Food and Drink
Valentine’s Day 2026: 16 Seriously Chic Gifts For Her
From decadent chocolate to glittering gems, discover our curated round-up of the best Valentine's Day gifts for her.
With Valentine's Day around the corner, we've put together a guide jam-packed with thoughtful gifts for that special someone in your life. Beauty lovers will swoon over MERIT's Lip Blush and Mauli Rituals' gift set, while chocophiles will be lusting after our selection of luxurious sweet treats. Elsewhere, trendsetters will adore our sartorial picks in red and pink, while scent enthusiasts will fall head...
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Top Table: Sparrow Italia
15th April 2025
Sparrow Italia, tucked away on W1’s Avery Row, is by no means a newcomer to the Mayfair culinary scene, but occupying a three-story Georgian townhouse on this quiet mews it is imbued with an air of discreet exclusivity and ‘if you know, you know’.
Top Table: Il Gattopardo
8th April 2025
Inspired by 1960s Italy, Il Gattopardo opened on Mayfair’s glittering Albemarle Street 18 months ago and has garnered much attention since. As part of the hospitality group that boasts well-loved gems such as COYA, Amazónica and Bare des Prés, expectations were high and this relative newcomer more than delivers in terms of both cuisine and aesthetic.
Brasserie des Prés: The Culinary Jewel Of Paris’ Latin...
16th April 2024
When we arrived for our dinner reservation at Brasserie des Prés, we found a lengthy queue had already formed outside. It was 7pm and the restaurant was gearing up for its dinner service. Inside, waitstaff could be seen bustling about in preparation, moving through their respective tasks like a well-oiled machine. Located in a bustling laneway in the fairtytale-esque Cour du Commerce, there are plenty of dining options around, but this restaurant is by far the most popular, (as proven by the packed outdoor tables of people drinking cocktails and enjoying the freshness of the near-spring air).
Featuring The Best Celebrity Drink Brands to try this Summer
13th April 2023
A 2010's craze you probably weren't expecting was the rise of celeb endorsed or owned brands... From candles to gummy vitamins, the market is beginning to feel rather saturated with celebrity business ventures. But when it comes to wine and spirits, it’s hard to know what's worth your pretty pennies, so we've compiled a top 3 list of our favourite celebrity drinks for you to get your hands on this summer!
Featuring An auction of a lifetime, the most expensive whisky in...
28th April 2022
Make yours a large one. In fact, the largest. The world’s biggest bottle of Scotch whisky is up for auction at Lyon & Turnbull’s Edinburgh HQ an saleroom on May 25th at noon. A range of charities will benefit from the sale of the 5’ 11” tall bottle containing 311 litres of The Macallan Intrepid 32-year-old single malt whisky. The bottle could break the world record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold which is $1.9m. For any amount the sale achieves above £1.3m, 25 per cent will be donated to the Marie Curie charity. The Intrepid was officially certified by the Guinness World Records when it was bottled last year. The single bottle, contains the equivalent of 444 standard bottles. Daniel Monk and the team behind The Intrepid, a partnership between Fah Mai and Rosewin Holdings, were inspired by a passion for adventure, exploration and a desire to help raise money for charity.
