Food and Drink

Review of A Taste of South India in London - Ooty Review

As we entered the restaurant, my friend Paige and I were immediately captivated by the splash of colour in the dining room. The tasteful décor, reminiscent of the British Raj era, was a welcome refuge from the busy outside world. We were first invited downstairs to the Ooty Club for a drink and nibbles. The Ooty Club is a colonial-style basement bar that serves up signature cocktails using teas, spices, and premium spirits. The intimate setting is perfect for pre or post-dinner catch-ups and has its own dedicated bartender ready to bring refreshing tipples for you and your guests to enjoy. We were also able to try their canapé menu which features moreish bites like spiced nuts and squid ink croquettes.

Review of The landmark hotel London review

What we noticed most at this prestigious establishment was truly in its staff – never failing to greet anyone that entered with warmth, sarcasm and charm. Without being intrusive, its staff remained friendly and accommodating which ultimately made for an unforgettable experience for us. Why should one choose The Landmark when deciding on a five-star hotel to stay at in London? The staff for one thing, but the décor and its signature Winter Garden are aspects of the hotel that can make one feel inspired, comfortable and energised. Each morning, one can make their way to the vast atrium and gather that sense of refreshing energy as the sky above declares itself, greeting you with whatever weather London has to offer. There is something about natural sunlight and wide-open spaces surrounded by charming accents that really puts one’s mood at ease. And for this, we regard The Landmark as an architectural sight to behold.

Review of Down London’s rabbit hole – dear Alice review

Hidden behind a tiny book shop front is the private members club LIBRARY, above brand new speakeasy Dear Alice. The Sybarite visited this Alice in Wonderland themed rabbit hole for an enticing evening of cocktails and snacks; after all, it’s always tea time… Located deep underneath LIBRARY, just off Leicester Square, Dear Alice is deep, dark and mysterious. We are guided down two flights of stairs and cryptically told to ‘push, not pull’ when faced with walls lined with cupboards and wardrobes. Like the entrance to an evil villain’s lair, with just a push we are transported into a different room entirely, somewhere between Narnia and the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

The Top 10 Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining in London

From secret courtyards to a rosé terrace, we can’t think of a better excuse to go daytime drinking whilst lounging in the sun. Sybarite food and drinks writer Ina Yulo brings you all the top locations in the capital where you can enjoy your meal al fresco.

Review of Lightning in a Bottle - El Rayo Tequila Review

Tom tells me about how their journey began in Peckham. His brother had brought a bottle of añejo (vintage) tequila with him from his trip to Mexico and it was like nothing they had ever tasted before. “We wanted to get rid of the bad image that most people have of tequila. It’s often associated with cheap liquor and awful hangovers,” he says. Tom and Jack soon quit their jobs and headed for Mexico where they set out to bring back a tequila experience unlike any other.

Review of The Peninsula Paris’ exquisite LiLi Canto restaurant

Since the Peninsula’s HQ has always been and operated by Hong Kong, it is no surprise that its Parisian chain bring with it an authentic Canto experience in the form of food. Whether you’re a newcomer to the cuisine or crave delectable dim sum and barbecue meats, we would recommend going for their dinner set menu as it offers an excellent introduction to the restaurants signature dishes which those familiar to Canto food will be pleased with. There of course are some non-traditional dishes like the kimchi fried rice and the highly anticipated roasted Peking duck – a classic that one must order. Pair your dinner with a selection of their finest Chinese teas but most of all enjoy the dinner and admire the strong oriental interior design elements with red being the dominant colour throughout the restaurant. LiLi is also an ideal place to host a special occasion as the aesthetics are beautiful to say the least and the grandeur breath-taking.

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Review of Zheng Chelsea review

The elegant Zheng restaurant on Sydney street is owned by Executive Chef Izlinda Baharom and her husband General Manager Adam Abdullah. Their original Zheng in Oxford garnered rave reviews, and it seems like their Chelsea outpost has become a staple for those seeking traditional Malaysian food in the capital. We enter the converted townhouse near South Kensington station and are greeted by a lively yet sophisticated dining room. The menu tells the story of Admiral Zheng He, a Chinese explorer during the early Ming dynasty who put the Malacca Empire (or modern day Malaysia) on the map. Malaysia is a country that embraces three main ethnic communities: the Malays, the Chinese, and the Indians. Each have brought unique flavours and vibrant ingredients that have contributed to Malaysia’s eclectic cuisine. With an offering that includes a selection of dim sum options, popular Malaysian street food, and traditional Southeast Asian favourites, we decide to put our trust in Zheng’s chef and leave our meal in her hands.

Review of Wiltons Unveils Spring Menu

As London’s second-oldest restaurant and a recipient of six royal warrants, a visit to Wiltons is like stepping back into an era of luxury and immaculate British tradition. We are welcomed into The Jimmy Marks Room, a sophisticated private dining space named after one of Wiltons’ former restaurant managers. There’s champagne on arrival and we’re greeted with a menu listing the wonderful new dishes that the chef has in store. Alongside the menu, we have a wine flight which pairs beautifully with each dish.

Review of Murger HanHan Mayfair Review

Review of Cubé Oden bar review

Considered one of the oldest fast foods in Japan, oden refers to a one-pot dish with various ingredients stewed in a dashi broth. We decided to pay the restaurant a visit and get a taste of what oden is all about. We’re welcomed downstairs by the the Cubé bar manager, Reo. With only 12 seats, the atmosphere is intimate and each guest receives a truly personal experience. We are asked to choose from one of three infused whisky highballs. I decide on the apple, cinnamon, and pink pepper infusion, whilst my guest, Danielle, chooses the raspberry, blueberry, lemongrass, and Earl Grey version. The Nikka brand was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, known as the Father of Japanese Whisky, who studied the art of whisky making in Scotland. Reo took time to tell us about the oden tradition and how each home or restaurant will always have their own take on it. The Cubé version has a mix of different seafood, radishes, Japanese sausage, boiled eggs, and fishcakes. It’s served with a side of very strong house-made mustard. Reo instructs us to try each ingredient on its own before trying it with the mustard. A word of caution: listen to Reo when he says the mustard is strong! However, when used properly, we find that it brings a really nice punch to the otherwise subtle dish.

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