If you’re on the hunt for the perfect bottle of spirit, unique in flavour, provenance and aesthetic to thank your dad this Father’s Day (20th June), you’ll not go wrong with this selection of premium, handcrafted whiskeys in stylish bottles that he’ll love.
From authentic bourbons, distilled in the heartland of Kentucky, USA, to award-winning rye whiskeys guaranteed to impress, each will provide the ideal way for dad to toast a job well done and savour on his special day.
Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey is the ideal choice for easy-sipping, everyday enjoyment. 51% rye, 45% corn, 4% malt and 100% genuine, Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey has hints of chocolate, leather, vanilla and spicy grains balanced by slightly sweet and oaky tones. It’s also charcoal filtered for a smooth, mellow finish.
Winner of the Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2017 and Gold Medal, Global Masters Spirits Competition, 2017, this Straight Rye Whiskey is ideal on the rocks or enjoyed in classic cocktails.
Minor Case Rye Whiskey (70cl), 45% ABV – £58, Oddbins
This straight rye whiskey is distilled using 100% American heartland grains and finished in a cream sherry cask. Minor Case is a nod to its namesake, Minor Case Beam, great-grandfather to Stephen Beam who founded Kentucky’s renowned Limestone Branch Distillery. An exceptional distiller, Minor Case was making whiskey long before prohibition started 100 years ago, and this liquid is an authentic reproduction of his original recipe – a must for purists.
Yellowstone Select (70cl), 46.5% ABV – £48.64, Master of Malt
A smooth, skilfully selected Kentucky straight bourbon, Yellowstone Select is a masterful fusion of flavours from seventh-generation distiller Stephen Beam – descendant of the legendary Beam and Dant whiskey families. Yellowstone Select features a hand-picked blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky bourbons, each chosen to provide this exclusive whiskey with a taste that celebrates his family’s deep distilling roots.
The perfect go-to bourbon for those that like a whiskey-based cocktail as much as sipping straight-up or on the rocks, Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled at Lux Row Distillers located at the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Offering buttery corn and hints of vanilla pod on the nose, followed by a delicious flavour profile of honey, mocha and maple syrup on the palate, this easy-drinking bourbon has a peppery, warming finish.
Double gold medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018, Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is indeed a spirit to be celebrated.
There’s something special about the classic peanut butter sandwich. It’s wonderfully humble in its simplicity – Who knew the sweet acidity of berry fruit and the salty creaminess of peanuts could make such an exciting combination?
Best of all, a peanut butter sandwich can be enjoyed 24/7. Whether it’s 7 am and you need a quick and filling breakfast to start your day or it’s 11 pm and your late-night cravings for a snack won’t stop calling your name, you can always know that a delicious PJ sandwich has got your back.
A beloved PJ sandwich means so much to many of us that sometimes they deserve a little ‘je ne sais quoi’ to add an extra flair to the already perfect pairing. Here’s six of the best, most exciting variations we recommend!
Grilled PJ Sandwich
Sometimes a twist comes in the most simple ways. Next time you fancy just a classic three-ingredient PJ sandwich, try grilling the sandwich for a heated up and slightly crispy version. You can even add sliced banana to make it a banana peanut butter sandwich or sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top. It’ll be warm in all the right places and ooze the sweet juices of the jelly. There’s nothing more scrumptious than a grilled sandwich whatever the filling, especially when it’s grilled to just the right amount of crunch.
Elvis PJ Sandwich
Named after the late and great Elvis Presley’s, an Elvis PJ sandwich consists of toasted bread, peanut butter, jelly, and a sliced banana and was his favorite snack ever. Banana is the perfect addition to add a little more firmness to the combo and if Elvis said it’s good, that means it’s good, right? You’ve gotta trust the almighty king of rock n roll. To make it even more irresistible, add some crispy salty bacon and you’ve got yourself a party.
