Tag Archives: N1

Kanada-Ya Adds Gyoza to the Menu

The tonkotsu ramen specialists at Kanada-Ya have added gyoza to the menu. Already a fan of all the other delectable morsels served at this Japan restaurant’s three London outlets, I was keen to have a taste of the most recent addition as soon as possible. Continue reading

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The Good, the Bad and the Skinny Kitchen

I had lunch at The Skinny Kitchen in Islington recently. My experience mixed but overall positive. Here’s the skinny on my lunch at The Skinny Kitchen. 

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Best Breakfasts and Brunches of 2018

Welcome back to the Best of 2018. Here’s a plateful of hearty recommendations for breaking fast in London and elsewhere, and in this case elsewhere means San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country, Dublin, Edinburgh, Milan and Hiroshima.
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Best Cafes of 2018

Excellent coffee is crucial, particularly when I’m travelling. Having comfortable places to drink it is a big deal too. So are competent and affable baristas. If you can throw in reliable WiFi and an outlet to keep my laptop and phone charged while I drink coffee, you’re golden. This list of three London espresso bars and six more in Chattanooga (Tennessee), Greenville (North Carolina), Köln, Liverpool, Pittsburgh, and Zurich met all my requirements and shined the brightest for me in 2018. Continue reading

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Flat Iron King’s Cross

No fuss steakhouse, Flat Iron, recently launched its sixth London outlet with minimal fanfare but plenty of fans queuing up nonetheless. I was one of them. Continue reading

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Preview: Organ Reframed at Union Chapel

Organ Reframed is a festival of new music and cross-collaboration for organ. Returning for its third year with a weekend of live performance, film and discussion at Union Chapel near Highbury & Islington Station. Continue reading

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#MenabreaMaestro Class with Jay Rayner

A “craft of column-writing” masterclass with the Observer’s (in)famous restaurant critic, Jay Rayner, was a fun and insight outing. Continue reading

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Kanada-Ya | #TCTalks Episode 15

Japan’s legendary Kanada-Ya has just launched its third ramen bar in London. This one’s on Upper Street near Angel Station. I think the generous bowls of ramen served at Kanada-Ya’s St Giles High Street and Panton Street branches are some of the yummiest things to slurp in town – and are well worth braving the sometimes rather lengthy queues to have. I love the classic tonkotsu (pork bone broth, chashu pork belly, wood ear fungus, seaweed and spring onion) with my noodles served “hard” (there’s a choice of soft, regular, hard and extra hard) with loads of grated sesame seeds sprinkled on top. Continue reading

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Kanada-Ya | #TCTalks Episode 15

Japan’s legendary Kanada-Ya has just launched its third ramen bar in London. This one’s on Upper Street near Angel Station. I think the generous bowls of ramen served at Kanada-Ya’s St Giles High Street and Panton Street branches are some of the yummiest things to slurp in town – and are well worth braving the sometimes rather lengthy queues to have. I love the classic tonkotsu (pork bone broth, chashu pork belly, wood ear fungus, seaweed and spring onion) with my noodles served “hard” (there’s a choice of soft, regular, hard and extra hard) with loads of grated sesame seeds sprinkled on top. Continue reading

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Best London Ice Cream of 2017

Here’s the scoop on London’s best ice cream, soft serve and gelato! Continue reading

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Best London Cocktails of 2017

My quest for the Best of 2017 slurps on with sips of the city’s most interesting and delicious cocktails. Continue reading

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Best London Bars and Pubs of 2017

Having a drink in London is still a fine way to spend time. Here’s my take on the finest places to do so. Continue reading

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Best London Restaurants of 2017

Londoners, did you dine well in 2017? I sure did – especially at five particularly amazing London restaurants. Continue reading

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Hoxton Serves up Some Flavour

How do you like your art? Shaken, not stirred? How about edible? Well, now anything has been made possible. Smith and Sinclair, who made all our grown up dreams come true by creating alcohol pastilles, have teamed up with the equally indulgent Lanique liqueur to bring us The Flavour Gallery. Continue reading

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The Greek Larder + London Greek Wine Festival

Returning to London for its third consecutive year is the London Greek Wine Festival. Organised by Theodore Kyriakou and the team behind The Greek Larder Restaurant, the celebration will run 13 and 14 October at West Handyside Canopy near King’s Cross Station and maybe a minute’s walk from The Greek Larder. Continue reading

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HotTug London

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a HotTug comes to London. Yes, a floating hot tub. It’s basically bathception. Continue reading

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Pop-up India at Proud East

Get ready to take a tour of the world, by staying put in East London. Proud East, the gorgeous venue along the canal in Haggerston, has just launched Pop-up India, freshly painted and redecorated after a fun run of Pop-up Japan. With a colourful makeover of floating flowers, a tuk-tuk photo booth, garlands and art, Proud East has made itself a hot destination for those looking to soak up a bit of Indian culture this summer. Continue reading

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Michael Thompson’s Fodder at Borough Wines & Beer

If you’re like me and find yourself channelling your inner child in a candy store upon entering a wine shop, Borough Wines & Beers won’t disappoint. After shaking off the rain droplets and calming my breath post my mad dash into their Islington shop, I warmed in the rather intimate store. Perusing the shelves lined with British red and whites, I indulged my current natural wine obsession whose flavour ever evolves once the cork has been unscrewed. I’d describe it as a luxurious walk-in closet, which simply adds to the charm and intrigue of what lies below … Continue reading

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Salt Beef Bagels, Iced Coffee and More at Mercer & Co, Chapel Market

At £3.90, a recent late breakfast/early lunch of hand carved salt beef with mustard (I went with American) and a pickled gherkin on a bagel was minimal money went spent for a mightily meaty and thoroughly filling meal. Continue reading

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Trawler Trash

Trawler Trash is a new Highbury restaurant that wants to bring the “trash” from the trawler to its patrons’ plates with a menu focused on lesser known fish and seafood. Continue reading

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Adam Rawson’s #Rawmen Pop-Up Ramen Bar

No noodling around here, Adam Rawson is back at Borough Wines & Beers’ Brewery Below with a “Rawmen” pop-up ramen bar. Continue reading

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Sakura: Adam Rawson Japanese Pop-Up at Borough Wines & Beers

Sakura refers to the celebration of cherry blossoms in Japan. It’s also the name of a pop-up at the Essex Road outlet of Borough Wines & Beers featuring an outstanding assortment of dishes by Chef Adam Rawson paired with sake, beer, wine and cocktails – and like Japan’s famous cherry blossoms, this beautiful opportunity will be gone before you know it. Continue reading

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Lie Lie Land Stencil by Bambi

Remember when President Chump and Prime Minister Theresa Maybe were caught holding hands as they took a walk together at the White House? Maybe they’d just come from dancing cheek to cheek around the Oval Office? Or at least that’s how street artist Bambi imagined the pair in her new Lie Lie Land stencil on view in Islington. Continue reading

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Bar + Block Steakhouse, King’s Cross

A good steak in a smart place, that’s the gist of what’s on offer at new King’s Cross steakhouse, Bar + Block. Continue reading

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Radio Alice | Pizza | Hoxton Square

Radio Alice is a new pizzeria opened in Hoxton Square. The approach to serving pizza is unique. The results are delicious. Continue reading

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The Islington Townhouse

A fine meal in a fun setting was had recently at The Islington Townhouse. Continue reading

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Eat Ethical Chicken at H.en, Upper Street

Now that H.en has opened in Islington, the next time you’re schlepping down Upper Street hankering for some chicken, you won’t need to fly the coop. Continue reading

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Yard Sale Pizza, Finsbury Park

Pizza party in Finsbury Park? Who wants a slice of that action? Me, and I reckon all sorts of other folks when they find out about the newly opened Yard Sale Pizza sliding onto Blackstock Road. Continue reading

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Best Cheap Eats in London of 2015

A good (or even mediocre) meal for £5 or under is becoming less and less likely these days – but it still can be found. Here’s a look at five of London’s tastiest cheap eats priced at or less than a fi Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: King’s Cross

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London Daily Photo: Water Feature

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Pizza Union, Pentonville Road, King’s Cross

I’m not sure which I love more: a great pizza or a great bargain. But if I can get ‘em both in one go at a convenient and actually rather stylish setting then I reckon that’s a big tasty win that warrants a shout out! Already a fan of the original restaurant in Spitalfields, I am so pleased to share the good news that Pizza Union has opened a second location on Pentonville Road near King’s Cross St Pancras station. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: King’s Cross

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Win a De Beauvoir Deli Basket from The De Beauvoir Deli Co

Teaming up with the dynamic De Beauvoir Deli, I’ve come up with a great excuse to pop round this ace little shop by offering my readers the chance to win a De Beauvoir Deli Basket valued at £30. The lucky winner will need to be able to pick up the prize in shop and will walk home with a delectable assortment of treats in a handy dandy 12” basket. Continue reading

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Riverford at the Duke of Cambridge, Britain’s Only 100% Organic Pub

The Duke of Cambridge – Britain’s first and only certified organic pub – has teamed up with Riverford (aka the organic veg box folks from Devon) to “champion seasonal produce” and offer Londoners an ethical and healthier option for quality pub grub. I dropped by the Duke earlier this week for a low key Monday lunch – and very much enjoyed the experience. Continue reading

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