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Our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured into Fitzrovia to try out the METAXA Summer Spritz Terrace at Ampéli, London’s coolest new Mediterranean restaurant.

Buzzy, bustling Charlotte Street is one of our favourite foodie spots in town to discover new locales and gastronomic surprises. Located in the heart of Fitzrovia, Ampéli is a wonderful Mediterranean bistro that has given us yet another reason to frequent Charlotte Street.

Ampéli offers a curated menu of Greek-inspired dishes, made only with the best locally-sourced ingredients in town.

Inside, Ampéli is atmospheric, inviting and warmly lit. With deep green banquettes and an array of quirky art on the walls, it is the ideal setting for a date night or even a long-awaited post-lockdown meetup with your pals.

We experienced the Summer Spritz terrace, launched in partnership with Greek amber spirit METAXA, which is perfect for a late summer weekday catchup. We started with the glorious and sumptuous Ampéli breadbasket. A smorgasbord of sourdough, lavash and pita, drizzled with delicious Cretan olive oil and partnered with a vegan dip of barrel-aged feta and roasted red pepper. As an aperitif, pair this with the Aegean Spritz, a truly Greek cocktail made with delicious METAXA 12 (a House of Coco favourite), Matisha and 3 Cents Grapefruit soda.

Finish off with a Samos Negroni, made with METAXA 12, Campari and Martini Rosso and for a moment, you may even forget grey, gloomy London and be transported to a sunny terrace on the Greek Islands.

This was followed by the exemplary Wild Bass ceviche, which was served with avocado mousse, preserved lemon and Ouzo dressing. The ceviche balanced the delicate textures of wild bass with the zesty flavours of lemon and was a good palate cleanser for the next course, the grilled pork chop.

The pork, paired with Trombetta courgettes and roasted pepper sauce, was cooked to absolute perfection and balanced hearty flavours with unexpected citrus notes. Served with crispy potatoes with citrus mayonnaise and dill, the pork was a danger to my all-white ensemble and to any diet you have been trying to hold onto this summer.

To end your culinary sojourn to the Greek islands, we highly recommend finishing with the Loukoumades, a traditional Greek cinnamon doughnut dish, served with chocolate sauce or Mountain Tea syrup. Finish off with a Samos Negroni, made with METAXA 12, Campari and Martini Rosso and for a moment, you may even forget grey, gloomy London and be transported to a sunny terrace on the Greek Islands.

Click here to book the METAXA Summer Spritz Terrace at Ampéli and learn more about METAXA at www.metaxa.com

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

Our girl Hannah Tan-Gilies ventured into bustling Oxford Circus to sample the Japanese Izakaya-inspired menu of Flesh & Buns.

Flesh & Buns is a duo of restaurants with locations in both Oxford Circus and Covent Garden. Inspired by hedonism, yet still with a touch of Japanese restraint, Flesh & Buns certainly lures you in from the outside and is the ideal spot for date night or a mid-week catchup with the girls.

The space is divided by Minka-style sliding doors, offering maximum privacy, whilst transporting diners to one of Tokyo’s neon-lit side streets where Japanese Izakaya restaurants are aplenty. Flesh & Buns offers plenty of Izakaya-treats to feast on, with a menu that is distinctively Japanese-inspired yet also blended with a contemporary twist.

We sampled a dazzling array of small plates, paired with some delicious cocktails and sake, that pushed the boundaries of traditional Izakaya. The corn tempura, made with sea salt, Kabosu citrus and chives, is a good place to start, followed by the grilled pardon peppers. The Tuna Yaki (short for Yakitori) was simple yet bursting with flavour and came topped with Bonito flakes. The Korean Fried Wings are hearty (and very messy) but certainly packed the flavour punch as well.

Moving onto big plates, we tried the delicious Smoked Pork Ribs, which offered just the right amount of sweetness and glazed with a chilly honey sauce. We also sampled the Salmon Teriyaki which was perfectly cooked and garnished with traditional cucumber pickles.

