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Eight new London restaurants we’re checking out this summer

Summer is the season for al fresco – but it’s also when the London restaurant scene comes to life. While there seems to be an endless, ever-changing roster of cool restaurants in London town, we’ve rounded the top five most exciting London restaurant openings so you can get your reservations in order this summer.

Laurel’s On The Roof: Shoreditch

With its doors officially opened on Thursday 5th May, Laurel’s On The Roof is London’s newest and most laid back rooftop restaurant, bar and pool. Located at the Mondrian Shoreditch, Laurel’s is nspired by 1970’s Hollywood and the legacy of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles. Who/What is Laurel’s you say? – Laurel’s is an all day-dining and drinking hotspot infused with glamour and offering London’s most sought after tables. This effortless rooftop spot is the epitome of laidback California cool and takes diners on an exploration of Los Angeles. Laurel’s offers an evolving all-day, highly seasonal menu, the perfect spot to while away long summer evenings whilst overlooking the bustling Shoreditch neighbourhood. Definitely a London restaurant to hit up this summer.

Riding House: Bloomsbury

On 8 June, Notting Hill will welcome its new neighbourhood spot. Riding House Bloomsbury is the long-awaited second iteration of Fitzrovia’s Riding House Café from restaurateur Adam White. This casual bistro-style restaurant had a successful soft launch on 25th May and is set to be a lively modern brasserie with a members’ club-like atmosphere. We’re sure Riding House will add to Bloomsbury’s burgeoning reputation as the latest dining hotspot.

Riding House Bloomsbury’s all-day dining style menus will be cooked up by Chef Partner Henry Omereye. The menu is international, contemporary and unfussy, with Afro-Caribbean and Asian influences throughout. Riding House Bloomsbury is located in Bloomsbury’s The Brunswick Centre, a listed, Brutalist piece of architecture with interiors contrasting the stark exterior with an inviting interior. Surely this will become one of your new favourite London restaurants.

Mr. Fogg’s Apothecary Mayfair

Mr Fogg’s Apothecary is opening a much-awaited new location in Mayfair. Located on Brook Street directly opposite Claridge’s, the elegant new venue will transport you into Phileas Fogg’s wonderfully eccentric world. The bar will be stocked to the rafters with an extensive apothecary collection, with precise weighing scales on hand to measure out the perfect cocktail serves, perfect for cocktail connoisseurs.

The main drawing room was inspired by an elegant Mayfair townhouse with grandfather clocks, large armchairs and sofas to create a comfortable space to encourage visitors to settle in for the evening. With its own separate entrance is the Elixir Room which houses 24 Hennessy cabinets, each with their own unique key locks which will be gifted to lucky regulars to house their own bottles of spirits within. This cosy backroom has three large wallpapered booths which offer a perfect place to hide away and sample Fogg’s most restorative tipple – what a fantastical place for afterwork drinks.

Walmer Castle: Notting Hill

After being reimagined as a contemporary Scottish restaurant and dedicated whisky bar, Notting Hill dining and drinking institution the Walmer Castle has officially opened its doors. Walmer Castle was relaunched in collaboration with Scotland’s oldest whisky hotel, the Craigellachie Hotel. The Walmer Castle is inspired by the uniquely restorative, mineral rich waters of the River Spey twinned with the eclectic nature of London’s Westbourne Grove. Entrepreneur and hotelier extraordinaire Piers Adam is at the helm of Walmer Castle which serves as a local’s local and capturing the essence of Scotland within the neighbourhood. Walmer Castle spans two floors with a ground floor dining room and bar serving exceptional modern highland cuisine and the first floor Spey Bar with over 400 of the world’s finest whiskies.

Cellar: Hammersmith

Located in the ground floor of private member’s club Kindred, Cellar recently opened its doors the heart of Hammersmith. Cellar boasts a fabulous menu crafted by acclaimed chef Andrew Clarke, whose signature style is instantly recognisable in an ingredient-led and micro seasonal all day menu. Cellar showcases an eclectic range of dishes that celebrate the arrival of Spring produce, using the highest quality local meat, fish and seasonal vegetables.

Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and with a gorgeous summer terrace, guests can while away the hours whilst feasting on dish highlights such as Fried cod cheeks with harissa mayo and lemon, Celeriac schnitzel with cavolo nero and wild mushrooms and Korean spiced tartare of Dexter beef served with straw chips. Expert mixologist Julian de Feral has created the cocktail menu which offers crowd favourites like the Kindred Spritz, blending Everleaf Forest aperitif, Bonanto cherry aperitif, peach, jasmine soda and sparkling wine and the West 6 Buttered Up.

The Act: Notting Hill

The Act is now open, serving up an all-singing, all-dancing programme of live entertainment and cocktails – seven nights a week. Located in the heart of Notting Hill Gate’s vibrant neighbourhood, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable night out, with performances from The Act’s talented team, as well as appearances from stars of the West End stage. The Act team will spontaneously serenade you with 80’s – 00’s crowd pleasers. Expect nightly flash-mob-style performances of musical favourites such as: Grease, ABBA and The Greatest Showman. Who said show tunes were limited to the West End.

The Umbrella Workshop: Shoreditch

The team behind our favourite East London bars The Sun Tavern and Discount Suit Company recently opened the doors to their third venue, The Umbrella Workshop. Located on a cobbled lane just off Boundary Street and housed in a C19th atelier, the Umbrella Workshop team have carefully restored the space to offer an interactive cocktail experience. The bar is set against an impressive, floor to ceiling display of spirits which include locally made and independent brands, as well as bartender favourites and rare whiskies.

Umbrella Workshop also hosts tastings and workshops, with everything on the menu available to buy and take home. With just 12 seats inside and the same outside, this intimate drinking spot is a hidden gem amongst bustling Shoreditch and perfectly located for pre-dinner cocktails before heading off to local favourites, Brat, St John and Rochelle Canteen.

Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery: Bishopgate

City institution Boisdale of Bishopsgate recently opened its new art exhibition and oyster concept, ‘Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery’. Blending a stunning marble topped bar with a characterful gallery of contemporary art, Alice’s features works from some of the most talented up and coming artists living and working in London. Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery also offers some of London’s finest oysters, a generous array of bar snacks and dishes charged with a taste of Boisdale’s Scotland sitting alongside a creative cocktail menu and a range of outstanding artisan beers from Hawkshead Brewery. Art and oysters? What’s not to love.

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Five flippin’ great pancake spots in London

Oh Pancake Day – waking up in the morning to your usual cup of tea, but this time there are brilliantly tasty pancakes to enjoy, with Nutella, strawberries, sugar, lemon juice. Our mouths are watering at the thought of it!

And this year the hotly-anticipated day that is Shrove Tuesday will be landing on March 1 (can I get a hell yeah?!) We’re flippin’ excited, excuse the pun, so much so that we’ve sussed out five London hotspots to get some of the best pancakes in town – for those who know their mix will stick to the pan, we’ve got you covered.

Without further ado…

Langan’s Brasserie

It’s no wonder Langan’s is a hotspot for celebs, what with its dreamy little bundles of fluffy pancakes. You can have them topped with whipped, cream berries and maple syrup… and do a little bit of celeb spotting while you’re at it. We’ve heard it a Poppy Delevingne fave, and even Rod Stewart likes to pop in for a pancake.

www.langansbrasserie.com

Where The Pancakes Are

Well if the name didn’t already give it away, this is Where The Pancakes Are! These pancakes are where you head if you want a bit of Shrove Tuesday on the ‘gram. Their pancake serves are perfect for vegans, meat eaters or those who are dairy free, and you’ve got a whole host to choose from. Lip-smacking ingredients include pancakes griddled with baby leaves, cumin, spring onions, green chilli and for the sweet tooth there’s one dubbed the ‘Banana Praline Marshmallow’ with sea salted caramel and chocolate. OMG.

www.wherethepancakesare.com

Christopher’s

Christopher’s are a dab hand at delicious pancakes for vegans, and it’s in the heart of Covent Garden make it easily accessible for you pancake fiends. Not only does the American restaurant deliver on vegan pancakes, but they’re renowned for their ‘Build-Your-Own’ pancake too. This year, you’ll discover the ‘The Lobster One’, complete with sea kale and chorizo. Or, to satisfy your sweet tooth, why not opt for ‘The French Toast One’ based on, yep you guessed it!

www.christophersgrill.com

The Little Blue Door

Not only is The Little Blue Door an awesome venue, but they do awesome pancakes too. Double trouble! The delicious pancakes can be washed down with bottomless Prosecco to give your day that extra kick. We’re talking chocolate smothered pancakes with strawberries and maple syrup.

