Tag Archives: W1

NomNomNom – Cookery School at Little Portland Street – 2023 Reunion

Once upon a time, I used to take a lot of photographs. I mean a lot a lot of photographs. This was the late noughties, a window of transition from film photography to mobile phone photography when the DSLR (digital … Continue reading

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Five Recommendations for Excellent Chinese Food in London

I haven’t written about any restaurant visits in a looooong time. Inspired by a few recent dining experiences, though, I reckon I’ve got some recommendations worth sharing. Not only have I not written about restaurants in a while, I haven’t … Continue reading

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The Secret Behind El Pirata’s 25 Years in Mayfair



Mayfair mainstay, El Pirata, recently celebrated 25 years of serving quality tapas in its lively Down Street setting. Continue reading

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Fancy Crab

Fancy Crab? Then consider clawing your way over to Marylebone for king crab and more seafood dishes. Continue reading

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Soho Wala



Soho’s Carnaby corridor lately has become a smart area for grabbing a quality curry, with an excellent assortment of South Asian inspired eateries clustered around the street. New to the scene is Soho Wala with a menu of “fresh Indian street food” served in a relaxed atmosphere. Continue reading

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Indian Accent, Albemarle Street, Mayfair

Supremely scrumptious and indulgently flavoured but held back from being cloyingly rich and overdone, Chef Manish Mehrotra’s menu at Indian Accent in Mayfair is a delight for gourmands with gourmet sensibility. Continue reading

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Icco Goodge Street | Lucky 13



Does Icco do Best pizza in London? Not by my standards, but it’s not far off! I would say Icco probably serves the best priced pizza in London at a consistently high standard. Continue reading

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In Pursuit of Office Happiness with Staples and Professor Sir Cary Cooper

Yesterday (Monday 21 January) was so called Blue Monday, purportedly the most depressing day of the year. How blue were you and to what extent did your workplace affect your mood? Continue reading

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The Connaught Bar Gin

The Connaught Bar at The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair has launched its own gin, crafted and distilled in house to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this luxurious award-winning bar. Yet another London-made gin on the market? Yeah, I known. There’s … Continue reading

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Best Restaurants of 2018

There’s one list left in my Best of 2018 series, and it’s a doozy: best restaurants of the year! Continue reading

Posted in Best of 2018, Best of the Best, Cleveland, Drink, Edinburgh, England, Food, Germany, Hotels, Italy, Japan, London, Luxury, North Carolina, Ohio, Restaurants, Scotland, South Carolina, Spain, Tennessee, Texas, Travel, USA, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Cheap Eats of 2018

Feeling the pinch? I am too. But I’m pleased to report that delicious and filling (and sometimes even rather healthy) cheap eats were still in abundant supply this year. Continue reading

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Maskelyne & Cooke Magic Bar at Le Meridien Piccadilly

Five-star luxury hotel, Le Meridien Piccadilly, pays homage to a pair of the early 20th century’s most celebrated magicians – John Nevil Maskelyne and George Alfred Cooke – with the launch of its new cocktail bar. Continue reading

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Best Pizza of 2018

My Best of 2018 series rolls on with my recs on where to eat the tastiest pizzas in London and beyond. Pizzerias in Milan, Edinburgh, Frankfurt and Cleveland made the cut, with the Cleveland pizzerias particularly wowing my palate. Continue reading

Posted in Bars, Beer, Best of 2018, Best of the Best, Cleveland, Drink, Edinburgh, Food, Germany, Italy, London, Ohio, Pizza, Restaurants, Scotland, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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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Magician Tony “Sonic” Middleton | #TCTalks Episode 51

Here’s an interview with magician and theatre producer Tony “Sonic” Middleton about how he got into magic, his shows around London and his involvement with the soon-to-open Maskelyne and Cooke magic bar at Le Meridien Piccadilly. Continue reading

Posted in Bars, Christmas, Drink, Entertainment, Hotels, interview, Live Performance, London, Podcast, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Magician Tony “Sonic” Middleton | #TCTalks Episode 51

Here’s an interview with magician and theatre producer Tony “Sonic” Middleton about how he got into magic, his shows around London and his involvement with the soon-to-open Maskelyne and Cooke magic bar at Le Meridien Piccadilly. Continue reading

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The UK Jewish Film Festival 2018: Promise at Dawn

The classic, if stereotyped, relationship of the devoted but overbearing Jewish mother and her son forms the subject of UKJFF 2018’s powerful closing film,  Promise at Dawn (La promesse de l’Aube). Starring legendary French superstar Charlotte Gainsbourg and rising star Pierre Niney, it is at once funny and tragic, heartwarming and heartbreaking. Continue reading

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Passyunk Avenue: A Taste of Philadelphia in London | #TCTalks Episode 41

For episode 41 of tikichris Talks, I chat with JP Teti, owner of Passyunk Avenue, a South Philly style bar in Fitzrovia. With the Philadelphia Eagles set to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend at Wembley Stadium, I thought now would be a great time to head over to Passyunk for a cheesesteak and conversation with JP. Continue reading

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Passyunk Avenue: A Taste of Philadelphia in London | #TCTalks Episode 41

For episode 41 of tikichris Talks, I chat with JP Teti, owner of Passyunk Avenue, a South Philly style bar in Fitzrovia. With the Philadelphia Eagles set to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend at Wembley Stadium, I thought now would be a great time to head over to Passyunk for a cheesesteak and conversation with JP. Continue reading

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Sushi Shop 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Box

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Sushi Shop has partnered with three legendary street artists to create three distinctive designs for a limited edition 42-piece sushi box. Continue reading

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Chocolate | Pierre Marcolini’s Winter Collection

Celebrated Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini’s passion for sweet treats dates back to his childhood when, so the story goes, he would happily exchange toys with his brother for an extra portion of dessert. Continue reading

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SeasonaliTea at The Langham London

With the launch of The Langham London’s SeasonaliTea, Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett presents a fresh approach to the afternoon tea. Continue reading

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HipChips, a Review

With the end of the school year, my children insisted on an end of the year treat. Where did they want to go? HipChips, a quirky eatery, situated on Old Compton Street in Soho! Continue reading

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Ceru Soho

Levantine restaurant, Ceru, has brought its delicious dining concept to Soho with flavoursome and fragrant dishes in a pleasant dining space. Continue reading

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Win Dinner for Two at New Ceru Restaurant in Soho – Now Open!

Levantine restaurant, Ceru, has brought is delicious dining concept to Soho, with a second restaurant to complement its South Kensington location. Would you like a free taste for you and a foodie companion? Continue reading

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Vijay’s Bar & Lounge, Lokhandwala, Fitzrovia

Stylish Charlotte Street Indian Restaurant, Lokhandwala, has launched Vjay’s Bar & Lounge: a “speakeasy” above its main dining room. Continue reading

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Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at The Langham London

Langham London Head Pastry Chef, Andrew Gravett, will open his kitchen to small groups as part of a one-time-only Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea. 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 Pizza of 2017

Anytime’s pizza time in London with these fantastic pizzerias. 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 Cheap Eats of 2017

Is it possible to grab a bite in London for five quid or less that’s still tasty and filling? Yep – especially in my neck of the woods. Continue reading

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Best London Cafes of 2017

My look at the best of 2017 continues with a shot of the tastiest coffee and preferred coffee purveyors in London. 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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Stax Diner to Give Away 200 Free Cheeseburgers from Noon on Thursday 7 December

Bea Vo’s Deep South dive, Stax Diner, will celebrate its upcoming relaunch by giving away free cheeseburgers to the first 200 customers visiting the Kingly Court eatery just off Carnaby Street from noon on Thursday 7 December. Continue reading

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Millennials to Drink Coffee in a Victorian … Ahem … Setting

Attendant, the uber cool coffee shop concept developed by Bosh McKeown and Ryan De Oliveira, is set to arrive in Fitzrovia just in time for Christmas. A Victorian gentleman’s toilet, perfectly located, at the corner of Foley Street and Great Titchfield Street will now be a flagship for the chain which already boasts properties in Shoreditch and Clerkenwell. Continue reading

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