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Beyond the gorgeous coast and the quintessentially Tuscan towns of Pisa and Florence, there is plenty to do in the much-loved region of Tuscany. Travellers can find so much more in store to explore, travelling beyond the gateways with ease to quaint and quiet corners to the lesser-known hidden gems of Lucca and Barga.

LUCCA

Time travel to the Renaissance era

Near Pisa and Florence, lies Lucca, the city of a hundred churches. Visitors can enjoy walking along the historic city walls and explore the gorgeous gardens and squares. Travellers will fall in love with the city for its sights but also for its flavours when visiting local markets and wineries. To experience the city just like the old times, Grand Universe Lucca offers a tour by horse and carriage with an aperitif (from £41 per person) or ‘bike & bites’ for a walk on the walls that surround the city with a typical (and delicious) local snack.

Book the ‘Summer In Lucca’ package directly through Marriott (www.marriott.co.uk) for a four-night stay for two at the Grand Universe Lucca. The package includes accommodation in a king-sized room on a bed and breakfast basis and a wine tasting experience for two from £1,542. Based on June travel dates.

Live concerts in the square: Lucca Summer Festival in Piazza Napoleone

The most anticipated musical event in the Italian summer is back this year in Lucca, a Tuscan city with a long musical tradition. The month-long Lucca Summer Festival from (25 June – 24 July 2022) features legendary artists from all over the world, performing across the city in historical venues and public squares. The 2022 line-up already features Justin Bieber, John Legend, Liam Gallagher, Zucchero. The Sommita’ Martin Orsyn Champagne rooftop at the Grand Universe Lucca is the best-hidden spot to soak up the atmosphere with a glass of champagne.

Expedia (www.expedia.co.uk) offers a 3-night stay at Grand Universe Lucca during the Lucca Music Festival in a king-sized room with city views priced from £960 for two people over the weekend that John Legend is performing. Based on travel from 8 – 11 June, for two adults sharing.

BARGA

Discover Barga, Italy’s most Scottish town!

Head to Barga for an escape that feels like a home away from home. Largely still under the radar, Barga proudly prides itself on being ‘the most Scottish place in Italy’. Whilst the destination looks like a classic medieval Italian town with its Duomo, red-roofed houses and cobbled streets, surprisingly it has very strong Scottish connections going back to the turn of the last century. Guests can discover the beautiful historic centre, the vineyards and olive groves and join traditional folklore events.

Marriott (www.marriott.co.uk) offers ‘the Summer In Tuscany’ for weekend stays Friday to Sunday for two people at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa. A two-night stay including daily breakfast, dinner and one bottle of wine per day for two is priced from £555 based on June departures. Excluding flights.

Explore Il Ciocco, a biker’s heaven

Nature lovers will fall in love will Il Ciocco, an off-the-beaten-track destination in the heart of the Serchio Valley. This is a fascinating part of Tuscany, nestled in the Apennine Mountains straddling the regions of Tuscany and Emilia. Locals consider Il Ciocco a mountain bike haven for its evolving network of bike routes with kilometres of itineraries in the woods for every riding style. Not a bike fan? Trekking is also high on the agenda here and visitors can look for wild herbs and seek out breathtaking views.

Thomas Cook (www.thomascook.com) offers a three-night stay at Reinassance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa in a double room priced from £956.75 for two adults sharing, including flights from London Stansted with Ryanair. Based on a 1 July departure.

Detox on a spa resort with an Italian touch

Travellers looking to break free from the stress of daily life should look no further than the Tuscan countryside. Surrounded by 1,700 acres of gorgeously landscaped grounds is the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa with luxury rooms and suites with spectacular valley views. Guests can refresh in the sparkling waters of two pools, or rejuvenate at the resort spa. Some of the spa’s highlight treatments involve local products such as the wine ritual with Tuscan grapes and the cabernet scrub with a grape marmalade.

Expedia (www.expedia.co.uk) offers a three-night stay at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa in a king-sized room priced from £582 for two people over the weekend. Based on travel from 10 – 13 June for two adults sharing.

There’s nothing better than some shot of caffeine to start an active day. And one of the best ways to have that is a good cup of coffee. Coffee is an excellent beverage with a rich history to back its impacts and advantages.

But what is good coffee without a fantastic flavour? The flavour of any coffee makes it great and stands out. Also, considering other surrounding factors, the taste of any coffee further backs the purpose of every cup and ensures all that’s needed to have a good time savouring this beverage.

Most coffee consumers, though, aren’t flavour literate. This reality is because there’s so much to the complexities of coffee than just sweet or strong. Understanding certain coffee flavors and their best is a great way to know and refine your tastes. This reality also helps you make good decisions suitable for your coffee taste while simplifying any coffee action you take, shopping or just basically ordering.

Worry less now, as we’ll take you through the best five coffee flavours. Here, we’ll explain why these flavours are the best and why you should consider them for any of your coffee needs. Let’s go!

  1. Sweet

This is undoubtedly one of the coffee flavours a lot of consumers turn to. Sweet flavours have quite the reputation as some of the most appreciated and are chosen generally by many people. Sweet is often associated with good taste, and coffee falls into this standard too. Its beans contain sugar which, when roasted, gets caramelised.

