Food and Drink
Whisky and Chocolate: The Perfect Pairing
Whisky and chocolate are a perfect pairing, and I love both, so I was delighted when House of Hazelwood invited me to try some of their rarest whiskies with some delicious mouthwatering chocolate.
House of Hazelwood creates sublime whisky, and they asked an award-winning Chocolatier from the Highlands, Mr Iain Burnett, to create a bespoke chocolate pairing for four of the distillery's rarest whiskies.
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More Food and Drink
Discover Londons Most Prized Mothers Day Brunch Spots
There are few people on earth more special than our mothers. In the leadup to Mother's Day, you might be thinking of where best to celebrate in London's expansive dining scene. Below, The Sybarite has compiled a list of treasured brunch spots for a morning-into-afternoon celebration with scrambled eggs and mimosas aplenty.
The Best Irish Pubs In London To Celebrate St Patricks Day
Whether you're Irish by blood or in spirit, London's variety of Irish pubs offers an authentic slice of the Emerald Isle's hearty hospitality and atmosphere. From traditional folk tunes echoing through historic walls to modern bars serving craft Irish ales, the city is a treasure trove of spots to enjoy. So, if you're looking to celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2024, you're in luck. We've brought you the definitive guide to the best Irish pubs in London, where the Guinness flows freely, the welcome is warm, and the vibe is unmistakably Irish.
Women Who Launch: Lynette and Cloe De La Vega Of Abuelo
With shared Argentinian and Australian heritage and a love of hospitality, Lynette and Cloe have long championed their roots. This passion comes to life in Abuelo, the coffee-driven brunch spot on everyone's lips. With new locations popping up across the city, the cafe's ability to nail the basics while offering something unique is its success sweet spot. Within its stylish confines, guests can expect delicious and inventive food in a visually beautiful space. Despite their differences, Argentina and Australia happen to be a match made in heaven on the culinary front. As a result, Abuelo's menu showcases a delicious combination of spice, zest and rich flavours. During the day, dishes are a heady mix of sweet and savoury, including whipped ricotta and plums on toast, generously filled sandwiches and green pea fritters with poached eggs. Come nighttime, Abuelo Marylebone transforms into a vibey space, serving up natural wine and small plates, with a DJ on Saturday nights. In need of a recommendation? The's hot honey jamón toast is something to shout about, with creamy stracciatella sitting atop loaded prosciutto cotto and a drizzling of fermented hot honey. It's the perfect balance of creaminess, zing and crunch. Speaking to its success, the rate of expansion for the cafe has been highly impressive, especially in a city like London where the competition is fierce. Abuelo opened in 2018 with a Covent Garden location and expanded to Marylebone last year. Outposts in Mayfair and Soho are set to come. Lynette's background as an architect and Cloe's work as a designer has been instrumental in bringing the creative vision of Abuelo to life. Both understand that the physical space is just as important as the food, which is reflected in the decor. Marylebone features mid century light fittings sourced from the Netherlands, while Covent Garden houses textiles made by local artisans in remote parts of Argentina. Each space is unique and speaks to a different source of inspiration, making them memorable in their own right. Below, we speak to them both about Abuelo's unique position in the brunch scene, the architectural vision behind the spaces and the challenges faced by women in hospitality. https://www.abuelocafe.co.uk/
Londons Top Sunday Roasts For The Wintry Season
The hallmark of a Sunday well spent is a full belly from a hearty roast dinner. Homemade is certainly enticing, but letting a talented chef do the hard work for you is equally (if not even more) satisfying. Of course, London is a city known for its culinary chops, so tracking down the best Sunday roast can seem like a mountainous task. Fear not, The Sybarite have done the hard work for you. Discover our picks of London's most mouthwatering roast dinners below. A glass of red wine is optional but highly recommended...
Romantic Restaurants To Dine In Come Valentines Day
Come February 14, it will be a full house in restaurants across London, meaning that organising your booking ahead of time is paramount. No matter the cuisine or location, there is no shortage of esteemed establishments ready to host you and your loved one. Prepare to sip and savour a delicious meal while soaking in one another’s company. Below, The Sybarite’s curation of London’s most romantic restaurants to celebrate this Valentine’s Day.
A Kyoto-Style Kaiseki Experience in Marylebone
Led by Chef Daisuke Hayashi, this restaurant is a unique destination in the UK, celebrated for being the only one to truly embody all of the fundamental concepts of Washoku, the traditional Japanese culinary philosophy. Known for its focus on balance, seasonality, and health, Roketsu delivers more than just a meal it offers a glimpse into the cultural richness of Japanese cooking.
