Food and Drink
Meet The Chef: Long Ng Of Taku

If omakase were a symphony, Chef Long Ng would be its first violin – precise, passionate, and impossible to ignore.
As the artistic soul behind Taku’s refined and revelatory flavours, Chef Long isn’t just slicing sashimi – he’s composing edible poetry. Trained under the legendary Chef Takuya Watanabe for nearly three years, Long has evolved into both protégé and powerhouse, carrying the torch of traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern, almost rebellious finesse.
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Top Table: The Ninth
The first time I stepped through the doors of The Ninth on Charlotte Street, it felt less like entering a restaurant, and more like being welcomed into the home of an old friend – albeit one with an exceptional palate and a penchant for culinary poetry. Helmed by the inimitable Jun Tanaka, The Ninth had long lingered on my gastronomic wish list. What awaited me; however, was not simply dinner – it was a quietly profound experience.


20 Best Afternoon Tea In London 2025
Whether you're a fan of classic scones with clotted cream and jam or looking for a themed tea experience, the city's top spots cater to all preferences. From the luxurious settings of renowned hotels to quirky, themed venues, London's afternoon tea offerings are as diverse as they are delicious. Join us as we explore the best places in London to enjoy this British tradition this year.


How to Make Champagne: A Simple Guide To Crafting Bubbly...
Whether you're looking to try your hand at creating a celebratory bottle for a special occasion or simply curious about how those signature bubbles come to life, this guide will walk you through the essentials. From grape selection to that iconic pop, you’ll learn what goes into crafting this sparkling classic—no fancy vineyard required.


Top Table: Sparrow Italia
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
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.


Six Of The Souths Best Whiskey Bars
Whiskey's historical roots run deep in southern parts of the USA. From Tennessee and Kentucky to Virginia and South Carolina, there are time-honoured distilling traditions and legacies to be found in each. For those visiting, be they whiskey aficionados or not, a distillery visit ranks high on the bucket list. From lowkey, local drinking holes to grander affairs, The Sybarite has curated a list of must-visit whiskey bars in the south.


Meet The Chef: The Woman Behind Louie
Located in a historic 19th-century townhouse, Louie is known for serving New Orleans-inspired cuisine with a heady blend of Spanish and Caribbean influences. At its helm is Geanina Rugina, an experienced executive chef whose résumé includes the likes of Gordon Ramsay Group and D&D London. With a seasonally-changing menu and delicious, fresh flavours delivered consistently, Louie has certainly made its mark on the London food scene. Below, The Sybarite speaks to Geanina about the women who have inspired her, the unique dynamics of Louie and her advice for budding chefs.


Whisky and Chocolate: The Perfect Pairing
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.


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...