Cocktails - House Of Coco Magazine

City Guides May 9, 2023

Tulum Terrace: London’s best kept secret

Located at the back of Kings Cross away from the crowds of Granary Square is Rotunda, situated in a Grade II-listed building overlooking Regent’s Canal, this is the perfect spot for alfresco drinks and fabulous food. I was invited down to experience their newly opened Tulum terrace bar that wraps around the edge of the restaurant featuring an abundance of greenery, walkways and photo opportunities, it oozes bohemian-chic vibes, transforming the waterside terrace into a tropical oasis.

The bar is lively and vibrant and serves up a range of classic and creative cocktails, with a focus on tequila and mezcal. The new summer cocktail menu will whisk you off to the beaches of Tulum. My favourite was the Rio Rosa with pink peppercorn and dill infused Rooster Rojo Tequila Blanco, lime juice, strawberry cordial, honey, pink grapefruit, and bergamot tonic. However the Las Bandidas with Mezcal Union Una, Frangelico, Antica Formula, St Germain Elderflower and lime was also delicious. The bar also offers an impressive selection of Mexican beers, wines, and spirits, as well as a range of appetising bar snacks and small plates, including tuna tartare tacos served with tequila, lime and pico de gallo salsa. The Sticky Corneyside Farm beef croquettes with habanero mayonnaise and lime are also to die for.

The focus here is on high-quality, locally sourced meat and seafood. While this year’s look, feel, and menus are all Mexican inspired, the food provenance remains wholeheartedly British. The quality of meat is exceptional, all the beef and lamb served are sourced from its own farm (Corneyside) in Northumberland, reflecting their gate-to-plate philosophy.

The menu features a range of delectable dishes, including grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and succulent Chimichurri spatchcock poussin. The highlight, however, is the chargrilled rump of Texel lamb with habanero, courgettes, and mint yoghurt, the meat was tender and the combination of habanero and mint yoghurt provided the perfect balance. My date ordered the Corneyside Farm beef brisket chilli con carne, which came with tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa, both hearty and flavourful it had just enough heat.

Rotunda is one of those places you want to keep to a secret, with stunning views and a stylish, modern interior I guarantee it will be your summer go-to for sundowners and a bite to eat.

There’s a planned programme of Mexican-inspired events across the summer from tequila tastings to terrarium workshops.

Upcoming events:

Starting in May – Saturday morning brunch and yoga with The Fore gym
Thursday 11th May – Margarita masterclass
Monday 10th July – Pina Colada masterclass
Monday 24th July- Tequila and taco tasting in honour of world tequila day
Saturday 3rd June – Brunch and terrarium workshop with Botanical Boys

For more information visit the website.

Afternoon Tea April 13, 2023

Anatolian dining at Coco Grill and Lounge Tower Bridge

Nestled in Shad Thames, Coco Grill and Lounge Tower Bridge offers a romantic dining experience with iconic views of Tower Bridge. Shad Thames has been the location of choice for romantic diners wanting the iconic Tower Bridge as a backdrop to their gastronomic feast. Coco Grill & Lounge fits the bill with an expansive shisha garden terrace filled with sumptuous floral decorations. The chic interiors also deliver on the premium experience front with faux orchard trees, lush velvet banquettes and mood lighting fit for a Hollywood film set. But is it all style over substance you might ask? The answer is a definitive no.

A Culinary Delight in London

The menu is halal-friendly, and vegetarian-friendly with allergens clearly labelled. It is expansive, so if one of your guests isn’t in the mood for Anatolian cuisine, they can for a comforting plate of vegan ‘meatball’ pasta instead. You can also enjoy slow-cooked duck tacos marinated with a hoisin sauce. A highlight of the restaurant is its redemption cocktail bar menu. All the drinks are alcohol-free and they’ve worked with the best connoisseurs in the business to deliver an exceptional offering. For the classic 1920s cocktail, Bees Knee’s, they’ve only used the finest ingredients such as Sicilian lemon along with floral honey to make for a welcoming aperitif. The garnishes often include floral decorations in line with the restaurant interiors. There are zero-alcohol wines, classic mocktails and milkshakes and I would not be surprised to discover, they have the most inventive alcohol-free menu in London.

