Tag Archives: lunch

Whaam! Win Free Banh Mi for a Week | Get a Free Americano with Purchase of Sandwich

About two months ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing Vietnamese style sandwich shop, Whaam Banh Mi, near Piccadilly Circus. Now, I’m teeming up with this friendly little Soho eatery to offer one reader a week’s worth of banh mi for free and the opportunity for everybody to get a free cup of coffee over the next week. Continue reading

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Lunch at Bunnychow

Bunnychow is a laidback sort of eatery with a no worries/no pretences vibe to it and where the star of the show is the filling and flavoursome food. Situated on Wardour Street in Soho (nearer the Shaftesbury Avenue end than the Oxford Street side), it’s a smart choice for an affordable quick bite … and if you like a bit of heat with your food, you’ll love bunnychow’s hot sauce (I sure did). Continue reading

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Whaam Banh Mi, Great Windmill Street, Soho

Man oh man, I love banh mi and the recent years proliferation of places stuffin’ full and thick across London is a delicious thing indeed – and one that just got tastier with the launch of Whaam Banh Mi. Continue reading

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Old Street Station Crepes by Les Deux Amies

Yesterday, I had a lovely lunch visiting with Caroline and Adeline, two French expat friends bringing a taste of their home country to commuters zipping through Old Street Station. Their Les Deux Amies pop-up offers a short and sweet (and savoury) assortment of responsibly sourced, French crêpes, galettes and homemade jams and sauces with a side of social enterprise. Continue reading

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Piadabar: New Italian Takeaway in the Heart of Soho

Piadabar is a new Italian takeaway on Bateman Street in Soho that serves authentic piada (Northern Italian flatbread), traditional cheeses and cured meats, amazing homemade desserts, excellent espresso and more. It’s a brilliant spot to drop by for a quick sandwich or snack – whether on your way to work in the morning, during lunch or even after a late night out playing weekend warrior (Piadabar is open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights). Continue reading

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Sunday Lunch at the Crown and Two Chairmen, Soho

My lunch at the Crown was ace, and I loved the upstairs dining space, which was all but empty at 1.30pm (things picked up considerably by 2.30 though with hardly a free seat in the house). Highlights? To begin with service was efficient and friendly, seating was comfy, and I got a kick out of spotting a couple of celebrities out the window walking down street (if making a reservation, ask for a table by the window looking down on Dean Street). Continue reading

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Kanada-Ya: Tonkotsu Ramen Worth Waiting For

Since Kanada-Ya opened last autumn in St Giles, the restaurant has attracted steady queues of people waiting patiently for a fix of authentic tonkotsu ramen.
The good news for those shivering outside is, Kanada-Ya is not the kind of place you linger for ages. The menu is ultra streamlined, offering just three choices of piggy goodness (vegetarians, look away now). Sure enough, a couple of spots at a window bench became available fairly quickly. Continue reading

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Lovely Sunday Lunch at The Latchmere, SW11

Following a major reno, The Latchmere pub on Battersea Park Road has recently reopened under the guiding hand of the Renaissance Pubs group to offer a comfortable and attractive venue (think: Victorian minus any twee fittings) for all those pubby things we like to do as Londoners. Kemey and I paid visit a couple of weekends ago for one of our most favourite of pubby activities – Sunday lunch! – and were more than pleased with our experience. Here are some of the highlights. Continue reading

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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

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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

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A Great Lunch in Italy with Coffee as Good as I Get Back Home (espressoCrazy)

Towards the end of 2013, I hit the road for a gourmand adventure across the north of Italy. One of the trip’s many highlights was the day I spent in Modena taking in the sights and sounds … and delectable … Continue reading

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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

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Dixie Detours: Miami in a Minute

The final stop of our Dixie Detours visit to the US was Miami, where an overnight layover afforded Kemey and me the chance to check in on some friends who had recently moved there – big thanks to Tanya and Francesco for being such fantastic hosts and showing us around so much of your fine town – while soaking up some south Florida sunshine before heading back to Blighty. Continue reading

