With the Portuguese travel corridor currently open I decided to squeeze in a dose of vitamin sea and take a few days out to unwind in the Algarve. Just a two-and-a-half-hour flight away and sunshine guaranteed right up until November, makes it the perfect place to escape and relax. Within 24 hours of Portugal going back on the ‘safe list’, my hotel pool was quickly filling up with families also looking to take advantage of not having to quarantine so I decided to escape all the chaos and booked myself into Purobeach, Vilamoura.
With eight beach clubs around the world, this global lifestyle brand is fast becoming the ‘go-to’ if you are looking for luxurious beachside socialising. These iconic beach clubs successfully combine al fresco dining, poolside partying and beach glamour. Set in the vibrant Vilamoura marina amongst the million-pound yachts, bustling restaurants and bars is their chic, super luxe Portuguese club.
Purobeach, Vilamoura offers two distinct areas, the garden and beachfront, both with a different vibe. The garden is an oasis of lush greenery, with the swimming pool taking centre stage. Crisp, white Balinese beds and loungers flank the azure pool, a DJ plays chilled tunes while the super friendly staff serve drinks and attend to your every need. I opted to spend the day on the beachfront which offers the same sophisticated ambiance as the garden but with a livelier atmosphere. The music is a notch louder and the DJ pumps out the kind of music that makes you want to get up off your lounger and dance. All the big comfy beds come with fluffy towels and face out to the Atlantic Ocean making it the perfect spot to soak up the sun. Staff flit across the beach serving drinks and checking in on the guests throughout the day.
Food is served in both areas. I chose to eat lunch on the beachfront. You can sit inside or out, both spots have amazing views of the sun kissed sand and cobalt ocean. The restaurant is light and airy with a buzzy vibe, small groups begin to gather around tables, sharing plates and chatting above the music. The menu successfully fuses international flavours alongside local Portuguese produce and influences. Fresh seafood, tasty salads and poke bowls sit alongside burgers, meat dishes and snacks, providing lots of culinary choice as well as vegan, vegeterian, gluten-free and lactose-free options. There’s an extensive drinks menu which also includes healthy juices and smoothies for those who don’t fancy a glass of the renowned Vinho Verde. I declined on the juice and tried a glass of famous crisp, lively Portuguese white which paired perfectly with my grilled sea bream. Served with baked new potatoes and a selection of vegetables and salad, the portion sizes are generous and you certainly leave the table satisfied. For those just wanting to visit the restaurant you can book a table direct. To celebrate the club’s 10th Anniversary they are currently offering a Seaside breakfast up until 12pm everyday until the end of August for 25 euros per person.
After a leisurely lunch I retreat back to my comfortable bed to read my book and people watch. By mid-afternoon the drinks are flowing, and people are socialising at the edge of the Ocean. As the afternoon crawls into the balmy evening the temperature is still in the mid-twenties. The beach is thinning out as people head back to their hotels, here at Puro things are still underway as the cool crowd carry on mingling and soaking up the last of the rays.
When one thinks of enjoying top-of-the-range steak, you might consider visiting Hawksmoor or Gaucho, but have you ever thought of visiting a restaurant that doubles-up as a sushi bar? Probably not.
Your habits might change soon once you discover the hidden gem that is Hot Stone in Islington. You might not have heard of their Executive Chef Padam Raj Rai, but you will have heard of the restaurants where he has worked at. I loved the sushi at Tsukiji restaurant, located in the 5-star Westbury Hotel in Mayfair, where he was the former head sushi chef. He has also worked at the likes of Nobu, Zuma, and Sake no Hana.
This is the kind of restaurant to impress a date with and that starts from the ‘amuse-bouche’ course when you can order decadent fresh oyster, seaweed & tosazu sauce topped up with Aquitaine caviar. The next courses you might order are probably the raw fish dishes and Padam really shows his ingenuity here. Rather than creating your standard nigiri and maki rolls, you get creative options like his take on carpaccio, new style sashimi and we enjoyed a crunchy hot stone roll that contained king prawn tempura, crab sticks, and crunchy tempura flakes. Hot sushi might be an anathema to most sushi chefs but it does work in this case. Wasabi is freshly grated in front of you rather than being served from a nondescript supermarket tube.