24k Gold Champagne at London’s Premier Dining Destination

The eye-catcher on the menu is their 35-day aged Tomahawk steak served with truffle Parmigiano mayo with the option to wrap it in gold for £50. This pairs with their Espora 24k Gold Champagne (de-alcoholised), which contains 24-karat gold flakes. They are not items I would personally order normally, but you can appreciate they are targeting the Salt Bae audience.

Exquisite Black Cod and Irresistible Mixed Coco Shish at London’s Premier Dining Haven

The less flashy dishes had greater appeal with the silky, smooth black cod a particular highlight. It was well-marinated with kaffir lime and miso and cooked delicately so the freshness was retained with the flavours well-infused. Their incarnation of the dish is arguably superior to the original served up at Nobu. Mixed Coco Shish is always a moreish crowd-pleaser. Their version consists of marinated lamb and chicken served with tzatziki and chilli sauce. It is elegantly presented with Tetris-like neatness, unlike versions you’ll see in more casual establishments where you’re often presented with an Everest of indiscernible meat. Their main course portion sizes tend to be more restrained which is ideal if you want to pair it with side dishes and enjoy a dessert. For an indulgent treat, opt for their messy wedges. The potatoes are topped with caramelised mushrooms, sriracha mayo, turkey bacon and spring onions and topped with copious amounts of Gruyère.

Presentation is everything at Coco Grill & Lounge. You’ll often see the use of dry ice to deliver a more impactful presentation such as their crispy spiced shrimp starter. But even if you take away the edible flowers, and the mysterious smoke, the quality of the ingredients genuinely shines through. For example, with their cheese and spinach pide, they only use baby spinach as they are more tender and the finest of Mozzarella cheese.

We didn’t have any stomach space left during our visit for dessert but we are looking forward to returning soon and trying their signature Turkish baklava and the underrated Kunafa. It is a baked kataifi pastry filled with cheese and topped with vanilla. It does take 20 minutes to prepare so do order before you’ve finished your main courses.

https://www.coco-restaurants.com/coco-index.html

Accessories March 7, 2023

International Women’s Day: Behind the Bar with Mixologist Ludmilla Samohin

Located on the ground floor of the Hilton, Lake Como is Taffeta, an elegant lounge and bar. The back wall is dominated by a selection of spirits and a long bar. Behind it you’ll find Ludmilla Samohin, Head Mixologist who is taking the Italian drinks world by storm, rustling up some of the most innovating drinks menus.

The mixology scene in Italy is still dominated by men but Ludmilla, previously a graphic designer and painter is shaking up the bar and cocktail menu at the Hilton with her creative spin on traditional cocktails. To celebrate International Women’s Day I caught up with Ludmilla over a Negroni to find out the trends and influences shaping her drinks menu.

Ludmilla refreshes the bar menu annually and says she gets her inspiration from the everyday things. Previously she’s used textures and music to create her cocktail list but this year, it’s perfume and scents. Her new menu will use fragrance as an infusion, and she promises me it’s going to include some show stopping cocktails.

Creativity and having that wow factor is what makes her menu standout. She is constantly looking at ways to improve it and always striving to try something new, listening to guest feedback and being brave when it comes to designing a drink. Currently she is working on a Tequila and celery combo which she assures me will be mind blowing and delicious. Ludmilla tells me, “Tequila Mescal is the spirit of the moment” and she is serving it straight as well as mixing it in cocktails like Espresso Martini and Bloody Mary.

Her signature cocktail changes every six months and she takes inspiration from different mixing scenes. According to Ludmilla, “London bars are always setting the bar high” but it’s Shanghai and Singapore that are on her radar at the moment, she says the bars here are full of excellent bar tenders and mixers.

The drinks trends for 2023 are minimal and simple, Ludmilla explains, “people want less fussy drinks, so elaborate garnishing is out of the window”. Her menu will be focussed on using less ingredients but sourcing the best quality, local produce she can get. Another trend she sees emerging is prebatch mixing the ingredients and leaving them for two or three days to alter the taste. At the Hilton, gifting will be a big addition to the menu too. This year she has partnered with breast cancer charity, Imperfect, to create an alcohol free cocktail that combines ginger, green apple, hibiscus and green tea. It’s served in a unique glass that uses Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing glass and ceramics with gold. She mixes one up while we chat, it tastes delicious and the pretty gold marbled glass is a nice reminder that imperfections can still be fabulous.