Though the coffee bean has a sweet element, many sweet flavour notes in coffee come from the roast, not the bean. There are exceptions in some cases, though.

There’s also a plethora of sweet flavours around coffee. The common one is brown sugar, which can further stretch into caramel, honey and molasses. There are unique combinations that depend on the other tasting notes your coffee contains in other cases. They mostly have their roots in fruity, sour and sweet. The mixes that stem from all these are boundless.

  1. Bitter

This right here is commonly associated with coffee. That flavour naturally comes to anyone’s mind when they hear coffee. This quality is all due to caffeine.

Caffeine as a substance is quite bitter and as a result of the higher amount coffee has, it comes across as very bitter. However, bitterness is not mainly a lousy quality. Instead, it’s a feature that ensures balance when served in the proper proportions.

In coffee, it’s essential to look for bitterness as a flavour. Note the amount of bitterness you taste and how it serves the whole drink. Be sure also to observe if it overpowers other flavour

notes. Now you know the type of coffee to get if you need some good caffeine.

  1. Roasted

The best flavours of coffee come to life when roasted. There are also legends and studies that back the act of roasting as the way coffee came to be.

The roasty flavour and aroma of coffee brought about a lot of discoveries. With roastiness comes a variety of different qualities. They range from roasted/toasted cereal to smoky and roasty. Experts and enthusiasts alike refer to them when describing coffee.

In the case of roasted flavours, they are usually more prominent when mixed with other flavour notes. When toasted, spices or nuts give out a tremendous desirable flavour. Roasted flavours are pretty standard, but the mix of these flavour notes with other ones gives it a character.

  1. Floral

This flavour has a lot of impact as a flavour note as much as it does in the aroma. Aroma is excellent in putting a flavor together too.

Some of the important floral flavour notes include jasmine, rose and black tea. In the case of jasmine, it’s pretty valued as coffee with its flavour and aroma are pretty rare. On the other hand, Black tea goes pleasantly with coffee and gives a soothing feeling. Unlike jasmine, rose makes up for its less fragrance with its sweetness and excellent features.

  1. Fruity

Coffee beans are seeds that reside in a coffee cherry. As much as it’s not a big fruit, it has a significant taste that resembles an apricot, a popular flavour note in coffee.

So it’s very likely that coffee will possess a fruity flavour in various forms. The various fruitiness comes to life through each blend, roast and variety. They range from dried fruit, and cherries to berries and tropical fruit.

The trend of tasty mocktail recipes is taking the post pandemic beverage world by storm while giving home chefs and DIY bartenders a guilt-free outlet for their creative expressions. These ‘mock cocktails’ mirror alcohol containing drinks in flavor only, without the extra calories or spirits to numb the reflexes.

Mocktails are a delicious way to experiment and have fun without overlooking those health-conscious goals set back in January. They are also a nice alternative to the soda or juice and seltzer options on most restaurant menus.

Despite the sugar content, these dynamic drinks are often viewed as the healthier substitute to their alcohol containing counterparts and the flavors are endless.

Let’s face it, mocktail recipes are here to stay.

Favored Events That May Call for Mocktails

Mocktails are having their moment in the spotlight and for all the right reasons it may be an extended moment. People are finding there’s really never a bad time for a mocktail but there are those times when they are especially called for. Here’s some of our most favored events for serving and/or consuming mocktails.

  • Baby Showers – For obvious reasons a baby shower is a great event for your favorite mocktail recipes. The guest of honor doesn’t feel like she’s missing out and creating different flavors can be a great party craft.
  • Graduation Parties – This celebration of epic proportions is the perfect time to serve mocktails. Everyone gets to enjoy their favorite flavors and there’s no chance of young adults getting into alcoholic beverages.
  • Office Parties – Office parties just beg for multiple mocktail recipes. Nobody needs to know which guests are consuming alcohol and those who need to drive home should arrive safe and sound.
  • Retirement Parties – Mocktails are the safe and healthier alternative to the spirit containing counterparts. Retirement parties are the perfect venue to serve delicious, beautifully crafted mocktails.
  • Holiday Parties – During the holidays the number of people arrested for drinking and driving increases dramatically. You can still celebrate while eliminating the risk of driving under the influence by serving and consuming mocktails at your holiday parties.

Favorite Mocktail Recipes for Parties

As you dive into the dynamic world of mocktails you’ll find that the recipes and flavor combinations are quite literally endless! You could try an Arnold Palmer with iced tea and lemonade or a Pina Colada with frozen pineapple, coconut milk, and maple syrup. Mimic a strawberry daiquiri with frozen strawberries, lime juice, simple syrup, and lemon lime soda. Even a Shirley Temple can be concocted with Grenadine, lime juice, and ginger ale.