After all, pancakes are for life not just for pancake day!

www.thelittlebluedoor.co.uk

Avobar

If you’re looking for something a little different this Pancake Day, try Avobar! Their yummy offerings include green matcha pancakes and they’ve got a big thumbs up from us. Not only do you get fluffy American-style pancakes, but a health kick too.

www.avobar.co.uk

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Discover Chic Courtyard Dining at JJAM

Tucked up a lane in Hertfordshire is an old inconspicuous farm plot. Blink and you could easily miss it but for those in the know, it has quickly become a buzzing weekend outpost for locals, Londoners, and the occasional celebrity. The site has been home to fashion and homeware brand, Osprey for 15 years and has gradually expanded to include a gin distillery, beauticians, and more recently, JJAM, a countryside kitchen serving brunch style breakfast plates, light lunches and delicious dinners using fresh and where possible, local, seasonal ingredients.

JJAM Cafe

Set in a pretty courtyard, JJAM was founded by school friends Jack Ellisdon and Scott Martin during the first lockdown. The pair have a hospitality background, Jack previously worked in the hotel industry for the likes of Dorchester Collection Hotels while Scott has experience in private members clubs including the renowned Annabel’s.

I took my daughter and husband on a Saturday afternoon in January and the place was literally JJAM packed. The indoor space seats around 30 covers which adds to the intimate personalised service however, outside there’s a courtyard with a firepit for those who prefer to dine alfresco. Despite a chill in the air, there were couples meandering around the Osprey outlet store, people nipping in and out of the distillery and groups relaxing around the courtyard with hots drinks. Ellisdon tells me “People tend to come here for the best part of the day. They might have a leisurely breakfast with us then have a look around the shops or perhaps have a beauty treatment with Francessca, (who is also an old school friend), then pop back to us for drinks and dinner”. Dinner at JJAM is a big hit, especially in the summer when you can make the most out of the outdoor space, but more on that later. We were sat on a cosy corner table with a chilled glass of Sancerre while we scanned the food options. The menu at JJAM is refreshed every month and is an eclectic mix of classic British, and rustic, internationally inspired dishes. The chef has put his own spin on flatbread style pizzas, sharing platters and sandwiches which make this place more than a café. Front of house is big Dutchman, Parcifal, who casually mingles around the café chatting to people, answering any questions about the menu, and making you feel welcome.

We ordered the JJAM toastie, steak sandwich and triple stacked pancakes. Each plate served would look at home on any foodie’s Instagram page. Presentation here is next level and when our food arrives it looks too good to eat. The conversation grounds to a halt as we tucked into each plate. For the next few minutes, the table was filled with lots of nods and moans of appreciation. My daughter, a pancake connoisseur, took one bite from her fluffy stack and exclaimed it was the best plate of pancakes ever! My toastie was not your regular Breville toastie, wedged between a parmesan crusted sourdough was succulent, chunky slices of Wiltshire ham, melted mature cheddar cheese and a tangy onion chutney. The sourdough had just the right amount of crunch while the sweet onion chutney balanced out the cheddar and parmesan. I sneaked a bite of the steak sandwich and again it didn’t disappoint. The meat was melt in your mouth tender, enveloped in a toasted ciabatta bun.

Dinner at JJAM is the jewel in the crown. They switch up the menu to include specials and larger plates. There’s live music every weekend and no time limit on tables. In the summer tables are like gold dust with people vying over a courtyard seat. Fairy lights adorn the space, blankets and fire pits keep it cosy.

After lunch I had a wander around the shops. Ellisdon tells me they have plans to expand the site, host regular events and turn it into a destination location. The venue lends itself to private events and is already popular for parties and weddings. From May, they will be running JJAM x WELLNESS, a series of weekly subscription-based yoga, running and fitness classes that will be followed by a light breakfast, juice and coffee. The view is to then expand these ‘wellness brunches’ to include beauty treatments such as massages by their onsite beautician. As well as the venue in Hertfordshire, JJAM Regent Street has just opened offering coffees and tasty bites served with the same enthusiasm and passion.

JJAM has vibe, it’s one of those places you want to take your friends just to show off but at the same time you want to keep this place a secret. Word is already getting around so book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.