As you might expect the most popular drinks at Taffeta are the Italian classics, Aperol Spritz and Negroni. The Smoked Negroni using gin infused with rosemary is a firm favourite with guests. Ludmilla explains, “Customers love a bit of theatre and I always want to make it an experience for them. It’s more than just mixing a drink”. Watching her is an experience, you can see the passion she has for her job and she’s not wrong, the Negroni delivers on the wow factor.

Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como begin at €180 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.

Cocktails February 10, 2023

Drinks for Galentine’s Day: spirits, sparkling & something sweet

We know we don’t need an excuse to try out some of the amazing drinks brands on offer, but with Valentine’s Day around the corner it is the perfect time to grab the girls and some fancy glasses. If going out this year isn’t the order of the day, we have rounded up some delicious tipples to have in the comfort of your own home that are perfect for a ‘Galentine’s Day’ celebration…

SPIRIT I Monkey Shoulder Premium Gift Pack Tube

This full-sized Monkey Shoulder bottle is packed carefully in a bold and colourful Gift Tube, making the perfect drink for any whisky lover on the day of love. Grab the girls and invent a selection of fun and flirty cocktails with a delicious spirit.

This triple malt is smooth and rich, making it ideal for mixing whisky cocktails such as an Old Fashioned, Pina Coladas and Espresso Martinis.

Monkey Shoulder Premium Gift Pack Tube (70cl) are available for RRP £34.23 on Amazon.

Sparkling I Chapel Down Rosé Brut

This Galentine’s, raise a glass with Chapel Down’s multi award-winning Rosé Brut. Made from 100% Pinot Noir and sourced from fruits yielded in Kent, Sussex and Essex, this English sparkling offers great balance and purity of character. Paired to perfection with fruit-based desserts, expect aromas of fresh strawberries, cherries, and redcurrants with background notes of toasty shortbread. The palate is crisp and fresh and the pink bubbles are picture-perfect.

Chapel Down Rosé Brut can be purchased by the case (6 bottles) for £180 from Chapel Down and by the bottle (70cl) for £26.99 at Waitrose and The Bottle Club.

Something Sweet I Lanique Spirit of Rose

Lanique Spirit of Rose has just launched two brand new canned cocktails. Perfectly balanced and ideal for any occasion, the Lanique Rose Fizz (250ml, 6% ABV) blends Lanique Spirit of Rose with premium sparkling wine; whilst the Lanique Rose Spritz (250ml, 5.5% ABV) combines floral and sweet rose flavours against a light tonic and a splash of dry sparkling wine. Simply enjoy ice cold and straight from the can or serve chilled in your very best glassware. Made from Attar of Rose, Lanique Spirit of Rose is a completely natural spirit with aromas of delicate rose, fresh raspberry and cherry, and hints of Turkish delight, available in 5cl, 50cl and 70cl bottles.

The drinks are currently available from the Lanique website.

Brunch October 24, 2022

COYA – The Halloween Party You Won’t want to miss

Kick off your Halloween celebrations in style at COYA London. The renowned Mayfair hot spot is hosting a Halloween Brunch and Halloween Party on Saturday 29th October, transporting revellers on an immersive journey through South America’s forbidden forests.

Taking inspiration from the Amazon, COYA Mayfair will be showcasing the very best spooky entertainment. The venue will be transformed for the haunted holiday season into an eerie forest filled with cobwebs and complete with glowing eyes where the wolves will be hiding in their dens. There’ll be spine-chilling performances and live DJ sets. Their famous dancers will take to the floor throughout the party, expect entrancing performances with mysterious twists, this is one Halloween party you don’t want to miss.

Sip on special Halloween cocktails and enjoy some of the finest Peruvian cuisine including firm favourite dishes; Crocantes con Guacamole, Taco de Salmón, Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche as well as Chilean sea bass with rice, lime and chilli and Sirloin with crispy shallots, aji limo, star anise. Bottle service will be available throughout the venue (restaurant, bar and member’s club). During brunch, COYA’s renowned Pyramid and Treasure Chest shots will also be on the menu, ready to take the party vibe to the next level.

The theme will be COYA’s signature glam so dress to impress. Grab your pack of friends, embrace your wild side, reveal your inner beast and head down to COYA for a fright-filled evening like no other.