Cinnamon-raisin PJ Sandwich
For a classy take on the PJ sandwich, throw in some cinnamon and raisins to the mix to add a little sweet spiciness. Some people cannot stand raisins or any other dried fruit no matter how many times they try to, but trust us when we say they go perfectly with a PJ sandwich. If raisins simply aren’t your cup of tea, you can always opt for fresh fruit instead such as blueberries. Just make sure you don’t forget the cinnamon as this is the key ingredient!
Pickled PJ Sandwich
Now, this is where things get a little controversial – have you ever tried a PJ sandwich with pickles? If you haven’t, stop what you’re doing right now and make yourself one. What’s the worst that can happen? If you’re having any doubts about whether pickles could be the right addition to a PJ sandwich, have no fear and simply give it a go. You might be surprised. The sweet tanginess of the pickles not only adds a little crunch to the combo, but it’s also the perfect mediator between the salty peanut butter and sugary jelly.
Short answer, no. No we cannot keep a secret and now we’re sharing it with you…
HUSH, a new edition to the ever-growing Leeds night scene, is a brand-new members-only club opening early June. The new concept promises to take exclusivity to new levels and will celebrate this weekend with an open party that has a carefully curated guestlist.
Located on the Hirsts Yard, above Mook and next to Dollhouse, Hush, has an intimate modern backdrop with hints of opulence and glamour thanks to a 100K investment in the small but perfectly formed space. With a capacity of just 70 people, Hush offers its members exclusive private booths, table service and a private dancefloor.
The venue also operates a or social media policy to ensure what happens in Hush, stays in Hush.
Leeds glitterati
The team behind the bar have so far gifted 100 exclusive gold membership cards to a carefully handpicked selection of Leeds glitterati, including sportspeople, TV personalities and influencers. To access HUSH, members must contact an exclusive VIP concierge line to make an advance booking and can bring up to five guests at a time.
Once inside, the HUSH VIP team will take care of all requests, from bespoke playlists to personalised table service from their extensive handpicked cocktail and bottle menu.
Application requests for black membership cards will be available at the club, allowing successful applicants the opportunity to pre-book a table at HUSH. The venue will be open Friday and Saturday’s nights until late and can be booked for private functions and corporate events during the week.
Bespoke nights out
The concept is the brainchild of Stephen Clark from MOOK, who spotted a gap in the market for those looking for privacy and exclusivity. Speaking ahead of the HUSH launch, Stephen said:
”The VIP bar concept is certainly nothing new in Leeds, however, HUSH offers so much more than your average members-only bar and has already caught the attention of the Leeds elite. In a world where social media rules, privacy is more precious than ever and that’s exactly what our members will receive – bespoke nights out, tailored to their every desire, in a space where they can let their hair down”.
‘’Whether our members are looking to celebrate a birthday, a big business deal or simply let their hair down, our dedicated team will design the perfect night for them via our concierge service. We can’t wait to welcome our members this opening weekend!”
Needless to say, HUSH is poised to raise the bar where VIP nightlife in Leeds is concerned and become the go-to hotspot for the city’s go-getters.
Cooking is a creative expression. We cook not just for our sustenance but also to create something that delights the taste buds and is visually attractive. It’s also one of the reason we love to eat out at our favourite restaurants: To experience delicious food prepared by professional chefs and presented in a way that’s no less than art.
However, there might be times when you’d want to recreate the same magic at home. And, guess what? That’s totally possible! You can dish out delectable food every time you cook only if you follow some tried and tested techniques and best practices that cooking pros at restaurants swear by.
Here are some tips on how to rock the kitchen like a boss and earn accolades for restaurant-quality food at home.
Plan your menu
Planning is the beginning of everything grand. So plan your menu. Protein usually forms the central part of our meal. So zeroing on the protein first is a good idea. Then decide on the entree and dessert that complements the protein, both texture- and taste-wise. Planning will also help you source the best ingredients for your dishes as well as cut down waste.
