The Greek gods have been shining down on Oma, one of London’s best new modern Greek restaurants (and definitely the hit of the summer). I visited for lunch a while ago and it was easy to see why this industrial-chic taverna hits the spot.
Location
Chef & restaurateur David Carter (of Smokestak & Manteca) has taken over two floors on Bedale Street overlooking London’s iconic Borough Market. Walk in through the casual, moody Agora souvla bar, past the open grill with meats slowly sizzling on the spit, and head upstairs to brighter, sleeker Oma.
The restaurant
At the heart of Oma is the busy yet zen open kitchen with a live-fire grill and a crudo bar with glistening whole fish and seafood (‘oma’ is the Greek word for raw, after all). Around it is bar seating and tables with floor to ceiling street views, which the front of house staff manage with charm and ease. There’s also a covered, heated terrace for watching over the hustle and bustle of Borough Market.
The chefs
David Carter is joined by Ecuadorian chef Jorge Paredes (formerly executive chef at Sabor) and Nick Molyviatis (previously head chef of Kiln). Their global food influences can be traced on the menu, making interesting additions to Oma’s journey through the Greek islands.
The food
The dips and breads are an absolute must and the perfect start to a meal of sharing dishes. Hummus, masabacha and green zhoug was velvety and aromatic with lovely, crunchy chickpeas and a dusting of sumac. Babaghanoush, tahini and jerusalem artichoke crisps had a smoky flavour with a touch of zestiness and the golden artichoke crisps added texture.
The bagel-like açma verde was irresistable – fluffy and glossy with a gorgeous swirl of garlic and herbs. We also enjoyed the wildfarmed laffa – a lightly blistered flatbread made with plenty of olive oil to keep it moist.
I was immediately drawn to the lobster bisque börek and it was just as luxurious as it sounds. The pastry was unbelieveably crisp and oozing with a lavish shellfish sauce, finished with a flurry of grated cheese.
A staple of the Oma menu is their take on a Greek giouvetsi, a tomatoey orzo stew with meat or seafood, cooked slowly in a traditional clay pot. Wild red prawn giouvetsi, deep-fried prawn butter was just on the right side of decadent with rich flavours, tender orzo and six top notch scarlet prawns. It’s a real treat to find wild red prawns on a menu and the moreish orzo stew was a delight.
We passed over the crudo section of the menu, but in hindsight, a zesty gilt head bream ceviche would likely cut through the indulgent flavours with a touch of freshness. Otherwise, we ordered rather well for lunch and left feeling satisfied – for dinner, perhaps add some skewers or salads.
Impressions
Oma is the perfect restaurant for a special occasion with enticing dishes, accomplished cooking and inspiring surroundings. I will definitely be back to try Agora, which offers a few of the same dishes as Oma but with a focus on smaller skewers, wood oven flatbreads and rotisserie meats.
The Greek gods have been shining down on Oma, one of London’s best new modern Greek spots. Chef & restaurateur David Carter (of Smokstak & Manteca) has taken over two floors at Borough Market, with casual, moody Agora souvla bar and the brighter, sleeker Oma above. Dishes are made for sharing and feature eclectic flavours from around the Med. I visited for my birthday lunch and it was just as delicious as expected. We tried… ?? Hummus, masabacha, green zhoug ?? Baba ghanoush, tahini, Jerusalem artichoke crisps ?? Wildfarmed laffa & acma verde ?? Lobster bisque borek ?? Wild red prawn giouvetsi, deep-fried prawn butter Everything was high quality and richly flavoured and my favourites were the moreish dips and pillowy breads. Next time I would order a salad or ceviche to add some freshness, as it’s all rather decadent! #greekfood#londonrestaurants#foodie#boroughmarket#foodtiktok#lobster
Tapas is always a good idea, especially when it’s as good as this! BiBo Dani García opened last summer at the new Mondrian Shoreditch (now Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch) on Curtain Road and it’s already become known for its authentic Spanish dishes and cool atmosphere.
BiBo is a vibrant, casual-luxe concept from three Michelin-starred Andalusian chef Dani García, with outposts in Madrid, Ibiza, Marbella, Tarifa and Doha. It pays homage to time-honoured Andalusian recipes and cooking techniques with a few touches of aromatic Japanese flavours.
Walking down the stairs of the bright, contemporary hotel, you immediately feel the warmth of BiBo with its gorgeous terracotta walls, dimmed lighting and breezy Med vibes. The Spanish influences run through the stylish interiors with sculptures of shoals of fish, rustic decorative wall plates and plush brown leather banquettes.
The spacious open-plan restaurant features an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, as well as a central island bar and high tables for a quick bite. There’s also a leafy, deep red-hued courtyard and private dining room, where you can imagine having the most fabulous flamenco party or romantic wedding reception.
BiBo can get lively on the weekend with DJ sets and flowing sangria (it is Shoreditch, after all), but our Monday lunchtime visit was chilled out and thoroughly relaxing. I was particularly drawn to the express lunch set menu, as every dish was something I definitely would have chosen – when does that ever happen?
We were seated at a comfy booth and ordered drinks while waiting for the plates to arrive without any effort or decisions required. It was then that I noticed the attention to details like embroidered linen napkins, ice cold frosty glasses, stunning tableware and a buzzing soundtrack at just the right level. BiBo is already an established brand and its confidence shows.
Everything is made to share and our table quickly filled up with five fantastic dishes. Croquetas de jamón ibérico were gooey, dense and generously filled with the finest coating of crispy breadcrumbs, topped with a slice of top quality Jabugo jamón ibérico (from the Huelva region of Andalusia).
Gambas fritas with spicy mayo were plump and juicy, served piping hot with fresh coriander in the lightest, crunchy filo pastry, almost like delicate wontons.
Patatas bravas are a staple of any good tapas lunch, but their success depends on the quality and abundance of the sauce and the crispiness of the potatoes. Dani García’s were the most interesting I’ve tried, as they were fried with an extra-crunchy coating, almost like breadcrumbs, and topped with a luscious, piquant tomato sauce, velvety aioli and finely chopped chives.
Oxtail brioche with salsa bull and pulled oxtail stew was an absolute treat. The steamed brioche buns were ever so fluffy and moreish, packed with rich, tender slow-cooked meat and a generous dollop of smooth, glossy salsa bull emulsion.
It’s hard to believe that our star dish would be a big plate of greens, but there was something truly magical about the Broccolini and kale salad with black sesame mayo and peanuts. It was just so tangy, refreshing and umami-rich with a smokiness from the charred broccolini, crunchy textures from the nuts and a slight chilli kick.