By the time we reached desserts, there was almost no room for anything more. However, Kinako donuts, made with black sugar custard, certainly can’t be missed. Flesh & Buns refreshing selection of ice creams and sorbets also provide just the right sweet finish to what was already a truly excellent and appropriate hedonistic meal.

www.fleshandbuns.com

Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured to Brasserie of Light, one of London’s most dazzling dining spaces for a truly spectacular evening

One step into this majestic palace of glass, crystal and pure, tantalising atmosphere — and you’ll easily why Brasserie of Light is one of London’s most impeccable dining destinations.

We were led to our booth, coloured in a cool pastel blue, facing the double-height windows that overlooked Duke Street. Behind us was the restaurant’s centrepiece, the infamous crystal-encrusted Pegasus sculpture by Damien Hirst. Pegasus is frozen in time, in that moment before taking flight, as if signalling the grandeur of the culinary journey we too were about to embark on.

The menu is an eccentric blend of British classics and pan-Asian cuisine. A blend of East and West, it offered plenty of pizzazz using the best seasonal ingredients you can find. We started with a Peach Bellini as an aperitif, swiftly followed by the Seared Scallops, Pea Purée, and Broad Beans, and Tuna Carpaccio with Citrus Ponzu sauce, Spiced Avocado Purée, and Sesame Seeds. The scallops were firm yet succulent, offering rich sea flavours balanced with a citrus twist, while the Tuna Carpaccio was exceedingly fresh.

We followed with the Bang Bang Chicken Salad, with just the right amount of spice, that was a crunchy, sweet, and savoury explosion on the palate.

For the mains, we sampled the Aromatic Duck Curry, another Pan-Asian inclusion in the menu, that was rich and creamy, perfectly accompanied by a bowl of steaming jasmine rice. We also tried the Miso Black Cod, which arrived wrapped in a leaf, almost folded like an origami paper boat, and perfectly seasoned with Picked Fennel and Miso Sauce.

As someone suffering from dairy, egg, and wheat intolerances, finding an appropriate dessert is often difficult and sometimes downright impossible, but Brasserie of Light certainly found a way.

Continuing with its show-stopping theme, I tried the ‘Dessert Island’ which was very much a wonderful, intricately displayed concoction of fruits and sorbets.

After more than a year of home-cooked meals and takeaways, Brasserie of Light certainly makes a case for the soul-enriching glamour of the restaurant dining experience. From décor to menu and service, Brasserie of Light was faultless. A testament to why we should be dressing up, going out and returning to our favourite restaurants as soon and as often as possible.

WWW.BRASSERIE-OF-LIGHT.CO.UK

Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies, Pho-connoisseur, and Vietnamese food super fan, sampled PHOMO, London’s most authentic Vietnamese meal kit.

Growing up in an Asian household, food was everything. Food brought people together, food was the source of pride and joy, and sometimes even the occasional loving bickering too.

So, when given the opportunity to try PHOMO, a solo venture, born out of lockdown, by female entrepreneur Daniya Stewart, I jumped at the chance.

Daniya spent 16 years working in London and fell in love with Phở Bo Tái, a classic Vietnamese noodle dish with aromatic bone broth and rice noodles. During lockdown, she couldn’t gain access to her favourite noodle dish, and from that the idea for PHOMO was born.

Eating a PHO in a MO, in the comfort of your own home — genius. Her mission is that you shouldn’t have to live in a big city to eat wonderfully diverse and delicious food – and we couldn’t agree more.

Now to the Pho. PHOMO’s Pho Kits are freshly made with premium ingredients and can be prepared as quickly as ten minutes. We had the beef pho and the prawn pho for two. The kits are delivered every Friday and arrive in a tightly sealed cool box, maintaining its freshness.

The Beef Pho Broth is the undeniable star of the show and offers all the complex aromas and flavours of a traditional Pho broth. PHOMO’s version was brewed for eight hours and is the perfect base for the gluten-free rice noodles. The Beef Pho kit also comes with 28-day rare grass fed dry-aged steak, which is both tender and flavourful.