To book a table or find out more on the wellness events visit JJAM Group or follow @jjamgroup

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Barboun brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Shoreditch

Barboun, Shoreditch’s new Mediterranean locale, is anything but traditional. Sure, there are of course all the Levantine-inspired dishes that will certainly impress even the most discerning foodie, but what truly impresses, is how Barboun takes all the flavour and charm of a traditional Levantine bistro and blends it with the modernity that would attract the Shoreditch crowd and then some.

Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies, ventured out to sunny Shoreditch to sample Barboun’s brunch offer, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

First off, the restaurant itself, covered in pale wood, terracotta tiles, and stylish mid-century pendant lighting is the picture of Scandi coo. One look at the menu though, and you will see where the Mediterranean influences lie.

The cocktail list is impressive indeed and we recommend starting with the Elderflower Spritz, a refreshing concoction of Tanqueray, St. Germain Elderflower, and Franklin & Sons Mallorcan tonic – a delicious cocktail that will easily transport you to a beachside café along the coast.

Barboun

The flatbreads, while a relatively unusual brunch choice, are a revelation and offer excellent value for money. The ‘Choke Hold’ named after the delicious artichokes that are the heart of the dish, come with spinach chermoula and creamy kefalatoryi cheese.

The Smokey offers delicious burnt aubergine with rose harissa, a delicious take on a traditional mezze classic, while the ‘Abrakebabra’ is of course, a tongue-in-cheek homage to everyone’s favourite late-night wrap. This flatbread blends pulled beef, spicy tomato and garlic yoghurt – proving you can’t go wrong with a classic.

The Turkish platter is an excellent sharing plate, perfect for a brunch date with your pals and comes with a delicious spread of feta, kasar cheese, olives, boiled eggs, pastirma, preserves and toast. It goes exceedingly well with the Elderflower Spritz too – as we quickly discovered.

Finally, don’t leave Barboun without sampling the sweets on offer. The banana pancakes are fluffy without being too doughy, while the Burma Baklava (a must-have in any Mediterranean joint) was unsurprisingly delicious. The piece de resistance of the dessert menu though, must be the Fried Simit, a hot and cold sensation of fried caramel ice cream with yellow peach and hazelnuts. A final flourish to a delicious brunch that has certainly added some Mediterranean sunshine into an otherwise dreary London afternoon. We shall soon be back to get our Barboun fix.

To book a table or for more information visit https://www.barboun.com/

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5 star Japanese dining

Located on the ground floor of 5-star hotel, The Prince Akatoki you will find TOKii, a contemporary Japanese restaurant serving authentic cuisine. We went along for dinner and were treated to an array of dazzling morsels.

In keeping with the hotel, the space is minimalist with lots of dark timber mixed with screen divides and low lighting creating an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night dinner.

The A La Carte menu uses fresh and seasonal ingredients designed to bring the best of Eastern and Western flavours together. There is plenty to choose from with signature dishes, lighter bites and sides as well as a full menu of Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Roll options. We opted for a bit of everything and were not disappointed, every dish was delicious. Highlights include the lobster croquettes, crisp and delicate with a perfectly balanced ponzu and mango salsa. The crispy pork belly was rich in flavour and the Cornish crab mayonnaise was not only an array of mouth popping tastes, but it was also beautifully presented, so much so I felt bad eating it. The dishes served are like works of art and pretty enough to fill any Instagram feed. The food comes out as it’s ready so lots of small bites keep coming our way. The chef and team buzz around the open kitchen and prepare fresh fish before a line of diners sitting up at the counter. The sushi comes adorned with flowers and shiso leaves bringing a flash of colour to the table. It tastes amazing too, I cannot get enough of the buttery chunks of fish encased in soft rice. Our waitress insisted we try the wagyu beef with spicy ponzu sauce and I am so glad we did, it was ‘melt in your mouth’ tender and bursting with flavour. The service was great, our waitress was extremely knowledgeable and tentative helping us with wine and food choices.

As well as serving lunch and dinner TOKii has launched a weekend brunch menu complete with bottomless sparkling saki or prosecco. For those wishing to escape the indoors, the TOKii kitchen has created beautiful picnic hampers. Guests can expect snacks of Spiced roasted almonds and Scotch quail eggs, followed by a range of tasty sandwiches from Honey roast ham with piccalilli, Grated cheddar with apple and raisin chutney to a Chicken teriyaki bun. An assortment of fresh, seasonal salads including Edamame and runner beans with popped amaranth seeds is included, alongside tempting desserts of Chocolate and cherry brownie, Yuzu crème brûlée and Raspberry tart. The hampers come with a choice of traditional sparkling sake or prosecco.