Source best ingredients
The ingredients you cook with have the ultimate impact on the final dish. Even the quality of the fats and seasonings that you use can make a difference. So take care to use the best local produce that’s in season. Your go-to destination for this should be the local farmer’s market or maybe the small specialist store down the corner. They always have the best and the freshest stuff.
The right equipment is a saviour
Ovens, pots and pans, blenders, etc., are the tools of the trade. You cannot do without them. So getting the right equipment and the correct setting for your recipe is extremely important. For example, Martin stainless Steel BBQ Cabinets or Bench Tops can make your work that much more convenient.
Efficiency lies in organising
Don’t go overboard with too many ingredients or overly complicated techniques. Chalk out a plan for every step in the recipe for each dish, so there isn’t any confusion or fumbling around during the actual cooking. Organise and prep all your ingredients and equipment before starting the recipe. Also, a clean worktop is exceptionally crucial for stress-free cooking, so make sure to keep tidying up as you go.
Season well
Use your senses to bring out the best flavours of the dish and maintain the character of the produce. A simple drizzle of complementing oil on the salad or a finishing salt to give your dish the roundedness it deserves can elevate your cooking.
Presenting your food
Food plating is an art that can take your meal to a whole another level. If you’re really serious about serving a Michelin-star quality dish, you might want to roughly sketch out how you want every component of the food to look on the plate. Drawing it on paper can help you visualise it better. Experiment with the height and placement of every element, play with colours, and use edible garnishes that complement the dish perfectly. To make your food more enticing, you can add edible silver leaf sheets great for decorating cocktails, entrees, chocolate, and a lot more. To make your food more enticing, you can add edible silver leaf sheets great for decorating cocktails, entrees, chocolate, and a lot more.
Finally, remember: You do not always need to get fancy to put up a great dish. Sometimes the best meals are those that stir nostalgia — remember Anton Ego in Ratatouille?
We hope you’ll try these tips to give your homemade food a restaurant-quality twist.
Good health and wellbeing start with your gut so it seems only natural that Knightsbridge wellness and beauty destination, Urban Retreat, is the location for a brand new innovative plant based restaurant.
Opening on June 10th, Holy Carrot aims to provide a new way of experiencing and enjoying vegan food with a menu that focuses on using ethically sourced seasonal produce, prepared in a mindful manner. The dishes on the menu are free from preservatives, refined sugar, additives and are led by the very best seasonal organic British produce.
Based in Urban Retreat, the leading beauty and wellness destination, Holy Carrot will offer a year-round detox that nourishes from the inside out and will provide spa-goers with the ultimate healthy yet fun dishes whilst enjoying their treatments.
The menu has plenty to choose from and dishes look too good to eat. Must have plates include the Maki Set, a selection of crispy & holy maki Ponzu with a spiced mayo (£18), Sexy Tofu, which is organic glazed tofu with an aubergine, red pepper & peanut sauce (£15) and a Raw Red Pepper Burrito (£9). Those with a sweet tooth can choose from a delectable selection of desserts, including the Homemade Candy Set (£8) and a Holy Carrot Cake (£8.50).
The drinks menu features a wide selection of delicious and invigorating fresh juices, smoothies and cocktails including the Dream Green (£8) made with spinach, kale, cucumber, avocado, vegan protein and flaxseed as well as the Rose Negroni (£11.50), expertly created using VII Hills Gin, rhubarb liqueur, Little rose and Rose Vermouth.
Irina Linovich is the founder of Holy Carrot and comments: “When we came up with the idea to launch a vegan restaurant in Knightsbridge, we wanted to make sure that we brought an element of fun to eating vegan food. ‘Carrot’ symbolises the fun and intriguing element of the brand, and ‘Holy’ represents the healthy nature of our dishes. The menu is very much led by the very best seasonal organic British produce and we take great care to ensure that the produce is ethically sourced and sustainable.”