Lunch ended on a high with the most decadent Caramelised rice pudding for dessert. The sauce was so luxurious and creamy, scented with vanilla and orange blossom, and the bomba rice had a refined, pearl-like texture. It was finished with a golden brûlée crust that cracked rather satisfyingly.
BiBo has to be one of the best new hotel restaurants in London and the express lunch menu is certainly generous and well-composed. If you’re already a fan of the city’s well-established tapas bars like Barrafina, Brindisa and José Pizarro, you won’t be disappointed here. I’m already really tempted to return for the lobster paella, more tapas and a slice of Basque cheesecake.
The BiBo Shoreditch express lunch menu is priced at £25 per person and is available between 12pm and 2.30pm everyday. For more information and booking, visit:www.grupodanigarcia.com
One Hundred Shoreditch opened its doors earlier this year, replacing the landmark Ace Hotel. Luckily, the game-changing Lore Group was quick to snap it up and within a speedy five months, a second London hotel joined its portfolio, which includes Sea Containers London, Pulitzer Amsterdam and Riggs Washington DC.
The Shoreditch High Street hotel certainly feels more grown-up than its predecessor with an elevated look and a brand new concept for its six restaurants and bars. I’ve stayed in this property a few times over the years (anyone remember when it was the Saint Gregory?), so I was excited to see how it had changed.
Arrival
We visited during the first heatwave of the summer and were blasted with delightfully glacial air-conditioning on arrival (well, it was 35 degrees, after all). The friendly, efficient staff made check-in a breeze and kindly gave us a welcome postcard offering three complimentary food and drink options for each guest. We could choose from a glass of wine in the restaurant, coffee and cake at the coffee shop or a pizza in the lobby.
Since it was already midday, we took the time to explore the open-plan lobby and enjoy some cooling drinks with two stone-baked pizzas served straight to our sofa – what could be better than that? By the time we had finished lunch, our room was ready and we took the rather atmospheric blood red lifts up to the sixth floor.
The Studio
Our Studio on the sixth floor was huge and designed in soft shades with a luxurious wool carpet, large paper pendant light and an exposed concrete ceiling. This natural palette was punctuated by a floor-to-ceiling woven tapestry and bespoke artwork in the most striking blue shades by Jacu Strauss, creative director of Lore Group.
I also loved the plush white linen sofa spanning the entire width of the room and the decorative vases filled with eucalyptus and dried flowers.
Room features include a dining table, large TV, tea and coffee facilites, free wifi and plenty of plugs and USB ports. There’s also a luxury minibar stocked with east London treats and stylish glassware, including carafes that you can fill with unlimited still and sparkling water from the station next to the lift on each floor. We really appreciated being able to grab our own filtered water, especially in the scorching heat – hopefully more London hotels will follow this green initiative.
The king-size bed was absolutely heavenly with a white linen headboard, top quality cotton sheets and lots of plump pillows.
The Bathroom
The white tiled bathroom was simple and modern with a large bath and shower, wooden stool, fluffy towels, bathrobes and a full set of products by New York-based perfumers D.S & DURGA in the signature Debaser scent.
They are my holy grail of luxury hotel toiletries (just beating Byredo at Miss Clara Stockholm), as I have a few of their candles at home and the body range is actually quite hard to find in the UK. It was a real treat to try out these products and they were even more fabulous than I’d imagined.
Dinner at Goddard & Gibbs
That evening, we enjoyed dinner downstairs at Goddard & Gibbs, the hotel’s buzzing seafood restaurant inspired by fishing villages and coastal towns around the country. The wood-panelled walls from its days as Hoi Polloi remain and the space has been given an upgrade with a new adjoining wine bar, terrazzo tables and bold artwork in maritime yellow. Not much has really changed though, as it’s still an east London fashion spot, having hosted a number of parties and events already this year.
Head chef Tom Moore’s varied menu features dishes such as Maldon oysters, Soused red mullet, Hake Kyiv, Fish and Chips and a signature Angus beef burger. While the fish options were tempting, we were swayed by the steak on the very well-priced set menu (two courses £23/three courses £27).
Beef onglet (cooked medium rare) was so tender and juicy, served with punchy salsa verde and a silver cone of hot, crispy French fries. We also loved the freshly-baked Sourdough milk buns with cultured butter – perfect for mopping up the sauce.
G&G’s dessert game is strong, so be sure to leave plenty of room. The Insta-worthy Fried doughnut with malt ice cream, miso caramel and peanut dust was truly decadent with rich umami flavour from the miso. Surprisingly though, my favourite was the velvety Honey and sesame tart with zesty grapefruit and luscious salted milk ice sorbet.
The Rooftop Terrace
After dinner, we checked out the dreamy, Palm Springs-inspired rooftop bar, decorated with touches of pink marble, rose gold lamps, succulents and hanging plants. It was absolutely packed with Londoners making the most of the balmy weather and panoramic views of the city over plates of tacos, fried chicken and crab burgers, washed down with margaritas.
For a more intimate nightcap, there’s also the downstairs Seed Library by London cocktail guru Mr Lyan. The hotel has a lot of eating and drinking spaces to try, so you could easily stay local for a relaxing weekend stay.
Breakfast
In the morning, we headed back down to Goddard & Gibbs for a hearty breakfast. We’d expected to order dishes like pancakes and Eggs Royale from the menu, but were told the breakfast offering had recently changed to a self-service buffet on weekends.
It all worked out fine though, as we made up our own superb Full English breakfasts with extra sausages and enjoyed the array of home-made pastries, yoghurt, muesli and cured meats and cheeses, washed down with excellent coffee, a pot of strong Good and Proper Tea and orange juice freshly-squeezed to order.
Everything was exceptionally high quality and tasty, but there could have been a few more items available like waffles, muffins or chia pudding to make it more interesting.
Location
One Hundred Shoreditch has an unbeatable location for exploring East London, within walking distance of Brick Lane, Spitalfields and Columbia Road Flower Market. Just around the corner is design-led Redchurch Street with hotspots such as Earl of East, Reformation, A.P.C, BAO Noodle Shop, Jolene bakery and Allpress Coffee. It’s also worth walking down to Liverpool Street for quick links to the city centre via the Elizabeth Line and of course gourmet Italian treats at EATALY London
One Hundred Shoreditch is a stunning hotel with equal measures of style and comfort, but it’s the welcoming, experienced staff that take it to the next level. It marks a new chapter for Shoreditch and is set to be the place to be this summer – I can’t wait to go back!
Last week, I spent a magical morning at Scent Street, a fabulous immersive showcase of luxury niche fragrances, taking over three floors of a west London Victorian townhouse.
