Food and Drink

Review of Raymond Blanc’s Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons goes...

14th December 2017

Coupled with an exquisite dining experience and stellar service that makes one want to linger on, Raymond Blanc's Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons, is the ideal place for a short getaway that ticks off all of the boxes in luxury, comfort, dining, intimacy, and pure warmth that can be felt from head, toe to heart. There is an obvious reason that guests come back here - the staff, who are at the cornerstone of Belmond La Manoir. Every guest that arrives here are treated with genuine attention without being too obtrusive or awkward. Its staff are behind the scenes and do somehow magically appear whenever one needs assistance even when least expected. They give guests that accommodating reassurance and the undivided attention which ultimately leads to a feeling of being in great hands and welcomed, an aspect that seems to be so crucially defining of a guests stay.

Rooftop Bars to Visit this Winter: A Syabrite Guide

12th December 2017

The Sybarite Guide to Treating the Men in your Life this...

8th December 2017

If you are in the same position as us, don't worry! We have the ultimate gift guide for men, for you.

Review of Visit the Residence: The perfect family getaway in the...

5th December 2017

We returned home feeling completely rejuvenated and relaxed. From the mesmerizing colour of the water to the mouth-watering local cuisine, everything oozed luxury. For the first part of our trip, we stayed at The Residence, an exclusive and secluded retreat of unparalleled beauty in Falhumaafushi, a pristine island located in Huvadhoo Atoll one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world.  After a 10-hour flight with our little boy, we were greeted by a representative from the Residence who took our luggage away for us and escorted us to the air-conditioned lounge. The hotel is located 242 miles south of Male International Airport, so after a cold drink, we boarded the scenic 55-minute flight to Kooddoo airport. This was then followed by a short mini-bus ride and speedboat direct to the resort.

Shoryu Ramen: Londons Best Minimalist Noodle Bars

24th November 2017

Conveniently located by Old Street station, Shoryu Ramen is the perfect spot to stop off and grab some dinner with a friend after work. The intimately spaced restaurant has a busy city vibe with friendly and efficient customer service. As soon as you walk in you are welcomed with the staff bellowing "Irasshaimase!" whilst banging a drum.

Luxury Christmas Gift Guide 2026: The Sybarite Selection

22nd November 2017

Review of Raasay’s while we wait whisky review

20th November 2017

R&B Distillery, which stands for Raasay and Borders, is creating the concept while waiting for Raasay Distillery to rise beneath Dùn Caan. By working with a Highland distillery the brand has created a single malt demonstrating its whisky making skills and a “tantalising taster representative of what’s to come.” R&B's third batch is bottled at the strength of 46% abv and is naturally colours and non-chill filtered. This is achieved by blending two expressions from one distillery; one peated, one unpeated. The whisky is French oak Tuscan wine casks from three vineyards that produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The first release finished in red wine casks for eight weeks, while the second release finished for 18 months. With the third release, the two finishes were combined in order to achieve the perfect balance. The result is a light and interesting, but fledgling flavour. With an amber nectar colour, the taste is quite smoky and wood-like, with a hint of caramel and the warm and round sweetness of vanilla.

Review of Gin lovers unite with ask for Janice and graphic bar...

17th November 2017

So we headed down to find out what the deal was with The Graphic Bar’s residency at Ask For Janice and we were blown away. Ask for Janice are based near Smithfield Market in east London, and pride themselves on their gin selection. With over 50 variations, many of which local, it’s not hard to see why. Graphic bar is permanently located in SoHo and has a counter on their website notifying visitors that they currently have 305 types of gin on their shelves. However, they have also recently taken up residence in the basement of Ask For Janice. When we arrived at Ask For Janice we were greeted and guided down the stairs to the basement bar where the venue just came alive. It was dark and atmospheric with most of the light coming from behind the bar, with the other main light source being the giant neon sign on the wall Spelling out Ask For Janice which was surrounded by tonnes of polaroids of previous customers.

Is this London's Best Rooftop Bar?

9th November 2017

Boasting the city's first rooftop ice rink, as well as an ice hockey penalty shootout and a wide range of street food and drinks, Skylight at Wapping's Tobacco Dock is THE place to be this winter.

Review of Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve with Chino Latino

9th November 2017

For those deciding to leave the stress of preparing Christmas Dinner (and clearing up afterwards) to someone else, visit this iconic Pan-Asian Restaurant and Latin Bar and let the culinary delights overwhelm your senses. Whilst there is a full A La Carte menu available, it is the traditional Christmas Dinner Menu that grabs our attention, as many would assume that a Christmas dinner in a Pan-Asian restaurant would be far from a ‘traditional British Classic’. However, if you thought that then you would be wrong. Feast on the traditional Roast Turkey breast and indulge on the crispy pigs in blankets, the fluffy roast potatoes and the honey glazed parsnips and carrots; all whilst sipping on the finest Perrier Jouet Brut Champagne, it is Christmas after all! As for New Year’s Eve, an evening traditional with spending time with friends and family and celebrating the start of a new chapter in your life, Chino Latino are offering two different choices, either a sharing menu or a Canapé party in the 12th Floor -Executive Lounge.

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

7th November 2017

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

4th October 2017

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