COYA Halloween Brunch at Mayfair is from 12pm – 4pm. Packages include Veuve Clicquot (1/2 bottle pp) – £90pp and Dom Perignon (1/2 bottle pp) – £150pp. The COYA Halloween Party is from 6pm – 3am.

Cocktails September 28, 2022

Be transported to the magic of the White Isle at Madison

For those holding on to the last of summer head to London’s iconic rooftop bar, Madison this weekend and be transported to the magic of the White Isle.

The City’s most stylish roof terrace has been transformed into an Ibiza-themed paradise. Expect boho chic furnishing, palms, and Balearic beats courtesy of the talented 10-person troupe: The Ibiza Orchestra. Incorporating a mix of brass, strings, singers and a DJ, this is the perfect way to end your summer.

Dance the night away to classic non-stop anthems while taking in the best views of the city skyline, and as the London lights twinkle below, indulge in some of Madison’s superb sips. Alongside the ever-popular Aperol Spritz, this new Madison menu delivers a selection of fresh, beach inspired creations guaranteed to give you all the Ibiza vibes. Here’s an exclusive preview of the top tipples they’ll be serving:

Aperum

A zesty mix of Aperol, Appleton Estate 12-Year-Old, Supasawa, ginger beer and mint

Pinaperol Colada

Reinventing a classic with Aperol, Koko Kanu, Wray & Nephew, Coco Lopez and pineapple juice

Ginger Lady Spritz

Swap your herbal tea for Madison’s Aperol, Aloe Vera juice, Prosecco, ginger and lemongrass cordial, plus crystal ginger cocktail

Exotic Negroni

For those with more bitter taste buds, try this irresistible mix of Campari, Mezcal, Pussanga Liqueur and Vermouth

The Ibiza Orchestra will be hosting this one-off event at Madison on Friday 30th September, bookings can be made here

Behind the bar August 10, 2022

Retox to Detox at the South Place Hotel

These days, it’s rare to come across something that makes you think – ‘why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?’ which was exactly the case with South Place Hotel’s new Retox to Detox package. Team Coco ventures into the buzzy City to see if South Place Hotel’s new package is worth the hype (spoiler alert: it is)

If you’ve ever gone out out over 30, then you must try South Place Hotel’s new Retox to Detox package. City’s most vibrant boutique hotel has teamed up with Vitamin Drop specialists Get A Drip to offer the ultimate party-weekend experience for partygoers whose hangovers have worsened with age.

No need to sacrifice a whole weekend binge-watching the latest reality show after a night out, because South Place has created the solution with its Retox and Detox package.

South Place Hotel is artsy, cool, vibey and effortlessly so. A destination within a destination, South Place Hotel Is conveniently located to all of Shoreditch’s hipster haunts and the City’s sky-high bars – a perfect base for a night out. Not to mention, the hotel’s Secret Garden – which opens every Friday from August – is also an excellent spot for cocktails with guest DJs adding further allure.

We checked into one of the studio suites, one of the 80 stylish bedrooms in South Place Hotel. The suite was stylish, spacious and had plenty of delightfully clever amenities that we didn’t know we needed in our lives until right now. The BNO TV, for example, can be spun around remotely. No need to fumble with HDMI wires, because you can connect your laptop to the TV straight from the desk. The minibar, if you can call it that, contains a fabulous selection of artisanal gins and spirits – perfect to get the party started.

RETOX

There is also an in-room ‘Black Book’ Party Guide which gives you the low-down on the coolest late night spots this side of East London. We were also greeted with some champagne and delicious fruits – perfect to set the pre-game mood.

Package guests can enjoy a complimentary Tanqueray Gin cocktail at the hotel’s buzzy 3 Bar in the lobby, but we recommend also having a cocktail (or two) at the rooftop terrace just before sunset. We promise that you won’t get better views of the City.

For dinner, check out South Place Chop House’s new summer menu. Led by Head Chef Jack O’Riley, there’s plenty to chew on here (pun intended). From the generously sized Large King Prawns starter, which is cooked with chili, garlic and parsley butter to the Cobble Lane Charcuterie-board which offers Cappa, Lomo, Salami and Chorizo with a creamy celeriac rémoulade.