The Shrimp Pho Kit or Phở tôm could be made with the chicken pho broth or vegan pho broth. (Ours was chicken and was brewed for five hours with fresh herbs) It also comes with a healthy serving of King Prawns and gluten free rice noodles.

Both kits come with all the necessary pho toppings including spring onions, limes, birds eye chilli, coriander, and Thai basil.

So, what’s the verdict? It took me about ten minutes to cook and assemble both Phòs, effortless, yet certainly packs the flavour punch. PHOMO is the perfect meal for a Friday night in, or to drive away any hangovers or Monday blues. So, if you’re’ looking to elevate you

dining-in game, we definitely recommend it.

WWW.PHOMOUK.COM

Endless lockdown iterations have hit London restaurants hard and with the restrictions finally easing and us on our way towards freedom, plenty of our favourite London spots are finally opening their doors once again. To help these creative and truly special foodie spots keep their doors open, we’re giving you the lowdown on exactly which London restaurants are reopening this summer – so you can get to booking ASAP.

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a latest entry to Marylebone’s restaurant scene and the new passion project from acclaimed restauranteurs Barry Hirst, Marcello, and Gabriel Bernardi. This casual spot is a relaxed take on elevated Italian dining and offers impeccable all-day dining in a super relaxed Italian ‘bacaro’ (which means bar in Italian) atmosphere. We recommend the Panelle, Sicilian chickpea fritters or the John Dory with Italian spinach.

Cin Cin

This intimate neighbourhood restaurant is being classic and delicious Italian food to the heart of Fitzrovia. The Fitzrovia spot is led by the same eponymous duo behind this Brighton favourite and offers plenty of al fresco seating to maximise the (likely) brief but very glorious British summertime. Foodies will love Cin Cin classics such as the agnolotti of pea with mortadella and tropea onion or the trombetta courgetts and chive sauce. Wine lovers will also have plenty to explore with Cin Cin’s extensive wine list.

Flesh & Buns

This Japanese Izakaya favourite is once again opening its doors and we can’t wait to check it out. The restaurant duo in Oxford Circus and Covent Garden offer an amazing Japanese-inspired brunch perfect for those looking to take their brunch game to the next level.

Brasserie of Light

Selfridge’s proverbial ‘shining light’ has reopened with a dazzling new cocktail menu, limited-edition afternoon tea and DJ programme as part of its spectacular ‘Light it Up’ campaign. The new cocktail menu, designed by Brasserie of Light Bar Manager Will Beauty, was inspired by the glamour of London after dark and includes several noteworthy concoctions like ‘The Light Fantastic,’ The Prize of Pegasus’ and ‘Jalisco Disco.’ We can’t wait to try it.

Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish is bringing sexy back to Berkley Square with an exciting entertainment programme that includes live DJs, a new state of the art sound system and plenty (I mean plenty) of new cocktails. Foodies will enjoy Sexy Fish’s impeccable menu of sushi platters, skewers and signature dishes including the Sexy Fruits de Mer platter, Japanese Wagyu Beef with King Crab, and the Indulgent Dessert Platter. The restaurant is also debuting a new underwater inspired hand-etched artwork from Paul Clifford to really immerse you in a decadent aquatic culinary experience.

Heddon Yokocho

Heddon Yokocho takes you back to the dimly lit alleyways of Showa era japan and has a vibrant street food inspired menu that will surely impress. Heddon Yokocho’s menu celebrates the history of ramen and highlights the nuances of regional ramen cuisines in Japan, serving up sensational bowls from the northern islands of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Kyushu. To celebrate its reopening, the restaurant has opened new social-distancing approved ‘Shuchu Booths’ – who those who like to dine comfortably alone.

Locket’s London

This vibrant café and wine bar, which sits right at the heart of St. James, is reopening in style with the launch of its indoor bar and garden terrace. Locket’s Is famous for its wide array of fine wines which are available by the glass or by the bottle. The blend of new and old world labels has been carefully curated to complement the restaurant’s striking international menu. To mark its reopening, Locket’s is also offering 50% discount on freshly baked pizzas from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Mondays to Fridays.

