Food and Drink

Spring 2019s Perfect Pasta Round-Up

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.

Where to Celebrate Pancake Day in London

Review of London Landmarks Afternoon Tea at The Kensington

Says Benjamin Buckley, Food and Beverage Manager at The Kensington, the 5-star boutique hotel located in London’s desirable South Kensington neighbourhood. Situated on a tree-lined boulevard, the hotel is also home to the recently refurbished Town House restaurant. With its interconnecting drawing rooms, hidden whisky bar, and chrome chandeliers, Town House at The Kensington provides a quiet refuge away from the city’s busy streets. After hearing about the success of Town House’s “Tale As Old As Time” afternoon tea that brought characters from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to life, I was excited to have the chance to try out their new offering which celebrates the city I know and love.he new London Landmarks Afternoon Tea takes guests on a tour of the capital’s most recognisable structures through decadent little bites. We started our adventure with a glass of champagne and made our tea choices. I went for the Malawi Spearmint which promised a smooth, well-rounded infusion made from gentle leaves grown on the Shire Highlands of Malawi. Soon, we were provided with our menu: a beautifully-illustrated map detailing all the landmarks we would soon be visiting on our culinary tour.

Review of Frog by Adam Handling - Hopping Onto The Sybarite's Best...

The luxury Valentines Day gift guide for her

Review of Burns Night - Dinner at Wiltons

Ownership of the restaurant has passed through many hands but perhaps the most influential was, surprisingly, a British merchant banker. Mr Hambro purchased the restaurant after a bomb detonated nearby whilst he was dining there - adding the restaurant to the end of his dinner bill! The restaurant's new owner employed Jimmy Marks - as the new oysterman - who established Wiltons as the acclaimed institution it is today.

Review of Vegetarian Dining in Mayfair: A Review of Franco’s

It isn’t common to find restaurants in London that provide an entirely separate vegetarian menu, and it is even harder to do so in the neighbourhoods of Mayfair and St. James where oysters and prime rib options dominate restaurant menus. Franco’s Head Chef Stefano Turconi noticed the trend in plant-based diets and the increase in requests from his customers who were in need of vegetarian and vegan options.  “I personally love meat and fish, however, in advance of creating this new and exciting menu, I chose to adopt a plant-based lifestyle for three months, where I was able to really appreciate and understand what vegans enjoy eating. In doing so, this really inspired me to develop our new vegan-vegetarian menu at Franco’s where we are able to offer a wide range of dishes,” he says.

The Ultimate Guide to New Year’s Day Brunch in London

Spending New Year’s Day in London may not be as popular as the fireworks and champagne show from the eve before, but we can’t think of a better way to start 2023 than to keep the celebration going with a delicious, hearty—and yes, boozy—brunch. From bottomless cocktails to lobster benedict, we’ve found the best places in town for you to keep the party going and celebrate #BloodyMaryDay to the fullest.