It was a wonderful opportunity to discover some award-winning fragrances and catch the latest Spring/Summer 22 launches from artisan perfume houses in the Orange Square family. It was my first beauty press event since the beginning of the pandemic and it felt good to talk about scent with like-minded people again, after years of all keeping as far away from each other as possible.
The Townhouse
It was easy to find the townhouse, just a short walk from Shepherd’s Bush Market, as the entrance was covered in pretty cherry blossom trees, with a cute floral taxi and a hot drinks van at the door. Inside, the house had the perfect balance of good taste and personality, decorated in muted shades with exquisite artwork and cool objects like a marble surfboard – clearly the owners have a discerning eye.
It was beautifully styled with flowers tumbling from a shiny grand piano, perfumes nestled among greenery and exotic fruit, a spring bouquet workshop by Grace & Thorn and an array of canapés, macarons and cupcakes in the light-filled marble kitchen. I couldn’t help but daydream of living here.
Perfume-Inspired Cocktails
My journey started with a delicious hibiscus spice cocktail, freshly-shaken by a mixologist at the bar, to match the stunning Hibiscus Mahajad by Maison Crivelli (a contemporary haute parfumerie created by Thibaud Crivelli in 2018).
This exotic floral oriental fruity fragrance, created in partnership with Quentin Bisch, is inspired by the experience of tasting hibiscus tea in a gemstone market, evoking the luxury of travel and discovery.
It’s heady yet bright with an irresistable floral duo of rose and hibiscus, sparkling notes of blackcurrant, crushed pomegranate and spearmint and the enveloping warmth of vanilla beans, amber, spicy cinnamon and seductive carved leather.
I also loved trying the verdant Osmanthe Kodoshan, the icy cool Absinthe Boréale inspired by the Northern Lights and the modern Rose SaltifOlia with a touch of salty air from a walk on the seaside.
Maison Crivelli takes a slow approach to creating perfume and telling a story, in fact some can take up to two years to develop. Every fragrance feels full of soul and purpose – definitely my new favourite!
The Boudoir
I walked up the stairs into the stunning boudoir, complete with a plush green velvet chaise longue, a bathtub overflowing with white roses and a marble bathroom packed full of make-up, perfume and an LBD. It was like the start of a glamorous night out.
It was here that I discovered Parle Moi de Parfum, Benjamin Almairac’s family-run maison and lab space on Paris’ rue de Sévigné, where you can watch perfumes being developed by father Michel Almairac, a perfumer born and raised in Grasse. I was enchanted by Une Tonne de Roses, a light, refreshing celebration of roses with a slight edge from earthy patchouli – simply effortless French chic.
I also tried the more dusky, powdery Rose Ardoise by Atelier Materi that made me think of a Chanel suit and the unexpectedly subtle Perfect Oud from Mizensir by master perfumer Alberto Morillas (the nose behind CK One, Gucci Bloom, L’Eau d’Issey and Penhaligon’s Iris Prima) and his wife, Claudine.
The Bathroom
By this point, I had sampled a number of fragrances, so it was a change of pace to discover Not A Collection by Juliette Has a Gun. This ground-breaking home and body range, created by Romano Ricci, features Cetalox (usually used in perfumery as a base note) as its sole ingredient. It is the only perfume on the market without any allergens, making it perfect for those sensitive to fragrance.
It took me a while to detect anything other than a clean aroma, but later on at home with a rested nose, I tried a sample of the luxurious shower gel and immediately understood the appeal.
My final destination was the ‘holiday room’ with sultry fragrances fit for the summer. From Juliette Has a Gun, I tried Vanilla Vibes, a youthful boho perfume with breezy natural vanilla, tonka bean and fleur de sel and a cool ombre bottle representing the sand, sea and blue sky.
Another summer hit is the uplifting Sunny Side Up, a happy surfer girl scent that reminds me of suncream with sandalwood, coconut milk, musk mallow and jasmine.
For those jet set summer cocktail parties, there’s Mile High by Parle Moi de Parfum, a cheeky nod to outrageous plane behaviour and also the classic Pina Colada. It features notes of luscious pineapple from the Indian Ocean, Venezuelan tonka bean, Corsican immortelle and patchouli from Indonesia.
It was a real treat to discover all of these dazzling perfumes in such a creative setting and I left in the floral taxi with senses awoken and many new additions to my fragrance wish list.
Have you tried any of these perfumes? What is your signature scent?
Visiting London has never been easier with so many affordable, design-led hotels and serviced apartments popping up all across town. If you’re planning a trip to the capital and want to stay somewhere with the wow factor and a cool local vibe, the hottest brand to watch has to be Locke.
I first discovered this game-changing aparthotel concept with a fabulous stay at Leman Locke, the group’s debut opening housed in a modern Aldgate tower with plush pastel interiors, high-spec appliances and spectacular views of the city.
Since then, Locke has expanded to five sites in London, as well as Manchester, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Dublin and Munich. Each property has its own unique style and has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the neighbourhood.
I was excited to stay at Kingsland Locke for the weekend, having watched the construction of the building during our local lockdown walks. It opened in May last year and features 124 studio apartments and one-bedroom suites, plus social and eating spaces, designed by Red Deer Studio.
Location
As the name suggests, it’s right in the heart of Dalston and ideal for exploring the East End with Ridley Road Market, The Rio Cinema and Kingsland Road’s vibrant restaurants on the doorstep. You can also easily walk to Broadway Market, London Fields, Columbia Road Flower Market and Brick Lane.
Check-In
On arrival, we immediately felt the relaxed vibe of Kingsland Locke, as we walked through the entrance’s leafy plants to the green tiled reception desk decorated with toys and ornaments made by local artists. Check in was easy and low-key with a warm welcome from the friendly staff, all wearing stylish uniforms designed by Birdsong, an east London sustainable and ethical fashion brand.
Locals are able to use the open lounge and co-working space, so there’s always a lively atmosphere with lots of chatting and typing over drinks from Shaman coffee shop and the in-house microbrewery. For residents, there’s also a workout studio (yoga mats are provided in your room), laundry room and bookable manicures from a top local nail technician.
The Studio
Our City Studio (19 sqm) – accessed by an Instagrammable peach and pink hallway – was spacious, calming and efficiently-designed. Homely dark wood panelling and parquet flooring is contrasted with unfinished concrete walls and brightened with a gorgeous custom-made velvet sofa in sumptuous bottle green and chartreuse tones, that seamlessly flows to the headboard of the comfy king-size bed.
Room features include a snug dining area, large Smart HD TV, free wifi, storage cupboards, iron and a fully-equipped Smeg kitchen with a hob, fridge/freezer, microwave-grill, toaster and dishwasher, plus a full set of cooking utencils and crockery. Also, a fresh brew is always close at hand with a kettle and a selection of premium loose-leaf teas and ground coffee.