Theo Randall at the InterContinental London Park Lane

Located at the stunning InterContinental in Park Lane, ‘Theo’s’ or Theo Randall at the InterContinental London Park Lane is reopening with a bang with its popular ‘A Taste of Italy’ set menu this summer. The menu will feature authentic flavours from Puglia, Tuscany, Lombardia, Campania and Sicily and shines the light on regional Italian ingredients that have inspired chef Theo throughout his stellar career.

Burr & Co

Burr & Co is tucked into the ground-floor of the stunning Kimpton Fitzroy London and offers a contemporary twist to Victorian-era coffee houses. This casual café is open throughout the day and perfect for solo cups or breakfast meetings. It also offers small plates and wines for those late afternoon catch-ups that we have so dearly missed throughout lockdown

The Secret Sandwich Shop

From the minds of Notting Hill’s iconic Globe nightclub, the Secret Sandwich Shop, which recently opened on 20 May, is the perfect spot in town to get your sandwich fix. The sandwiches are based on the Japanese culinary concept of ‘Wanpaku Sando’ which means cheeky or naughty and are piled high and masterfully layered. Perfect to satiate all those lunchtime cravings.

Six by Nico Canary Wharf

Culinary superstar chef Nico Simeone is opening a second location to his much loved Six by Nico restaurant brand in Canary Wharf this August. Six by Nico offers a fresh and accessible dining experience with truly tantalising six-course seasonal tasting menus inspired from the chef’s memories, films, locations, and even philosophical concepts. It’s a ride – and we can’t wait to visit.

Fitzrovia has always been a hotspot for food lovers, and Flower Burger, which has recently opened their outside dining area — is taking the Fitzrovia foodie scene up a notch with its 100% vegan rainbow-coloured burgers.

#TeamCoco babes Hannah Tan-Gillies and Amira Aratesh ventured out to the rainy central London this weekend to see if Flower Burger’s vibrant menu lives up to all its colourful hype.

Flower Burger offers 100% natural, plant-based fast-food which are excellent for those looking for a hearty meal minus all the nasties. Flower Burger is an Italian fast food concept, born in the heart of Milan in 2015. Inspired by lyrics from two famous Italian singers, Flower Burger is all about positivity, joy and love and set out on a mission to add a colour punch to your next meal.

This vibrant philosophy extends to the restaurant interiors (and exteriors) which maximise colour wherever you look. The cosy outdoor space features brightly-coloured chairs, while downstairs is a neon-lit playground – which exudes a cool yet quirky almost club-like atmosphere.

We started with the Flower Bombs, which are made with red kidney beans and chickpea flour. The Flower Bombs are an excellent bite-sized alternative for those looking to find a meat-free alternative to nuggets but pack an even stronger flavour profile. We also had a generous serving of the Patatas Buenas, which offers a fresh take on a traditional Spanish recipe.

Moving onto the main event, we tried the Funky Chickpea and Cherry Bomb burgers which were as delicious as they looked. The Funky Chickpea comes in a bright yellow multi-cereal bun, with a hearty chickpea patty, flower mayo, juicy tomatoes and Gentilina lettuce.

The Cherry Bomb burger — the most Instagrammed burger on the menu — came in a deep pink bun with a lentil and basmati rice patty, tomato confit, rocktail sauce and soybean sprouts. While the cherry bomb burger is undeniably Instagrammable, it also offered plenty of crunch, texture, and flavour to satisfy all your food cravings, way beyond the gram.

www.flowerburger.co.uk

Gin lovers rejoice because OXO Restaurant — one of London’s swankiest rooftop venues — has teamed up with The Botanist Gin to bring the flavours of Islay to its stunning terrace.

Our #TeamCoco reporter Hannah Tan-Gillies braved the bipolar London weather to experience the four-course gin tasting menu first-hand for an evening that would delight even the most discerning cocktail-enthusiast

Whether its rain, sleet, snow, or shine – there’s certainly nothing better than enjoying a bespoke cocktail and food menu, especially when it’s made by the talented minds at OXO Restaurant.