Review of Porte Noire by David Farber and Idris Elba
16th April 2022
It’s a bright Sunday afternoon in King’s Cross and there’s a vibrant atmosphere all around. When I first moved to London over 8 years ago, I always saw King’s Cross as merely a busy commuter hub, save for that time I joined the crowds at Platform 9 ¾ for that coveted “I’m off to Hogwarts” photo opp. But a lot has changed over the past few years and with big tech companies like Google and Facebook opening offices in the area, a flurry of restaurants, bars, and independent shops followed suit. I make my way to Gasholders, the cylindrical building situation inside the towering gasholder frames from the Victorian period. On the ground floor sits Porte Noire, the bistro and wine bar owned by wine expert and entrepreneur David Farber and actor Idris Elba. I’m meeting my best friend to try out their new brunch menu, which has a selection of specials, French-inspired brunch items, and of course, wine, cocktails, and bubbles on offer. If you’re thinking a gloomy wine bar isn’t the best place for brunch, think again. Farber joins us at our table and tells us that having an outdoor terrace right by the canals was a must when he was deciding on the space. His friendly pooch Cooper, who has turned into the restaurant mascot, takes a break from saying hello to guests to pop onto a chair next to us as well. We comment on the friendly staff on and how welcoming the space is. “We really wanted to bring that sense of continental hospitality back to London,” explains Farber, himself being a French export. “If you think about the city, and even just our staff here, a large percentage of us are expats. There’s something about coming to a place where people remember you.” We talk about the wine world and how it can seem so uninviting and Farber explains that he takes a different approach at Porte Noir. “I see it like a triangle—it’s about the wine, the food, and the person. Many sommeliers don’t factor in personal tastes, but it doesn’t matter if the food and wine go together, if the guest doesn’t like that type of wine, what’s the point?” he says. After sampling Porte Noire’s delicious Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs , we had one of the specials on offer for the day: a fresh and tangy seabass ceviche with maiz chulpe (Peruvian dried corn)—a great representation of the type of bright, seasonal wine bar experience Farber was talking about. Other standout dishes included the extremely high quality charcuterie plate, the egg royale, the lighter take on a traditional tartiflette with reblochon, and the exquisite burnt matcha cheesecake. “In London, it’s either you’re in a suit and tie having wine at Pall Mall or you’re in East London where it’s all natural wine-geared, but in between there’s nothing,” explains Farber. Porte Noire in King’s Cross confidently fills that gap. With its wine cork wall, bottle opener coat racks, and top-notch food and service, it’s the perfect spot for a girl’s night, romantic date, or weekend brunch with the family. Brunch is available from 12-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Porte Noire Restaurant & Wine bar Address: Gasholder 10, unit A, London N1C 4BY, United Kingdom Website: https://www.portenoire.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portenoirekx/
Featuring Experience Easter – the ultimate travel inspiration
15th April 2022
And although many of us aren't anticipating the idea of travelling just yet, The Sybarite have carefully collated all of the world's most luxury, Easter travel locations, offering a sweet escape. From oysters in Dazzling Dubrovnik, to Easter-egg hunting in the depths of paradise, Maldives. See where our luxury, handpicked experiences take you this Easter.
Review of La Goccia at Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden
7th April 2022
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, this brand new cocktail bar is discreetly tucked away behind a dark, red velvet curtain and is decorated with contemporary art from Petersham Nurseries founder Francesco Boglione’s personal collection.
Featuring The Dylan Amsterdam: A hidden boutique hotel
30th April 2021
Tell our readers a bit about The Dylan, it has a really interesting history. The Dylan is located in the Nine Streets area of Amsterdam, close to the Anne Frank House, right on the Keizersgracht. The building dates back partially to the 17th Century, when the canal was first excavated and it was actually the location of the first theatre in Amsterdam. And we still have the original stone gate from that time. The famous painter Rembrandt was a production assistant at the theatre back then. So we have some sketches that he made while he was working here. A lot of the building was lost in a fire in the 1800s. Upon rebuilding, it was turned into a Catholic institution for the elderly and poor. We took over in the 90s as the first real boutique hotel in continental Europe. We opened initially as Blake's, a sister property to the famous Blake's in London, known for its very iconic interior designer. In the early 2000s, the hotel became the The Dylan Amsterdam that we know and love today.
Atul Kochhar, Michelin-star Indian Fine Dining Chef,...
27th April 2021
He has revolutionized and changed the way people perceive Indian cuisine in the UK. Atul talks to The Sybarite about his experience of being the first chef to receive a Michelin star for Indian fine-dining and the success behind Kanishka, his latest restaurant.
Review of Three Spirits, revolutionizing the world of non-alcoholic...
26th April 2021
Three Spirits is a plant-based brand and your new favourite alternative to alcohol. At Three Spirits they felt really strongly about creating a drink for the new era of drinkers, a new happy and healthy way of celebrating life without involving alcohol. After several years spent in labs, bars and libraries experimenting with plants, their great team of alchemists created a unique taste, a cool and different approach to the alcohol-free drinks world.