Holy Carrot will offer all-day dining, catering for those looking for a quick snack and a cocktail, as well as those seeking a destination to enjoy a leisurely meal. From the 1st – 9th June, Holy Carrot will run a soft launch period offering guests 50% off the total food bill (applies to first visit only) and will officially open on Thursday 10th June.
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.
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.
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.
It seems as though most people have been supporting the hospitality industry since things opened up on 12th April, seeing as it’s been almost impossible to get a reservation anywhere. However, I was lucky enough to secure a spot or two to dine out this past month. Whether you’re looking to dine al fresco for the next week or make indoor reservations for the date everyone has marked in their diaries (17th May), these reviews may help you decide on where you’ll be eating.
From courtyards to terraces and even indoor restaurants’ takeaway hatches, here’s a variety of spots to dine out at, as the world continues to open up. Here’s seven restaurants to book now for al fresco dining or for when we can eat indoors.
Zuaya has such a sultry vibe that it is such a shame it’s currently restricted to it’s outdoor terrace dining – but only one week to go. The London to Lima is the cocktail to go for here – the restaurant’s take on the Pisco Sour – and let me tell you, it goes down a treat with some guacamole and sweet potato chips. Always a fan of the starters section of a menu, Zuaya’s particularly impressed me, with both the tuna avocado taco and the lamb taco being thoroughly good. The lamb, especially, was cooked so well; it was pulled and juicy and what dreams are made of. Other appetisers that delivered were the daily croqueta – squid – and the beef empanada with red pepper sauce.
The seafood beat the meats, in my opinion. The marinated lemon chicken was tasty but, unfortunately was no comparison to the garlic prawns with lime and chilli and the octopus with sweet potato. The seabass ceviche was also delicious, arriving in a creamy, fruity sauce and garnished with red berries. The mix of flavours in this dish worked really well together, making it unique in flavour. Although it was a struggle to fit it in, I’m never one to leave a job unfinished and so the classic chocolate tart was the last thing we ordered. A luxurious and indulgent chocolate dessert, it was the perfect ‘something sweet’ with which to end the meal.
There are many streets in London are blessed by a Barrafina. Probably with good reason, given the recent travel news too – if Spain is on the green list, you can at least indulge in the cuisine. Barrafina is one of those spots that’s amazing to revisit, particularly with the Dean Street location being known for its chalkboard specials, in addition to the firm favourites on the regular menu.
A glass of Albariño firmly in our hand, I got to work on the menu. Selecting ‘a few small eats’, I started off with the iconic crab croquetas, chiperones (which are like candy to us) and the prawn and piquillo pepper tortilla – oozing in all its beauty. Moving onto that chalkboard of specials, we opted for the scallops wrapped in pancetta, which are succulent and so tasty, while the tuna tartare thoroughly surprised us. Not that I thought it would be bad, but it is just not one of my go-to orders at the restaurant.
I spied turbot on the menu, along with clams and brandada (a mixture of salt cod and potatoes) and it was the fastest and most successful order to date. A perfect combination of premium fish and our favourite cockles, this was the standout dish of the dinner. Moving on to select a meat course, I rounded off the main meal with the Iberico pig cheeks in brandy with girolles, which fell apart instantly – a credit to the produce itself, as well as how it was cooked. To finish things off, a lemon and fig Basque-style cheesecake – a personal win, with cheesecake being a favourite dessert and this one certainly not disappointing.
Iraqi restuarant Juma Kitchen has been holding the fort down via its street food stall KUBBA, in Borough Market. Usually serving a fine dining menu, – and it will again, come 17th May – KUBBA is where you can find a variety of Iraqi treats. I ordered a selection: the potato chap with Juma’s homemade date and tamarind sauce was something special. The only criticism I have about these tasty treats is that my smile soon turned to a frown, due to their bite-sized nature. The haleb was also delicious: a crunchy rice shell filled with spiced beef, lamb and onion. Dipped into Juma’s signature amba sauce, it sparked all sorts of satisfaction among my tastebuds.