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5 Great Cafes Near London’s Oxford Circus (CheapOair)

Yes, it’s invariable that I will leave at least a couple of great cafes off this list in my pursuit to share a few ideal places to have a quality coffee while keeping within striking distance of all on offer … Continue reading

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Sampling the “Thinwich” at Brick Lane’s Caboose

“Slow smoked grub” served from a “custom built railway cabin”? Sure, why not? I tagged along to a menu tasting at Brick Lane’s Caboose. Hosted by Warburtons – the UK’s leading independent baker – the event also provided an opportunity to have … Continue reading

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50% Off Lunch This Friday at Quantus in Chiswick

Quantus restaurant in Chiswick was one of the best restaurants I visited in 2013 and was a rare venture westward when I really thought I might be missing out on something good and London-y by living in the East End. “Destination dining at its best” was how I summed up my experience there, and I definitely am keen to repeat that sojourn for another taste. If you’re all about fine food sans hype, you’d be wise to eat there too. Anytime to visit Quantus is a good time I reckon, especially this Friday (24 January) when the restaurant will present an opportunity to try its new lunch menus with 50% off the total bill. Continue reading

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Kamps: New German Backerei Café on Tottenham Court Road Near Warren Street

Kamps is a new German backerei café on Tottenham Court Road near Warren Street station. Stop by for a coffee (artisan wood roasted in Oxford) and a pastry, an especially budget friendly and tasty breakfast or a loaf of bread baked fresh in-store. Not yet open a full week with no marketing , the clean little shop is making fans quick. After my recent visit I can see why. Continue reading

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Lunch at Lima: Wow.

Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez’s much lauded London outpost, Lima, has just received its first Michelin star – and the first one ever granted to a Latin restaurant in Europe. Guess who was lucky enough to enjoy a leisurely lunch there the day after the big announcement? Yep. And I loved every last bite of my experience too. Continue reading

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Check Out Spianata & Co for a Tasty Lunch with Roman Style

Last week I had a fantastic lunch at Spianata & Co. The Roman bakery and paninoteca has been in London for a number of years, but I’m just now getting wise to its tasty range of freshly made sandwiches, pizza rossa and more. Continue reading

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Coming Soon: The Clockjack Chicken Burger

Sometime this week, Soho’s Clockjack Oven will launch the Clockjack Chicken Burger – a fried chicken thigh burger with a bit of a kick to it. Lucky clucker that I am, I had a chance to sample a prototype of the new burger last week. It was truly delicious and I reckon will prove to be a very popular addition to an already tasty menu. Continue reading

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Delicious Takeaway at an Outstanding Price: Bánh Mì Hoi-An, Hackney Central

It’s nice to give someone a fiver for a filling and freshly made lunch and still get some change back. Being served something scrumptious at great value and leaving with the feeling that your patronage was truly appreciated is part and parcel at Bánh Mì Hoi-An, a fantastic Vietnamese sandwich bar round the corner from Hackney Central Overground station. Continue reading

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HKK’s Exquisite Five Course Duck Lunch

There’s not a whole lot I can write about my recent visit to HKK for a taste of its five course duck lunch menu without my review coming across as one big gloat about how much I enjoyed it. Continue reading

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Tibits: All-Day Veggie Dream Boat Just Off Regent Street

Tibits is an all-day vegetarian restaurant and bar nestled within a quiet little alcove just off Regent Street. With a “food boat” featuring 40 hot and cold dishes where customers create their own buffet-style meal (either plated for eating in or in a container for takeaway), Tibits has plenty of quality dishes on offer for healthy conscious diners and folks with dietary concerns. Continue reading

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Lunch at Assiette Anglaise, Liverpool Road, N7

I had a fantastic lunch last week at Assiette Anglaise, a relatively new restaurant for Highbury and a welcome one indeed! It’s is a fine little neighbourhood brasserie which locals should be proud to call their own. Everybody else? This all day eatery’s only a short stroll away from Highbury and Islington Station (and is just about as close to Holloway Road and Caledonian Road stations too). The delighful meal I had was certainly worth the time I spent on public transport to get there. Continue reading

