Food and Drink

Review of Hot pot etiquette: The popular way of eating in eastern Asia

The reason for its popularity is that it's eating in a casual, social and sharing session where friends and family get together around a table of deliciously made broth simmered over a fire at the table, or in most cases an induction stove. A variety of foodstuffs and ingredients are laid out on the table and anyone is allowed to take an ingredient with their chopsticks whilst chit chatting, before scooping it up onto their plate, dipped in their choice of sauce, and eating it. The best part about Hot Pot is that you get to engage with your social setting whilst cooking your own food, ever so simply. It is the act of boiling your own food, getting to see it cooked and sharing it amongst those at your table. It provides that sense of sharing, and in turn that sharing somehow leads to the act of caring and providing comfort to your diners. It becomes a great activity to do with friends as opposed to the conventional dining out, where you wait for food to be served to you.

Meet Iain Robertson, head distiller at the R&B Distillery

The Sybarite spoke to Iain Robertson, distiller at the Raasay Distillery, about life on the island and the pressures surrounding his new role.

Review of Il Pampero - Little Piece of Italy

In the heart of Belgravia, you will find the most romantic, adorable yet classy Italian restaurant. The atmosphere as soon as we stepped foot into Il Pampero was excellent as the friendly staff warmly greeted us, guided to our table and through an authentic Italian menu. For starters, we had grilled asparagus and a delicious Insalata di rucola e Parmigiano each and every bite tasted as if it was made with love. The main course was a lesson in Italian cooking. As the homemade freshness of the food was evident in each bite, as our experience was complimented by the waitress who did not hesitate to recommend food personalized to our taste.  For the main course, we had Lasagna Bianca di Vitello e Tartufo fresco, a beautiful lasagne served with fresh truffle and Tagliata con Rucola e Parmigiano, delicious rib-eye steak served with parmesan salad. We got to try the recommended white wine; Gavi di Gavi, a beautiful dry white wine which was both crisp and refreshing. Last, but not least we were served the recommended dessert; Chocolate Millefeuille served with a brunoise of strawberries and the traditional Neapolitan sponge cake also known as Baba Al Limoncello.

The Best Afternoon Tea in London

The traditional Afternoon Tea that we have come to know and love was first created by Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840. This was due to the lengthy gap between meals as dinner was usually served later in the evenings, this then led to Anna requesting sandwiches, a scone, and tea to be served to her in her private room. This then grew and she started inviting high society friends - leading to the word of Afternoon Tea to spread and grow into the tradition that we have today.

Ginpreneurs Camilla Brown & Liz Berwick discuss CollaGin...

It’s hard to believe that a such a wondrous product melding the beauty and alcoholic drinks industries hasn’t already been created. So is this new drink the real-life elixir of youth? We spoke to CollaGin founders, and ‘ginpreneurs’, Camilla Brown and Liz Berwick, to find out more.

London's Ultimate Cosy Hideaway with a Menu of Perfection

The majestic building envelopes guests into its cosy ambience from the moment you set foot inside, something which is enhanced by the attentiveness of the hotel staff who are keen to welcome you in.

The Ultimate Post-Theatre Dining Experience

Kaspar’s is the ideal place to relax with friends and family in the luxury and comfort of the art deco ambience with the wall length windows making the area bright and inviting during the day and transforming the restaurant into an intimate and cosy setting during the later hours. The Post-Theatre menu caters for a wide range of choices - so if Seafood isn’t your thing but your date loves it then there will surely be something on the menu that grabs your attention A personal favourites is the Beef Coulotte - which is so tender it almost melts in your mouth and makes you do the over exaggerated leaning back in your chair and closing your eyes - it really is that amazing! Whilst the cocktail menu may seem sparse, each concoction has been created with the menu in mind and features a range of Gin, Vodka and Champagne based tipples that complement nearly every dish on the menu. The wine menu, on the other hand, has a wide variety, with even more option on the Sommeliers wine list.

Masterchef's Ping Coombes Launches 'Brunch Club' at Chi...

Specialising in authentic South East Asian cuisine, the chef and mother (of one and a half kids!) designs the menu at Chi Kitchen Oxford Street - a contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant offering exotic dishes using fresh produce.

Review of Dalloway Terrace: Modern British cuisine meets Nordic...

The Nordic fairytale woodland aesthetic that runs throughout the restaurant is created by twinkling fairy lights intertwined with climbing greenery and blossom trees, blankets over chairs and glass lanterns on every table. The indoor-outdoor space is well-equipped for all weathers, with a retractable roof so that diners can enjoy the sun when it shines and heaters are provided when it gets colder.

Featuring El Pirata: A little slice of Spain in Mayfair

Although El Pirata is located in one of London’s grandest postcodes, famous for iconic hotels such as The Dorchester and sleek restaurants such as Nobu; El Pirata’s cosy, rustic charm is a welcoming contrast. Set over two floors, the ground floor restaurant seats 35 with 12 at the bar and a black wrought iron spiral staircase leads to a lower ground floor for more private dining for 65.

London's Best Bottomless Brunches

Laurent-Perrier Returns to Taste of London With First...

Guests of Taste of London will be invited to enjoy the Laurent-Perrier Clubhouse, where for the first time, Laurent-Perrier will be offering an exclusive masterclass experience, giving guests the chance to sample the entire range of its seven champagne.