The menu at TOKii ticks every box for me and I think the biggest challenge is deciding what to have as it is a medley of superb dishes, all delivering a slice of Japan on a plate.

Book you table at TOKii

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People, Produce and Positive dining at Publiq London

Publiq London is more than just your stylish neighbourhood local. Envisioned as a modern public house, Publiq offers sensational British sharing plates, natural wines, and fabulous alcoholic slushies in a casual yet cool atmosphere just a stone’s throw away from Kensington Gardens.

Publiq, helmed Charles Montanaro and Greg Almeida (formerly from Scarfes Bar and Tayēr + Elementary) with Head Chef Emilian Cracuin (formerly George Mayfair and Ham Yard Hotel) was built on a People, Produce, Positive mantra and looks at the positive impact that bars and restaurants has on communities.

Publiq London only works with the highest-quality local producers, and this commitment to good ingredients certainly reflects on the quality of food on offer. Seasonality and sustainability are at the heart of menu, imbuing each dish with a certain kind of charm. We started with the Crudités, a deceivingly simple plate of fresh vegetables and olive oil, with a special sprinkling of spices that delivered a delicate yet addictive flavour. We followed with the beef Brisket Croquets, made from ex- dairy cows, that would have otherwise gone to waste. We also tried the Stone Bass, perfectly cooked and with just the right amount of flavour and served with juicy Isle of Wight tomatoes, wild garlic and bone marrow and chicken juice.

The pièce de résistance however, was the wild sauteed mushrooms with croutons and Pecorino Romano According to Greg, the mushrooms are sourced from a local group of foragers and are different each week. Served with some Pecorino – and seasoned with a special concoction of pickle juice and spices – it was the undoubted star of Publiq’s already impeccable menu.

The cocktail menu is also a masterclass in creative mixology. Paired with an all-natural and organic wine menu, you can spend an entire afternoon simply sipping on the drinks on offer at Publiq. Each cocktail focuses on two to three hero flavours and never overpowers you with sweetness. We sampled the Pink Pepper Aperol Spritz, a glass of the wonderfully zesty orange wine from the Czech Republic and for dessert the very-alcoholic Amaretto and Woo Woo slushie – ideal for those looking for a refreshing way to get quite drunk at brunch.

The restaurant’s aim to inspire people with hospitality and after our spectacular meal at Publiq, we certainly left feeling more inspired too.

www.publiq.london

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Afternoon Tea

April 12th: Are you ready to support the hospitality industry?

Most people in England have marked down the 17th of May as the key date to return to their favourite restaurants to support their favourite local businesses. However, there’s a raft of restaurants that are ready to open their terraces to famished diners from the 12th of April. Here, at House of Coco, we check out the 10 venues, you should be visiting in April.

Vinegar Yard

If you are looking for wide-open spaces and a relaxed atmosphere to catch-up with friends and family over evening aperitif or to check-out the latest street food trends, this is the place to visit with the likes of Baba G’s, Sugo, Nik’s Kitchen, and Nanny Bill’s. It is conveniently situated next to London Bridge with the iconic Shard building as a backdrop.

Devonshire Terrace

With some people returning to work in the city, you might be wondering what decent outdoor drinking and dining spaces might be open in April. Look no further than Devonshire Terrace. It’s secluded, it’s tranquil, their cocktails are always impressive so whether you are on a date or a business meeting, this is the ideal urban hideaway. Quite a few of the Drake and Morgan venues are opening up, so do check out their website.

Mariage Frères

One of the most aesthetically pleasing pedestrianised areas we came across last year was King St in Covent Garden. It’s lined with boutique shops and elegant restaurants. The one to check out here is the renowned French tea emporium, Mariage Frères. If there is any tea they don’t stock, it’s probably not worth trying. And their tea-inspired food menu is staggeringly creative.

Double Standard at the Standard

The hottest hotel opening in recent years is back with their ever-popular terrace opening in April. This is the place to see and be seen. Their Aperol slushies have been a huge hit with Londoners and they will be launching a new flavour in the spring. Expect burgers, expect cocktails and expect frivolity.