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Bar Snacks at the Old Queen’s Head, Essex Road

You’re kinda spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a place to drink on Essex Road. A handful of quality boozers (some great places to eat too!) are clustered close to where Essex Road meets Upper Street with a few more commendable establishments presenting themselves up the road nearer De Beauvoir Town. Among the best of Essex Road’s pubs is the Old Queen’s Head. Continue reading

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New Bento Express Menu at Buddha-Bar London (CDCLifestyle)

Buddha-Bar’s new bento features a tasty selection of light Pan Asian starters and mains from which to create your own meal for £27. The bento includes a bowl of miso soup, a side of wakame salad and a choice of steamed rice or Buddha-Bar noodles. Quality of the food is high. Portion sizes are ample with the bento prettily presented. Service is efficient and cordial. If you know Buddha-Bar then you’re aware that the setting is extremely attractive and rather plush, whether you’re there for drinks or a quick meal. Continue reading

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Upscale Bento at Buddha-Bar London

Mention the lavish Buddha-Bar in Knightsbridge to anyone and thoughts of a glamorous night out sipping exotic cocktails with a soundtrack of signature lounge and chill-out tunes wafting through a beautiful people filled lounge probably spring to mind. But what about a “Buddha Bento” express menu for a no fuss lunch or a pre-theatre dinner with a promise to having you in and out within 40 minutes? Continue reading

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Bubbles, Berries and More – a Brilliant Time in Bristol

Some work-related reasons led me to Bristol for an overnight stay. Kemey was able to join me for the trip, and we found plenty of pleasure to go along with the business during our short time in this small but vibrant town. Maybe it was the gorgeous sunshiny weather? we really didn’t do all that much while there but had an absolute blast. Here are some of the highlights from a chilled out 24 hours in Bristol. Continue reading

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Clockjack Oven (Blue Tomato)

All in all, my lunch at Clockjack Oven was way better than I’d expected or even hoped – so satisfying, in fact, that I could definitely see myself craving for a repeat visit soon. Continue reading

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Fantastic Free Range Rotisserie Chicken and More at Clockjack Oven, Soho

Clockjack Oven brings a supremely simple and savoury dining option to Soho with its free range rotisserie chicken and yummy back-to-basics menu. Continue reading

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Blue Boar Smokehouse & Bar, at London’s Intercontinental Westminster (OneTravel)

At £45 (about $68) per adult and £15 ($22) per child, brunch at the Blue Boar is an indulgence. Still, if you come with a hearty appetite and plan to relax over a few drinks, you should find the experience to offer exceptionally good value for an especially great meal. You’ll also be treated to friendly and efficient service along with live music in a chilled out and comfortable setting. Continue reading

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Luxury Sunday Brunch at the Blue Boar (CDCLifestyle)

Service was efficient and friendly … there was live music a la an acoustic guitarist … and just about everything pertaining to my brunch was pleasant and relaxing. The Blue Boar’s main dining room is especially comfortable. Beyond the dining area, an expansive bar and maze of cosy Chesterfield nooks await. Continue reading

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Luxury Brunch at the Blue Boar Smokehouse & Bar, Intercontinental Westminster

Chef Jon Ingram of the Blue Boar Smokehouse & Bar at the Intercontinental Westminster has done a bang up job taking a (barbe)cue from foodie trends around town and refining them to a five star standard while making sure keep his menu fun and yummy. Indulging in the Blue Boar’s Sunday only luxury brunch is an excellent way to taste what I’m talking about. Continue reading

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Nip/Tuck Package at W London’s Away Spa and Spice Market Restaurant (CDCLifestyle)

The W London’s newly launched Nip/Tuck package provides … a chance for a revitalising treatment followed by a healthy and re-acclimating lunch. I gave the offer a try yesterday and loved it. It set a serene tone for the rest of my afternoon of meetings and felt more like a revitalising boost than an indulgent treat. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Getting to the Point

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