Make Some Tasty Mocktails Today

Get as fancy as you like. Just remember, you drink with your eyes first. A great looking mocktail is often a great tasting mocktail so don’t skimp on the finishing touches. You can coat the rims of cocktail glasses with coarse colored sugars or use smashed fruit to make little ice cubes that infuse extra flavor as the ‘melt’. You can even skewer olives on half-stripped rosemary stems. Give your mocktail recipes character and they’ll taste as great as they look!

There are so many sayings that relate to food and drink; “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”, “you are what you eat”, “bread always falls butter side down” and “there’s no use in crying over spilled milk”.

We can all relate to these sayings, because the proof of the pudding is definitely in the eating, and we are what we eat especially if it’s filled with carbs! However, the bread never falls butter side down as we’ve usually devoured it before it hits the floor, and we do occasionally cry over spilled milk, but only if it involves a few chocolate martinis!

We love springtime when the launch of brand new food and drink products hit the stores. Consequently, we have complied these delicious options below…

Food

Crosta & Mollica, Piadina Flatbread

Baked in Italy from a blend of wholemeal and soft flour, these wholeblend piadina are taken from Italy’s most famous street food. To create at home each flatbread should be warmed, topped with a tasty filling, and folded in traditional fashion. Other Crosta & Mollica flatbreads are also available; Durum Wheat, Emiliana, Spelt, and mini. Equally, Crosta & Mollica have a vast selection of bakery produce, pizza, aperitivo snacks, conserves and sweet treats available at Waitrose. Visit Crosta & Mollica to see the full range. Piadina priced between £1.10 – £2.

Love Corn, Chocolate Crunchy, and Cheese & Onion

When snacks are life, then a bag of Love Corn should be on your radar. The Love Corn team recently launched Chocolate Crunchy, and Cheese & Onion, to go alongside their already popular Sea Salt, Smoked BBQ, Salt & Vinegar and Habanero varieties Prices vary between £1 (45g bags) and £2.50 (90g / 115g bags) at selected Sainsbury’s stores, or via Love Corn.

Doughlicious, Cookie Dough

Doughlicious’ range of gourmet, gluten-free cookie dough are made with the finest ingredients and promise a fun-filled, mess-free baking experience with delicious results, guaranteed at home. There are 11 amazing flavours to suit the whole family including organic peanut butter and cranberry oatmeal. Alternatively there’s chocolate chip, salted caramel & dark chocolate, matcha and white chocolate plus many others. Whichever you choose you won’t be disappointed. Priced from £3.99 – £4.49, available from Doughlicious.

Mummy Meegz, Chuckie Egg

Firstly, the UK’s first Vegan Oat Milk cre+me egg is now available all year round. Secondly, it can satisfy your cre+me egg craving whenever it strikes! Thirdly, this mind-blowingly good creamy oat milk chocolate egg is filled with a gooey fondant centre. Available from Asda stores, priced at £1.20 per egg.

Drink

Belvoir Farm, Queens Jubilee Elderflower Cordial and Sparkling Elderflower

The elderflower is quintessentially British and Belvoir Farm just launched their ‘Best of British’ bottles to support the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with their classic Elderflower Cordial and Sparkling Elderflower. Each bottle features a special neck label and the official Queen’s Jubilee emblem designed by 19-year old graphic design student Edward Roberts who won a competition run in conjunction with the V&A Museum. Limited Edition bottles available April – June from all major supermarkets. Visit Belvoir Farm to find out more. Priced at £3.30 (500ml) Cordial, and £2.70 (750ml) Sparkling.

ESPA, Positivity Herbal Tea Infusion

ESPA’s Signature Blend Tea has beautiful aromas and delicious flavours, blended to create moments in which to pause, reflect and connect. A heart-warming mix of Rosehip, Rose petals, Jasmine, Orange Blossom and Chinese Chunmee plus Chinese Jasmine Green Tea produces a happy cup of tea. Priced at £15 from selected ESPA salons, therefore visit ESPA to find out your nearest salon.

Galipette Cider, Galipette Rosé

Brand new Rosé Cider from Galipette is made with rare red-flash apples from the orchards of Brittany and Normandy. This drink is ideal as a sunny-day refreshment; it is a deep amber colour that naturally varies by harvest. Moreover, with notes of fresh berries, and aromas of blackcurrant leaf it is a modern yet authentic drink that will transport the drinker to the orchards of the French countryside. Available from Waitrose, priced at £2 per 330ml bottle.

We hope you enjoyed delving into our Food and Drink News this spring.

Easter weekend is finally upon us and it’s safe to say we’ve all been long looking forward to this bank holiday weekend – and the delicious food that will come along with it.

From an abundance of chocolate eggs and other confectionery, this weekend signals a cemented move into spring – so expect to see lots of roast lamb dishes; spring tarts and many more recipes filling your social media feeds.

But if you’re not up for cooking a feast – and there’s no shame in this if you simply want to relax this weekend – we have some excellent Easter celebratory meals for you to lust upon (and eventually enjoy!) this bank holiday.

Easter weekend with 28-50’s lamb

Easter 2022 is a rather fun celebration at 28-50 Chelsea and South Kensington – as both restaurants will be offering a limited edition dish across the whole weekend. Guests can devour a delicious lamb saddle served with Wye Valley asparagus, Jersey Royal potatoes and lamb jus – for just £24.95. You’ll forget about a homemade Sunday Roast in no time.