The four-course gin-themed menu takes inspiration from the 22 foraged botanicals that give The Botanist Gin its unique flavours; and the way that this is creatively interpreted in the menu is impressive to say the least.

We start by sipping on a fresh ‘Islay Breeze,’ which features delicate flavours of lemon balm, lime juice and Elderflower tonic. This fresh cocktail was paired with the mouth-watering Scottish scallops with gruyere mash, morels, and wild garlic. OXO restaurant were kind enough to accommodate my dairy/egg free dietary requirements and adapted the menu to suit my needs, which in my books, displays excellent customer service.

Afterwards, we sampled the ‘Scottish,’ a lemon-zest infused gin concoction further enhanced by a dash of OXO Champagne. This elegant cocktail was paired with the Wild Bass, English squid primavera, which was served over some light tomato and lemongrass broth and ink pasta. The dish offered delicate flavours and wonderful seaside aromas, reminiscent of the coastal sea sprays of Islay.

We followed with the ‘Gin Thyme,’ a powerful cocktail that combined Cocchi Americano, thyme-infused The Botanist Gin and a dash of orange bitters. The Gin Thyme certainly packs a punch and is not for the light-hearted, but ideal for those looking who enjoy their cocktails with a bit more kick. The Gin Thyme pairs perfectly well with the Dry Aged Beef Fillet, cooked to tender perfection, and complemented with cauliflower purée and truffle gnocchi.

Finally, we finished with ‘The Unusual Suspects,’ a freshly squeezed blood orange cocktail with White Crème de Cacao. It is the ideal partner to the Blueberry Almond vegan cake and almond ice cream, which perfectly bookended our meal with just the right amount of sweetness.

Beyond the menu, there is plenty to love at OXO Restaurant, which offers unbeatable views of the River Thames and St Paul’s no matter what the weather. We will certainly be returning.

To find out more or to book the Botanist menu (up to 48 hours in advance) please call our reservations team on 0207 803 3888.

View The Botanist experience menu HERE

Any true Marylebone native is undoubtedly familiar with the wild and colourful history of Home House. The iconic members club combines 18th century splendour with 21st century style and has been home to some of London’s most opulent parties for centuries.

From the outside looking in, Home House may seemingly blend in with the other handsome Georgian townhouses on Portman Square, but step inside and you’ll quickly be enveloped in the eccentric atmosphere of this historic space.

This gem was originally built by King George III’s architect in the 18th century. Throughout the years, Home House became known as a vibrant melting pot for the cultural elite and bohemian crowd. Today, Home House still hosts many wild nights for its members, whether that be in the notorious Vaults or its beautiful garden.

We were invited to sample the menu at the newly-reopened Garden at Home House, which after a brief COVID-19 hiatus, is welcoming the al fresco season in true style. The lavish garden space has become the place to be and be seen in Marylebone.

The entrance features a striking floral array, perfect for spring, and reflective of the colourful and wonderfully British food (and cocktails) on offer. An extravagant Raj Tent sits at the centre of the space, which offers the perfect refuge for those who dared to dine al fresco and embrace the bipolar nature of British springtime.

We started our culinary escapade with an aperitif and the Tanqueray and Northern Blossom Honey, and Yuzu blended ‘Honey Trap’ certainly didn’t disappoint. For starters, the Dexter Beef Carpaccio offered delicate flavours and textures and is served with delicious roasted artichokes too.

Moving onto mains, we sampled the wonderfully hearty Swaledale Lamb Cutlets, cooked to tender perfection, and seasoned with intent. The lamb is perfectly complemented by a smattering of aubergines, artichokes, bulgur wheat and pistachios – and is both good for the palate and the soul.

To finish it off, we tried an assortment of sorbets, with the coconut sorbet in particular serving as a subtly-sweet palate cleanser that perfectly bookended our meal.

While Homehouse may be a private members club, non-members can also enjoy the Home House garden by booking an overnight stay at one of its 23-individually designed bedrooms and suites. And after a truly fabulous and flamboyant evening at Home House, one thing is for sure, I certainly know what London staycation I’m booking once 17 May comes rolling around.