Chef Valentino Cassanelli, the young chef behind Lux...
23rd April 2021
His dishes are a free expression of Italian cuisine, drawing inspiration from his life experiences and the rich biodiversity surrounding the coastal town of Forte dei Marmi, a gem of Versilia, in Tuscany. The Sybarite sat down with the emerging, young chef to speak to him about the success of his restaurant in Fortei dei Marmi, Lux Lucis, what is was like winning a Michelin star for Lux Lucis and why pasta is really his true love.
Review of Bluebird - a Chelsea institution that has stood the test...
20th April 2021
I’ve been dining at The Bluebird for nearly ten years and it never disappoints. It was originally launched by Sir Terence Conran back in 1997, taking over a former car garage and turning it into a complex featuring a restaurant, café, club and shops. It became known as a gastrodome due to its vast size and quickly became a firm favourite among the Made In Chelsea set of the day.
Review of The Pop-Up Summer Terrace at The Churchill, British...
19th April 2021
This gorgeous and nautical-inspired terrace can be found inside of the luxurious Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill Hotel, and is well worth a visit. Overlooking leafy Portman Square, the Montagu Alfresco Terrace will transport you to the refined British seaside marina, with their offering of the finest quality fresh seafood, lighter bites and an exquisite range of cocktails.
Review of The Maldives edition – barefoot luxury at Finolhu resort
2nd April 2021
Depending on your travel preferences, these resorts that we've hand-picked offer you the best there is in comfort, hospitality and luxury appeal whilst being absolutely stringent on health and safety measures during these strange times. If there’s one way to sum up Finolhu it has to be that it is the epitome of a truly family-friendly luxury resort where parents can finally take a breather and children can roam free all the while taking in the extraordinary blue waters that the Baa Atoll has to offer. For honeymooners, the absolute ideal destination to get lost in and fall in love with. With so many resorts to choose from, Finolhu has to be at the top of your list whether coming as a newlywed, couple or as a family. This is a resort that welcomes anyone wanting and needing that freedom to relax and enjoy as they please whilst being taken care of with such friendliness and sheer hospitality, it almost feels natural. A 100% care-free and worry-free holiday resort bundle exceeding one's expectations, tied up with a big red bow is how we like to think of Finolhu, which in Dhivehi means sandbank.
Review of Ceviche, Soho – a Peruvian food haven
28th April 2020
“When I was growing up in Peru, I was lucky to taste the most exquisite flavours and have access to the most fascinating ingredients,” says Martin Morales, Chef and Founder of the Ceviche Family, which also includes the Andina in Shoreditch and Casita Andina in Piccadilly. “The Peruvian larder is mind blowing, and so one day, I hoped I could share it with other people.” We visited Ceviche on busy Frith Street on a chilly winter evening. The staff were as welcoming as the bold colours that greeted us when we stepped inside. Despite its name, Ceviche’s menu isn’t solely around raw fish—though we did make sure to try their delicious Ceviche Peruano with sustainable sea bass in a citrus-based “tiger’s milk” marinade with sweet potato, red onion, Andean corn, and crunchy corn nuts for texture. Morales talks about how today’s Latin culture has influences from East Asia, Africa, Spain, Italy, and the Middle East, and these are all reflected in the dishes you’ll come across in the region as well. He wanted to make sure that Londoners got a taste of what makes up modern Latin flavours and with a glass of Pisco Sour and a bottle of wine on the way, we decided to make our way through the menu to find out.
The King of Pop-Up Restaurants - An Exclusive Interview...
24th April 2020
Hailed as the ‘King’ of pop-up restaurants, Jimmy Garcia has made his name through his popular festive Igloos (and summer BBQs) on the Southbank, Sky High Dining and not to mention the cable car suspended 90m above The River Thames. More recently, Jimmy catered at the Henley Festival 2020 at the Moet & Chandon London headquarters in Belgravia.
Meet the Coffee Experts: Annie Mitchell and Charlotte...