Complement this gorgeous meal with 28-50’s fabulously curated wine list and fully enjoy this bank holiday weekend with family and/or friends. A la carte menu dishes still remain, including the confit duck leg with Jerusalem artichokes, braised shallots and blackberry jus – as well as the renowned cheeseburger with smoked bacon and truffle mayo. If you’re craving something sweet to finish the meal, why not enjoy the lemon posset blood orange and sable biscuit – or caffeine lovers can opt for the coffee crème brûlée.

Made In Oldstead by Tommy Banks

If you don’t want to dine out on this bank holiday weekend, you can still enjoy an Easter meal cooked for you. Yorkshire-based Michelin-starred chef, Tommy Banks has a three-course feast ready to be delivered to your door. Known for his sustainable efforts in the kitchen, the menu focuses on ingredients which are foraged, picked or grown on or around Tommy’s family farm in Oldstead. Devour lamb neck with turnip velouté, lamb rump with a mini lamb pie nad porached rhubarb topped with a rosemary gel and cocoa crumb – with vegetarian and pescatarian options available too.

Duck & Waffle’s limited edition Golden Duck Egg Dessert

Finger always on the pulse with anything decadent and occasion-themed, Duck & Waffle has created an indulgent Golden Duck Egg dessert for guests to enjoy across Easter weekend.

Paired with one of London’s most iconic views, the decadent dessert features an orange puree yolk, surrounded by a light Valrhona Oplays white chocolate mousse and is encased in tempered Valrhona millk chocolate. Pasty Chef Singer’s creation is almost too beautiful to eat – almost – and is served with a maple caramel syrup. Why not make a meal of it and enjoy the traditional Easter Sunday or Monday lunch of a whole roast leg of lamb, with all the trimmings, this weekend too?

Easter for two from Pied à Terre

One of London’s oldest Michelin-starred restaurants is also catering for those who enjoy the finer eats in life this Easter, with a three-course vegan feast for two. The box includes a number of delicious dishes – including carrot patch hummus, “egg” plant casserole and a divine hot cross bun and butter pudding.

Easter Feasting on the 32nd Floor of The Shard at Oblix

Make this Easter weekend unforgettable – or the food, at least, with an exciting trip up The Shard in London. Oblix West will be serving a limited edition Easter bottomless brunch, with guests able to choose from the Rosé Brunch or the Champagne Brunch. Available across Saturday and Sunday in Oblix West, executive chef Marcus Eaves has curated a selection of starters including burrata, truffle flatbread or Diver scallops, as well as sea bass with lemon hollandaise, wild mushroom orzo with summer truffle and cashew cheese or signature pepper steak for mains. An Easter-themed dessert platter for the table is the perfect way to finish the meal.

Those dining at Oblix East will be treated to a sophisticated Easter Afternoon Tea, featuring seasonally-appropriate sandwiches, freshly-made scones and a variety of chocolate-themed sweet treats. There’s also a giveaway up for grabs, with one lucky winner receiving a golden ticket along with their Afternoon Tea and being treated to a limited edition homemade Oblix Easter egg.

Did you know that choosing one specific type of grill over another may have a profound effect on the flavor of your food? It’s true. Different types of grills, for instance, have different fuel sources that all have a different and unique impact on the flavor of the foods you’re preparing. There are four common types of grills on the market today:

  1. Charcoal
  2. Gas (natural or propane)
  3. Wood pellet
  4. Electric

Each one has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to use and usefulness. Additionally, they each lend a different flavor to the foods that are prepared upon them. Here’s what you need to know.

Charcoal Grilling for Flavor

While many will argue that there are plenty of potential drawbacks to charcoal grills when it comes to temperature control, creating large messes, and the amount of time it takes for the grills to reach the desired heat, few will argue the full, rich flavor charcoal Weber grills bring to bear.

There’s just something about charcoal that lends amazing flavor to whatever dishes you’re preparing on your grill, including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. It is an excellent choice for all around flavor though there is a bit of a learning curve and you do need to keep watch to avoid overcooking or charring your food.

The Asado Grill, with its traditional Argentinean design and adjustable height feature, enhances the flavor of your food by ensuring even heat distribution and allowing for precise control over the cooking process, resulting in mouthwatering, perfectly grilled dishes every time.

Natural Gas and Propane Grilling

You will find a lot to love about natural gas when it comes to the ease of use and cleaning up afterward. Many people even like the precise temperature control cooking with a gas grill delivers. When it comes to flavor, though, the gas often lends its own flavor to the food which can be a bit unpleasant.

Additionally, those who choose to cook with propane must keep watch to make sure you have sufficient propane on hand to avoid a mid-grill run for a refill. Something nobody wants to deal with. The good news is that there are techniques you can use to avoid the propane flavor when cooking with gas. They include adjusting your fuel/air mixture and cleaning out the air intakes to ensure proper flow and avoid getting propane onto your food. When there is no propane aftertaste, the food cooked on a natural gas grill should only have the flavors you add. However, it will lack the robust additional flavor that charcoal and wood pellets add to your grilling experience.