However, what we are here to mainly discuss is the unbeatable quality of their steak. They only offer 3 types here: Australian halal Picanha/Sirloin wagyu, A5 Premium Sirloin Japanese wagyu, and premium Japanese Kobe. With the latter, they are only 1 of 7 restaurants in the UK that sell certified Kobe. ‘Melt-in-your-mouth’ might be an overused phrase in restaurant reviews, but there’s never been a more apt statement than that to describe the A5 wagyu we tried. It was just as ‘buttery’ tasting as the fatty tuna course we tried earlier on and we are talking about a thick cut of premium sirloin here. The meats are served with asparagus as well.
The other important aspect to consider here is it is served to you raw and you have to cook the steak yourself on a hot stone. It is an ancient Japanese cooking method known as Ishiyaki. The benefit being, you can more accurately determine how well done you want your steak to be and secondly, it is a more healthy way of cooking with no need to use any butter or oil.
Desserts are in the form of traditional classics like homemade green matcha cheesecake and mochi.
The restaurant is particularly popular with halal-friendly diners and does get extremely busy, so I would strongly recommend booking well in advance of your visit.
With lockdown essentially curbing our gastronomic experiences to the confines of our own kitchens, we have found a new-found love and respect for the flavours, service, and sheer spectacle of the restaurant experience.
It is only fitting that one of our first forays back into London’s food scene was a meal at Adam Handling Chelsea, which certainly gave us several months of culinary spectacle in three delicious courses.
Adam Handling Chelsea is located in the stunning Belmond Cadogan Hotel, and the creation of Chef Patron Adam Handling who uses sustainably-sourced seasonal product to showcase the best of contemporary British cuisine.
Our experience began at the Adam Handling Chelsea Bar, which offers an impressive collection of wines and spirits in a luxurious yet cosy atmosphere. We started with a welcome cocktail, served blithely in a makeshift book, and accompanied by a small mason jar of homemade popcorn.
After the essential clink of our cocktail glasses, we made our way through the open kitchen and into the dining room, which can only be described as understated elegance. The menu will certainly please those who are familiar with Adam Handling’s most popular signature dishes, including his famously indulgent chicken butter.
We began our meal with the tuna and beef tartare, which came with a slight kick of mustard and tabasco. We followed this with the perfectly cooked BBQ Octopus, with black garlic and smoked potatoes deep-friend in a lemon purée; and the wood pigeon with girolles mushrooms and gooseberry chutney.
We complemented the strong flavours of our main courses with the green beans with almonds and the salt-baked cauliflower, which was so delicious it almost stole the show. For dessert, we tried the chocolate, bourbon in miso and rye – a sweet final flourish to an already impeccable meal.
The sommelier recommended a sulphite-free organic Valencian red wine called Vermell which offered a beautiful array of dark-fruit flavours and herbal notes. A fittingly fantastic wine pairing to accompany a truly spectacular meal.
The Folly’s stunning new pop-up bar dedicated to all things pink is the perfect place to sip on some exquisite rosé and escape the heat in the city. The Rosé Retreat in the heart of London, minutes from Monument and Bank Stations, has made going ‘out out’ stylish, yet safe, with a floral decorated Insta-worthy pop-up serving the lightest of Provence wines to cerise cocktails. Guests can enjoy three 100ml tasters of Provencal varieties including Le Petit Ballon, Petale de Rose and Le Source Gabriel (£13.95), perfect for feeling like you are indulging in a wine tasting at a rolling vineyard abroad.