The Best Plant-Based Dining Experiences in London
From vibrant plant-based tasting menus to indulgent vegan afternoon teas, London's dining scene has never been more inventive. Whether you're craving a hearty meal, a unique drink experience, or a sweet treat, these hotspots are serving up creative, flavour-packed dishes to satisfy every palate. Discover the best vegan offerings in the capital this month, from upscale restaurants to casual dining gems, all designed to make your plant-based journey unforgettable.
The Alcohol Free Brands To See You Through Dry January...
This year's Dry January is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, with new research from Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind Dry January® discovering that amongst UK adults (excluding non-drinkers), 15.5 million Brits are planning to opt in to a month alchohol-free to kickstart 2025. Of course, for people who enjoy the taste of their favourite drink, choosing to go alcohol-free can prove challenging. Luckily, the low and no alcohol market has been on the ascent for several years now, resulting in a slew of brands who have dreamt up and developed a wide range of options. Below, The Sybarite’s pick of alcohol free brands to see you through dry January and beyond.
Where To Eat The Best Indian Cuisine In London
With a rich history and a wealth of regional flavours, Indian food has evolved in the city, blending traditional recipes with contemporary flair. From the bustling streets of South Kensington to the chic enclaves of Mayfair, the best Indian restaurants in London offer an array of dining experiences that cater to every palate. Whether you're craving the comforting warmth of a classic curry, the aromatic spices of street food, or innovative dishes that push culinary boundaries, this guide will take you on a delicious journey through the finest Indian dining spots in the capital.
The Most Mouthwatering Festive Menus To Enjoy In London
From luxurious feasting menus to enchanting afternoon teas, the city is brimming with culinary experiences perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you're planning a cozy dinner with loved ones or a lively party with friends, these thoughtfully crafted menus from some of London's top restaurants promise to deliver unforgettable moments and flavors. Explore our selection of festive dining options that capture the spirit of the season, and get ready to indulge in some of the best dishes the city has to offer!
The Sybarite Team Dine At Sucre
Located inside a 300-year old building on Great Marlborough Street, Sucre is headed up by renowned Argentinian chef, Fernando Trocca. Still a relative newcomer on the London culinary scene, the restaurant has been charming diners since 2021, two decades after Trocca opened the original outpost in Buenos Aires. In 2022, Sucre opened a Dubai restaurant, The concept is simple but highly effective - contemporary Latin American dishes cooked over an open fire. Anyone who has experienced this kind of cooking knows just how delicious it can be - the words juicy and flavoursome spring to mind. The interiors are equally impressive, with chandeliers made from hand-cut glass decanters and antique furniture embellished with Latin-inspired fabrics. It’s a dramatic and opulent setting, with added theatrics from seeing the chefs at work within the open-plan kitchen. Soaring flames and the scent of sizzling meats makes for a truly immersive experience. Downstairs lies Alma, the basement bar with a penchant for mezcal and tequila. Its subterranean location makes it feel like a hidden gem, while the cocktail list caters to a wide variety of tastes, adaptable to any mood or occasion. Alma strikes a careful balance between championing artisanal producers and prioritising innovation. Drinks aside, the venue is establishing itself as a cultural hub as well, with live salsa nights, Latin House DJs and various pop-up events taking place across the calendar. Below, The Sybarite team recounts a memorable evening, beginning with dinner at Sucre and ending with a nightcap at Alma.
Meet The Chef: Lisa Goodwin-Allen Of Northcote
Having worked at Lancashire's Michelin-starred country hotel Northcote since 2001, Goodwin-Allen knows a thing or two about dedication. In 2004 at just 23-years old, she was named the venue's Head Chef, before moving up to Executive Chef in 2017. In February 2024, it was announced that the restaurant had retained its Michelin-star under her helm. It proved to be a very busy year for the acclaimed chef, who, in November 2024, became the first celebrity female chef to head up the culinary experience for guests at Allianz Stadium's luxurious East Wing. Her lineup of fine dining dishes started with refreshing ChalkStream trout - a heritage British fish slow grown and plucked from the Test and Itchen Rivers in Hampshire - accompanied by punchy horseradish, winter pickles and fennel pollen. The main course was a succulent cut of Cumbrian roasted lamb, served alongside a sticky meatball, spiced carrot and feta. The best, perhaps, was saved until last. An visual masterpiece saw a Clémentine recreated entirely from Valrhona chocolate opals and thyme. An edible work-of-art that tasted as good as it looked, melting in the mouth in a a delightful, citrusy burst. Of course, while it's easy to wax lyrical when it comes to Goodwin-Allen's culinary chops, this is just one meal of many. Below, we talk to the chef about her love of Lancastrian cuisine, gender-equality in the hospitality industry and her advice to aspiring young chefs...
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