Food and Drink
Top Table: Sparrow Italia
Discover the London outpost of the Miami dining hotspot, transporting guests to sunnier Italian climes.
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’.
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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 London's 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.