The mushroom chap was also great but the first two fried bites stole the show. In addition to the chaps and halebs, I also tried Juma’s chargrilled chicken kebab with salad, sauces and freshly baked tanoor bread. There’s something about the way this part of the world cooks its meat that’s so flavoursome, succulent and tender – and it doesn’t need to add spice to get it this way.
I truly felt for Como Garden, having opened days before London’s third lockdown was announced before Christmas. However this Italian gem in High Street Kensington is a secret which needs to be spread. With gorgeous interiors – come 17th May – and a cute little corner for outdoor seating, Como Garden should be high on your booking list. Starting off with delicious cocktails, the Como Fizz immediately caught my attention with its refreshing taste of basil and cucumber paired with gin. The Lago Amaranto is another Como Signature, this time going a bit more rich and fruity, mixing blackberries with limoncello, gin and egg white.
As I’m usually not a fan of having our menu selected for me, it was a huge trust exercise to let my waiter take the reins on this. However, I soon realised I had nothing to fear, feasting upon delicious plates of arancini with parmesan & fontina cheese; confit artichokes and melanzane alla parmigiana. The star of the starters show had to be the gorgonzola & pear raviolo, with the mix of blue cheese and fruit being a beautiful marriage; so simultaneously sweet and tangy.
Don’t miss out on the Trofie Al Pesto – Como Garden serves up no ordinary version of the pasta dish.Using fresh short pasta from Liguria, this recipe is actually one handed down from one of the chef’s grandmothers. Hands down, best pesto pasta I’ve ever tried. Having been let down by a few octopus dishes in the city, I felt justified in having a few slight trust issues upon this part of the order. However, what a waste of a worry: the octopus was grilled to perfection – moist and tender and not at all chewy. Served with gremolata and beautifully roasted potatoes, it was a definite highlight.
I feel no Italian restaurant should be visited without trying the tiramisu so this was an immediate order – and with good reason. The Como Ferrero Rocher is one of the eatery’s famed desserts and it certainly is impressive in presentation and taste. Just maybe get a few spoons as you might – regrettably – want to share this one.
Although we are meant to be headed toward the summer months, the weather in the UK isn’t completely on board. It seems as though there’s no better time to dive into a delicious bowl of udon. Koya London offers both atsu-atsu (hot udon in hot broth); hiya-atsu (cold udon in hot broth); hiya-hiya (cold udon with cold sauce to dip or pour). There’s also a selection of donburi and small plates from which to choose. Koya City offers shelter under the cover of the Bloomberg Arcade so there’s no concern whether you’re dining inside (post-17th May) or outdoors.
A huge fan of tempura, the prawn tempura hot udon had to be my choice and nothing was more welcoming on a windy day that a steaming bowl of udon noodles and broth. Adding wakame seaweed and a poached egg gave the broth more texture and a little bit of dinner theatre is always fun. I’m still a bit sore that the karrage chicken was removed from the small plates menu in the City location but the fried and grilled tofu and vegetable tempura made for nice sides/starters to the meal. The katsudon (breaded pork) with an egg was also delicious, so I definitely wouldn’t write off the non-udon dishes from your order upon your next visit to Koya.
Another Italian restaurant to make note of, Passo is a place of solace off the Old Street roundabout. The arancini to start with was paired nicely with a lemon mascarpone, making it slightly different to the regular rice balls you get at other Italian spots. A couple of pizzettas graced our table as I chose a classic mozzarella with garlic butter – simple but so satisfactory – and a salami, n’duja and pickled chilli pizza. The latter was great for adding some heat and flavour, complimented by the sweetness of the honey drizzled over the spicy meats. Pasta-wise, I’ve already said how I’m a sucker for clams (read: I would marry a clam), so is it any surprise that the linguine with clams, garlic, chilli and parsley was a cemented part of my order from the moment I sat down? Again, such a simple dish but providing so much satisfaction and genuine happiness.
