31 January 2018

31 January, 2018 / Konditor & Cook, Borough Market There are cakes. And there are Konditor & Cook cakes. This relatively young business has mastered the art of making and baking cakes and really does set new standards in producing a wide range of traditional and contemporary recipes. It's impossible not to marvel at the designs and even harder still not to make yummy noises. If there was a happy and healthy scale this is very much at the happy end. https://konditorandcook.com

30 January 2018

30 January, 2018 / Aquavit, St. James's Market Nordic dining in London? The first Aquavit opened in Manhattan in 1987 and has earned two Michelin stars. Aquavit London certainly lives up to its NYC originated reputation. To get the full experience try the Aquavit spirit itself, known as the "Spirit of the North". Whether it's the food, the service or the design of the environment this all-day dining experience is quite special. Whilst this place is little known currently that won't last for long. Definitely for special occasions. www.aquavitrestaurants.com/london/

29 January 2018

29 January, 2018 / Montagu Pyke, Greek Street Montagu Pyke was a man who built cinemas. On this site in Greek Street he built his 16th and final cinema in 1911. But his success turned to failure when an employee accidentally set fire to rolls of waste film in the basement and died. This led to a case of manslaughter being brought against Pyke, and on one fateful day in 1915 he was required to attend three appointments, one to answer his manslaughter charge, one for bankruptcy and one for divorce! This particular cinema venue went on to become famous in its own right as the last iteration of the world famous "Marquee Club" which closed its doors on a whole history of famous bands and performers as recently as 1995. Worth a visit to wallow in the nostalgia of a venue where history was indeed made by many rock bands from around the world. Walk through the smaller foyer area to get to the main venue space. http://bit.ly/2nlBeNd

28 January 2018

28 January, 2018 / Randall & Aubin, Brewer Street, Soho With seafood as its speciality, founders Jamie Poulton and Ed Baines have established a wonderful Anglo-French brasserie that prides itself on its "walk in and be welcomed" culture. The marble topped tables are shared which only adds to the ambience of chatter and laughter. New friends are made here and daily specials abound because of the fresh produce sourced daily from local suppliers. Whilst exceptional food quality is a given, eating beneath the mirror ball to the sound of an eclectic soundtrack somehow enhances what can only be described as a wonderful and memorable experience. Reservations are only taken for the lunch service between 12.30pm and 5.30pm, other than that it's open house. www.randallandaubin.com

27 January 2018

27 January, 2018 / Monmouth Coffee, Borough Market Established in 1978 the Monmouth Coffee Company source and roast coffee from single farms, estates and cooperatives. This store and coffee shop is immediately adjacent to the bustle of Borough Market and, whilst busy, is also fast to serve. The aroma certainly travels to the point where you can't help being drawn towards the shop frontage out of pure sensory curiosity.  And the coffee? Well it's about the best you can get and the team at Monmouth present it in the best way possible. www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk

26 January 2018

26 January, 2018 / The Criterion, Piccadilly Established in 1873 and with a unique Neo-Byzantine interior, this restaurant is cited in Conan-Doyle's first book, "A Study in Scarlet" as being the place where Holmes and Watson first meet. H.G. Wells hosted the first ever Royal College of Science dinner here, and it was the setting for many afternoon tea meetings organised by the Women's Social and Political Union and Christabel Pankhurst in support of women's suffrage. From Downton Abbey to The Dark Knight, the venue has gone on to play host to a wide range of film and television productions and on 15 July 1919, just post WW1, Winston Churchill gave a speech in support of then Prime Minster Lloyd-George in which he stated "Party spirit, party interest, party organisation must, in these very serious times be definitely subordinated to national spirit, national interests and national organisation." Super for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. http://saviniatcriterion.co.uk/html/

25 January 2018

25 January, 2018 / Ed's Easy Diner, Soho This is the original Ed's, opened in 1987 by Barry Margolis. A throwback to a different era and vintage America, the Bottomless Brekkie, the Top Dogs and the Famous Burgers are by far the star attractions. The desserts and shakes are exactly as you would want them to be and this is definitely a sharing restaurant with both junior menu choices and gluten free options. Some things never change, and often that's a good thing! An iconic cafe in the heart of the West End. https://edseasydiner.com/locations/soho

24 January 2018

24 January, 2018 / The Ship and Shovell, Craven Passage An intriguing Victorian pub, this property is rare in that if features two bars on either side of Craven Passage joined together underground by a common cellar. Locals refer to meeting in either the North or South bar. History gives mixed accounts of its name's origin. Either it relates to it being a hostelry for coal labourers or, alternatively and the story the owners have adopted, is that it may have been named after a naval Admiral, Sir Cloudesley Shovell. Sir Shovell joined the Navy as a cabin boy and after a long and illustrious career rose to the rank of Admiral. Unfortunately he died on HMS Association in 1707 in the Scilly Naval Disaster. The accident was attributed to the inability of the navigators to calculate longitude. http://shipandshovell.co.uk

23 January 2018

23 January, 2018 / Smith & Wollensky, John Adam Street, Strand The first Smith and Wollensky steak house opened in New York in 1977, under a name allegedly chosen at random by selecting two names form a New York phone book. This is an up-market chop-shop, but they deliver on quality and with a kind of swagger ever present. If you're in the area and in need of a top-class steak this is definitely for you. One thing, a good steak takes time. Don't rush this. https://www.smithandwollensky.com

22 January 2018

22 January, 2018 / The Three Greyhounds, Greek Street When Soho was just open fields greyhounds were used to hunt down hares, hence the name of this hostelry. An incredible tudor-esque building with its half timbered facade, The Three Greyhounds sits on the corner of Greek Street, so named after the Greek Church that stood close by in Hog Lane. It is said Giacomo Girolamo Casanova stayed in the area during 1764. Casanova was of course famous for his often complicated affairs with women.  Perhaps that was the beginning of Soho as we know it today. http://bit.ly/2DpwrAy

21 January 2018

21 January, 2018 / Champagneplusfromage, Covent Garden For cheese and champagne lovers, but also for lovers of all things French. The rather unassuming frontage with its unreadable logo on a faded awning could easily be missed, but inside is a little piece of France that's simply adorable. Somewhere between a Bistro and a shop the immaculate counter presents charcuterie, salads, a vast array of cheese and an extensive range of desserts. The many shelves host hundreds of jars of cassoulets and confits. And if champagne's not your thing just have the afternoon tea. It's equally as Bon! http://www.champagneplusfromage.co.uk