatcha Restaurant Review

Posted on by

Yauatcha, for a restaurant that is so sophisticated and good-looking, actually makes you feel at home. There is something relaxing about it, rare for a Michelin-starred restaurant. My friend and I both felt like we could eat here four night a week. Another good sign is that the restaurant is heaving (it’s Tuesday, so not bad) and some of the diners are Chinese, which is always a good sign when eating in a Chinese restaurant.

The menu has a very good selection with plenty of choice. There is a good selection of drinks too.

To Start:

Lobster dumpling with tobiko caviar with ginger and shallot

lobstercaviarThis was decadent and wonderful. The lobster was excellent with great texture, firm and fresh along with a subtle hint of ginger all through the dim sum that really works, along with shallot. The caviar is sprinkled on top. This is top class dim sum. Everything just works together beautifully.

King Crab dumpling

crabdimsumThe crab is delicious with a great texture. The crab meat is excellent. This dim sum is beautifully made. It has superb seasoning and great use of herbs including chive.

Main

Pork belly with salted fish in claypot

YauatcharestaurantReview1

The pork belly is tender and delicious. It comes with mushroom and salted fish. It is very good but beware: it’s spicy and has a kick.

We had egg fried rice with our main. There was a few different ingredients you could choose to have in the egg fried rice and we choose asparagus. Jasmine and scallops were the other options I believe. It is delicate with well balanced flavours. Nothing overpowers but it has loads of flavour. You may have had egg fried rice in a restaurant before, or from a takeaway, but it certainly would not compare to this. It is what egg fried rice should be, fresh, clean, tasty; just very yummy.

Stir-fry Scallop With Lotus Root

scallopsI am a huge fan of scallops and this dish is particularly unique. It comes with lotus flower and spring onion. It’s a very good dish with a generous helping of firm and fresh scallops.

Black Bean Beef

YauatchaRestaurantReviewGreat and fresh black bean sauce, great beef as well, very tender and the vegetables all have great taste and texture.

Drinks

Strawberry and vanilla iced tea
strawberry, vanilla sugar, orange juice and jasmine tea

mocktailAn excellent mocktail. Amazing and superb non alcoholic cocktail. Beautifully balanced and remarkably delicate. It has a gentle sweetness. It is incredibly fresh and refreshing. Has plenty of ice and is pure pleasure

Hakka
Belvedere vodka, Akashi-Tai sake, lychee, lime, coconut and passion fruit

cocktailThis was an amazing cocktail. Refreshing, sweet and creamy. Very unique.

Glass of Rose

rosewineVery good rose. Not too sweet.

Peach and guava smoothie
peach, guava, banana, cinnamon and oolong tea

Really good. Nice mix.

chinesedessert Yauatcha Restaurant Review Yauatchadessert YauatchaRestaurantReviewdessert1Dessert was an Orange Mille feuille; it looked amazing and tasted just as good. An amazing looking puddings with apricot
orange and vanilla. A wonderful combination. Had perfect pastry and enough moisture from the satsuma and ice cream.

We also had a Mont Blanc; which was chocolate heaven with almonds and ice-cream. A superb dessert.

There was a lot of other amazing desserts on offer. We will have to go back.

Yauatcha will be offering a special limited edition Chinese New Year menu between 30th January to 14th February, including Golden cuttlefish roll; Pork belly with salted fish in claypot and Jasmine honey dessert with mandarin and sesame.

Address

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

twitter.com/yauatcha
facebook.com/yauatchaLondon
instagram.com/yauatchalondon
yauatcha.tumblr.com