The star of the show is of course the Josper grill. Here, you can enjoy a selection delicious, juicy grass-fed steaks. Each cut is carefully aged, succulent and works perfectly well with a variety of delicious sauces and sides. They say a good meal is a precursor to a good night out, and so after our delicious dinner at Chop House – we danced the night away in East London.

DETOX

Going ‘out out’ often results in dehydration, headaches, and a general fatigue -which gets worse with age. Don’t fret – because South Place Hotel comes to the rescue with the detox part of the package. Start with a hearty breakfast the Chop House, followed by a Vitamin Drip treatment in your room.

Get A Drip is London’s top IV clinic and offers different drips depending on your needs. We went for the Energise drip, but you can also opt for Hydration Immunity or Detox. The IV Drops are administered by a certified nurse – and will not just give you a post-drip boost of energy, but leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and energised for up to four weeks after your treatment.

Once properly detoxed, South Place Hotel takes the relaxation further with a one-hour full-body massage at the Wellness Centre, so you can banish the aches from the night before. Believe us – once you check out of the South Place Hotel – you’d be asking yourself ‘where has this been all my life?’

Brunch July 15, 2022

Brunch with a View

It’s summer brunch season and the Maison Mirabeau Rosé Brunch at Plateau is giving us all the vibes. The combination of French cuisine, Mirabeau gin cocktails, free-flowing Côtes de Provence Rosé, unparalleled views of Canary Wharf and a kicking soundtrack from the in-house DJs, makes this a great location for sips with friends.

Located at the top of Canada Place, Plateau is the perfect spot for those looking for a more sophisticated brunch. This contemporary space is spacious and minimal. Huge glass windows run across the side of the restaurant bathing the dining area in natural light. There’s a private dining room and at the back of the restaurant you’ll find an outdoor terrace for those wanting to soak up the summer sun.

Kick off your brunch with one of the delicious cocktails and take in the city skyline. I tried the Rosé Garden Blitz which combines Mirabeau Dry Gin, Mirabeau Rosé wine, grapefruit juice, lime juice, hibiscus syrup, Aperol and fresh strawberries. This refreshing tipple packs a punch but goes down a treat.

The menu here includes the usual brunch staples such as eggs Benedict and guacamole on sourdough however Executive Head Chef, Sean Kimpson has put his own signature twist to each dish and added large plates and starters to give you more variety. Choose from two or three courses depending on how hungry you feel. I tucked into the Puglia Burrata with grilled courgette, minted petit pois pistou to start, this indulgent, creamy soft pearl was decadent and morish. At one point I wanted to ask for chunk of crusty bread to smother it on but had to remind myself that this is a classy joint.

My brunch date and I decided there was just too many mouth-watering choices on the menu and settled on sharing Crispy Plaice Goujons with Pomme Frites along with the Soft Shell Crab Burger with mango slaw and spiced mayonnaise, and we weren’t disappointed. The plaice goujons were plump and had a delightful crunchy texture while the crab burger smothered in spiced mayonnaise was a match made in food heaven.

The music and gentle bustle of Plateau create a buzz and ambience that says elegant rather than raucous. Throughout the afternoon the waiter kept our glasses topped with Rosé and recommended we end the day with their chocolate Delice served with mandarin sorbet, a big hit with brunch goers and the highlight for me and my date. The bitter dark chocolate was perfectly paired with a refreshing mandarin sorbet and a delicious sign off for the afternoon.

Taking place every Saturday between 11:30am-3:00pm get the weekend started by booking into the Rosé Brunch with Maison Mirabeau at Plateau. Starting at £32 pp.

Behind the bar July 12, 2022

TH@51 is reinventing modern Indian cuisine at the St James Court Hotel

Fans of the fabulously opulent Taj Hotel Group will surely be familiar with the old world glamour of the St. James Court Hotel. However, those expecting the same classic atmosphere as the esteemed hotel are in for a surprise, as the TH@51, its newly-refurbished modern Indian restaurant, is anything but traditional.

A sleek black hallway greets visitors at the door, revealing a stylish pale pink and mint green bar area, accented with gorgeous copper details. The TH@51 is a refreshingly modern juxtaposition to the hotel’s timeless interiors and stepping into it is like stepping into a completely different universe.