There is also an extensive new wine list to explore which features every shade of pink under the sun with tipples from South Africa to the South of France. For bubbles with your bubble, there’s a beautiful rosé spumante from Veneto for just £29.50 per bottle to share with friends. To enhance the holiday feel, the Rosé Retreat offers delicious sharing boards including the Mezze Board with hummus, baba ganoush, tahini, harissa, vegan feta served with flatbreads and olives and the Charcuterie Board with salami, chorizo, prosciutto and manchego – perfect for grazing. Still feeling peckish? The Folly offers all the fan favourites that we have all been missing during lockdown from juicy burgers to finger licking fish finger sandwiches, gnocchi mac & cheese, decadent salads and green bowls.
Sticking to all things floral, the talented bar team have also created stunning blush cocktails including the Frozen Paloma, a refreshing mix of El Jimador Tequila, freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup and London Essence Rosemary & Grapefruit tonic (£8.95); the Sweet Tooth of Roku gin, rhubarb & custard syrup, lemon juice, along with rhubarb liquor and egg white (£9.95); and Poppies of Oz, a delicate serve of Martin Miller Gin, Briottet poppy liqueur, vanilla syrup, raspberry powder, soda and a dash of lime juice (£9.95). The Rosé Retreat transitions perfectly from afternoon to evening, lights dimmed and mood music on, for that ‘night out’ fix in a safe, secure environment this summer… teaming with roses and rosé!
The Folly will be participating in the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out Scheme so everyone dining can enjoy up to £10 off their meal Monday to Wednesday throughout August.
Delectable dishes, champagne, flowers, and sunshine at The AllBright Mayfair this summer.
The AllBright, a community celebrating and connecting smart minded women through female-only members clubs, has reopened its doors of The AllBright Mayfair with a terrace take-over by Veuve Clicquot this summer.
Together, The AllBright Mayfair and Veuve Clicquot have transformed the terrace into an English inspired rooftop garden in the heart of Mayfair, offering Champagne tastings, as well as breakfast, lunch and alfresco dinner with seasonal summer menus designed by Executive Chef Sabrina Gidda.
The stunning, floral-led design has incorporated Government recommended guidelines, including professional cleaning and sanitisation of all floors and surfaces to World Health Organisation standards, hand sanitiser stations at the entrance and on each landing, and masks for guest use so you’ve no need to worry whilst supping your champers.
Surrounded by delphiniums, foxgloves, and lupins, the tranquil garden will see guests sipping on Veuve Clicquot Rosé and Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label by the glass or bottle, or one of the bright, refreshing seasonal cocktails on offer. The menu features vibrant champagne-based cocktails such as English Garden with Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, pressed cucumber, elderflower and mint (£20) or the Wild Rose with Veuve Clicquot Rosé champagne, Hennessy Very Special, Angostura bitters, sugar cube (£20), among others featuring ginger, watermelon and Seedlip (non-alcoholic).
Following on from AllBright’s previous successful culinary residencies including an Italian themed menu, the current terrace offering presents a Mexican theme with snacks and light bites including a charred corn salad with pickled jalapeño, tomato and queso fresco (£7), or Yellowfin tuna ceviche with coriander, chilli and lime (£12) as well as a selection of Mexican inspired desserts from delectable churros to a fresh lime granita.
During lockdown, AllBright continued to support its members through the launch of a new online membership platform, AllBright Digital. AllBright Digital provides access to curated online training courses, networking and community, and practical career advice from some of the world’s most inspirational females – all designed to upskill, connect and inspire smart like-minded women around the world.
AllBloom Summer Terrace marks the reopening of The AllBright Mayfair. Members can find information on how to reserve spaces for upcoming events such as lunch and learn or Cocktails on the Roof via the website.
August has arrived, we’re deep in the throes of summer and slowly but surely things are settling in to a new rhythm.
While London’s restaurant scene has sadly suffered casualties over the last few months, dozens of favourites have been reopening all over town, some with slimmed down menus and all with big changes when it comes to be abiding by the new rules.
Nevertheless, home entertaining is still rife and will be for a long time to come, so whether you’re eating out or dining in this month, here are a few of our picks…
Eat Out To Help Out
It would only be right to kick off with news of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, the government’s initiative to lend a helping hand to the ailing hospitality industry as it gets back on its feet. Diners can get a 50% discount on food non-alcoholic drinks when dining in (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner), from Mondays – Wednesdays until 31st August. While there’s no general list of restaurants taking part, dozens of favourites around town are offering the discount, so check with your favourites and get booking.