Wood Pellet Grilling

Some will argue that this is the best of both worlds. You get the ease and quick grilling of gas with a robust flavor to rival that of charcoal with wood pellet grilling. It’s a win-win for many would-be grillers. Even the die-hard charcoal fans who shun propane and natural gas grills can appreciate food prepared on a wood pellet grill.

You should note, however, that you do not necessarily require a dedicated wood pellet grill in order to enjoy the flavor benefits wood pellet grilling provides. In fact, you can use wood pellets with your charcoal grill to enhance the experience all around. Some grillers prefer wood pellet flavor while others feel that it overpowers the amazing flavors of the foods you prepare on your grill.

Electric Grilling

Perhaps the least favorite option when it comes to the flavor experience when grilling is the electric grill. However, some communities and living arrangements simply do not accommodate or allow the use of any type of grill that provides an open flame. This leaves grillers to endure the injustice of electric grills.

That doesn’t mean it has to be a completely unpleasant experience or that there aren’t things you can do to enhance the flavors of the foods you prepare. In fact, electric grills allow you the opportunity to grill in more places and even to grill on a porch, balcony, or beneath an awning. In some instances, you can even use electric grills indoors with a venting hood.

As for flavor, you won’t have the benefit of wood pellets or charcoal to help flavor your food, so you’ll rely on herbs, butter, oils, rubs, marinades, and other tools to flavor your foods. All-in-all, while not as desirable for a full “grilling experience,” electric grills can offer a safe option for even beginning grillers to learn about the grilling process.

The way you cook your food matters. This is the case even when working with different types of grills. The good news is that grilling food offers many options to enhance the flavor of food whether you are tailgating, grilling for summer fun, making use of your personal outdoor kitchen, or reducing the burden on your indoor cooling in the summer by taking most of the cooking work outside your home. The more options you have available when it comes to grilling, the more opportunities you have to experiment with great flavors and bold options each type of grill introduces.

Easter this year falls between Friday 15th and Monday 18th April, it’s a time when many of us take a break from work and visit family and friends. If you are planning to take some Easter gifts to those you love, then look no further because we’ve got you covered. Moreover, if you’re a chocolate fan yourself then this season has got your name all over it.

We’ve included Easter eggs and chocolate waffles, a chocolate liqueur and Easter cocktails, bakery goods, and even a chocolate tour. What more could you possibly need this April?

Easter Chocolate Food Gifts

Dukeshill, Hokey Pokey Honeycomb Egg

Made by hand with the finest Columbian chocolate, this egg is a taste sensation and includes mouth-watering honeycomb shards, which can be found running through the entire shell of the milk chocolate egg. £20 from Dukeshill.

Montezuma’s, Clucky Milk Chocolate Organic Chick

Deliciously smooth and creamy organic milk chocolate chick shaped Easter egg, with a dinky bag of gorgeous chocolate buttons to enjoy on the side. £6 from Montezuma’s.

Prodigy, Salted Caramel Chocolate Egg

Oozing with a salted caramel heart, this decadent chocolate egg is both indulgent and satisfying, and best of all it is crafted with all-natural ingredients and has less than half the sugar of a standard filled chocolate egg. £1.29 each 40g egg from Holland & Barrett in-store.

Joe & Seph’s, Chocolate Popcorn Mini Eggs Hanging Box

These amazing chocolate popcorn mini eggs feature two pieces of Joe & Seph’s famous salted caramel popcorn hand placed inside the silky miniature milk chocolate eggs. £5 from Joe & Seph’s.

Patisserie Valerie, Easter Log Cake

Prepare to drool with this rolled chocolate Genoese sponge with Swiss chocolate buttercream, adorned with chocolate eggs, edible bunnies and carrots, and set atop a layer of buttercream, finished with freeze-dried raspberries and delicate icing sugar. £42.95 from Patisserie Valerie.

Griddle, Choc Chip Waffles

Breakfast isn’t really breakfast unless it involves chocolate at Easter, and this is where Griddle comes in. These plant-based toaster waffles are made with a wholegrain blend for added fibre and are stacked with vegan cocoa choc chips. Just toast them and add your favourite chocolate topping for a full on chocolate fix! £2 from Morrisons.

My Baker, Scotch(ish) Brownie Balls

These unbelievably moreish brownie balls are made with a whole Cadbury’s Crème Egg in the centre, wrapped in divine moist rich chocolate brownie and dusted with shredded milk chocolate. £24 for 6 balls from My Baker.

Easter Chocolate Drinks

Mozart, Cream Chocolate Liqueur

Who says that Easter is only about eggs? We introduce Mozart’s cream chocolate liqueur, the perfect tasty twist with a unique symphony of chocolate and spirit combined to make a seriously good grown-up drink. £18 from Amazon.

World of Zing, Easter Cocktail Collection

Expand your taste buds this Easter with a seasonal cocktail range from World of Zing. Including Hot Cross Bunhattan, Chocolate Orange Negroni, Black Forest Sour, and Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. £15 from World of Zing.

Chocolate Themed Gifts

ActivityGift, Chocolate Tour at Chocolatarium Edinburgh

This chocolate tour will take you all the way from chocolate tree to chocolate bar with lots of tasting along the way! You’ll discover things you never knew about this sweet treat, make your very own bar and of course, tuck into some delicious samples.

You’ll round off your tour in the tasting room where you’ll sample a fascinating selection of chocolates from Scottish and International chocolate makers. There are more than 30 varieties to choose from including dark or milk chocolate, haggis or Japanese chocolate and many more.

With activitygift.com you book the voucher first. You can add an image and personalised message for your recipient which they can book and claim through the activitygift.com website. £20 per person from activitygift.com

Curries. Tandoori. Biryanis. I could eat the lot, I don’t know about you… In fact, whether I’m dining in or getting an Indian takeaway, the cuisine is lost upon me if you restrict me eating just one dish – instead of feasting upon the entire menu.

You’ve probably heard about Dishoom. I mean, it’s pretty faultless. Great food, fair pricing – the bottomless chai really is a winner here. Go for the lamb chops, Bombay potatoes and the dal – stay for everything else. But what about the notorious queues?

Now, as a serious foodie, I’m not adverse to waiting my turn for a good bite to eat – but in London, where there is a plethora of restaurants spanning every cuisine, I feel as though queuing should be done sparingly.

So, as fabulous as Dishoom is, I thought I’d highlight a few other delicious Indian eateries in the city that are definitely worth a shout out. Whether you’re looking for a cosy ambience or to dine in luxury, there’s most certainly no shortage of exquisite Indian food in London.

So, without further ado, here are a selection of Indian restaurants in London to visit when you next dine out.

Benares

benares best indian food restaurants london

For those who enjoy the finer things in life – but still want a good curry, Benares is the Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant to be on your list. Having visited a couple of times myself, neither food and service have ever faltered. Starting off with lychee and mango cocktails, this is the best way (in my opinion) to peruse the menu. The baked malabar scallops with coconut curry are a strong favourite, while the cured sea-bream and oyster ceviche chaat is an innovative offering on the menu. Mains-wise, it is truly hard to choose – with everything from

Basmati Rice and Scottish Lobster Cooked in Aromatic Stock, Dill and Pink Peppercorn Raita Onion Salad tandoori lamb cutlets to duck curry making my mouth water as I scanned the delicious-sounding words. In the end, I opted for the lobster cooked in stock with rice (a biriyani-style dish) served with pink peppercorn raita onion salad. Divine, if a little pricey as you are fishing about for the succulent pieces of lobster a little bit. wild halibut with clam moilee in a rogan josh type of sauce was really interesting.

Fish curry rarely disappoints when it’s done right. With various kulchas, rotis, naans and rices on the side, if you have room for dessert, it has to be the pistachio praline dark chocolate tart is for those who have a fair bit of room left and wish to indulge, while the Kesar mango with coconut water granita and almond biscuit is a light palate-cleanser.

Farzi London

farzi cafe best indian food restaurants london

While many central London spots run the risk of appearing gimicky and appealing to tourists alone, Farzi is not one of them. A huge success back in New Delhi, the people of London have been graced by the popular and authentic Indian restaurant for a good few years now – and I’m here to tell you that things have not slipped in the slightest over the years.

What to order? While the whole menu offers something for everyone, my personal favourite is (and will always be) the butter chicken baos. What a creation. So simple but so delicious. Butter chicken. In a bao. There’s not much more to it except that if I haven’t convinced you to order them on your next visit, please do get in touch as I’ll take you the next time I go. As thanks to these beauties, there’ll always be a next time.

Now I’m actually here to talk about the brunch offering at Farzi, too (I know, my ode to the butter chicken bao was a slight red herring). A truly reasonable offering, the dishes come in at about a tenner less than the price of a mains dish from the à la carte menu. There’s a range to choose from, too: eggs royale or florentine with masala hollandaise and a take on avocado chaat for my savoury people and banana ragi pancakes for those who prefer something a little more sweet.

My favourite had to be the dosa taco – you can opt for a veggie version with jackfruit or go for the full works, with chicken and a fried egg. Both are delicious but I actually might have preferred the meat-free version. Don’t mind me – just out here doing God’s work for you all. Wash it all down with a series of Farzi’s signature cocktails and that’s a solid Saturday, in my book.

Copper Chimney

copper chimney best indian food restaurants london

Located in the heart of Westfield London, this is the perfect destination for any tired shopper, in need to a tasty break from their retail endeavours. What I immediately loved about the menu at Copper Chimney was the division into curries, tandoori dishes and biriyanis – as well as the waiter’s insistance that I must try one of each. My type of waiter (any others reading this, please take note).

It should also be a rite of passage in Indian restaurants that guests should create their own mixed platter of starters. This is what I opted for and my eyes lit up when a variety of dishes holding delicious things such as yoghurt and cheese tikkis, green pea and potato samosas, carom-flavoured shrimp and poppadoms (with all the chutneys) arrived at my table. The waiter pulled up another table; I liked her even more.