The pastel colour palette extends throughout the space, which features a large teak-wood bar area, minimalist grey marble accents and breezy salmon-coloured booths. The restaurant opens to a sun-lit glass half-dome, offering fantastic views of the hotel’s historical courtyard and the beautiful Edwardian buildings that surround it.

TH@51 reimagines traditional Indian dishes for the curious palates of the hotel’s international luxury clientele and London’s cultural elite. The restaurant draws colourful inspiration and flavours from around the world and brings these to life using only the freshest seasonal ingredients available. The adventurous menu offers just the right balance of exotic flavours and familiar home comforts, with each dish executed with flair.

We started with the Superfood Salad, which offers a generous serving of mixed sprouts with zesty pomegranate dressing, enhanced by a dash of sweet blueberries and roasted pine nuts.

The Portobello Phuket was a standout dish. A portobello mushroom is baked with sambal and aubergine and serves as the perfect base to absorb the rich Thai Green curry and cream cheese sauce, while the basil crisps add a welcome crunch.

The Teriyaki Salmon Risotto, a deceivingly simple dish, is a clever, lighter Japanese take on the Italian classic, resulting in a truly delicious risotto that you can eat forever.

The Bao Buns are a thing of beauty and are made with fluffy white buns and punchy, aromatic fillings. There are two Bao Bun fillings to choose from, the Indo-Chinese Chicken with pickled cucumber or the Tofu & Orange Marmalade. The latter is an excellent and tasty vegetarian version of the dish.

Finally, no meal would be complete without some cocktails, which is where TH@51 pulls out all the stops. All cocktails were curated under the theme ‘Biomes of the World’, with each creation inspired by different climates and cultures from across the globe.

These beautifully crafted and delicious cocktails add a final flourish (or in this case garnish) to what has been a superb meal at TH@51. It is clear that while the restaurant may have only opened recently, it already exudes the menu, service and confidence of the beloved St. James Court establishment it is soon to become.

https://www.th51.co.uk/en/

Behind the bar July 1, 2022

Hush Mayfair Unveils ‘The New Dolce Vita’ Courtyard with Disaronno in London

Here at House of Coco, we are always on the lookout for ways to make your summer that little bit sweeter. Truly live La Dolce Vita and say Buongiorno to the sun at Mayfair’s must-visit al fresco terrace, the Courtyard at Hush Mayfair. Back with a brand-new look, ‘The New Dolce Vita’ Courtyard, in partnership with Disaronno, is the season’s hottest spot, set to whisk you away to the golden age of Italian glamour.

Designed to give a taste of the indulgence, luxury and the spontaneity synonymous with long Italian summers, the Courtyard has been adorned with an abundance of blooms and floral arches in pastel shades of peach, cream and blush. Inspired by Disaronno’s sultry, oh-so-Italian aesthetic and timeless charm, black and white polaroid pictures are strewn across the terrace, reminiscent of the paparazzi that relentlessly snapped Rome’s film stars in the 50s. An Instagrammers dream, perch for the picture-perfect moment on a vintage white vespa ladened with cascading roses or take a selfie on the picturesque swing against a black and white backdrop of the Trevi Fountain.

Disaronno’s distinctive amber shade and signature sweet almond and apricot notes are sure to summon the sunshine with every sip. Available to enjoy exclusively on the Courtyard, the range of Disaronno delights, priced at £15 each, include the sensational Velvet Batida made with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur and coconut. For a refreshing tipple, try the Disaronno Fizz with Disaronno Originale, lemon and Fever-Tree Soda Water, or opt for the Velvet Espresso Martini, a must-try for any caffeine lovers and made with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur, Sauvelle Vodka and coffee. The Mai Tai Sbagliato is an intriguing blend of Disaronno Originale, Plantation Dark Rum, Dry Curaçao, lime and pineapple; whilst the Almond and Strawberry Daiquiri is a unique take on the much-loved classic, mixed with Disaronno Originale, Cut Spiced Rum, strawberries and lime.

The ideal pairing to any summertime sip, enjoy a range of plates from the all-day Brasserie menu. Think summery serves of La Latteria Burrata with English asparagus, wild garlic and balsamic; beef fillet carpaccio with Bloody Mary Dressing, gorgonzola and walnut; squid and smoked bacon noodles with tomato, lime and coriander; and a zingy Amalfi lemon tart with Neal’s Yard crème fraiche.