2. Order a Michelin-Starred Delivery
Scandinavian star Aquavit in St James’s Market has launched a new delivery and takeaway menu, bringing its Michelin-starred dishes to your doorstep.
The new menu is full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and Nordic-inspired dishes from Head Chef Jorjon Colazo, whose food is defined by clean flavours, simple presentation and healthy ingredients for a fresh summer feast. Our eyes are on the Nordic Salad with Hoe Smoked Salmon, Shrimps, Pickles, Lettuce & Rye, Langoustine Bao Buns with Torched Infused Seaweed Oil – a Swedish twist on the classic steamed Chinese bread roll – and traditional Swedish Meatballs served with Mashed Potatoes, Pickled Cucumber, Mushrooms and Lingonbereies. Dishes are available to order through the SUPPER app seven days a week, from 11.30am – 10pm, available within a 4km radius of the restaurant ahead of its full re-opening for in-restaurant dining on 24th August.
St James’s Market, 1 Carlton Street, London, SW1Y 4QQ www.aquavitrestaurants.com
3. Step into Balham’s Secret Garden
Balham has become a buzzing location for food and drink in the last few years and boozer The Regent is luring its loyal customers back this summers with an enchanting Secret Garden. A secluded slice of paradise tucked away from Balham’s busy streets, the botanical hideaway is decked out with festoon lighting, bamboo, flowers, rustic wooden tables, cosy lounge chairs and bright décor, bringing a magical, festival feel to South West London.
As well as being a dreamy spot for summer drinks, The Regent prides itself on a banging menu and an unwavering commitment to sourcing the produce for its dishes from the very best suppliers. With small plates of Duck Arancini, Sticky Crispy Wings and Vegan Jalapeño and Cheddar Cornbread it’s worth digging in. The Secret Garden has been created using the outdoor area of the school next door, in a local partnership that is helping support the school over the summer months; an amazing community project further supported with donations of plant pots, wheelbarrows and planters from locals.
The Secret Garden is open daily until the end of August from 12pm-10pm The Secret Garden at The Regent Pub & Restaurant, 21 Chestnut Grove, Balham, London SW12 8JB www.theregentbalham.co.uk
4. Dine At A Mayfair Classic Again
London stalwart 45 Jermyn St. has thrown open its doors once more, even to walk-ins. As central London slowly comes back to life, its new menu will feature a specially curated medley of 45 favourites, with moreish starters such as the famous Raw Cornish Mackerel & Caviar Tacos or Piccadilly Smoked Salmon, which is smoked locally on the restaurant’s rooftop in Piccadilly. Their signature Beef Wellingtonis back, alongside a flavourfulSpiced Monkfish Curry that packs a little punch.
Vegan and vegetarian options include an equally nutritious and delicious Salad of Baby Artichoke, Broccoli, Romesco & Smoked Almonds and an indulgent Potato Gnocchi, Suga Vinto, Wild Mushrooms and Italian hard Cheese that is packed full of feel-good flavour. The restaurant’s firs incarnation, The Fountain, is also widely credited for Britons to the iconic Knickerbocker Glory after World War 2, so be sure to leave room for pudding.
The restaurant will be open from 8am-9pm Monday to Saturday and 8am-6pm on Sunday
45 Jermyn St, Corner of Jermyn Street and Duke Street, London, SW1 6DN www.45jermynst.com
5. Dance The Night Away at Sky Garden
The prospect of real night out may still seem a little alien, but the city’s highest green oasis Sky Garden has re-opened its bar, Sky Pod, with an unmissable line-up of DJ nights, while its beautiful restaurant Darwin Brasserie is once again serving the best views in town and delicious British dishes.