The small but perfectly formed bathroom is fabulously futuristic (and made for selfies), with matte black fixtures and white geometric tiles and a powerful walk-in shower, big fluffy towels and full-size products by Kinsey Apothecary.
Dinner at KRAFT Dalston
In the evening, we dined at Kraft Dalston, Locke’s collaborative restaurant from local indie brands German Kraft Brewery, Jim and Tonic Distillery and foodie favourite Le Bab. This subterranean space couldn’t be cuter with mint green and pastel pink chairs, hanging plants and quirky hot pink sharks circling the glass ceiling. At night it has a warm glow and the spacious bench seating makes it perfect for large groups and celebrating occasions.
Le Bab specialises in creative, charcoal-grilled kebabs using high quality British meats and many of the dishes are shareable. We started with the excellent Mezze Mix for 2 with velvety peanut curry pesto hummus, crisp pork belly bites and moreish garlic butter naan.
We followed with some tasty kebabs – Pork Shawarma with juicy Dingley Dell organic pork, sweet pickled cucumber and fresh chermoula mayo on fluffy pita flatbread and a Dirty Bab, which was similar but quite a bit bigger with the addition of fries and fondue sauce.
The food was fantastic and very reasonable priced for such high quality, plus it’s hard to beat a restaurant that’s just downstairs!
Breakfast is a simple affair at Kingsland Locke (you can pre-book a voucher at the health-conscious Shaman cafe), so we popped out to grab some delicious morning pastries at our favourite bakery The Dusty Knuckle.
Around Dalston
For more places to eat out in the immediate area, I also recommend tacos and margaritas at the slightly shambolic but fun Del74, hearty plant-based food at Mildred’s, drinks and experimental music at Cafe OTO and freshly-made baklava at Bebek Baklava.
Kingsland Locke is the perfect base for a memorable leisure stay in London with everything you need to be comfortable and no pricey extras. I can’t think of any real downsides, other than I’d love the option of starting the day with a full breakfast or brunch in that lovely, light-filled restaurant – this may not fit Locke’s vision for the property but it would be a nice feature.
There are plans for more Locke residences in Berlin, Lisbon and Copenhagen over the next few years, so keep an eye out!
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for… restaurants are back! While we have to wait until next month to dine indoors, many London eateries have worked hard to transform their outdoor spaces, big or small, and lift our spirits again.
With such promising sunny days throughout April, there’s no better time to support your old favourites or try somewhere new. Just be sure to wrap up warm (especially for dinner), stay safe and be a gracious guest – there’s nothing more soul-destroying for restaurants than a no-show.
Here are some of the best terraces for a celebratory meal to remember…
The Berkeley Beach Huts
The Berkeley brings the nostalgic glamour of the Great British seaside to Belgravia for spring/summer with its glorious rainbow-coloured, stripey Berkeley Beach Huts. Inspired by iconic foodie seafronts such as Whitstable, Southwold and Padstow, fresh seafood and fun retro classics take centre stage.
Catch up with friends and family over magnificent seafood platters, grilled langoustines and five star fish and chips, alongside lighter bites such as brioche lobster rolls, plaice butties and crispy squid.
Leave room for dessert to enjoy a selection of ice cream sandwiches, ‘make a mess’ Eton Mess and best of all, a ‘Gourmet 99’ with no less than four chocolate flakes and ‘add your own’ toppings. Wash it all down with the finest British wines, maritime-inspired cocktails and shandies.
If you don’t managed to snag a highly-coveted beach hut, you can still soak up the seaside atmosphere on the surrounding terrace and counter. A trip to the beach has never been so luxurious!
Seabird
What could be more decadent post-lockdown than working your way through London’s longest oyster list with a bottle of Champagne and panoramic views over the city? Seabird – the photogenic rooftop restaurant on the fourteenth floor of The Hoxton Southwark – has a fabulous terrace and a summery sea-to-table menu.
Nestle on a rattan sofa among the tropical palms and take in the beach club vibes over Spanish and Portuguese plates like Squid ink rice, Iberico pork presa, Scallop ceviche and the famous Octopus roll. Don’t miss the traditional Torrija and Manchego cheesecake for dessert and plenty of frozen Caipirinhas.
Brat at Climpson’s Arch
Brat is set to continue its hugely successful residency at Climpson’s Arch, the London Fields coffee roastery, throughout 2021. Michelin-starred chef Tomos Parry celebrates the ritualistic simplicity of fire, bringing his Basque-inspired open fire grilling techniques to the marquee-covered courtyard.
Expect signature sharing dishes such as Whole roasted turbot, Crab with hay butter and wood fired breads, not forgetting that heavenly Burnt cheesecake.
The Tramshed Project
The Tramshed Project was created by Dominic Cools-Lartigue during lockdown as a place to eat, work and build on the spirit of community with wellness classes, chef residencies and cultural events.
It’s a new chapter for the grade II listed Tramshed building in Shoreditch, taking the baton from former restaurateur Mark Hix and replacing the iconic Damien Hirst Cock and Bull sculpture with new artworks from the Zabludowicz Collection. It also has a delightful terrace seating up to 50 on the pedestrianised Garden Walk.
Chef Andrew Clarke’s spring menu is an absolute joy with dishes including Fried calcots with Ogleshield fondue and hot sauce, Slow-roast lamb shoulder with potato and anchovy boulangère and Grilled baby chicken with baby leeks, lemon and aioli. Definitely a reason to stop by Shoreditch this spring.
Towpath Cafe
Take it easy with a casual lunch overlooking Regent’s Canal at Hackney favourite Towpath Cafe. Lori De Mori and Laura Jackson’s petite waterside cafe is the perfect spot to catch some sun and with a no-booking policy, there’s hope of scoring a table if you arrive at the right time.
You can look forward to grazing on rustic sharing plates of brown shrimp and kohlrabi, crispy lamb with houmous and caramelised onion and the much-loved grilled cheese sandwich with quince jam.
Circolo Popolare
Eating truffle straight from the copper pan in a secret garden sounds like the ideal way to emerge from lockdown. Big Mamma’s boistrous Sicilian trattoria Circolo Popolare has the prettiest terrace in Fitzrovia with colourful parasols and twinkling fairy lights.
Start with a big burrata, crocchetta and cured meats and follow with an indulgent grilled tagliata and spaghetti cacio e pepe served straight from the percorino wheel. Dessert is also a must with a classic Tiramisu, giant profiteroles or Instagram-famous lemon meringue pie.
If you loved Big Mamma’s Napoli Gang delivery service, you’ll have even more fun at the restaurant.
Have you started eating out in London again? Where have you booked for your grand return?
With restaurant reopenings still a few months away and the tedium of cooking setting in, it’s more tempting than ever to order a cheeky takeaway. We all have our local favourite, but there sare so many exciting new kitchens to order from.
Whether you’re in the mood for traditional siu mei, pork pibil tacos or a top notch Neapolitan pizza, here are a few spots to add to your takeout list…
Giz N Green’s Pizza Pies
Remember when Pizza Hut brought out the stuffed crust pizza in the mid-nineties and how mad it was at the time? While many of us have been fixating on the rules of authentic Neapolitan pizza, Gizzi Erskine and Professor Green have had their eyes on Chicago. They’ve taken the much-loved deep dish pizza and added their own spin with Giz N Green’s Pizza Pies.
Starting as a Monday night fakeaway and a pop-up at Passo on Old Street, Giz N Green’s now brings the pizza party home, delivering from Bethnal Green and Olympia through Deliveroo and UberEats.
We ordered a Meatball Marinara to share and when it was handed over we couldn’t believe the weight of it – an actual monster! Made with organic biga sourdough, the base was super-thin and crispy while the crust was pillowy and blistered, stuffed with British organic fior di latte. The pizza was smothered with lots of herby marinara sauce, loaded with an obscene amount of cheese and finished with a plump meatball on every slice.
This pizza is seriously indulgent, so bring your appetite, get the beers in and let the cheese coma take hold.
Three Uncles
Three Uncles specialises in siu mei (traditional Cantonese roast meats) and operates from a slick canteen at Liverpool Street, offering a takeaway and delivery service.
Run by three friends, it’s inspired by the bustling markets of Wan Chai in 1970s Hong Kong, where they would watch the roasting masters chop up slow-cooked meats. Three Uncles similarly uses the time-honoured 48-hour, six-step technique. Meats are marinate on the inside, rubbed on the outside, hung and fan-dried overnight, then roasted, rested and served. While it’s an everyday staple in Hong Kong, this is one of the few places to offer authentic siu mei outside of Chinatown in London.
You can choose from four different roasted meats served with pak choi, steamed jasmine rice and punchy sauces, as well as lo mein noodles and a tempting selection of dim sum. We chose the combo of three meats with Crispy pork belly, Char Siu barbecue pork and Hainan chicken. The meats were tender and richly-marinated and were made even more scrumptious with the soy and rock sugar sauce and aromatic ginger and spring onion sauce.
Unaware of the generous portion sizes, we also ordered the fantastic Roast duck and Char Siu Lo Mein noodles, fluffy and sweet Char Siu Bao and delicate Wontons in extremely hot chilli oil. Everything was absolutely delicious and while some of the meats can be on the fattier side, the marinade and sauces are irresistable.
Napoli Gang
Big Mamma – the group behind hit London restaurants Gloria and Circolo Popolare and Pink Mamma in Paris – was quick to respond to lockdown and launched Napoli Gang, its socially-conscious delivery service in partnership with Uber Eats last summer. Now with kitchens in Bethnal Green, Kentish Town, Wandsworth and Wood Green, feasting on truffle pasta and popping arancini in your PJs is a reality.
Napoli Gang works with small Italian producers to source the best ingredients, so it’s worth starting with some Puglian Burrata, Prosciutto di Parma and Sicilian olives. Its Neapolitan pizza with creative toppings is one of the best in town and another must-try dish is the indulgent Amori al tartufo – a luxurious pasta gratin wtih parmesan, fresh truffle, black truffle cream, mascarpone and caciocavallo.
Round it all off with the Insta-famous Lemon Pie XXL – you won’t regret it!
Motu Indian Kitchen
If you’ve missed indulgent dinners at the likes of Trishna, Gymkhana, Brigadiers and Berenjak, then you need to know about Motu Indian Kitchen, the popular home delivery service by JKS Restaurants.
Motu offers home-style Indian dishes and pays homage to both the tiffin meals delivered to workers by dhabbawalas in India and “the British love of a classic Indian takeaway”. The menu is well-edited with a focus on well-known crowdpleasers and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
The best way to try a a few dishes is the Feast Box for two – a generously-sized set menu with your choice of two mains, one dal, one rice and two naan, plus popadoms, raita and mango chutney.
Motu’s Chicken Curry has aromatic complexity with plenty of cinnamon while Chicken Tikka Masala is deliciously smoky and creamy with tender tandoori chicken thigh. Dal Makhani is incredibly moreish with slow-cooked garlic and ginger and the Pilau rice topped with crispy onions is exemplary.
DF TACOS
It’s hard to beat Taco Tuesday with a few beers in a dimly-lit bar, but it’s also pretty cool to have tacos delivered straight to your sofa. DF TACOS in Shoreditch is the way to go if you’re in the mood to try lots of different fillings like chile beef, habanero chicken and sweet plantain, and load up on nachos and sides.
Go for a Taco Board with three fillings and six tacos to share, a crispy fried buttermilk chicken torta with red slaw and chipotle mayo or an enormous pork pibil burrito with avocado mojo salsa, crema and pink pickled onions.
Have you tried any of these take-aways during lockdown? Where is your favourite place to order from?
The festive season has arrived and London is lit up in twinkling lights, ready for some much-needed merriment. Christmas in the capital will certainly look different this year, but there’s still a lot to get excited about with plenty of events and new openings to enjoy safely.
Here are some of the top picks to add to your list…
Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than wrapping up for a stroll around a Christmas market with mulled wine in one hand and warm gingerbread or a pretzel in the other? Luckily Oxford’s Street’s iconic department store has teamed up with Street Feast founder Dominic Cools-Lartigue to host the Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews.
Set across Edwards Mews, just behind Selfridges, this open-air market brings all the festive feels with retro fairground rides, stalls sellings decorations and winter accessories, creative wreaths by Your London Florist and even Christmas trees and seasonal flowers by Moyses Stevens.
Of course, the cherry on top of the Christmas cake is the nine food and drink trucks curated by Street Feast. Pop Dogs Official is grilling up traditional German bratwurst, while the most Instagrammable pasta – made in a giant wheel of Grana Padano – comes courtesy of Cheese Wheel. You can also expect gourmet burgers and BBQ by Tramshed Project, arepas from Pabellon, north Indian street food by Gully and wood-fired delights by Fundi Pizza. For a touch of sugar and spice, there’s also the Selfridges Collection of seasonal treats including Christmas pudding, panettone and stollen.
Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews runs daily until 3rd January.
Accidentally Wes Anderson pop-up
The Old Bank Vault on Hackney Road is set to become a pastel-hued curiosity shop with a dazzling Accidentally Wes Anderson in-store and digital pop-up, in celebration of Wally Koval’s recently launched book.
Koval’s popular community-led Instagram feed is a beautifully-curated collection of real-life places around the world, submitted by eagle-eyed contributors. These whimsical, carefully-chosen landscapes and architectural gems perfectly capture the symmetry and quirkiness found in Anderson’s cult films like The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Darjeeling Limited and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
This fully-immersive visual adventure brings the Instagram feed to life, offering the chance to see and buy these glorious pieces. The Old Bank Vault is also the only UK gallery to retail the book, merchandise and prints, so it’s worth queuing to nab a rare Christmas present for the cinema buff in your life.
Accidentally Wes Anderson x The Old Bank Vault runs from 4th December until 21st December
Spiritland at JOY
Crowded warehouse parties may be off the agenda this Christmas, but you can now get your music fix served up with a plate of pasta at Spiritland’s new residency at JOY. Restaurateur Stevie Parle and designer Tom Dixon launched their co-operative, multi-purpose warehouse venue at Portobello Dock this summer as a response to the current climate and for the month of December, Spiritland is taking charge of the drinks and music programme.
Simply book a table and enjoy a feast of Burrata, 30 egg-yolk tagliolini and Tiramisu by Pastaio and House of Suntory cocktails, with DJ sets from the likes of Jeremy Deller and Rory Crichton, Mafalda and Horse Meat Disco’s Severino. Jonny Woo’s Christmas Show rounds off a dreary 2020 with fabulous live music, laughs and a touch of glamour.
JOY is also a destination itself, featuring the much-praised Flora restaurant with indoor and heated outdoor seating and shops including a farm-to-fork grocery and a deli offering Kentish cheeses, Cobble Lane charcuterie, fresh truffles, hand-made pasta from Pastaio and take-away food. There’s also a bottle shop selling natural wines and craft beers, plus jewellery by Goddess Charms and plants and flowers from Canterbury-based The Goods Shed.
Spiritland at JOY runs throughout December
Ice skating at Hampton Court Palace
Gliding around London’s prettiest ice rinks at Christmas may seem like wishful thinking, however skating at Hampton Court Palace is very much going ahead. Situated in the gardens of Henry VIII’s historic home, this open-air ice rink is a real treat, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater perfecting those spins.
At the end of your session, you and your household can warm up and take in the après-skate atmosphere over a baked Camembert and mulled wine in the cosy Ice Rink Cafe. A number of measures have been taken to make this family-friendly event Covid-secure, so be sure to plan your visit and make all of the necessary bookings.
Ice skating at Hampton Court Palace runs from 5th December until 17th January – pre-booking is essential.
Christmas decoration spotting
Central London may be just emerging from hibernation, but its Christmas decoration game is still strong. To see them in all their splendor, start at King’s Cross and marvel at the striking Electric Nemeton Tree at Granary Square, Coal Drop Yards’ sustainable Terranium Tree by Botanic Boys and EL&N Cafe’s pink Tree of Hope featuring quotes from London NHS staff at St Pancras.
Then, head to Covent Garden to see the Piazza’s 60-foot tall Christmas tree and walk along to Carnaby Street with its heartwarming ‘Choose Love’ theme and finish in Mayfair where Annabel’s, Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and The Churchill Arms all have stunning festive facades.
Which London Christmas events are on your list? Are you planning a trip into town to get into the Christmas spirit?
London’s favourite Italian delicatessen, Lina Stores, responded at lightning speed to the national lockdown and launched its online grocery delivery service in April. Months on, it’s one of the food industry’s rare success stories, bringing its signature turquoise striped boxes full of delicious goodies to all London postcodes and also nationwide.
Established in 1944, Lina Stores has grown from a bijou Soho delicatessen to include a standalone restaurant around the corner on Greek Street and a restaurant-deli-cafe at Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross. With such a flurry of activity in the past few years, it’s no wonder that Lina Stores innovated its offering to keep us well fed when movement was restricted and spirits were low.
Groceries
The online store features a diverse range of imported fresh cheeses and cured meats, olives, antipasti, baked bread, fruit and vegetables. You can also pick up storecupboard essentials like artisanal dried pasta, tins of San Marzano tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, jam and 00 flour.
Home-made Pasta
The star of the show, however, has to be Lina Stores’ unique, hand-made products including fresh pasta, slow-cooked sauces and indulgent desserts. I’ve ordered from Lina Stores quite a few times over the past few months and cooked up an indulgent feast of pasta and cannoli on my birthday.
The home-made Pappardelle and Tagliatelle come covered in flour in little nests and generously serve four. They have a lovely flavour and deep yellow colour and cook perfectly in just a few minutes. The vibrant green Artichoke and truffle ravioli is also a real treat and is best served simply with butter and Parmesan.
I was also really impressed with the fresh pasta sauces, which also serve four. Norcina, traditionally from Umbria, is a creamy, rich ragu of Porcini mushrooms and sausage while the Bolognese is exemplary with top quality beef and plenty of red wine.
Delicious Cannoli
I can never resist the Sicilian Cannoli and you can order five bite-size ones to go with your coffee or super-size it with two giant Cannoli. The fried pastry shells are piped full of velvety, marsala-scented ricotta and studded with crushed pistachio and bittersweet dark chocolate chunks – just heavenly!
Chocolate lovers will also delight in the insanely dense and gooey Baci brownie, baked with the famous hazelnut chocolates from Perugia. Another must is the heavenly Amalfi lemon pudding – a moist Italian sponge with zesty citrus custard and ground almonds.
Delivery
Now that you’re most likely sold on a Lina Stores order, let me tell you it’s actually the most accessible of all food delivery services, with free delivery, a small minimum spend of £20 and a good range of delivery slots. The service is professional and friendly from start to finish and all items are airtight sealed for safety and easy freezing. What could be better than that?
Are you planning to try a Lina Stores home delivery? Which items would you choose?
London may be a quieter version of its summer self and we’re all being more conscious of how we socialise right now, but the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme is going some way to lift our spirits.
It’s a rare occurance that we can score up to 50% off the bill and revisit old favourites or tick off those ‘wish list’ restaurants at a snip of the price. So many great cafes, bars and restaurants have signed up and even added their own offers and special menus, so you can eat exceptionally well for just a tenner!
Here are a few top picks for where to eat out in London during August…
Pophams Bakery
Pophams managed to keep baking during lockdown with its smart delivery service, but there’s nothing quite like relaxing over a flat white and a perfectly-laminated pastry or two. The Hackney bakery is my ‘go to’ place for an afternoon treat or catching up with friends and it never disappoints.
If you’re going for lunch, indulge in a gourmet Brie and buttered leek toasty, Roasted pumpkin and sage tartine or home-made Pappardelle with oxtail ragu, followed by a decadent Peanut butter praline pastry.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
I still haven’t come to terms with the fact that the original New York Cronut® will soon leave London, as Dominique Ansel Bakery is set to close both its Belgravia and Covent Garden outposts at the end of August.
However, there’s still time to take a tour of the greatest hits, like the fabulous Avocado toast, Welsh Rarebit Croissant, Chocolate chip cookie shot, Mini Madeleines baked to order and the seasonal illustrated Eclairs. Maybe we can twist his arm to pop up in London again when things get better.
Burger and Beyond
The city’s best burger is always a hotly-debated topic, but in my opinion, it can be found at Burger and Beyond on Shoreditch High Street.
Get your posh burger fix with the game-changing Bacon butter burger, a dry aged beef patty loaded with double American cheese, crispy pancetta bacon, burnt butter mayo and onion. It goes perfectly with the decadent Truffle tots and if you’re really hungry, add some Smoked mozzarella sticks, Fried chicken bites and Crispy calamari.
Machiya
If you have a craving for some delicious Japanese comfort food, head to Machiya, the casual all-day restaurant from the team behind ramen temple Kanada-Ya. It’s inspired by Kyoto’s traditional home cooking and offers izakaya-style small plates alongside hearty donburi, noodles and katsu curry. Some of the best dishes that keep me coming back are Gyudon, Abura soba, Tsukune, and the aromatic Tofu custard.
Best of all, Machiya is going one step further and removing the scheme’s cap to offer 50% off your entire bill (including beer, sake and wine) from Monday to Wednesday in August.
Lina Stores
London’s favourite Italian delicatessen Lina Stores launched a brilliant nationwide home delivery service during lockdown and thankfully now its Soho restaurant is back in action and a stunning new Lina in Piazza al fresco restaurant has been created outside its King’s Cross site. There’s even a cute gelato cart and a Piaggio Ape mobile bar to make it even more fun.
Feast on the finest Stracciatella and Prosciutto with olive oil focaccia and share a few plates of home-made pasta such as the magnificient 30-Egg Yolk Tagliolini with black truffle, butter and Parmigiano Reggiano. Of course, you’ll need to leave some room for those signature Baci brownies, Tiramisu gelato or Campari sorbet.
Berber & Q Grill House
Travel may be off the agenda for a while, but you can journey through the flavours of the Middle East and North Africa at Berber & Q Grill House. Tucked away inside a railway arch in Haggerston, Berber & Q is one of east London’s essential restaurants with so much atmosphere, sumptuous spiced dishes and live fire grills for that authentic flavour.
It’s all about sharing, so fill your table with the most heavenly Baba ganoush with fluffy pita, pomegranate-studded Cauliflower shawarma, Hot-smoked merguez sausages and slow and low Lamb mechoui with harissa.
Berenjak
Nothing says summer like the charcoal aromas of a Tehran-style kebab house wafting through the Soho streets. If you haven’t yet checked out Berenjak, one of the latest openings from JKS Restaurants, now is the time to discover some delicious Iranian cuisine at a bargainous price.
Grab a seat in the charming ‘hayat’ (Persian garden) and graze on the signature Hummus with black chickpea and walnut and traditional Mazeh, scooped up with freshly-baked Taftoon. Then, its all about the kebabs with pickles and fluffy Basmati rice with saffron and crispy, golden tahdig. Wash it all down with a spiked Sharbat (a botanical Persian soft drink mixed with gin) and end on a sweet note with a Darlish Baklava ice cream sandwich.
Norma
I spent New Year’s Eve at Norma, Ben Tish’s exquisite Fitzrovia restaurant, and everything from the food to the ambiance was superb. Norma is inspired by the food and culture of Sicily with Moorish influences that are apparent on the menu and in the sumptous, jewel-like interiors.
I recommend trying a little of everything and don’t miss the zingy Caponata with home-made focaccia, Spaghettini fritters with Parmesan sauce, Fried potatoes with grated pecorino and winter truffle, a large plate of fish (Roasted North Sea hake when we visited) and of course, the classic Pasta alla Norma. Be sure to leave room for dessert – Tiramisu, granita and cannoli await!
Which restaurants are on your Eat Out to Help Out hit list? I’ve already been to Barrafina and Mare Street Market and will be revisiting Berber & Q and old favourite Bellanger, which recently re-opened in the same location as a pop-up.
The Eat Out to Help Out money-saving scheme is available when eating in at participating cafes and restaurants on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August. The discount is capped at £10 per person and is applied to food and soft drinks (not alcohol). Use the postcode checker to see who is taking part before booking or visiting.
The BFI London Film Festival 2019 is back with a dazzling programme of the best new film releases. It offers cinema lovers a rare opportunity to walk the red carpet at a Gala Screening and be the first to see the films that everyone will be talking about at a world, European or UK premiere.
Beyond the blockbusters, it also showcases independent releases featuring emerging talent, plus you can delve deeper into the director’s intentions with an intimate Q&A after the film.
Here are just a few of the inspiring, exciting films that you can see this week at participating cinemas across London…
Lucky Grandma
In Sasie Sealy’s debut black comedy Lucky Grandma, it’s impossible not to be charmed by Grandma Wong (played by veteran actress Tsai Chin), a tenacious widower resisting the pleas of her son to give up her tiny apartment in New York’s Chinatown and come to live in their family home.
After a fortuneteller predicts good luck coming her way, she recklessly gambles away her life savings during a trip to a Connecticut casino. However, on the bus ride home, the man sitting next to her suddenly dies from a heart attack, posing the opportunity to regain her losses and sneak away with his bag full of cash. Unfortunately for Grandma Wong, she has stolen from the fearsome Red Dragon gang and two of their henchmen are waiting in her living room to threaten her, not believing her claim of innocence.
To ward them off, she hires protection from a rival gang but her thriftiness get her Big Pong, a gentle giant rather than intimidating bodyguard. They form an unlikely bond and Big Pong’s skills are put to the test as Grandma Wong is chased around Chinatown by the gangsters, leading to a tense encounter with gang matriarch Sister Fong in an overheated sauna and a family member being taken hostage.
As well as being a joyous caper film, Lucky Grandma masterfully explores the lives of elderly Chinese immigrants and the cultural differences between them and their first generation Chinese-American children, from language and style of living to cooking and community. It also questions the independence and visibility of older generations in an ever-changing world, but always with a cheeky glint in the eye of the formidable Grandma Wong.
Photos: Lyle Vincent
Days of the Bagnold Summer
Remember those endlessly long summers at home where nothing much seems to happens? Simon Bird (of The Inbetweeners) perfectly captures the balmy ennui of the school holidays in middle class suburbia with his debut film, Days of the Bagnold Summer.
Based on Joff Winterhart’s graphic novel and adapted by his wife Lisa Owens, this likeable indie film chronicles six weeks in the lives of the Bagnolds – introverted teenage metalhead Daniel, played by promising newcomer Earl Cave (who happens to be the son of Susie and Nick Cave), and his divorced librarian mother Sue (Monica Dolan). Daniel is buoyed – excited would be overstating it – by the prospect of spending the holidays in Florida with his father and his girlfriend, but with a new baby on the way, they call to postpone his stay, grounding him in the somewhat less exotic Bromley, Kent.
Daniel’s days consist of arguing with his mum about chores, making ketchup sandwiches in his pyjamas, half-heartedly handing out his CVs and hanging out with his posh rocker best friend Ky (Elliot Speller-Gillott). Girls may be on Ky’s mind, but Daniel’s only really interested in music – in fact, he spots an advert looking for a singer in a local metal band, but has to pluck up the courage to apply.
While Daniel’s dad is zooming around Florida in a convertible MG and skipping his child support payments, dowdy cardigan-wearing Sue has given up on her own love life. That is, until Daniel’s schmoozing teacher (Rob Brydon) flirts with her in the library and they go out on date to their local Italian restaurant, kissing in the back of the taxi to her son’s dismay.
A trip to the seaside, the death of their old age golden retriever, a fall-out with Ky and Sue’s birthday meal out punctuate their summer together and their relationship certainly improves by the end of the film.
With a chipper soundtrack by Belle and Sebastian that Daniel would probably hate, Days of the Bagnold Summer is sure to take you back to simpler times when sleeping in and not cleaning your room was a triumph.
Photos: Rob Baker-Ashton
Our Ladies
Michael Caton-Jones’ raucous coming of age film Our Ladies has its world premiere at BFI London Film Festival. Adapted from Alan Warner’s novel The Sopranos and set in 1996, it follows a Fort William girls’ choir as they travel to Edinburgh to compete in a singing competition. However, hymns are the last thing on their minds as these Catholic school girls are on a mission to get their kicks in the capital.
Despite a stern warning from Sister Condron about the temptations of Edinburgh, six of the girls split off in groups to see who and what they can get their hands on. This takes them on a boozy tour of the city’s sinful spots like an infamous sauna, lesbian bar and a recently-divorced man’s flat.
It’s a transformative trip as secrets begin to unfold and old alliances shift. A surprising relationship develops between street smart Finnoula (Abigail Lawrie) and privileged, cello-playing Head Girl Kay (Eve Austin), as they discover they have more in common than their vastly different backgrounds would suggest.
Another key story is that of leukaemia survivor Orla (Tallulah Greive) who was ‘miraculously cured’ in Lourdes and is making up for lost time pursuing her desires – a new pair of thigh-high leather boots and a cute boy to lose her virginity with. Needless to say, Sister Condron’s vision of a choir of angels is destroyed as the girls turn up still drunk, vomiting as the result of a secret pregnancy and with their uniforms stolen.
Juxtaposed against the uncomplicated beauty of the rural Scottish landscape, life for the girls in Fort William is a challenge, as the film examines issues such as teenage pregnancy, repressed sexuality, lack of opportunity, poverty and vulnerability. Above all, however, Our Ladies is intoxicating and nostalgic with its punk rock attitude, stylised 90s backdrop and relatable girls.
Last weekend, I headed west for lunch at LIV Belgravia, a fabulous new all-day restaurant just off Pimlico Road. I often forget just how pretty this neighbourhood is, with its Saturday Farmers’ Market, designer stores and gorgeous mews houses – and LIV certainly fits right in!
This is the first British restaurant from Australian Chef Damien Monley, who previously owned Sydney’s popular Flat White Cafe and Madam Char Char. Friendly and energetic, Damien came to chat with each table during my visit and emphasised his intention to offer generous, healthily-prepared dishes.
The restaurant has a chic yet unpretentious feel with lots of natural daylight, marble tables, uplifting yellow seating and a tasteful art collection with pieces by Henry Moore and Alexander Calder. Unlike some of London’s more boisterous, nosy restaurants, LIV is notably relaxed and just the kind of place you’d like to spend a few hours.
Lunch started on a high as we shared the tempting Roast chicken salad with corn, gem lettuce, crispy potatoes and chicken crackling. This was an indulgent, moreish salad with very high quality pulled chicken breast and I loved the creamy corn crush and the buttery roasties.
17-hour Wagyu beef, Japanese salad and wafu dressing was another hit. The rich Wagyu beef simply melted in the mouth and was contrasted nicely with crunchy fried onions, crisp salad leaves and an aromatic, zesty dressing with zesty lime, coriander and perhaps pomelo.
We were also keen to try the King prawn omelette with Thai basil, Asian slaw, sweet soy, ginger shallot and sriracha. This omelette was unbelievably velvety and souffléd with plenty of cream and a generous amount of plump king prawns tucked inside. The Asian slaw was the perfect accompaniment, bringing a touch of sweet sesame and punchiness from the sriracha.
The star dish, however, had to be the enormous Roast crispy pork sandwich with sweetcorn, rocket, apple, aioli and plum chutney. Thick slices of herby, succulent pork belly and puffed crackling were packed between slices of toasted sourdough with more of that yummy sweetcorn, tiny shards of green apple, flavourful aioli and lovely caramelised onion jam (although I didn’t quite detect the plum chutney).
For dessert, we went for the Aussie brunch-inspired Ricotta hotcakes with cinnamon butter, berries, seeds and organic maple. They were ever so light and fluffy and the toppings gave that extra touch of indulgence.
The cake of the day was a hefty, decadent Chocolate brownie served with a quenelle of vanilla cream. It had a dense, gooey centre and a cake-like crust and was definitely big enough to share.
We were also really impressed with the House-made scone with clotted cream and jam. It was buttery and golden with delicious accompaniments and very good value at only £3.50.
The only let-down was the Freshly-squeezed orange juice, which was weak and frothy with added banana rather than the robust, sweet juice I was expecting. However, the Fresh mint tea more than made up for it and the free Japanese charcoal filtered water was a nice touch.
LIV Belgravia may be picture perfect, but it balances style with substance and the cooking is seriously next level. It’s sure to become a big hit with the Chelsea brunch crowd and with a creative dinner service arriving later in the autumn, it’s set to be the neighbourhood restaurant that has it all.