The Jolie Jardin is now open at the end of King’s Road and the restaurant’s outdoor terrace has some small plates and nibbles to accomapny your champagne cocktails. In partnership with Piper Heidsieck, the bar will make you other drinks but the champagne is the obvious star of the show.
In terms of the food, I did feel that this spot is definitely more a drinks and nibbles spot, rather than somewhere to go for dinner. The pulled chicken and truffle sliders were a delight, as was the King scallops en croute – the latter releasing a pool of fondue leeks as the pastry breaks apart. The wild mushroom croquettes were tasty – if a little small for my liking – but I could not recommend the mussels from the visit I made to the jardin. The fries were stellar though – and I know what you’re thinking, but fries are so commonplace that few places now actually do them justice.
The UK has started to open up, with outdoor dining and drinking leading the way to our path to normality. It’s a great turn of events and especially great for our beloved hospitality industry, who have suffered harshly at the hands of the pandemic.
But if you’re still hesitant to venture outdoors – or perhaps the classic British weather is doing the least to entice you – we’ve rounded up some fabulous ways to eat and drink well and support the industry – all from the comfort of your home.
From DIY kits sticking around to virtual wine tastings, we’ve got a real mix for you. If you’re staying inside, here’s what to eat and drink and still have a fabulous time with friends and family.
If lockdown cooking and takeaways got the best of you, Nutrition Kitchen is an excellent way to detox. Designed with meal plans for those who want to lose weight and those who want to build muscle, the catering team select healthy plans for you across breakfast, lunch and dinner. All plans offer balanced meals, with dishes featuring a variety of meat, fish and vegetarian-focused elements. Breakfast includes poached eggs, mushrooms and spinach, as well as a ham and gruyère cheese omelette. For lunch and dinner, feast upon things such as tandoori chicken with salad; halibut with roasted vegetables or chili con carne. What’s particularly great about Nutrition Kitchen is that your meals arrive at your door each morning so you know everything was prepared fresh on the day.
One of the best DIY kits we’ve seen during this pandemic, the five-course dinner from Romulo Café allows you to enjoy the unique and unfortgettable taste of the Philippines at home. Since we can’t quite travel to the most exotic of destinations right now, travelling through food will have to do. But with Romulo, it’s hardly a consolation prize. The five course finish-at-home kit can be ordered via Plateaway and contains a variety of Filipino dishes. The beauty of this menu is that you can tailor it to your personal preferences, choosing from the likes of Inasal Sisig (lemongrass chicken); Lumpiang Sariwa (vegetable spring roll) and Kinilaw sa Gata (sea bream ceviche) for your starters.
Moving onto the main course: we chose the Crispy Pata (Dingley Dell crispy pork hock) which was a dream to cook and crunch into. Other delicious options for the main course include wok-fried noodles with chicken or prawns or vegetables, as well as Romulo’s signature truffled chicken Adobo. For dessert, it had to be the Ube cheesecake for us, but there’s also Sans Rival (a layered cashew cake) or Banoffee Turon.
Virtual wine tastings just got an upgrade thanks to Tom Gilbey’s vast knowledge and enthusiasm for the humble grape. He’s recently launched his online masterclasses, which are suitable for both small groups and larger parties. Ditching the stuffy nature for something more informal and entertaining, Tom’s wine tastings focus on a particular theme (A French Connection; The Italian Job; The Old World Meets New etc.) and participants are sent four wines to be paired with British cheeses, relishes and biscuits. The wine tasting is conducted over Zoom, as Tom guides his guests through each wine, drawing upon his decades’ worth of experience in the industry. There’s opportunity for the audience to interact or to simply sit back and sip away.