Thanks to its spacious capacity it’s one of the few places to re-open with real space for social distancing and the Summer Sound Sessions are running every Friday (from 6pm) and Saturday (from 9pm) night until midnight throughout the summer, with £11 tickets including a ‘cocktail of the day’. Darwin’s level 36 brasserie has a new summer menu including London-cured Smoked Salmon with Citrus Crème Fraîche and Melba Toast and or Cheltenham Beetroot with Blackberry Dressing and Pistachio Purée to start and mains of Roasted Sea Bream with Tenderstem Broccoli, Chilli and Anchovy Dressing & Black Olive Crumb and Corn-Fed confit Chicken Leg with Grilled Baby Gem and Peas à la Française.
Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF www.skygarden.london
6. Indulge in a Home Cheese Feast
There is no better partner to cheese night than a freshly delivered box from The Cheese Geek, the UK’s leading online cheesemonger which sources world-class artisan cheeses straight from their small batch producers for nationwide delivery.
With a host of pre-determined boxes ready to order, a pick and mix to select your dream cheeseboard or a monthly subscription service, it’s a must-visit for any cheese lover. We recently tried the Sandy box (£40), with a trio of fresh summer cheeses – Crookwheel, Stithians and St Jude – accompanied with artisan crackers, a cherry & Amaretto jam and two cans of sparkling wine by The Uncommon England, it was the perfect recipe for a picnic in the park.
www.thecheesegeek.com
7. Transport To The Mediterranean At The Berkeley
The Berkeley has unveiled its new summer garden, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to Belgravia. The Garden is an intimate and informal alfresco restaurant, bedecked in lanterns, festoon lights and candles, lined with olive trees and lavender, it’s a reminder of balmy summer evenings spent on sun-warmed terraces.
With a daily changing menu showcasing the freshest ingredients, each meal starts with the signature touch of Warm Sourdough with Confit Garlic and Charred Vine Tomatoes. Dishes include Giant Charred Prawns, T-Bone Steak with Smoked Shallot Butter and Chimichurri, Grilled Sardines with Lemon & Rock Salt and Charred Octopus with Lemon & Garlic Saffron Aiol, all cooked outside on Green Egg barbecues for delicious summer flavour. The drinks list includes garden pitchers – ‘The Berkeley Cup’ is a blend of rum, Pimm’s, cassis and ginger beer finished with cucumber and strawberries; whilst ‘Peach Wine’ is a delicious mix of rosé, peach and elderflower liqueur with lime.
The Garden at The Berkeley is open Monday to Friday 6pm-10pm and Saturday and Sunday 12noon-10pm. Last seating is at 9pm. Booking is available for the first sitting, followed by walk-ins only.
The Berkeley, Wilton Pl, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL www.the-berkeley.co.uk
8. Discover Perfect Pasta in Aldgate
Summer dining may not be synonymous with hearty pasta dishes, but with the menu on offer at Emilia’s Pasta you might just change your mind, as both sites – Aldgate and St Katharine’s Docks – are now open once more.
In addition to the full normal menu with signature dishes like the hearty pappardelle Béchamel Bolognese and creamy homemade Genovese pesto with casarecce, Emilia’s has added more flavours of signature natural gelato, sourced from a small independent supplier near Turin, as well as their special amaretto tiramisu to their take away menu. They’re also available on Deliveroo and through their own newly launched in-house delivery service with a larger more customised delivery radius.
St. Katharine’s Docks: Sunday – Thursday 12-9.30pm, Friday and Saturday 12-10pm www.emiliaspasta.co.uk
9. Perfect Your Caribbean Cocktails At Home
Shake up cocktail night with The Devon Rum Company’s unique small batch creation. Made in an ‘English Style’ with a blend of Caribbean rums from Jamaica and Guyana, their unique blend mixes the distillery strength nectar with soft Devonia spring water to bring it down to it’s drinking strength of 40% abv which also gives the rum it’s unique local quality, before being infused a delicious concoction natural aromatic spices, pepper and citrus zest. The result is a premium spiced rum with a punch that captures the free spirit of Devon and is equally delicious alone over ice or in a cocktail.
