Food and Drink
The Most Innovative Menus In London
London, a city pulsating with creativity and culture, boasts a culinary scene as diverse as its inhabitants.
In a city known for its culinary innovation, certain restaurants stand out for their unconventional menus and unparalleled experiences that transcend the ordinary. From dining in the dark to sipping Champagne at the push of a button, there is no shortage of captivating dining destinations in this city. So, whether you're a food enthusiast or an adventurous epicurean, be sure to add these gastronomic gems...
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Featuring Christmas Markets In The UK That You Have To Visit This...
As the temperature drops and the festive spirit fills the air, winter markets across the UK come alive with twinkling lights, artisanal goods, and the warm aroma of seasonal treats. These charming markets offer a delightful escape from the cold, inviting visitors to explore handcrafted gifts, indulge in festive food and drink, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere. All of our choices have a few things in common, great food and drink and stunning locations. Because really, why go to one of the many Christmas markets if the food isn't sensational and the scenery not instagrammable?
Meet The Chef: Sabrina Gidda Of BAM Karaoke
When BAM Karaoke opened in Victoria, karaoke enthusiasts around London rejoiced. Under the culinary leadership of Sabrina Gidda, it didn't take long for the food offering to become a star attraction. Given that BAM hails from Paris, Gidda has included a few Parisian-inspired dishes in the lineup, ranging from small plates to larger meals. Before landing at the vibrant, underground venue, Gidda held posts at the likes of Bernardi's and The Dorchester. Below, we discuss her glittering resume, women in leadership and mentoring young chefs.
Discover The Best Brunch Spots In London
So, just how do we make the right decision to tantalise our taste buds and have an experience to bank in the memory box? The Sybarite Contributor Cherelle has put together a competitive list of spots, with menu, aesthetic, service and vibes in mind.
10 Restaurants On Our Radar For 2024
From the innovative modern European cuisine of The Clove Club to the authentic Sichuan flavors of Gunpowder, these exciting new additions are sure to captivate discerning diners. Prepare to have your taste buds tantalised and your senses awakened as we reveal eight restaurants that are set to dominate London's culinary landscape in 2024. From the innovative creations of Michelin-starred chefs to the authentic flavors of traditional cuisines, these destinations are sure to redefine the dining experience!
Review of 10 Immersive Dining Experiences in London in 2025
But what qualifies as an immersive dining experience, you might ask? Well, an immersive dining experience is one that quite simply engages all your senses. Thus while great food is obviously a prerequisite, it must offer a lot more, such as a great ambience, cultural experience, an engaging soundscape, live performances, art, narratives. In short, anything that makes even the sybarite in you sit up and take notice.
The Art Of Future-Proofing Champagne And Preserving Its...
Champagne, the global drink of celebration and sophistication, has an iconic status that extends beyond its renowned taste. Yet, as the world grapples with climate change, the Champagne industry is no exception to unprecedented challenges. Rising temperatures are altering harvest times and plant growth year upon year, meaning producers in the region are having to constantly adapt. In order to preserve Champagne’s continued legacy, the industry must look ahead and embrace innovative sustainability.
Meet The Chef: Chet Sharma of BiBi
Opening a restaurant is nothing if not a labour of love. But, behind the business dealings and logistics, is a deep-rooted passion for food. Few understand this better than chef Chet Sharma, whose restaurant has captured his love of food and family in equal measure. The word BiBi is a colloquial Urdu derivation meaning ‘grandma’. In choosing it as his restaurant name, Sharma pays homage to his two grandmothers, who taught him two different lessons. One was a stickler for process, while the other favoured invention. Together, they inspired a new style of cooking for Sharma, who has blessed the London food scene with a fresh take on traditional Indian fare. From graduating the University of Oxford with a PhD in physics to working as a development chef at Moor Hall and L'Enclume, Sharma's resume is a fascinating one. Below, we speak to him about his biggest learnings, the importance of honouring family and the changing face of Indian cuisine in London.
Londons Top Steak Restaurants For Bonafide Meat Lovers
With many restaurants to choose from, each offering its unique spin on this classic dish, steak lovers are truly spoiled for choice. Whether you're in the mood for a traditional rib-eye, a tender filet mignon, or something more adventurous, London’s steak scene has it all. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best steak restaurants in the city, highlighting what makes each one special and why they deserve a spot on your must-visit list.
Celebrity Restaurants in London: Top Dining Spots Loved...