The only dish from the starters section I didn’t fall in love with was the Delhi-fried chicken. Maybe it was overhyped to me, maybe it just wasn’t unique-tasting enough. It’s not bad by any standards but my tummy and my tastebuds much preferred the other appetisers.

Next to adorn our previously plain table were chargrilled chicken tikkas and lamb seekh kebabs – sizzling away in their impressive nature, accompanied by fresh and zesty dips. Representing the biriyanis was a spiced prawn and saffron special – and did it represent the rice dish well. Torn between my old friend butter chicken and the more interesting sounding dish of pickled chicken masala, our lovely waiter persuaded us to try the latter – and while I think butter chicken will never not be good in my books, the tartness of the chicken masala was a flavour I found exceedingly moreish (as I mopped up the pot with garlic and cheese naans).

If you have any room for dessert, the Gajar Pistachio Crumble (slow-cooked carrot cake with cardamom) is the perfect sweet finish – and don’t be shy about ordering from the cocktail menu as the sour whisky and mango went down a treat.

Pure Indian Cooking

pure indian cooking best food restaurants london

Step away from Central London and guess what – you’ll find the same array of delicious restaurants. Some may even be better. Pure Indian Cooking is such an example where you don’t need to fight the busy crowds and booked table reservations to eat well and be treated to delightful service. Husband and wife duo Faheem Vanoo and Shilpa Dandekar dominate both the front of house and chef sectors of this restaurant to ensure the perfect dining experience.

I’ve never once been disappointed by a sharing board of starters so that was the immediate choice for appetisers. Devouring treats such as tandoori paneer, chilli fried squid, malai tikka and seekh kebab was the perfect way to begin our meal – accompanied by the ‘Taste of Mumbai’, featuring a classic trio of bhel, pani poori and papdi chaat.

It was hard to bypass the lamb chops (a must-order for me at any Indian restaurant) but I spied the Telangana prawn masala and was instantly hooked. Cooked in ginger, curry leaves, chilli and tomatoes – sometimes it’s the simple dishes that make a solid impact. Craving another classic with a twist, I went rogue and opted for the pistachio chicken curry (I never normally order chicken when dining out, unless out for Persian food). Obviously the usual suspects chimed in in the form of side dishes – the dal makhani was fantastic; the pea and jeera pulao could have appeared and tasted a little more interesting but was tasty nonetheless and I will never say no to a butter naan.

I find myself choosing palate cleansers for dessert and the pistachio kulfi and mango sorbet just did that – along with a healthy glass of a mango margarita.

Colonel Saab

colonel saab best indian food restaurants london

Walking under a ceiling of sparkling chandeliers, I thought to myself “this restaurant has got the decor right”. Impressive to all (and dare I say, perfect for the average Instagrammer!), it’s an instantly pleasing aesthetic to walk into at Colonel Saab.

I’m told I have to try the Andhra-style baby aubergine; served with curry leaf & tamarind sauce, it was the perfect mix of something sweet and light but with a tang. Paired with a more classic dish: paneer; the rich and creamy sauce was balanced by the former dish’s punchy bite. Memsaab’s chicken curry (so-named after the Colonel’s beloved wife) had to be ordered, almost as a rite of passage to the restaurant. I was glad to try the signature dish and could only fault it for being slightly bland for my personal taste – but I much preferred the Colonel’s butter chicken. Having hankered a craving for it, this dish hit the spot.

I can’t say I lean too much toward a tomato-based curry or a cream-based one so I think, for me, it all depends on whichever I’m feeling most up for eating in the moment.

No Indian meal is complete without a flamboyant selection of chutneys, dals, naans, rotis, rice and the rest of the classic side crew – though Colonel Saab’s cumin potatoes made a strong, long-lasting impression on me, in particular. Though cheesecake is my favourite dessert period, it was the rasmalai milk cake that stole the show in a completely more-ish way. That cardamom cream – I’m still thinking about it.

Chourangi

chourangi best indian food restaurants london

Nestled just behind Marble Arch, Chourangi is a hidden gem within Central London. Now, there are undoubtedly classic dishes which no Indian restaurant’s menu can be without. However, when you cast your eyes on something like crackling spinach with almond slivers, it’s a nice change from bhel to snack on as you peruse the rest of the menu.

From tandoor, to large curry plates to biryanis – Chourangi is another Indian restaurant which appears to do it all. I pretty much selected my own tasting menu feast to appease my appetite and remove any ‘fomo’ of order regret. The tandoori tiger prawns were so tasty, flavoured with black peppercorns, ginger and yoghurt and served with a celery-mint-dill-coriander creation. Next up: the chilli paneer which had an enjoyable kick to it, while the steamed crab prawn parcels were an interesting choice and not something typically seen on a menu.

I was told I absolute had to try the Kosha Mangsho – slow-roasted Welsh lamb with yoghurt, green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and mustard oil. The waiter had me at slow-roasted. An alternative but truly tasty choice, it complemented the chicken biryani we opted for nicely – with the rice being the perfect soaking-up substance for all that rich curry sauce. Of course naans were also used to mop up the vibrant amber-orange liquid, with the bread basket options alone were well deserving of applause.