70cl, £35.95 www.devonrumcompany.com
10. Get Oysters Delivered To Your Door
For a fresh taste of the sea without heading to the coast, FishWorks Fishmonger and Restaurant in Marylebone has re-opened for dining in and launched a new meal and oyster delivery service for those staying home.
Delivered daily from Devon and Cornwall, its delicious menu features classics like Steamed Lobster with Garlic Butter and stunning seafood platters alongside Cornish Fish & Chips. They’re involved in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, but for those who’d rather stay home the new delivery menu brings the restaurant experience straight to your own dining room. Ready-to-eat dishes will include Oven Roasted Seabass with Lemon & Thyme, Seared Yellofin Tuna and Garlic Butter Lobster & Chips, as well as the divine FishWorks Oyster Box. With a mixture of a dozen Jersey, Carlingford and Morecambe Bay oysters, along with an assortment of condiments including lemon, merlot vinegar, and Tabasco, perfectly paired with a bottle of FishWorks’ Fernão Pires white wine. Plus, for those new to the oyster game, FishWorks have you covered with your very own shucker and a link to a ‘How to Shuck an Oyster’ video tutorial. Delivered to your doorstep at £60 per box, the package will also include a £10 voucher to welcome you back into the restaurant when you feel ready.
FishWorks, 89 Marylebone High St, Marylebone, London W1U 4QW www.fishworks.co.uk
LA does roof top bars like no other city. A combination of warm balmy nights and Instagrammable views of the Los Angeles skyline make it the perfect place to take in dreamy, tangerine sunsets and cocktails.
Here at House of Coco, we’ve sussed out the best bars for sky-high views, delicious drinks, good tunes and a sprinkle of that cool Cali-vibe.
Skybar at the Mondrian, West Hollywood
If you are looking for that hip, Hollywood glamour then the Skybar at the Mondrian is the place to visit. During the day it’s a chic poolside lounge, perfect for soaking up some rays and relaxing and, at night, it turns into one of the hottest party spots in LA. World-class DJs pump out the tunes while guests hang out sipping on champagne, signature cocktails, spirits and beers. Boasting some of the finest views of the city, this popular rooftop bar is the place to be seen; so, dress to impress.
Hot tip: If you aren’t staying at the Mondrian, arrive after 1pm when the bar opens to the public.
Mama Shelter, Hollywood
Take in the sweeping views of Hollywood at this casual, chilled rooftop bar. Settle down on one of the bright, cosy sofas and sample the rustic, home-cooked food. Think baby back ribs that just drop off the bone and home-made cookies; just like mama would bake. This is a great venue to meet up with friends, grab a bite to eat, sample a cocktail from their infamous Moscow Mule menu, lounge on the day beds or have a go at the table games and foosball.
Hot tip: Mama’s has a first come, first served policy so try and get there early in the evening.
Above SIXTY, Beverly Hills
Located on the rooftop of the SIXTY Beverly Hills, Above SIXTY was named LA’s best rooftop al fresco bar and restaurant. With an extensive bar and 360 views of the city, it’s easy to see why. There’s a contemporary and stylish split-level terrace; the lower has a bar and lounge seating while the roof terrace has a pool, lounge areas and cabanas. This is a great spot for brunch on a weekend or, if you are looking to hang with the cool crowd, reserve your table for sundowners.
Hot Tip: A great place if you are looking to splurge.
Upstairs Bar at Ace Hotel, Downtown
The Upstairs Bar at the Ace has it all; DJ sets, live music, splendid drinks, book release parties and rooftop yoga. With stunning views of the city, this bar has definitely upped the rooftop game. It’s more than just a bar, it’s a great social space that offers a daily line up of events.
Hot tip: Check out their website before you visit, as there are lots of different events on each night.