14th April 2020
Together with partner Charlotte Dales, the American duo decided to launch their cold brew coffee company upon realising they couldn’t find the authentic cold brew that they grew up drinking in New Orleans in London. Mitchell’s enthusiasm and confidence in her product is highly visible every time she talks about it. Clearly, cold brew isn’t just a drink, but a movement that she and the Bottleshot team hope will really take flight in the capital. From partnering with Soho House to the support she’s gained from the local small business community, food and drinks writer Ina Yulo chats with Mitchell about her life as a founder and all things coffee.
Ask the Gut Expert: Yalda Alaoui on Gut Health
10th April 2020
After suffering a series of health issues, Alaoui decided to take matters into her own hands and researched more holistic ways of curing her ailments. “Gut health is at the source of most health issues,” she shares. “A healthy gut also helps have less anxiety, improves body composition and helps achieve optimal health.” The Sybarite chats with Alaoui about how anyone can improve their gut health and how she keeps fit.
Review of The Peninsula Paris’ exquisite LiLi Canto restaurant
28th April 2019
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.
Review of Zheng Chelsea review
11th April 2019
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
6th April 2019
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.
Featuring Careys Manor & SenSpa | New Forest
27th April 2018
As a destination I hold close to my heart, returning to the New Forest often feels like coming home. I have many childhood memories of summer holidays spent cycling the forests, feasting on picnics and camping with friends. With the prospect of a weekend of sunshine ahead, I took the opportunity to escape to the New Forest; boyfriend in-tow, to it’s blossoming heath-land, wild ponies, cosy pubs and an oasis of relaxation at Careys Manor & Senspa. Making a swift exit out of the City, miraculously missing any Friday night traffic, we were greeted by the setting sun as we travelled up a meandering gravel drive towards Careys Manor. I can only describe the view of Careys Manor as something out of a quintessential English novel. Immaculate lawns, trimmed hedges, tudor chimneys and air of history. Nestled under the bows of the trees is an outdoor bar and comfortable sofa setting, the perfect place to start your weekend with a glass of Provencal as the sun begins dip behind the trees.
Tony Kitous – a labour of love
11th April 2018
The Sybarite sat down with Tony to find out more about the man behind the restaurant brand Comptoir Libanais and his passion for simple and delicious food.. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford street, beyond the backstreet eateries and high-end boutiques of Mayfair, I arrived at restaurant lounge, Levant. Welcomed by a candlelit staircase and the exotic aromas of incense, I happened upon a beautifully engraved doorway. Leaving London behind, I was transported across continents by the luxurious settings and authentic sights and smells, to a Middle Eastern lounge and the venue for our interview.
The Best Sunday Lunch in London
6th April 2018
From golden crisp potatoes and seasonal greens, to the staple Yorkshire pudding with lashings of gravy. The English tradition of a Sunday roast has been embraced and reinvented by many London chefs. However, there is nothing like a fuss-free, perfectly executed roast, so here are some of The Sybarite’s favourite Sunday restaurant destinations.
Hot Dish - an interview with Velocity founder Zia Yusuf
20th April 2016
It was a particularly patience-testing restaurant experience which saw former Goldman Sachs man, Zia Yusuf, and his childhood friend Alex Macdonald forced to wait 45 minutes for the bill - that led the Londoners to create Velocity. The smartphone app which - despite only having launched in January 2014 - has already changed the way we dine out. In a nutshell, Velocity lets you find a restaurant, reserve a table and pay the bill, all from your smartphone, granting us a little bit more of what is arguably the biggest luxury there is in 2016: time. Yusuf - a magnificent mix of boldness and guts - is clearly passionate about the project and has his eyes on America. “We’re launching in several hundred restaurants across numerous cities in America ,so it’s all systems go! I am very excited by the take up of great restaurants - we’ve only really got great restaurants. And that creates expectation. Customers know that they can have a world class experience regardless of price point. It’s about a world class meal. We actually founded the company on the principle that human interest is the bedrock of hospitality. What we have set out to do, is to use technology to make even the most mundane parts of hospitality - like paying for the bill - memorable. We’re not about discounts; we’re about allowing customers to have a very personalised experience and get treated like a local regular.”