Intrigued? The next class is on Friday, in partnership with Sophie’s Steakhouse. Participants will discover which reds are best paired with steak, as well as having the opportunity to cook their own Premium Côte de Boeuf. Taste wines from Bordeaux, Argentina and Tuscany, alongside a beautiful steak dinner, for the perfect Friday night in.
A recent survey from Flora found that 61 per cent of Brits prefer a barbecue as their choice of al fresco dining. Well, if you’re part of this clan, we’ve got just the barbecue bundle for you. 44 Foods is here for all of your fruit, vegetable and other fresh produce needs but, seeing as barbecue season is pretty much upon us, why not stock up on bits for the grill? The large meat bundle includes two packs of tasty pork ribs, two packs of our delicious Ultimate Scotch Beef Burgers, two succulent steaks and much more.
With so much to go around, you’re definitely going to want to host the al fresco dining options rather than scramble for bookings. If you’re trying to avoid the supermarket shop come the nice weather – when it appears as though everyone in the country is barbecuing – you can also buy your rolls and buns from 44 Foods as well. For those looking to do the same as Martyn this Christmas, he shares his guide on how to throw a Christmas Dinner barbecue. Visit OutDoorHappens.com for some great barbecue recipes for your next party.
If you still fancy putting on a dinner party but are stuck at the pudding part, Mon Dessert is here to help you. Taking the stress out of baking, it offers a variety of popular desserts – all easy to make but impressive in appearance and taste. Choose from a range of sweet treats, such as the iconic Crème Brûlée; little Madeleines or the new Mille-Feuille. We opted for the classic Tarte au Citron, which was both fun and not so fiddly to create – the perfect dessert with which to get started. All the ingredients are provided for you; Mon Dessert just makes some small suggestions on what you might want more of etc.
To be completely honest, we knew we were going to love the latest DIY kits from Cue Point just as much as the first ones to hit our stomachs. We didn’t need to review to gain this insight. But a) what irresponsible journalism would that be and b) we would never turn down an offer to try Mursal and Josh’s beautiful brainchild. Offering up short rib and lamb ‘nacos’ to get even the fussiest of mothers (mine) to lick her lips and clean her plate, the new Birria kit will have you drooling over cheesy flatbreads and barbecoa. Not to be dismissed: those zaatar buttery smashed potatoes. Vegans, listen up, Cue Point caters for plant-based eaters too, with an aubergine naco kit.
Get the best Borough Market has to offer – in a box, delivered to your front door. Whether you’re planning a cheese and wine night in or you’re still not sick of a good, old fashioned picnic in the park, Borough Market has a series of boxes for you. This a great way of supporting your favourite suppliers and market in London from the comfort of your own home. With the “Picnic Box”, you can be treated to nibbles such as Moroccan olives; cornichons and mushroom pâté. Enjoy a selection of cheese, charcuterie and chutney with crackers and a rosemary and olive sourdough loaf. You can either supply your own drinks for the picnic – or add on wine, beer or champagne from Borough Market too. Available as a one-off purchase or for subscription, there’s enough boxes to see you through the summer months.
Another one for the barbecue or grill, popular Persian restaurant Berenjak has been offering up its kebab kits throughout lockdown. The Soho restaurant hasn’t yet been able to open its doors but indoor seating will be available come May 17th. Until then, the home-cooked kebab kits will give you your taste of Persia. Grill marinated jujeh (chicken) and koobideh (minced lamb) kebabs; charcoaled tomatoes and wrap it all up in lavash-style Persian bread.
The beauty of these kits is that everything is provided to you: you’ve got onions; lemons and spices such as somagh (sumac) to make the meal complete. The kit even includes mast-o-musir – the classic yoghurt and shallot dip served in Persian restaurants as a starter (alongside bread). If you want to turn up the heat, the kebab kit is also available in a spicy version, with chicken and barreh (cubed lamb). As a Persian person, my family and I all thoroughly enjoyed this kit – entertaining to make and delicious to eat.
