Exploring Tonica by the Distillery – a new concept from Portobello Road Gin: What could be more summery than a gin and tonic? The days of a simple Gordon’s and Schweppes are long gone and these days the humble G&T is at the forefront of cocktail development and experimentation. So in the spirit of progress, […]
Lahpet – Review
Authentic Burmese Restaurant in London at Lahpet: Burmese cuisine is one of the most under-represented of the various South-East Asian food cultures in the London food scene. Lahpet Burmese restaurant on bustling Bethnal Green Road in the heart of Shoreditch is trying to put that right. After a successful year-long pop-up in Hackney, founders Dan Anton and Head […]
Nest – Review
Three men in a Nest… Imagine three young men having a beer or three. Two have just lost their jobs and the third is a chef with Fulham’s Michelin starred pub The Harwood Arms listed on his CV. They reach that dangerous point in the evening when one of them cries out “Let’s start our own […]
City Spice – Review
East End Curries for West End Boys Over the last few years, I’ve reviewed and visited a number of the new wave of Indian restaurants. The food is often lighter and more fusion based than traditional curry houses. But sometimes you yearn for an old-school curry so I was delighted to be asked to review […]
Via Emilia – Regional Italian in London
Visiting Emilia Romagna without leaving London – Via Emilia: It is some time since I visited ‘In Parma‘ – a small Italian restaurant in Fitzrovia where you can enjoy a simple menu of pasta, meats and cheeses from Parma in Italy – while drinking fizzy red lambrusco from bowls as it would be served in Italy. […]
Fodder at Borough Wines, Brewery Below
Definitely NOT just another popup – Fodder at Brewery Below: At the moment I am travelling a lot and eating out in London a little less. But, an invitation to try Fodder was one not to pass up. Fodder is headed up by ex-Fera chef Michael Thompson joined by fellow Fera alumna Ollie Downey. The […]
Martello Hall – restaurant review
Gentrification in Hackney has moved on from being an exciting programme of urban regeneration to somewhat of a cliché. Whilst the clientele at Martello Hall are admittedly likely to be discussing their travels in Emilia-Romagna over a Hazelnut Espresso Martini this is also a friendly family establishment for all. First opening its doors just 3 […]
Tasting Menu at The Frog
Adam Handling’s ‘The Frog’ For the most part, fine dining is still something to experience in a quiet, immaculately decorated room. White linen tablecloths, carefully chosen china and shiny, matching cutlery. Hushed voices discussing the merits of Margaux over Pomerol with an attentive sommelier on hand to advise. And, not a chef to be seen, […]
Aye Aye Admiral – lunch at the Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich: Greenwich is one of those London ‘villages’ that has as much attraction for the locals as it does for tourists. It’s one of my favourite places to take visitors to London; catch a boat from Westminster Pier eastwards and enjoy the scenery along the banks of the Thames (and the crew’s […]
Brunching like a Hipster at Wringer and Mangle
Wringer & Mangle in London Fields: I have an underlying belief that anywhere I review can’t possibly be that hip. Even if, like Wringer & Mangle it has all the trappings. A large space, once a commercial laundry, has been made over in East London Hipster fashion, with bare walls, reclaimed furniture and all those […]