As the favoured watering hole for stars and socialites, London's hospitality scene is constantly buzzing. Whether it's a fine dining venue or a sophisticated cocktail haunt, certain venues hold favour with the it-crowds. From the moment they're photographed exiting, the reservation list is sure to soar... so having the inside scoop puts you one step ahead. Discover the London restaurants loved by celebrities below.
Meet The Chef: Kate Austen of The Great British Menu
Despite ending the first challenge—a vegan starter—with the lowest score amongst the chef challengers, Austen came back with a vengeance to become the first female chef in the show’s 19-year history to win the main course with her stuffed quail, truffle French toast, and scotch egg dish. Though Austen is not currently working in a restaurant, she has quite the Michelin-starred line-up under her belt: Morston Hall, Marcus Wareing, AOC, and Frantzen to name a few. “Cooking in Scandinavia was awesome,” she says. “In Denmark, my eyes were opened to a new style of cooking which is always exciting and challenging. I was immersed in the whole side of pickling and preserving, something that was relatively new to me, but the Nordics are known for. The kitchen was so calm and controlled, a different service to the many covers I had done in the UK. And I loved it.” Austen explains that cooking in the Nordics taught her about having focus, attention to detail, and precision, and she soon realized that she had found her style. She soon moved on to a tougher challenge, joining a three-Michelin star restaurant in Sweden as a sous chef. “That carries with it a lot of proving of oneself. At times I found the attitude intimidating and tiring but I worked diligently and earnt my stripes. I think if you are moving in the top circle of any industry, then your role will be challenging and tricky at times – arguably that’s why you are there, because you can handle it,” she says. It’s that determination, coupled with her unparalleled technique, that truly helped Austen stand out on The Great British Menu. With a new notch under her belt, I ask her if she’s ready to leave the private chef world behind and make the leap into becoming a restaurateur. “I think there is a part of me that will always want and crave a restaurant. I love the buzz of it, I live for creating dishes that evoke emotions and leave memories, and it’s an area that I believe I understand well,” she shares. “However, London intimidates me from a business point of view. I feel like it used to be a place you came to with nothing and left with something, but we all know the issues that surround restaurants: Rising rent, rising wages, rising food costs. I don’t know how to manage this side of the business, and with such a hugely saturated market already, I would be nervous. Never say never though… “
Meet The Chef: Nathan Cornwell of Silver Birch
Cornwell comes with a pedigree that is bursting with Michelin stars—Kitchen W8, Geranium in Copenhagen, Oaxen Krog in Stockholm, and The Barn at Moor Hall, to name a few. Cooking was always on the horizon for Cornwell, who says he knew from a young age that it was a passion of his and one that he knew he would eventually pursue as a career. “I had strong love with produce as my family grew their own veg and loved all things food,” he shares. A few days after our dinner at The Silver Birch, they were awarded the coveted 3 AA Rosettes, an absolutely well-deserved achievement! The restaurant has a welcoming and accommodating neighbourhood vibe. It’s clear that most diners are locals, and we overhear some tables talking about how there’s nothing like The Silver Birch in the area. There’s no frills about Cornwell’s cooking, but it’s in fact in the simplicity of the elements on the plate that each ingredient is able to shine. Cured sea bream, crispy pig’s head, and an herby cheesy cracker arrive as a welcoming trio of snacks. Organic celeriac sits beautifully in a broth of celeriac tea, with picked onions and herbs adding texture and crunch. Oscietra caviar makes its appearance in a dish with smoked eel from Devon, bathed in a sauce of pickled leek and chives. Desserts are a tantalising display of technique, textures, and flavours such as those in the show-stopping brown butter chocolate delice with caramelised white chocolate. The Sybarite speaks to Cornwell about his new venture and his favourite thing about Chiswick.
7th Floor Hassler: An Evening Above The Roman Skyline
As we journey to our dinner reservation at Rome’s Hassler Hotel, we climb the Spanish Steps and turn back to admire the view. Basking in our newfound perspective, it felt like we could see everything. Little did we know, it would only get better from here. We cross the road and step inside the the prestigious hotel, which has occupied the coveted spot atop the steps since 1893. The elevator is called to the seventh floor, which houses the aptly named 7th Floor Terrace, a panoramic rooftop bar and restaurant. With sweeping views of the city skyline, the vantage point is nothing short of spectacular. The stage was set for an unforgettable evening, and it certainly delivered.