JOY at Portobello

For those floral-loving diners, look no further than the outdoor terrace at JOY’s dahlia-filled Flora restaurant at Portobello Docks. The waterside views are almost as incredible as the ultra-fresh produce in the restaurant which is brought up daily from The Good Shed in Canterbury.

Angelina

If you are looking for an outdoor terrace in April that will offer creative fare, then the place to go is Angelina in Dalston. They have been arousing Londoners’ taste buds with their imaginative fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines. Think uni & sausage chawanmushi and cime di rapa tempura. Plus they have a covered terrace, so you can still meet up with friends even if inclement weather strikes.

Aquavit

You might be wondering if you can still enjoy fine dining experiences on the terraces in April. The answer is most definitely yes if you visit the terraces of the ever-popular Nordic restaurant, Aquavit. All the Nordic classics you would expect are present including Skagen, highland venison loin, and Icelandic cod.

Natak

A lot of restauranteurs decided to not wait for the May indoor hospitality opening date and made the call to extend their terraces to start welcoming keen restaurant-goers from April. Natak is a case in point; this relaxed, informal Indian restaurant serves iconic Indian dishes alongside traditional family recipes. You need a considerable spice rack to cook up decent Indian dishes at home, so why clutter up your kitchen and just go and check out Natak instead.

Heddon Yokocho

Heddon Street is another one of those hidden pedestrianised treasures that exist in the West End. This retro-style ramen bar is a temple to all things noodles-related. They have ramen recipes stretching back to 1884 with their Hakodate Shio to modern-day vegan London creations. And why sweat whilst slurping away at your comforting bowl of ramen when you can enjoy the cool outdoor breeze on their terrace?

St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys

Finally, what better way to celebrate the re-opening of hospitality than toasting with a glass of Champagne? The best place to experience this is at St Pancras by Searcys, which is home to Europe’s longest Champagne bar (98 metres long). They have buzzers you can press for Champagne and they serve the cutest afternoon teas in designer suitcases.

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A whole lot of breakfast with Breakfast En Bread

There’s nothing better than a delicious breakfast to kickstart the work week, but Breakfast En Bread’s loaded buns certainly take breakfast to new bready heights. Breakfast En Bread has been delighting breakfast lovers since 2014 with is scrumptious loaded bread loaves and now you can order them in for Next-Day Delivery too.

You can get all the loaded bread favourites like The Original, Smokey Salmon, Vegetarian and Vegan or add a splash of bubbles with ‘The Furnace Sparkling Wine Box’ which includes a 750ml bottle of The Wren English Reserve Sparkling Wine.

We sampled the loaded vegan bread loaf, which arrived just in time to perk up our Monday morning breakfast situation. All of Breakfast en Bread’s ingredients are sourced form the best local fishmongers, free-range butchers and seasonal vegetables in the UK.

The new Vegan loaded bread loaf, a totally new addition to the Breakfast en Bread menu for 2021, combines its Gail’s Bakery sourdough lined with kale and overflowing with delicious cannellini beans, smothered in rich passata sauce. Don’t be fooled, because that yellow round thing in the centre of the loaf is certainly not an egg, but instead a preserved lemon adding zest to the hearty bready breakfast concoction.

Oyster mushrooms, slow-roasted banana shallot and a healthy serving of vegan mozzarella finish the loaf, adding plenty of surprise and flavour to your breakfast. We must warn you; you better bring your appetite when ordering one of Breakfast en Bread’s loaves – because they certainly don’t scrimp on the goodness, giving you a bang for your buck.

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Here’s how to get the perfect Mother’s Day gift

It may be a while until we get the chance to properly hug our mums again, so we’re pre-planning what to get the most important woman in our lives for Mother’s Day.

This year, we’re pulling out all the stops and splashing out — because if there’s anything we learned in 2020, it’s that nothing is more important than family.

This Mother’s Day, we’re all about the luxury gift set, filled with some of the finest culinary sensations and bottled spirits that the UK’s foodie scene has to offer.

The Botanist Gin Tin Planter Set

Why not combine your mum’s penchant for gardening with a bottle of Botanist Gin? The Botanist Gin has launched a Tin Planter Gift Set, made with special packaging that can be reused as a planter to grow herbs, just in time for Mother’s Day. So, not only can you grow your own garnish, but also help towards reducing waste too! The set also comes with a pack of rosemary seeds and a bottle of The Botanist hand-crafted gin.