High Rooftop Lounge at Erwin Hotel, Santa Monica
As the only rooftop bar in Venice Beach, you can count on epic sunset views year-round. The vibe here during the day is laid back, with 360 views that take in Muscle Beach, Catalina Island, Malibu, Downtown LA and the Hollywood Hills. When the sun goes down, the energy goes up a notch as the hip crowd dance around the glass fire pits, while the guest DJs spin out the beats.
Hot tip: Even if you are staying at the hotel, make a reservation as it gets busy.
Petit Ermitage, West Hollywood
You might well believe that you are in the Mediterranean, rather than Hollywood, when you arrive at Petit Ermitage. This beautiful boho bar is like an Italian secret garden. The pool and bar area is flanked with citrus trees, scattered with twinkly fairy lights. Sip on cocktails created by the Spirit Master in the Butterfly Bar and escape the ordinary. This Hollywood hideaway is humming with birds and butterflies. On an evening, step in the gypsy wagons and have your tarot cards read or snuggle under a blanket and watch an exclusive film premiere on the fire deck.
Hot Tip: This is guest-only, so you need to be staying at the hotel to get in.
Tavolino, a new London neighbourhood restaurant located in the heart of London Bridge will open the doors and outdoor terrace on Friday 31st July. The kitchen will be headed up by Louis Korovilas, formerly Head Chef of Bancone and godson of famed chef, Giorgio Locatelli. Tavolino – meaning ‘small table’, will serve simple dishes cooked with produce from across Italy and the UK, carefully sourced by Louis from individual suppliers.
“I respect the Italian approach to cooking: a dedication to quality ingredients, eaten at their peak, with the flavours coaxed from each one. At Tavolino, we’ll be steering away from using overused produce of mediocre quality and have spent the last six months going directly to suppliers who have been perfecting their produce for several generations. For example, we’ve found the best Pecorino Sardo DOP and a 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano for our pastas, and our lemons are sourced directly from a farmer on the Almalfi coast,” says Louis.
For lunch and dinner, guests can begin as the Italians do with a selection of bread baked in-house by pastry chef Taylor Sessegnon-Shakespeare including honeyed garlic focaccia, and an olive and parmesan roll. Dishes for the table can include cured salume such as Tuscan fennel salami, or lardo and parmesan bombolini and zucchini fritti and starters including fresh burrata from an artisanal dairy in Puglia, served with grilled zucchini scarpece.
Every morning, Louis and his team will make their own fresh pasta from scratch for dishes including his signature dish of silk handkerchief pasta sheets with walnut butter and Burford Brown yolk (served in Bancone); tagliatelle, spicy ‘nduja and pork ragù; and hand-rolled potato gnocchi with tomato, basil and Barilotto cheese. A selection of pizzas are made Romagna-style on thin, crispy sourdough base, topped with ingredients such as Puglian burratta, ‘nduja from Spilinga, black Taggiasca olives and Gorgonzola Riserva. Desserts include all the crowd pleasers; an Amalfi lemon meringue, tiramisu, balsamic chocolate mousse and skillet polenta cake with cherries and caramelised white chocolate made to share. La Dolce Vita!
On the south bank of the River Thames, Tavolino will be split across two floors with floor-to-ceiling windows with sensational views of the water and the the interiors will take inspiration from classic Milanese coffee bars and the traditional trattorias of Florence.
The Lockdown has hit the restaurant industry hard and with the restrictions finally easing, plenty of our favourite London spots are finally opening their doors once again. To help these creative and truly special foodie spots keep their doors open, we’re giving you the lowdown on exactly which London restaurants are reopening in each neighbourhood – so you can get to booking ASAP.
Our favourite Portuguese restaurant has reopened its doors in London Bridge, bringing the taste of the Mediterranean back to weary Londoners. Bar Douro now offers an updated menu and an extended terrace area to adhere to social-distancing guidelines. The new terraço is the perfect spot for a Bifana sandwich and White Port Tonic this summer.
Japanese Mayfair staple Taka has reopened in mid-July boasting a new and improved menu from Chef Taji Maruyama. The new menu was designed around the traditional Japanese ‘shun’ food philosophy, which states that food should be eaten only when in season (to enhance the flavour). You’ll be happy to know that Taka favourites such as the A5 Kagoshima Wagyu or Maitake Mushrooms are once again available along with an exciting new 8-course tasting menu.