Unable to stomach dessert at this restaurant but perfectly content with a full tummy and Tupperware to take home, I’d still call this dinner a success.

Masala Zone

masala zone best indian food restaurants london

There’s a fair few Masala Zone spots around, so you’d be forgiven for potentially thinking this Indian restaurant is like countless other chains in the business. However, aside from gorgeous decor and friendly, accommodating staff, the menu boasts some little gems that are not to be missed from your order. The Jaipur gol guppa pops are a fun starter, with the crispy-fried puffed balls filled with potato, chickpeas, onions and spices – only needing tamarind water added for a fun, tasty treat. The Goan crispy fried prawns are a must-order, accompanied by a vindaloo mayo dip, while the onion flower bajia is perfectly crispy and a moreish snack, indeed.

Butter chicken is a classic and Masala Zone served up one satisfying dish, while the paneer tikka and lamb seekh kebab were both packed full of flavour. The black dal and homemade raita complemented all the dishes well and there were sufficient naans and chapattis on-hand, for mopping up extra sauces and dips. If you have a sweet tooth, the kulfi or halwa are the desserts for you – but the coconut ice cream hit the spot for us with which to finish the meal.

Birmingham is having a moment right now. The UK’s second city is the host of this summer’s Commonwealth Games and home to some fabulous bars and restaurants. New to the food and drink scene is Alberts Schloos Birminghams Wunder Bar. Named after Anglo-Bavarian royal and husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, the ‘Pleasure Palace’ is inspired by Bohemia, the Alps, and raucous Bavarian culture.

Alberts Schloos Birminghams Wunder Bar

This all-round venue where you can eat, drink, dance and play from dusk till dawn is in the heart of Birmingham’s Paradise Forum. Set across two floors and with three bars (the largest of which is over 100 feet long), this place is home to flamboyant fun. There’s a roster of over 100 freelance artists that serve up a show every night of the week, live music, DJ sets and cabaret performances bring plenty of entertainment to your visit.

The Cook Haus serves up a rich and indulgent Alpine-inspired menu. Favourites include pan-fried schnitzel and Schweinshaxe, a delicious combination of caraway roasted pork knuckle, braised red cabbage, apple sauce, and gravy. Sunday Service at The Cook Haus promises grooves, gravy and good times. Indulge in a Sunday roast with all the trimmings; roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, maple-glazed roast root vegetables, seasonal greens and a generous helping of proper gravy, while soaking up performances from a Haus band, choir and rotating DJs,

Upstairs you’ll find Ludwig’s Tavern, named after the controversial King Ludwig II, a prolific castle-builder who ruled Bavaria from 1864-86 before being declared insane. Ludwig’s Tavern is a fitting tribute, with a curated drinks list fit for a King. Beer aficionados can order a tankard of one of the many European biers on offer, including a range of Pilsners. If beer isn’t your thing there’s the usual bar staples as well as some impressive alpine cocktails and homemade schnapps. Check out ‘The Hunt’ a twist on a Duck Fat Martini, complete with a blood-splatted top. The Tavern balcony is a great place to people watch or take in the entertainment. Ludwig’s also includes a Shuffleboard table and Ski Lodge board games.

Albert’s Schloss successfully combines tasty food, delicious drinks and outrageous entertainment, all under one roof. Here you are guaranteed good times. Danke Schon for the hospitality.

To book a table visit Albert’s Schloss

About to grab a last-minute gift for your Mum this Mother’s Day? Go for one of these delicious boozy collections and she won’t be disappointed. Whether she prefers Prosecco, cocktails or gin, choose one of these hampers and make her Mother’s Day.

1. World Of Zing’s Floral Prosecco Cocktail Collection

You cannot go wrong with the Floral Prosecco Cocktail Collection filled with delights from World of Zing. Each box is presented in a pretty gift box and includes a delicious Orange Blossom & Passionfruit Spritz, a Peach & Elderflower Spritz, a Saffron & Rose Gimlet and a 200ml Bottle of Bottega Gold Prosecco.

Order now on worldofzing.com.

2. Della Vite Prosecco X Irene Forte Skincare Bundle

If your Mum loves beauty and bubbles then she will love the Della Vite X Irene Forte collection. These limited edition bundles include bottle of Della Vite Treviso D.O.C with an Irene Forte Hibiscus night cream, or a pomegranate hand cream or a divine pistachio lip balm. The Delavingne sisters created Della Vite Prosecco, a 100% vegan alternative to champagne, in the heart of northern Italy. Tried and tested by the House of Coco team, we can assure you that this Prosecco is a delight.

Order now on forteskincare.co.uk.

3. Bullards Gin Luxury Hamper

For the Mum who loves gin and tonic, go for this extravagant hamper filled with Bullards Coastal Gin, Double Dutch mixers and a Coastal scented Candle. Plus, the hamper comes complete with jigger, bar blade and two glasses so there’s no excuse not to join her for a gin or three.

Order now on bullardsspirits.co.uk.