Click here to buy The Botanist Gin Tin Planter Set

Ésophy x Metaxa Chocolate and Spirit Pairing Gift Set

Indulge your mum’s sweet tooth with a luxury spirit and chocolate gift set by artisanal Greek chocolatiers Ésophy and Greek amber spirit brand Metaxa. The gifting set pairs delicious homemade Greek chocolates with rich flavour profiles from Metaxa 12 Stars and Metaxa Private Reserve.

The Metaxa flavours include Orange and Balsamic, Cardamom and Fig, Winter Spices and Spicy Apricots and come with a selection of delicious pairing chocolates.

Click here to buy the Metaxa 12 Star Pairing and here for the Metaxa Private Reserve Pairing

Cointreau Limited Edition Bottle

Add a dash of elegance to your Mother’s Day margaritas with a limited-edition Cointreau Bottle, designed by French interior designer Vincent Darré. The limited edition bottles offer three different designs telling the story of the maison and is available in Harvey Nichols.

Click here to buy Cointreau Limited Edition Bottle

A Mother’s Day Hamper from Brixton Cornercopia

Support local businesses with this lovely Mother’s Day Hamper from Brixton Cornercopia. Brixton Cornercopia opened five years ago in Brixton Village and features a range of handcrafted products. Every item in the hamper has a story to tell and produced by independent makers in the local area. You can choose from two hamper options which comprise chocolates, flower seeds, candles, preserves, and bath salts.

Click here to buy the Mother’s Day Hamper from Brixton Cornercopia

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Dining in-style with London’s best meal kits

While the doors to our favourite restaurants and bars may still be closed, there’s plenty of ways to support your favourite London foodie spots this spring. To spruce up your next lockdown weekend, why not order a DIY restaurant kit from your local and recreate some of your favourite dishes at home?

Breakfast En Bread

There’s nothing better than breakfast in bed on a lazy Saturday morning, but Breakfast En Bread’s loaded buns certainly take breakfast to new bready heights. Breakfast En Bread has been delighting breakfast lovers since 2014 with is scrumptious loaded bread loaves and now you can order them in for Next-Day Delivery too.

You can get all the loaded bread favourites like The Original, Smokey Salmon, Vegetarian and Vegan or add a splash of bubbles with ‘The Furnace Sparkling Wine Box’ which includes a 750ml bottle of The Wren English Reserve Sparkling Wine.

DIY Shoryu Kit

Now you can enjoy the authentic taste of Japan at home, because Shoryu has launched a new menu of DIY Shoryu Kits. Nothing beats a steaming hot bowl or Ramen and Shoryu’s Ramen kits come with everything you need to turn yourself into a ramen master in no-time. The DIY kits includes Shoryu’s signature hosomen noodles, 12-hour banging Tonkotsu soup stock and all the trimming and can be done in just 10 minutes!

Flower Burger

Add some colour to your Friday-night takeaway with Flower Burger. Flower Burger’s brightly-coloured buns and plant-based patties will surely add some Flower Power to your next cheat-day meal, and they have just introduced London delivery too!

Kurami

If you’re feeling uninspired in the kitchen, Kurami is a London-based meal subscription service that offers healthy meal plans, free from gluten, added sugars, artificial ingredients and additives. You can select from Kurami’s Signature Pathway or Calorie Controlled options to create a meal subscription that’s right for your needs.

Hart’s at Home from ‘The Rag Club’

Mayfair-based private Army and Navy Club, (affectionately known as ‘The Rag’) has made its delectable gourmet restaurant menu available to be enjoyed at home. The ‘Hart’s at Home Menu Boxes,’ lovingly made by the Club’s Executive Chef Stuart Hart, offers three courses full of timeless British classics. We’ve got our eye on ‘February’s Winter Warmer Menu Box’ with highlights including a slow-cooked Ox Cheek and Crab bisque.

Ember Snacks

Here’s a bonus recommendation for those who love to snack because Ember Snacks is the perfect answer for all those tricky in-between meal hunger pangs.

Ember Snacks offers high-quality biltong and charcuterie straight from British and Irish farms that pack a protein punch without any nasties. Its naturally-sourced British beef and pork is naturally-sourced and cured with delicious natural herbs and spices and we are absolutely obsessed.

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