While we’re utterly thrilled that restaurants are allowed to start opening their doors again we’ll let you in on a little secret; we’ve rather enjoyed this period of creative home dining. From sampling some of the country’s most delicious recipe boxes and home deliveries to setting a stylish tablescape, we know it’s something that’s set to continue even though we have a slew of restaurant bookings coming up.

In amongst the barbecue boxes and tasty takeaways, we recently had the pleasure of sampling something all the more decandent, courtesy of One Fine Dine, purveyors of a multi award-winning fine dining experience in the comfort of your own home. Now, don’t get us wrong, we cherish the opportunity to experience a fine dining restaurant, but having the opportunity to indulge in such cuisine in the comfort of your own home, at your own beautifully set personal table and, let’s face it, away from annoying other diners is a special kind of treat.

One Fine Dine is the brainchild of On Air Dining which over the last 10 years has changed the face of dining for executive and private aviation. They now deliver the same award-winning dining and concierge experience to your home with a variety of à la carte or set menus to choose from, they are fantastic option for when you need a seriously special supper. All meals are delivered fresh, chilled and with detailed easy to follow instructions on how to heat and prepare each course, and plate them up to create a beautifully presented feast worthy of any restaurant.

With no detail too small, the dedicated concierge team will perfectly coordinate your order to ensure no element is overlooked and you’ll be treated to a perfect team dining experience. Packaging is as environmentally friendly as possible, with boxes made from recycled material, meal containers 95% biodegradable and sauce and accompaniment pots 100% compostable. With local charities to donate food to those in need and provide disadvantaged children with an opportunity to learn chef skills alongside their highly trained team. Sounds almost too good to be true, right?

Our feast, for there is no other word for it, was delivered perfectly prepped so it only required heating and plating. The two boxes were carefully packed and accompanied with a folder of detailed step-by-step instructions and menus – every tiny detail impeccably thought through so your meal is perfect and a bottle of Sancerre expertly selected and ready to be chilled.

The meal began with an amuse bouche of delicate whipped Ashlynn goat’s cheese, piped into a sweet and tangy beetroot macaron and accompanied with a fig and balsamic chutney. Finished with a little flourish of pea shoots, it looked like hours of careful prep despite taking about thirty seconds to serve. So far so good.

On to the starter, a roulade of Ayrshire ham hough and foie gras, with tarragon emulsion, pickled enoki mushrooms, candied mustard seed and red vein sorrel. With each component carefully positioned thanks to the flawless instructions, the result was a plate straight out of a Michelin star restaurant; it looked sensational, and tasted just as good. The pickled mushrooms and candied mustard seed adding a new dimension to a dish we thought we were familiar with, how wrong we were.

With two delicious dishes already nailed we had high hopes for the main and certainly weren’t disappointed. We chose a roast loin and faggot of Herdwick lamb, with potato terrine, baby vegetables, wild garlic and carrot purée. With the most components to it this was the course that took the most concentration to ensure everything ended up ready at the right time, yet once again the step by step help ensure another perfect plate. It looked spectacular (yes, we are blowing our own trumpets on this one), with the baby vegetables finishing the plate off to perfection. Every morsel was greedily devoured.

As if that wasn’t enough, desserts included a superb apple tarte tatin with a very hearty portion of boozy calvados-laced cream and a beast of a cheese plate, featuring four slabs with a beautiful array of chutney, figs, apricots, date, celery and walnuts. The piéce de resistance? The petit fours, mini macarons, coffee cake and fudge.

Unsurprisingly, our meal was swiftly followed by a post-prandial snooze; what a spread. After the best part of a year without restaurants and a new found, deep-seated boredom of home cooking, One Fine Dine’s spread was such an incredible treat. While its indulgent price tag (a three course set menu costs from £65, while the Date Night Menu we tried comes it at £195 for two) means it’s hardly for a frivolous midweek meal, for a special occasion it really cannot be beaten. What’s more, they have recently launched a chef at home service, meaning you won’t even need to lift a finger. Isn’t just just the most indulgent treat for your next staycation?

For more information and to book visit www.onefinedine.com.