Last night I was lucky enough to nab an invite to the launch of the latest jewel in Alan Yau’s crown; London’s second Yauatcha, situated in the newly-fab Broadgate Circle. It’s the follow-up to the original Michelin-starred Soho branch, and sibling to the Hakkasan venues. Broadgate Circle (‘you know, the bit behind Liverpool Street where they had the ice rink’ as I spent a few days saying to people) has had a makeover of late – with neighbours such as Aubaine, Pizarro, Franco Manca and Shoryu, there’s no shortage of lovely eating options.
Monthly Archives: May 2015
The Albany: Great Portland Street
The revamped Albany on Great Portland Street is definitely a pub of two halves. The street level bar is all newly decked out in blues and greys with huge chandeliers, and has a relaxing vibe with lots of after-work types enjoying one of the rotating guest beers on offer.
Said: Soho
It’s pretty noticeable that food and drink options and standards have rocketed in recent years. There’s untold choice on the high street, luxury venues are more accessible in the age of discounts and if you’re heading to any festivals this summer – or any market, riverside or warehouse pretty much – you’ll have a plethora of gourmet options to satisfy your growling hunger.
Cellar Gascon: Smithfields
Despite getting slightly confused by the layout of West Smithfield (as usual) I had a really lovely evening in Cellar Gascon a few nights ago, and must recommend it to anyone in the area looking for a sophisticated tipple and Michelin quality snacks.
Thai baked rainbow trout
As the weather (sort of) gets warmer, it’s always nice to lighten up at meal times and embrace some lovely fresh ingredients. This is a simple but effective recipe that reminds me of a gorgeous holiday in Thailand where we ate fresh fish on the beach as much as possible. This isn’t strictly authentic but definitely brings it all back.
Angels & Gypsies: Camberwell
I stumbled on Angels & Gypsies whilst passing through Camberwell, and was intrigued – the area isn’t somewhere I’d normally head as a destination, but this place looked lovely. Its the restaurant of the Church Street Hotel, and the theme runs throughout – the seats are old pews and there’s stained glass on the walls. It was pretty quiet for a Saturday lunch and I grabbed a coffee – a very good cappuccino.
Brockley: love a good market!
It was a fairly sunny Saturday and left a Tough Mudder widow (I honestly offered to go and watch), I decided to go and find somewhere new to get some treats. Brockley is about half an hour from me and I’d heard great things about the little food market, so off I went on the bike to have a look.