This vibrant Peruvian restaurant in Angel Court, City of London has once again welcoming customers. It offers a seasonal changing fusion menu inspired by a blend of Latin American and Incan culture. Guests can once again enjoy Coya’s popular ‘Lomo des Res’, a spicy beef fillet with crispy shallots and aji limo, and sip on a cocktail or two in the restaurant’s extended outdoor terrace.
Wine lovers rejoice, because independent wine specialists 28°-50° has reopened in Covent Garden, boosted with an updated wine list and a new array of fresh summer dishes. We recommend the Artichoke tempura with aioli or the crab salad with mango and avocado. If you’re looking for an excellent summer wine recommendation? There’s no one better than the wine experts at 28°-50°, so better get booking and fast.
Michelin Starred Chef Atul Kochhar’s colourful contemporary Indian restaurant Kanishka has reopened in Mayfair and we can’t wait to make our return. It offers an unconventional menu that uses seasonal British ingredients to showcase the unexplored cuisine of North East India’s ‘Sister States,’. Highlights include Lake District lamb patties, New Forest venison and Kentish goat. The restaurant has also been updated with a new outside bar, where guests can enjoy Cobra beers, wines, and spirits.
Flour & Grape, the Bermondsey restaurant famous for its delicious, yet affordable and authentic pasta and wine, has launched Flour & Grape At Home, giving Londoners the chance to recreate their favourite dishes in the comfort of their own home. The move to create an At Home range allows Flour & Grape to stand out even further amongst London pasta purveyors. The restaurants website will be live for pre-orders on Tuesday 28th July 2020.
Perfect for cosy date nights in, dinner parties or for simply savouring the pasta flavours and expertly matched wines from the comfort of a sofa, Flour & Grape is offering a selection of crowd-pleasing pasta dishes, as well as a bespoke selection of antipasti, scrumptious desserts and cocktails. Cocktails include the Bermondsey Grapefruit Americano (£12) and the Nectarine Negroni (£15), which both serve two people. The choice of products is designed to bring restaurant standard freshness and quality straight to every London home.
Each pasta dish can be paired with a specially chosen wine to help elevate the tasting experience. Choices range from a ‘posh Pinot Grigio’ to a delectable and ‘very gulpable’ Catarratto. With only regional Italian wines on the menu, the team at Flour & Grape are truly passionate about serving the best options and strive to feature more unusual choices at a reasonable price in order to make exciting flavours more accessible. The At Home range gives customers the confidence to sample different types of wines alongside their dishes, without breaking the bank.
Pasta dishes to cook up at home in less than ten minutes will be available to collect from the restaurant, or those who live within a five-mile radius of the pasta powerhouse can have it delivered straight to their door. Each kit includes everything needed to create the highest quality dish, including pasta made freshly that day, alongside sauce and parmesan, with step-by-step recipe cards so that lovers of the carb can enjoy hassle free indulgence.
With staying in being the new going out and many consumers still feeling cautious about returning to restaurants, as well as tables at Flour & Grape being like gold dust even on the quietest of days, the team is looking to recreate the tasty and indulgent experience at home. After months of experimenting, the restaurant has perfected the preparation process and have developed clever packaging, allowing the freshest ingredients to be delivered without compromising on taste. Flour & Grape uses only the finest ingredients and produce to ensure the best tasting and freshest flavours each time. Dishes are also affordable as well as delicious, starting from only £7.
Founder and trained chef Nick Crispini commented: “Flour & Grape Pasta At Home has been something we were looking to develop long before lockdown – so it was imperative we got it exactly right rather than rushing to get something over the line. This is very much a long-term shift in our business model rather than a stop-gap response to the pandemic. With many consumers staying in during this time, we are looking to bring the experience of eating out to their door.”
The menu features a range of Flour & Grape’s most iconic pasta dishes, including:
