Tag Archives: zomato

Le Menar: Modern Approach to North African and Middle Eastern Cuisine

It’s nice being pleasantly surprised, right? And that’s just what I was during a recent dinner at newly relaunched Le Menar restaurant in Fitzrovia. It wasn’t that I had been expecting any sort of substandard meal; I just didn’t realise Head Chef Vernon Samuels’ “modern approach” to North African and Middle Eastern cuisine was going to be so inspired, thoughtfully prepared and intriguingly tasteful. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

New Afternoon Tea at the Intercontinental London Park Lane? It’s a Guiltless Pleasure.

Yes, the folks at the Park Lane Intercontinental have done it again: wowed my senses in one of London’s most elegantly comfortable public settings … and with gracious and polite service to boot! This new vegetarian (without ever stating so) afternoon tea was a delight and yet another point to be added to a now rather lengthy set of reasons to recommend the hotel as an ideal destination for making the most of your time in the West End. Continue reading

Posted in Art, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, London Daily Photo, Luxury, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Healthy and Quick Italian-Japanese Fusion at Beiriso in Holborn

Recently opened Italian-Japanese fusion eatery, Beiriso, brings a tasty assortment of lunchtime and on-the-hoof dining options to the hectic streets of Holborn that’s bound to woo passers-by with affordable prices and a mostly health-conscious selection of food and drink. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The World’s End Market: Fresh and Flavoursome Finesse on the King’s Road

I expected a very good – potentially even great – dining experience when I accepted an offer to review newly opened The World’s End Market. I didn’t expect to be wowed though. However, some of the dishes that Kemey and I tried on our Monday night visit did just that and delighted my unsuspecting palate. I was deeply impressed and can easily recommend this King’s Road eatery for anyone seeking quality meal simply prepared with locally or ethically sourced ingredients. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

M Restaurants on Threadneedle Street, EC2

It was the last restaurant I visited in 2014 and the first one I’m reviewing in 2015 – appropriate enough for a finish or start to a great year of dining as any I reckon. My late night dinner at M – a newly opened and rather slick two-in-one restaurant plus wine bar combo just a stroll from Bank Station – pleased my palate with a menu full of tartare, tiradito and sashimi selections that didn’t leave me feeling raw. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Elegant Japanese Dining at Kouzu, Belgravia

Japanese fine dining restaurant, Kouzu, opened with a hush of a soft launch (although apparently the Prince of Monaco had already caught wind and paid a visit) last week. Via an invitation extended by the restaurant, Kemey and I dropped by Saturday for what turned out to be a most elegant meal. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Luxury, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Night Out at The Hippodrome

I’ve walked by The Hippodrome Casino at Leicester Square a zillion times. Not a gambling man, I never thought there was much inside the large scale and lavish venue for me. However, taking up an invitation to give Hippodrome’s food, booze and entertainment a try, I discovered there’s more to this Central London landmark than gambling. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Music, Restaurants, Theatre, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bite Me Pizza, Westbourne Grove

An invitation to try out a new Notting Hill pizzeria proved a more than satisfying reason for me to mosey more westerly than usual for one of my all time favourite foods – pizza! Bite Me? With pleasure Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, London, Parma, Pizza, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Commune at Goodhood: Open-Faced Situationist Sandwiches?

Originally a small indie label fashion and lifestyle boutique on Coronet Street just off Hoxton Square, Goodhood recently crossed Old Street to reopen in a considerable bigger retail space on Curtain Road. Downstairs at Goodhood and just a few weeks old is Commune, a partnership between Chef Brett Redman (Elliot’s Café Borough Market) and Goodhood co-founders Jo Sindle and Kyle Stewart with an aim to serve “clean, healthy and really tasty food, juice and coffee with a focus on good quality and good value.” Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Far Rockaway Bar and Restaurant in Shoreditch

A couple of weeks back, a buddy and I hit Curtain Street’s Far Rockaway for a gab session over couple of beers and a pizza. The Shoreditch venue offers broad appeal if in a rather ‘dude-ly’ fashion. Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, London, Pizza, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Win Dinner for Two at Pont Street Restaurant – Courtesy of Zomato

So, a couple of weeks back I had a very agreeable Friday night dinner for two at Belgraves hotel’s Pont Street restaurant. And now – thanks to a team up with online restaurant discovery guide, Zomato – I’m offering the chance to enjoy the same delicious experience to one lucky reader. Check it out! Continue reading

Posted in Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, Hotels, London, Luxury, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Review: Pont Street Restaurant at Belgraves Hotel

Before making my rez for Friday night din-din at the Belgraves hotel’s Pont Street restaurant, I skimmed the web for a few reviews. Ouch! I’m not sure whether what I read was egregiously unfair or if Pont St subsequently got its act together, but my experience was way better than those perused online. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Victoria, Mile End: Everything under (and on) One Roof!

Recently renovated and reopened under new ownership, The Victoria brings a taste of farm-to-table dining and hopeful community spirit to Mile End. I had lunch here about a week and a half ago and really enjoyed it. Here’s quick look at a few of this pub’s many highlights. Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, London, Pubs, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toro Gordo: Stylish Tapas for Hammersmith

Spanish bar and restaurant Toro Gordo brings piquant panache to West London. I had a fantastic time tasting my way through its menu of contemporary and stylishly presented tapas and reckon if you’re in the area you could do a lot worse. Indeed, for drinky drinks and scrumptious nibbles with a convivial vibe that’s just a short stroll away from Hammersmith Tube (not to mention Ravenscourt Park) you’d be hard pressed to find a better venue. No bull! Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Bonneville: Fantastic French Dining in Clapton, E5

So nice I’m going twice! A recent visit to Clapton’s newly opened French eatery, The Bonneville, resulted in such a lovely experience for Kemey and me that we’re heading back ASAP for a repeat – this time with another couple in tow to whom we’ve raved about the place. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Brasserie Chavot: Epic Flavour and Subtle Finesse in Mayfair

Contemporary French cuisine made with quality ingredients sourced from the British Isles and France? It’s a gorgeous idea – especially when executed by a capable chef such as Eric Chavot. A recent opportunity to taste my way through much of the menu at Brasserie Chavot proved a veritable feast of epic flavour and subtle finesse. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Win a £50 Voucher for Circus Cocktail Bar and Cabaret, Covent Garden

A cocktail bar, restaurant and cabaret, Circus offers a Pan Asian dinner menu alongside an enticing cocktail menu. Designed by British Tom Dixon, the surrealist interior is the perfect setting for wild cabarets, with actors performing on tables and vanishing in between courses. Following dinner and the performance, the West End venue turns into a dance space. Fun place, right? Thanks to a team up with online restaurant discovery guide, Zomato, I’m offering one lucky reader a free voucher worth £50 to spend at Circus. Continue reading

Posted in Competition, Design, Drink, Food, Freebies, London, Music, Restaurants, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Forge & Co … and It’s Fabulous Speyside Beef and Ox Heart Burger

A friend (hey Peter!) and I dropped by the Forge & Co canteen in Shoreditch last night to give its new Speyside Beef and Ox Heart Burger a try … and were pleased to have done so. Cooked in a Josper Grill and served on a demi brioche, it proved a mightily meaty meal well worth recommending. Plenty of topping and condiment options were available, but I reckon it needed none such was it so full of flavour. Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

High Spirits Afternoon Tea at Paramount, Centrepoint

A boozy and panoramic double entendre, Paramount’s High Spirits afternoon tea yields a civilised chance to catch a lofty buzz while taking in some of the best views of London. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

New Cocktail Menu at Grand Union Bars

A couple of weeks back I was invited along to sample the new cocktail menu at Grand Union. I Unfamiliar with the London based group of eight bars (and possibly growing) but intrigued when I took a quick look at the drinks I would be offered to try. I’m happy to report I was not disappointed and found GU’s Farringdon bar to be a smart and cosy spot to keep in mind the next time I’m out and about and hankering a drink. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Get it Fast and Fresh at Vapiano Soho

Not the first (and probably not the last) Vapiano outlet to open in London, but the new Wardour Street location of this global restaurant group with its fast casual take on serving freshly made Italian cuisine was worthy of a visit and my recommendation. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

New Restaurant Review: INK, Bethnal Green

Definitely one of the most inventive and satisfying meals of the year, my dinner at newly opened INK was a sheer delight. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Restaurant Review: Granger & Co Clerkenwell

I had a lot of fun during my recent visit to Granger & Co Clerkenwell. Aussie restauranteur Bill Granger’s latest restaurant in a selective global portfolio – which includes a well established eatery in Notting Hill along with outlets in Sydney, Tokyo, and Hawaii – features a playfully palate pleasing menu served in a comfortable and lavishly spacious dining room. Here are a few highlights from my dinner. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Check Out Mikael Jonsson’s New Tartine Menu at Antidote Wine Bar

Under the guidance of Hedone’s Head Chef Mikael Jonsson (who’s been overseeing the menu at Antidote since it reopened earlier this year), the bar has introduced a new tartine menu available from noon to 5pm. Items are priced between £5 and £7.50 and can be had alongside a glass of house wine for an added three quid. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dom’s Place – Traditional Turkish Food with E5 Flavour

Since moving to Clapton three years ago, I’ve seen a lot of changes – mostly for the better and particularly along the retail strip of Lower Clapton Road. One of the tastiest has been the opening of Dom’s Place, a casual little low key eatery with a pared down menu featuring “traditional Turkish food with a modern twist.” Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pizza Union, Super Fast and Budget Friendly Pizza in Spitalfields

Kemey and I dropped by for a midweek early evening dinner at new(ish)ly opened Pizza Union near Liverpool Street for a taste of its “fire-baked” and “super fast” stone oven pizzas. And? We were pleased with this all day pizza bar’s no nonsense approach to offering customers something tasty and quick at a great price. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Win Dinner for Two at The Portman Pub & Restaurant – Courtesy of Zomato

Looking for a great night out in Central London? The Portman Pub & Restaurant near Marble Arch features a lively pub downstairs with a more subdued tablecloth serviced restaurant upstairs – not to mention an excellent menu and wine list. And thanks to a team up with online restaurant discover guide, Zomato, I’m offering one lucky reader the chance to enjoy a free dinner for two at this fine Marylebone gastropub. Continue reading

Posted in Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, London, Pubs, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Infinity Brunch at Aqua Kyoto

Upscale and great value in an elegant and easy to reach locale, the Infinity Brunch at swish Soho eatery, Aqua Kyoto, would be a wise addition to your bucket list of must-do London brunches. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Win Dinner for Two at Notting Hill Kitchen – Courtesy of Zomato

In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve been blogging a good deal about a recent trip I took to Portugal, especially about how much I enjoyed all the great food and wine while I was there. Well, thanks to a team up with online restaurant discovery guide, Zomato, I’m offering one lucky reader the chance to have a taste of some of the best Portuguese cuisine in London with a free dinner for two at Notting Hill Kitchen. Continue reading

Posted in Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dub Jam Jerk BBQ and Rum Shack, Covent Garden

Transforming a cloakroom into a “rum shack,” tiny 16-seater Dub Jam has opened near Covent Garden serving reggae, rum and Caribbean inspired dishes – all with a heaping side of Jamaican kitsch. The reggae? A selection of Trojan Record classics on … Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Souli: Friendly Marylebone Takeaway with a Fine Dining Focus

Open now for a couple of months, Souli is a small and attractive takeaway in the heart of Marylebone. I had an exceptionally satisfying lunch there about a week back, finished up by one of of the best espressos I’ve had in London this year. According to affable owner, Hella Souli, the concept behind her eponymous eatery is to offer “high end restaurant quality” food in an efficient and friendly cafe setting – fine takeaway if you will. Continue reading

Posted in Coffee, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Proper Pies and Great Pub Grub at Punch Tavern, Fleet Street

In addition to the great food and drink, Punch Tavern has a singular air about it and is a lovely spot to find yourself. There’s gorgeous natural light streaming in from a glass ceiling in the main bar area, a working fireplace, and original features from 1897 such as marble bar, dark oak panelling, and a series of original Punch and Judy themed paintings. Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, London, Pubs, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ramen Fun at Shoryu Soho, Denman Street

So it’s been about a month since I visited Shoryu Soho ramen bar. But that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten how much fun I had dining there. Besides, judging from the queue out-the-door I observed when I passed by the Soho outlet last night, I guess the restaurant hasn’t been in need of any positive press. Nevertheless, here’s mine up-thumbed input about the place. Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

La Giaconda Café Bar Restaurant on Denmark Street

Following a major refurbishment, Denmark Street’s landmark rock ‘n roll restaurant, La Giaconda Café Bar Restaurant brings together a quality caff experience and a fine dining options in the heart of Soho. Continue reading

Posted in Celebrities, Coffee, Drink, Food, London, Music, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

illy Regent Street

I don’t know about you and your line of work but as for me and mine, I run around all over town all day long. Often I find I’ve got time to kill between meetings and events. Sometimes it’s just 20 minutes, other times it might be a couple of hours. And just because I have time to kill doesn’t mean I have time to dawdle. I need to get in somewhere fast and park it during such spare moments – where I can tackle my inbox, draft my next blog post, maybe grab a bite to eat and (most importantly) have a cup of coffee. With the recently opened illy Regent Street, being able to do all this stuff in a seriously stylish and comfortable setting just became a real option for me. Continue reading

Posted in Coffee, Design, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment