Monthly Archives: March 2010

Bon Vivant’s Newsletter – 30 March 2010

Posted by Bon Vivant

Welcome to Bon Vivant’s latest newsletter, containing a selection of the highlights that are available to our members over the next fortnight. To take advantage of the offers, some of which are also available to non-members, or to subscribe to Bon Vivant, please visit www.bonvivant.co.uk

Complimentary Glass of Champagne when Dining at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Recently awarded three Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester has enhanced private dining by launching a bespoke dining experience. Guests can create their very own ‘menu from the menu’ with their own choice of dishes chosen from the restaurant’s à la carte menu. The new package not only allows guests to select from the haute cuisine menu, but also to tailor their table setting by choosing from the selection of china, silverware, table ornaments and glassware selected from designer houses, famous for the finest creations in tableware in the Table Lumiere private room.

Ranging from the intimate Table Lumiere for 6 people to the Salon Park Lane, which can accommodate up to 28 guests, with private dining menus starting at £55 for lunch and £75 for dinner, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is a great venue for a celebration or a business meeting. They also offer an excellent lunch deal at £45 for three courses with two glasses of wine, coffee and water.

Bon Vivant’s members receive a complimentary glass of champagne for each guest dining in a private room. For bookings, please email us or contact Cecile at the restaurant, quoting Bon Vivant.

Exclusive Offer – BeautifulBreak Detox

BeautifulBreak has teamed up with the exclusive BodyWorksWest at Notting Hill to offer a new ultimate detox plan. Previously unavailable in the UK, BeautifulBreak brings a tried and tested ancient detox plan developed to fit around your life, lose weight, rejuvenate and achieve serious health results, which is designed to be used as part of your daily routine.

There are various programmes on offer from the BeautifulBreak Detox and each programme is personalised, depending on the age, gender and career of the individual. A comprehensive consultation takes place prior to the treatment and clients can take part in the diet on a 1-week, 2-week or a 3-week programme.

BeautifulBreak is a team of dedicated experts who specialise in spa, health and detox holidays. They have travelled the world and researched the best facilities available for those who wish to indulge, de-stress, or detox. Now BeautifulBreak has found the ultimate detox plan that will revolutionise your life without impacting on your lifestyle.

Bon Vivant’s members have access to an exclusive rate for each plan, including a discount of up to 50%. Please visit www.beautifulbreak.com and quote ‘Bon Vivant’ for all bookings.

Introducing Landmass Acquisitions

Whether you are buying or renting, looking for property is immensely time consuming. Landmass Acquisitions will shortlist only the most suitable properties for you and provide price comparables. Due to their experience and knowledge of the market, Landmass has built its reputation on negotiating the best value for its clients whilst helping them choose which area best suits their needs. Whether you are looking for your ideal home, a development opportunity or a buy-to-let, they will advise you all the way.

Unlike estate agents who work solely for the seller, Landmass Acquisition works 100% on your behalf and in your best interests to ensure they find the right property for you.

To access their bespoke services, please email us or contact Francesca at Landmass.

Hotel Offer – Hotel Cipriani, Venice

With its secluded island location overlooking Saint Mark’s square, this Venetian luxury hotel exudes romance from every gorgeous marble fixture and linen valance. Love struck vacationers may never want to leave the comfort of Hotel Cipriani’s 79 rooms and suites, but the sweeping views of vineyards and a lagoon are sure to tempt even the most smitten into the gorgeous streets of Venice. A four-minute boat ride transfers guests to the café tables and beautiful architecture of Saint Mark’s square, while a wander through the labyrinthine passages of Venice provides ample opportunity for quality espresso, gelato, and shopping.

Evenings at Hotel Cipriani are pure relaxation. Float lazily in the Olympic-sized salt water pool, and then dine at one of the hotel’s restaurants: Cip’s Club and Fortuny Restaurant serve up Italian food with a chaser of bewitching views of Venice’s domes and cathedrals.

Bon Vivant’s members receive a complimentary upgrade, breakfast, a bottle of champagne, a basket of seasonal fruit and fresh flowers on arrival.

Events

Below we have included a selection of the events occurring over the next few months. If you would like to book tickets for any of these events, please email us at info@bonvivant.co.uk. Please note that these events are available to members and non-members.

Sunset Boulevard at The Mayfair Hotel, 29 April 2010

On Thursday 29 April 2010 at The Mayfair Hotel, Ndoro Children Charities host Sunset Boulevard, a 1950s themed fund raising event. Guests will travel back to glamorous 1950s Hollywood for a stylish night of entertainment, celebrities and classic 1950s cars.

The program for the night is strictly 1950s indulgence as guests are treated to stalls of shoe shining, kissing booth, powder room, poker, performance acts, iconic 1950s memorabilia and much more. The Danzinger Suite will be transformed into a 1950s disco with a checkerboard dance floor and disco ball to match. Tickets are priced at £100 per person. For further information, please contact us.

The Classical BRIT Awards, 13 May 2010

We are delighted to be able to offer you VIP tickets to celebrate a year of the best in British Classical Music at The Royal Albert Hall. Tickets include a box seat, canapés and finger food, half a bottle of champagne, wine and water per person, with waiter service in the box.

Tickets are £295 + VAT per person.

The Rugby Players’ Awards Dinner, 26 May 2010

The RPA’s flagship fund raising event is the highlight of the domestic rugby calendar and provides a fitting climax to the end of each rugby season. The RPA Computacenter Awards Dinner is now in its 12^th year and is the only domestic awards event voted for by the players themselves.

The RPA Computacenter Rugby Players’ Awards Dinner supports the RPA Benevolent Fund, The Players’ Charity. All funds raised from the evening go to the RPA Benevolent Fund. Tickets include:

Champagne reception
Three course dinner
Half a bottle of wine per person
Awards ceremony with celebrity guests
After show party
Grand auction and charity raffle
Tickets are £215 + VAT per person

Wimbledon, 21 June to 4 July 2010

We are delighted to be able to offer debenture tickets for the all the action on Centre Court and No.1 Court, which are available throughout The Championships. These seats ensure that you have one of the best views in the house and are among some of the most sought after tickets for tennis fans. Tickets start at £385 + VAT per person and please note that the debenture tickets are only sold in pairs.

The British Grand Prix, 11 July 2010

Few sporting occasions match the intensity, glamour and drama of the British Grand Prix and whether a wide-eyed first timer or a seasoned veteran, the experience is breathtaking. In 2010, both Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will be aiming to impress the loyal British fans at their home race and hoping to mount the steps of the Silverstone podium. Running alongside the thrilling on-track action, spectators are treated to a host of additional entertainment including the ever-popular post race party, air displays, entertainment zones and the F1 trade mall.

We are delighted to be able to offer the following hospitality options:

Copse Terrace Restaurant

This contemporary marquee restaurant provides everything you’ll need to make the most of your day. It offers spectacular panoramic view with a lively terrace environment and reserved seats in the adjoining Grandstand.

Viewing from the adjoining terrace or reserved grandstand seat
All day Chef’s Table including breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea
TVs showing live race action, video replays and interviews
Admission to circuit & hospitality village
Full complimentary bar service
Ticket prices per person: Friday – £310 + VAT; Saturday – £400 + VAT; Sunday – £1100 + VAT; Weekend Pass – £1280 + VAT

Brooklands

The exclusive restaurant and suites offer views of the track between Bridge and Luffield. Situated in the centre of the circuit you can relax and enjoy the ultimate in style and service.

Balcony viewing
Hot breakfast selection
Three course lunch including cheese, biscuits & afternoon tea
TVs showing live race action, video replays and interviews
Admission to circuit & hospitality village
Full complimentary bar service
Ticket prices per person: Friday – £350 + VAT; Saturday – £ 410+ VAT; Sunday – £1120 + VAT; Weekend Pass – £1500 + VAT

The V Festival, 21 – 22 August 2010

The V Festival is one of the hottest festivals of the summer, with many great performers already confirmed, including the Kings of Leon, Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Editors, The Courteeners, Kasabian, Faithless, The Kooks, Paolo Nutini, Florence and the Machine, Pet Shop Boys, Madness, Mika, Groove Armada, Goldfrapp, La Roux, The Prodigy, The Charlatans, Sugababes, Ellie Goulding, Skunk Anansie, & Pixie Lott! Your VIP weekend pass includes:

Full weekend VIP camping area pass (which has its own facilities, including bathroom, bars and food courts)
Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday of V Festival
Use of the VIP bar backstage during the Festival
The VIP camping area
Price per person: £629 + VAT

We can also offer standard weekend tickets with camping for £360 per person as well as day only tickets. Please contact us for further details.

O2 Arena Dates

Whitney Houston – 25^th, 26^th, 28^th April 2010
Black Eyed Peas (featuring Cheryl Cole) – 5^th, 6^th, 27^th, 28^th May 2010
Rhianna – 10^th, 11^th May 2010
Westlife – 12^th – 14^th May 2010
Michael Buble – 15^th, 16^th May 2010
Alicia Keys – 25^th, 26^th May 2010
Lady Gaga – 30^th May 2010
Bon Jovi – June 2010
Leona Lewis – June 2010

Wembley Arena Dates

Michael Buble – 3^rd October 2010

We are continually striving to form more relationships that will provide our members with additional benefits and exclusive treatment. Please note that the price and availability of offers are subject to change without notice. For more information about Bon Vivant, please visit our website at www.bonvivant.co.uk

Summary of Restaurant Reviews – 29 March 2010

Posted by Bon Vivant

Welcome to Bon Vivant’s summary of the restaurant reviews from the weekend’s national newspapers. Enjoy!

Giles Coren, The Times

Giles ‘loved’ ‘the stuttering grandeur of the dining room’ and the ‘niceness and jollity’ of the staff at Apsleys at The Lanesborough Hotel.

A pre-starter of arancini was ‘pointless’ and ‘dull’, a lobster and avocado starter was ‘nothing but a £24 teaspoonful of filling from a posh club sandwich’, a veal and artichoke and truffle terrine was ‘delicious but too tiny to count as food’ and artichoke soup with a pale sliver of ‘tasteless’ lobster was ‘bitter and rank’.

A roasted pigeon dish was ‘chewy’, a ‘carbonara fagottelli’ was ‘okay, if a bit half-hearted’ with ‘no oomf’ and puddings were ‘classic posh hotel, overwrought and cloying’. 5 out of 10.

AA Gill, The Sunday Times

AA Gill reviews Galvin La Chapelle, which ‘sets out to impress, flatter and indulge’, where ‘the service is a bit like being frisked by lonely moles’.

A velouté of chestnuts and duck confit was ‘fine’ and ‘insipid’, two escabeche dishes were ‘as tepid as a royal handshake’ and yellowfin tuna with aubergine caviar and coriander was ‘only an affectation and £7 away from Yo! Sushi’.

A roe venison was ‘bland’, a ‘competent’ Bresse pigeon was ‘good, but really could have done with being bigger and bolder’ and a ‘classic and well made’ tarte tatin was ‘the best thing on the menu’. 3 stars out of 5 for the food; 2 stars out of 5 for the atmosphere.

Matthew Norman, The Guardian

Matthew visits the ‘cheap and cheerless’ Bibis Italianissimo in Leeds, which has the ‘ersatz glitz of the outsized Las Vegas cocktail lounge’.

Spaghetti with spicy meatballs came with ‘limp’ pasta that ‘bore the weight of nasty, overcooked spheres of unidentifiable meat’, spaghetti frutti di mare was ‘technically edible’, veal al limone was ‘tasteless, overcooked and chewy’ and an affogato was ‘almost adequate’. No rating given.

Jay Rayner, The Observer

Jay visits L’Art du Fromage, a ‘rather sweet little place’ ‘run by charming, earnest French boys’ in Chelsea.

A cheese on toast starter was ‘interesting enough’ but the accompanying salad was ‘underdressed and filled with floppy, undercooked lardoons’ and the fondue Savoyarde was ‘a dismal affair’ with a ‘shallow and dull’ flavour. A goat’s cheese ice cream was ‘sweet with a fine acidity’, the cream-cheese ice cream was ‘insipid’ and the Roquefort ice cream was ‘the stuff of blood-soaked nightmares’. No rating given.

John Walsh, The Independent

John visits the ‘small’, ‘crowded and cosy’ 36 on the Quay in Hampshire, which has a ‘lovely’ setting ‘overlooking the sea at Emsworth’.

An amuse bouche of Jerusalem artichoke soup was ‘scorching hot and a little too oily’, a starter of pigeon breasts with black pudding was ‘delicious’ but ‘quite an assault on the tastebuds’ and ‘didn’t work as a duet’ and scallops were ‘heavily seared, rich and densely flavoured’.

The mains ‘showed the same tendency towards random excess’, including a ‘juicy and beautifully cooked’ loin of venison with a timbale of braised red cabbage, glazed fondant potato, fricassee of caramelised swede and baby onions, and a seabass that was ‘too complicated’ and ‘wasn’t a wild success’. 2 stars out of 5 for the food; 4 stars out of 5 for the ambience and service.

Toby Young, The Independent on Sunday

Toby visits Yoshi Sushi in Hammersmith, which ‘isn’t fancy or trendy but serves a perfectly prepared selection of fresh fish every day’.

Prawn tempura was ‘succulent and not too greasy’, yaki buta niku (fried belly pork with vegetables in a spicy sauce) was ‘irresistibly moreish’ and the maki and nigiri were ‘full of rich, fishy flavours’. 17 out of 20.

Jasper Gerard, The Telegraph

Jasper visits Paris House in Woburn, Bedfordshire, where the kitchen has ‘serious intent’.

A Scotch egg had ‘light perfectly fried breadcrumbs encasing lovely soft quail’s yolk and good sausage meat’, kedgeree was ‘so fresh and flavoursome’, the gravlax ‘looks beautiful’ but ‘excites less on the palate than the plate’, a loin of ‘sublime’ venison was ‘marvellously tender’ and ‘exquisitely subtle’, but duck à l’orange was ‘spoilt by overly salty duck confit, and overly sweet carrot and vanilla purée’. No rating given.

Fay Maschler, The Evening Standard

Fay enjoys the ‘simple pleasures’ of Caravan, a ‘diverting, relaxing’ and ‘rationally priced’ new restaurant on Exmouth Market, where the staff are ‘welcoming and clued-up’.

A falafel with a sweet apple and pepper relish was ‘wonderfully light’, pickled mackerel with sweetcorn, avocado and jalapeno was ‘a bit chilli-lite the first time but the dial had been turned up on the second try’ and house-cured organic salmon with sesame cucumber was ‘as good as’ the ‘peppered tuna with broad bean and ginger vinaigrette’. 4 stars out of 5.

Liz Hoggard, The Evening Standard

Liz visits the ‘fun, safe’ and ‘just a bit edgy’ Guerilla Burgers, where the menu is ‘unambitious’ and the music ‘ear-splittingly loud’.

The salmon in the fish tacos ‘had been grilled to death’, the chicken bites were ‘gritty’, the cobb burger and rodeo burger were ‘cardboard’, but the sweet potato fries were ‘delicious’. 1 star out of 5.

Marina O’Loughlin, The Metro

Marina visits ‘clean’ and ‘fresh’ Caravan on Exmouth Market, which is ‘staffed by enchanting, helpful and attractive people’, where the ‘menu is crammed with intriguing stuff’.

The falafel was ‘light and fluffy’ and food ‘doesn’t get easier or much nicer’ than ‘perfectly ripe’ avocado on grain toast with olive oil, lemon and chilli flakes.

The soft-shell crab was ‘on the flabby side’ and the squid was ‘mighty chewy’, but an espresso was ‘almost chocolately’ and the flat white was ‘a thing of creamy gorgeousness’. 3 stars out of 5.

For further information on Bon Vivant, please visit http://www.bonvivant.co.uk.

Summary of Restaurant Reviews – 22 March 2010

Posted by Bon Vivant

Welcome to Bon Vivant’s summary of the restaurant reviews from the weekend’s national newspapers. Enjoy!

Giles Coren, The Times

Giles visits a ‘rammed’ and ‘understaffed’ Pizza Express in London.

An Insalata Semplice with ‘pale, crunchy tomatoes’ had ‘so little flavour’ and mozzarella that was ‘pointless’, ‘cold, grainy and without flavour’.

A Calabrese pizza ‘tasted like a faintly Mexicanised jam roly-poly’ and the base ‘was as slack and doughy as ever’. The Mia Sofia was ‘better’ but ‘suffered from the same disastrously sloppy base’. 2 stars out of 10.

AA Gill, The Sunday Times

AA Gill reviews Alimentum in Cambridge, in ‘an ugly, unfanciably thin room’ where ‘the menu’s fine’.

A starter of potato velouté poured over ‘too salty’ smoked haddock and a quail’s egg ‘tasted fine’ but was ‘too little’ and ‘too tepid’, a beef main ‘came with an excellent truffled pomme purée’ and a banana parfait resembled a ‘slimy Instant Whip’. 3 stars out of 5 for the food; 1 star out of 5 for the atmosphere

Matthew Norman, The Guardian

Matthew visits The Magdalen Arms in Oxford, a ‘gleaming gem’ with ‘an engagingly boho feel’.

Beetroot, goat curds and mint was ‘utterly delicious’, mussels cooked in crab broth were ‘plump, tasty little chaps’, ‘home-cured duck ham, quince and hazelnut salad’ was ‘a winner’, and potted shrimps with gently pickled cucumber were ‘lusciously buttery’.

The main courses ‘induced murderous envy’, including a ‘beautifully understated’ roast wood pigeon with braised chicory and semolina gnocchi and ‘remarkably tender’ slow cooked pork with ‘delectably crispy’ polenta, and the puddings ‘were terrific’. No rating given.

Jay Rayner, The Observer

Jay visits Eddie Gilbert’s, a ‘classy re-engineering of the working-class café’ with ‘intriguing fish cookery’ and ‘lots of flair’ in Ramsgate.

A boiled egg and soldiers, involving a duck egg and strips of breaded and deep fried smoked eel ‘speaks of smarts in the kitchen’ and fritto misto was ‘just a grown-up fish and chips’ with ‘expertly fried fish’. Desserts were ‘especially impressive’, including an ‘exemplar’ chocolate fondant and a rum and raisin ice cream that was ‘something very special indeed’. No rating given.

Tracey MacLeod, The Independent

Tracey visits Bistrot Bruno Loubet, a ‘buzzy, bustling place which already feels like it’s been around for ages’ in Clerkenwell.

Starters, including an onion and cider soup and a “revised” Lyonnaise salad ‘trod a sure path between artlessness and finesse’.

A main of beef daube was ‘meltingly soft and served with luxurious mousseline potatoes’, and lamb shoulder, accompanied by white beans and green harissa, ‘tasted great’. 4 stars out of 5 for the food and ambience; 3 stars out of 5 for the service.

Lisa Markwell, The Independent on Sunday

Lisa visits Bistrot Bruno Loubet in the ‘cool-for-cats’ Zetter hotel in Clerkenwell.

A skate terrine was ‘a wonderful dish’ and the beetroot ravioli looked ‘peculiar’ but tasted ‘superb’. A daube of beef was ‘seriously high-class comfort food’, a pan-fried breast of wood pigeon was ‘piquant and woody’, and a dessert of Valrhona chocolate tartlet, caramel and salted butter ice-cream was ‘lip-smacking gorgeousness’ and ‘quite simply, the best desert I’ve eaten in recent memory’. 17 out of 20.

Zoe Williams, The Telegraph

Zoe had ‘dramatic highs and lows’ at the ‘not uncool’ Caponata in Camden.

A starter of gnocchi with gorgonzola and treviso radicchio ‘looked like regurgitated dog food’ and was ‘utterly repellent’, and the tuna with a cumin and pistachio crust was ‘springy and attractive’.

A saddle of rabbit and black truffle was ‘earthy and extremely powerful yet sophisticated’, and a grilled fillet of venison was ‘delicious’ and ‘endlessly tasty’, but a chocolate cone filled with banana mousse dessert was a ‘disaster’. 4 stars out of 10.

Fay Maschler, The Evening Standard

Fay visits the Canton Arms, ‘a big, fairly ramshackle pub’ with ‘extraordinarily reasonable prices’ in Stockwell.

The foie gras toastie was ‘the bar snack of the year’, butterbean and black cabbage broth had a ‘tang of bacon’ that ‘might have tripped up a vegetarian’, and a bowl of steamed mussels was ‘perfect’ in its ‘simplicity’.

A steak pie with ‘rich, dark gravy and buttery shortcrust pastry’ was ‘excellent’, a ‘French textbook’ cassoulet featured white beans with ‘precisely the right texture’ and a little chocolate pot dessert topped with pouring cream was ‘the ideal dessert’. 4 stars out of 5.

Marina O’Loughlin, The Metro

Marina reviews Seventeen, a ‘soulless, inept place’ in Notting Hill, where the food is ‘some of the nastiest stuff I’ve encountered in recent years’.

The smoked eel had ‘the texture of biltong and the fragrance of fish Whiskas’ and ‘Seventeen Tiger Shrimps’ were ‘pneumatic, woolly, shell-on behemoths in a gritty, beige sauce’. Mapo tofu and spicy beef salad were ‘pleasant enough but remarkable for their lack of ballsiness’ and choi sum in ginger was ‘surprisingly, perfectly pleasant’. No rating given.

For more information about Bon Vivant, please visit our website at www.bonvivant.co.uk

London’s Best Hotel Bars

Posted by Bon Vivant

We have an updated guide to London’s best hotels bars – click here to read our guide for some wonderful hotel bars in London.

Reas some of our best London content including our guide to the best afternoon tea, the best coffee in London or our guide to weekend brunch.

Bon Vivant’s Newsletter – 16 March 2010

Posted by Bon Vivant

Complimentary Glass of Champagne when Dining at The Criterion

The Criterion, situated in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, is an elegant and beautiful restaurant. Originally opened in 1874, the Grade II listed space has undergone a gentle and sympathetic restoration of its spectacular interiors, adding warmth and softness. Original features remain intact, including gilded ceilings, marble floors, mirrored walls and imposing arches.

Head Chef, Matthew Foxon, has created a modern European menu that is simple and luxurious, sourcing the finest and freshest ingredients from the British Isles. As much as possible is made in house; the brigade smoke their own fish, make their own pasta, ricotta, ice cream, sorbet, bread and butter. Service is attentive and professional, yet friendly. Live music every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm add to the charming ambience.

Bon Vivant’s members receive a complimentary glass of champagne when dining in the restaurant.

Complimentary Entry for Member plus Guest at Diva Beach

Diva Beach was the first in a new generation of ‘boutique clubs’ that exude luxury and style. Inspired by Miami’s South Beach, it is an oasis in the heart of Chelsea, bringing together the best design and club experiences from around the world.

The design draws on influences from Miami’s 1930s art deco style and current sophisticated beach culture, creating a stunning interior where quality and attention to detail are paramount.

As an addition to their regular weekend nights, Thursday 25th March will see Diva Beach taking things to a whole new level with the launch of Studio 54: Disco Fever. If you would like to be on the guestlist for any of their nights, please contact us.

Bon Vivant’s members receive complimentary entry for a member plus guest and a reduced minimum table spend.

Exclusive Offer – Le Kalon Spa at The Bentley Hotel

Purely indulgent pampering and relaxation can be found at Le Kalon Spa, which boasts London’s only in-hotel Turkish hammam, offering an enticing range of superior spa and beauty treatments, along with spacious fitness room facilities.

Bon Vivant’s members receive a complimentary 15-minute head massage with each treatment booked at Le Kalon Spa.

Hotel Offer – Bulgari Hotel, Milan, Italy

Set within the leafy green harbour of its own private park, bordering Milan’s Botanical Gardens, the Bulgari Hotel offers travellers a stylish haven secluded from the flurry of Italy’s most fashionable city. Common areas are a feast for the senses, decorated with an inspired use of rare and precious materials, while the Bulgari’s luxurious guestrooms feature teak and oak detailing and glossy Italian wood furniture, with large windows that overlook the tranquil gardens below.

Each bathroom is a work of art with modern lines and sleek surfaces. Carved from a block of Turkish Bihara stone, you’ll be tempted to float away in the tub. The crown jewel of the hotel’s spa is its iridescent emerald green glass hammam and gold leaf swimming pool.

Bon Vivant’s members receive a complimentary upgrade, breakfast, internet access, and 50% discount on the third night of a 3-night stay.

Events

Below we have included a selection of the events occurring over the next few months. If you would like to book tickets for any of these events, please contact us. Please note that these events are available to members and non-members.

Nanny McPhee and The Bing Bang Premiere – 24 March 2010

We are delighted to offer you and your family access to the premiere of ‘Nanny McPhee & The Big Bang’ in London, giving you a chance to walk the red carpet with the stars and be the first to view the new film. For further information, contact us.

Cannes Film Festival – May 2010

We have access to an exclusive package for the Cannes film festival, including luxury accommodation, VIP tickets to a film screening and access to exclusive parties and dinners. For further information, please contact us.

Monaco Grand Prix – 13 to 16 May 2010

Monaco is the ultimate playground for the rich and famous, and the Monaco Grand Prix if one of the annual highlights.

We are delighted to be able to offer a variety of packages, including full weekend hospitality on a selection of yachts that are ideally placed to view the race. We can also offer viewing tickets for a selection of terraces with great views of the race and the surrounding area. For further details, please contact us.

BAFTA Television Awards – 6 June 2010

We are delighted to offer you access to the most prestigious night in the television calendar, which is being hosted at the London Palladium. Your VIP package includes:

Red carpet arrival at the London Palladium
Champagne reception
Awards ceremony and dinner
After party
Price per person: £990 + VAT

Cartier International Polo – 25 July 2010

The Cartier International Polo is considered by many to be the highlight of the British social season and is the pinnacle of the polo calendar. The Chinawhite enclosure throughout the day and night is now also firmly established as one of the parties of the summer. We can offer you the following options:

Full day hospitality, including a champagne reception, three course lunch, open bar and access to the Chinawhite party for £580 +VAT per person
Parking, Grandstand seating and access to the Chinawhite party for £180 + VAT per person

Below is a selection of the concerts being held over the next few months, for which Bon Vivant can obtain VIP block and box seats.

O2 Arena Dates

Whitney Houston – 25^th, 26^th, 28^th April 2010
Black Eyed Peas (featuring Cheryl Cole) – 5^th, 6^th, 27^th, 28^th May 2010
Rhianna – 10^th, 11^th May 2010
Westlife – 12^th – 14^th May 2010
Michael Buble – 15^th, 16^th May 2010
Alicia Keys – 25^th, 26^th May 2010
Lady Gaga – 30^th May 2010
Bon Jovi – June 2010
Leona Lewis – June 2010

Wembley Arena Dates

50 Cent – 20^th March 2010
Michael Buble – 3^rd October 2010

Summary of Restaurant Reviews – 15 March 2010

Posted by Bon Vivant

Welcome to Bon Vivant’s summary of the restaurant reviews from the weekend’s national newspapers. Enjoy!

Giles Coren, The Times

Giles visits Bistrot Bruno Loubet at the Zetter hotel in Clerkenwell, which ‘is what a bistro is supposed to be’, where the wine list is ‘a joy’.

A starter of ‘big and relaxed and meaty and totally undisgusting’ Mauricette snails and meatballs with royale de champignons was ‘corking’, a beetroot ravioli was ‘tight, sweet’ and ‘mouth-filling’ and a ‘Revised Lyonnaise salad’ with Beaujolais dressing was ‘soooo tasty’, ‘so rich and sticky and somehow sombre with meatiness’.

A main of English rose veal was ‘beautiful, sweet’ and Hare Royale, with onion raviolo, pumpkin and dried mandarin purée, was ‘fantastic’. 8 out of 10.

Kate Spicer, The Sunday Times

Kate visits Crab Shakk in Glasgow, which is ‘sceney, but in an unintimidating, mellow way’, with ‘smiley and attentive service’.

Scallops came with ‘a sweet and feisty sage and anchovy butter that was asking to be soaked up with slices of bread’, tempura squid ‘came with a spiky soy and coriander sauce’ but ‘the batter looked a teeny bit undercooked and greasy’.

The crab cakes were ‘deservedly’ ‘famous’ and ‘near to perfect’, a panna cotta was ‘very good’ and a chocolate with ‘soggy pastry’ was ‘forgettable’. 3 stars out of 5 for the food; 4 stars out of 5 for the ambiance.

Matthew Norman, The Guardian

Matthew visits Zilli Green in Soho, and finds ‘a total shocker’ of a vegetarian restaurant with ‘huge mark-ups on dead cheap ingredients’ and ‘justifiably morose staff’.

A basket of bread was ‘so overwhelmingly flavoured with garlic chippings’ and a brodetto di legumi was ‘a baby-food mush of barley, spelt, lentil and yellow split bean that boldly shrugged off the attentions of its ingredients to taste solely of salt’.

The main courses ‘ranged from the average to the arrestable’, including a ‘lazy, pointless and dementedly oversalted’ spaghetti al quattro pomodori and a tagliatelle with porcini and white truffle oil that was ‘all right’. A tricolore salad was ‘an outrage at £5.50’ and a dairy-free tiramisu was ‘a subliminal advert for dairy produce’. No rating given.

Jay Rayner, The Observer

Jay visits the Canton Arms in Stockwell for ‘rustic, solid’ food with ‘big flavours’ and ‘no ingredient frottage’ where the menu is ‘admirably short’.

A haggis toastie was ‘dense and meaty’, a braised shoulder of blackface mutton was ‘proper dinner’, the house terrine was ‘thick and dense’ and ‘an exemplar of its kind’, and a treacle tart was ‘startlingly light’. No rating given.

John Walsh, The Independent

John visits Caravan, a ‘something-for-everyone eaterie’ in Clerkenwell, where ‘the waiters’ are ‘attentive’ and ‘the food mostly delicious’.

An amuse-bouche of miso soup poured over smoked trout was ‘delicious’, falafel was ‘nicely moist’ and a soft-shelled crab in a light batter was ‘brilliantly clean-tasting’.

The salt and Sichuan pepper squid was ‘delicious, hot and zingy’, a warm smoked duck, pear and walnut salad was ‘a masterclass in complementary textures’ and a veal schnitzel ‘came finely breadcrumbed and tender, yummily accessorised with gypsy potatoes’. 3 stars out of 5.

Toby Young, The Independent on Sunday

Toby visits The Gay Hussar in Soho, where ‘it quickly becomes clear that its best years are behind it’.

Chilled wild-cherry soup was ‘disappointing’, fried mushrooms with tartare sauce were ‘a little on the greasy side’ and Dutch calves’ liver sautéed with onions, bacon and paprika was ‘a shocker’. 11 out of 20.

Zoe Williams, The Telegraph

Zoe visits The West House, a ‘mainly wonderful, partly weird’ restaurant in Kent.

The bread, with a condiment of whipped pork dripping, was ‘wonderful’ and ‘delicious’, cured foie gras with caramel pineapple, sweet wine jelly and sesame crunch was ‘lovely but weird’ and a warm haddock carpaccio with bacon dressing was ‘lovely, far more predictable’.

A main of fried pig’s head and roast pork belly was ‘the star of the show’, ‘profoundly piggy’, with ‘not a thing out of place, not an ingredient missing or overdone’.

A dessert called ‘All the Fun of the Fair’ was ‘a disaster’, but the treacle tart ‘was totally beautiful’. 7.5 out of 10.

Jasper Gerard, The Telegraph

Jasper visits Table, an ‘impressive, thoughtful restaurant’ in Brighton.

A porcini, celery heart and mascarpone risotto was ‘creamy but firm’ but ‘the volume on the porcini could be raised a notch’, and ‘delicious’ and ‘light and fluffy’ gnocchi with braised oxtail ‘looked lovely’.

A tranche of turbot, red wine lentils, pancetta and salsa verde was ‘fresh, moist and chunky’, a skirt steak was ‘chargrilled perkily pink’ and chocolate nemesis dessert was ‘a faithful tribute to an all-time classic’. 7 out of 10.

Fay Maschler, The Evening Standard

Fay ‘sees the return of a master’ with ‘prices that are eminently fair’ at Bistrot Bruno Loubet at The Zetter hotel in Clerkenwell.

A ‘Revised’ Lyonnaise salad was ‘effortful in a way that seems churlish to criticise’, a black bream fillet in bouillabaisse with rouille was ‘a bright idea’ and a confit of lamb shoulder with white beans was ‘completely pleasing’.

The hare royale with an onion raviolo and a pan-fried breast of wood pigeon was ‘masterful’, and desserts of crème fraîche and rhubarb brioche tart and a ‘brittle chocolate confection with molten centre’ were ‘also unassailable’. 4 stars out of 5.

For more information about Bon Vivant, please visit our website at www.bonvivant.co.uk

Summary of Restaurant Reviews – 8 March 2010

Posted by Bon Vivant

Welcome to Bon Vivant’s summary of the restaurant reviews from the weekend’s national newspapers. Enjoy!

Giles Coren, The Times

Giles warns you to ‘steer clear’ of Babbo in Mayfair, which ‘looks nice’ but they serve ‘competent food at ridiculous prices’ with ‘sickening’ service.

The menu is ‘carpet-chompingly expensive’, including a ‘dry melanzane parmigiana cut into a cylinder with a pastry shaper like some MasterChef horror of the Loyd Grossman era’, ‘good’ risotto, ‘good’ pasta and a ‘very good’ cup of coffee.

2.67 out of 10.

Matthew Norman, The Guardian

Matthew has ‘a gargantuan and excellent Szechuan meal’ at Ba Shu before crossing the road to review its sister restaurant, Ba Shan, where the kitchen ‘responded heroically’ and the waiters were ‘charming by any standards, let alone by those of Chinatown’.

Pot-sticker dumplings were ‘plump, juicy parcels of porcine goodness’, dry wok prawns ‘came all crunchy in their shells and suffused with freshly crushed spices’, and diced rabbit in a pile of chillies was ‘a nostalgic delight’. No rating given.

Jay Rayner, The Observer

Jay visits Glamorous, a Chinese restaurant in Manchester, and finds ‘confused waiters’ and ‘forlorn food’.

Char sui buns were ‘soft and light’ but ‘hardly exemplary’, strands of squid ‘had at least been greaselessly deep-fried’ and seafood in a scallop and prawn dumpling ‘had a pleasing bite, but the sticky rice-flour casing was far too thick and gelatinous’. No rating given.

Tracey MacLeod, The Independent

Tracey has a twenty-four hour ‘gastro-tour’ of Glasgow, starting with ‘seafood specialist’, Crabshakk, which has ‘crisp but friendly service and decent prices’.

Crab cakes were ‘generously stuffed with white crabmeat spiked with chilli and parsley’ and ‘benefited from the simple treatment’. Breaded and fried plaice was ‘meltingly fresh’ but the truffle oil in the accompanying mayonnaise ‘was rather too dominant’.

For dinner, Tracey visited Dining Room in a ‘gorgeously luxe basement room, with more than a touch of Deco swagger’ but where ‘the food didn’t quite fulfil the promise of a menu which reads beautifully’.

The sashimi was ‘impeccable’ and a truffled Jerusalem artichoke soup ‘shone’, a pickled onion and fig tart and confit duck salad ‘didn’t work at all’ and desserts ‘showed the heights the kitchen is capable of reaching’.

Crabshakk: 3 stars out of 5 for the food; 4 stars out of 5 for the ambience and service.

Dining Room: 2 stars out of 5 for the food; 3 stars out of 5 for the ambience; 4 stars out of 5 for the service.

Lisa Markwell, The Independent on Sunday

Lisa visits ‘crowd-pleasing’ ‘mini-chain’ Leon for ‘plain-speaking, good-tasting food’.

The chicken was ‘succulent’, the meatballs were ‘just the right side of spicy’ and the chilli was enjoyed ‘in silent satisfaction’. 14 out of 20.

Zoe Williams, The Telegraph

Zoe visits ‘fashion favourite’ Mildreds, a vegetarian restaurant in Soho, but ‘won’t be going back’ ‘any time soon’.

Halloumi ‘had ideas way above its station’, gyoza dumplings were ‘chalky and chewy’, the veggie burger ‘wasn’t bad value’, ‘the bap was flimsy and supermarketish’ but the chips were ‘absolutely brilliant’, and mock duck was ‘exactly as disgusting’ ‘as it sounds’. The puddings ‘were a little better’, including a chocolate truffle with passion fruit jelly that ‘was fine’ with ‘delicious’ jelly. 4 out of 10.

Jasper Gerard, The Telegraph

Jasper visits Dinings in Marylebone, which offers sushi and Japanese tapas with ‘uncompromising quality’ and ‘faultless’ freshness.

Scallop tartar tacos were ‘particularly delicious’, the soft-shell crab spring roll was ‘particularly delectable’ with a ‘wonderfully soft yet crunchy texture’, the spicy tuna wasabi rolls were ‘impressive’ and the lobster tempura was ‘pleasant enough’ but a ‘mild disappointment’. 8 out of 10.

David Sexton, The Evening Standard

David visits The Orange, an ‘absolute stronghold of Knightsbridge and Belgravia’ where the food is ‘not your common or garden comfort food’.

Smoked haddock, leek and potato cake ‘was just two wholly unchallenging, if rather dry, fishcakes’ and a green salad ‘was perfectly fresh and as inoffensive as they come’. A Lemon Sole special was ‘well-baked’, a braised rabbit and green olive ragout was ‘tender and well-flavoured’, and a “wood-fired pizza” of chicken, pancetta, sage and pecorino ‘was bland, even twee’. 2 stars out of 5.

Andrew Neather, The Evening Standard

Andrew visits Franco Manca, which is ‘as good as pizza gets’. The crust was ‘thin’, ‘crispy on the edges and at the very bottom’ and ‘soft in the middle’. The tomato sauce was ‘hard to fault’ and the toppings were ‘sparse but joyous’. 4 stars out of 5.

For more information about Bon Vivant, please visit our website at www.bonvivant.co.uk

The Developing Trends of 2010

Posted by Emyr Thomas

I originally wrote this article on the trends for 2010 around the New Year, but decided to delay its release as it seemed that everyone was writing a similar piece at that time and I thought that it would have more relevance a few months into the year.

2010 Trends

One of the few positive aspects of the recent economic climate is that we, as consumers, have become far more discerning and demanding. We have become more cautious about spending money, but when we do indulge, we want to maximise our spending power. Consequently, those who provide us with these goods and services will have to adapt to satisfy our changing needs and demands, and 2010 will hopefully be the year of wanting, and achieving, exactly what we want and doing so with value for money.

Pop-Ups

In London’s bar and restaurant scene, 2009 was, unquestionably, the year of the pop-up. The popular Double Club in Clerkenwell, the Bombay Sapphire Dusk Bar at Somerset House and Pierre Koffman’s rooftop restaurant at Selfridge’s to name a few. This trend is set to continue well into 2010, with Sketch running a pop-up cafe as part of the GSK Contemporary exhibition at the Royal Academy until the end of January.

Restaurateur Rebecca Mascarenhas has also recently announced a series of pop up nights in March at her Putney restaurant with celebrated chefs from The Square, Chez Bruce and Le Café Anglais, among others, to raise money for Action Against Hunger’s campaign for Haiti. The pop-up craze has also made its way to hotels, with Visit London and the Radisson Edwardian launching the world’s smallest pop-up hotel at various sites across London in March, consisting of a caravan doubling up as a mini boutique hotel.

Underground Restaurants

Another big trend for 2009 was the ‘underground restaurant’, with aspirational chefs opening up their homes to cook for strangers. The success of The Loft by Nuno Mendes in Dalston and the current praise for guerrilla restaurants such as Sheen Suppers means that the novelty factor might not simmer out for a while yet.

On a food note, small sharing plates and ‘international tapas’ was a big theme in 2009 and this looks set to continue with the latest triumph, Polpo, a Venetian bacaro in Soho, having already found a site for its second venue.

Hearty Fare

Nostalgic, hearty and British food is lined up for a welcome return during 2010. Dean Street Townhouse and Hix Soho have already established this food scene, and it looks set to continue with the re-opening of the Savoy Grill and Heston Blumenthal’s first foray into the London restaurant scene at the Mandarin Oriental later this year. St John and Hawksmoor both have plans to roll out their brands to other sites in the West End during the year as well.

Culinary Heavyweights

The big-hitters are certainly getting ready to invade London during 2010 – Along with Heston, Daniel Boulud, one of the most coveted chefs in the US, is set to open a restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental with his Bar Boulud, which is already a big success across the pond.

The Zetter hotel in Clerkenwell will welcome Bruno Loubet back to London and into the kitchen, Michel Roux Junior will open ‘Roux at Parliament Square’, Gordon Ramsay Holdings will re-launch Petrus, and Pierre Koffman is rumoured to be looking for a venue for another venture following the success of his pop-up restaurant. Looks like we’ll all be moving up a weight category in 2010.

Themed Dining

Something completely different that might take its place on the London dining scene this year is the emergence of the entertainment-focused restaurant. Proud Cabaret opened in the City in late 2009 and in January 2010, Circus opened in Covent Garden, with striking interiors designed by Tom Dixon.

Bring Your Own

A current, widely discussed, hot restaurant topic is the ability, or otherwise, to bring your own alcohol to a restaurant and the subsequent corkage fee. Restaurants are, as a rule, hesitant to implement this trend, but with consumers having so much influence on a restaurant’s success, people power might succeed in 2010.

Hotel Bars

Along with the continuation of the pop-up scenario, another big focus this year will be on the hotel bar scene. The Connaught hotel elevated the hotel bar to new heights throughout 2009, but with the emergence of many new luxury hotels due in 2010, including The Savoy, the Four Seasons on Park Lane, the W Hotel and the Dorchester Collection’s 45 park Lane, we could be in for a year of very stiff martinis.

Social Workout

Towards the end of the Summer of 2009, the re-launched Dorchester Spa in the Dorchester Hotel introduced the ethos of ‘a little of what you love is good for you’ with the Spatisserie concept – a place to have afternoon tea and champagne after a visit to the hotel’s spa or gym. 2010 may see this trend continuing with fitness centres embracing the concept of combining pleasures and offering a more social focus to fitness.

Travel Tips

For European travel, the regular hotspots are likely to remain popular this year, including Ibiza, the Cote d’Azur and Mykonos, with the emergence of Croatia and Montenegro in the South East. On an international basis, Brazil remains a hot destination, with South Africa becoming a feature to coincide with the World Cup.

The focus is likely to be on bespoke holidays, specifically tailored to the individual, and ensuring value for money, which could see luxury destinations offering their version of all-inclusive, and eco-luxury is certain to regain prominence. New hotels are expected to focus on a ‘country house chic’ vibe, in contrast to the dominance of minimalism in recent years.

For more information about Bon Vivant, please visit our website at www.bonvivant.co.uk

Bon Vivant’s Newsletter – 2 March 2010

Posted by Bon Vivant

Complimentary Glass of Champagne when Dining at Clos Maggiore

Just steps from the busy streets of Covent Garden, Clos Maggiore offers a fusion of contemporary French tastes and flavours and an award-winning wine list, all within the sumptuous surroundings of a Georgian townhouse. Clos Maggiore, with its muted lighting and open log fire, epitomises the ethos of a romantic restaurant.

Bon Vivant’s members receive a complimentary glass of champagne when dining in the restaurant.

Exclusive Offer – Adamina Spa

Within a five-minute walk from Kensington High Street Underground station you can be transported into an urban oasis away from the rigours of the hectic streets at the exclusive Adamina Day Spa, which provides the highest quality treatments in a sumptuous and relaxing environment. Offering a wide variety of treatments including facials, body wraps, nails and massages, Adamina also has facilities to treat photo damaged skin and hair removal and is one of only a few establishments in London with the latest ‘no pain’ Laser-Lipo technology.

Bon Vivant’s members receive a 20% discount on all treatments.

Hotel Offer – La Villa des Orangers, Marrakech

It’s not often that you can sleep in a former palace, but the lucky guests of La Villa des Orangers in Marrakech can enjoy just that. You won’t be fitted with a crown upon arrival, but the rest of the treatment you receive will certainly leave you feeling royal. You’ll wake up each morning surrounded by rich, sumptuous fabrics, carved wood antique furnishings and, for a taste of home, satellite TV. A delicious breakfast of fresh juice, Moroccan mint tea, and various savouries will arrive on your private terrace each morning. They are to be enjoyed, at your leisure, while overlooking the bustling maze of the Marrakech medina. The next steps are up to you, but may include a cooling dip in the rooftop pool, a rest in the shade of a tile fountain, or an adventure outside to explore the sights, sounds, and delightful smells of Marrakech’s central market.

Bon Vivant’s members receive a complimentary upgrade, breakfast, airport transfer, internet access, a bottle of wine on arrival and complimentary lunch for two.

Events

Below we have included a selection of the events occurring over the next few weeks. If you would like to book tickets for any of these events, please contact us. Please note that these events are available to members and non-members.

Noble Gift Gala, 13 March 2010

Eva Longoria Parker and Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK would like to extend an invitation to you to join them for an incredible event. The Noble Gift Gala will take place on March 13th in London at The Dorchester Hotel. Your participation at The Noble Gift Gala will help them to capture and build momentum for the invaluable work of the foundations involved and the positive message this event delivers.

This gala is an exclusive event supported by HRH Prince Azim of Brunei, and includes a night of entertainment, music, dinner and exclusive access to celebrities raising funds for Eva’s Heroes and Make-A-Wish UK.

The Prince’s Trust Spring Ball, The Hurlingham Club, 18 March 2010

The Prince’s Trust Spring Ball is now in its second year and will take place at The Hurlingham Club, London, on Thursday 18th March 2010, and will feature performances from Alison Moyet, the Noisettes and Britain’s Got Talent dance group, Flawless. The event will be hosted by GMTV’s Jenni Falconer and you can dance the night away with Radio One DJ, Scott Mills.

The evening will involve a cocktail reception and a three-course gourmet dinner with wine.

Price per person: £400 + VAT

Whitney Houston, The O2 Arena, 25, 26, 28 April 2010

We are delighted to offer official VIP hospitality to see the legendary Whitney Houston live in concert at the O2 Arena. Whitney Houston is one of the bestselling female artists of all time, having sold over 140 million albums worldwide. The concert will be the must see show of the year as Whitney returns to perform her first major tour in eleven years.

We can offer box seats that include access to the VIP lounge before and after the show.

Price per person: £300 + VAT

Mayweather vs. Mosley, Las Vegas, 1 May 2010

The most anticipated boxing fight of the year is taking place in Las Vegas in May and Bon Vivant can arrange tickets starting at $610 per person. We can also plan your whole trip, including flights, hotels, restaurants and excursions.

Chanel Show, St Tropez, 12 May 2010

We are delighted to invite you to attend Chanel’s biggest show of 2010, held in St Tropez, where some of the biggest names and followers of fashion will be in attendance.

The ticket involves top viewing seats and access to the exclusive official after party.

Price per person: £1,650 + VAT

The Butterfly Ball, Battersea, 20 May 2010

The 2010 Butterfly Ball takes place on Thursday May 20^th and will include exclusive performances by Sir Elton John and special guests. Confirmed celebrity guests include Elizabeth Hurley and Joan Collins with more to follow.

Price per package:

Platinum VIP: Tables of ten at £16,500+VAT

Gold tables: Tables of ten at £11,000+VAT

Silver tables: Tables of ten at £5,500+VAT

Below is a selection of the concerts being held over the next few months, for which Bon Vivant can obtain VIP block and box seats.

O2 Arena Dates

Dave Matthews Band – 6^th March 2010
Dizzee Rascal and Lily Allen – 7^th March 2010
Stereophonics – 10^th March 2010
Katherine Jenkins – 13^th March 2010
Whitney Houston – 25^th, 26^th, 28^th April 2010
Black Eyed Peas (featuring Cheryl Cole) – 5^th, 6^th, 27^th, 28^th May 2010
Rhianna – 10^th, 11^th May 2010
Westlife – 12^th – 14^th May 2010
Michael Buble – 15^th, 16^th May 2010
Alicia Keys – 25^th, 26^th May 2010
Lady Gaga – 30^th May 2010
Bon Jovi – June 2010
Leona Lewis – June 2010

Wembley Arena Dates

Stereophonics – 11^th March 2010
50 Cent – 20^th March 2010

Summary of Restaurant Reviews – 1 March 2010

Posted by Bon Vivant

Welcome to Bon Vivant’s summary of the restaurant reviews from the weekend’s national newspapers. Enjoy!

Giles Coren, The Times

Giles visits Aqua Kyoto, a ‘bustling’ Japanese restaurant ‘high up in the roof’ ‘with stunning night views over Regent Street’ and ‘really terrific cocktails’ where the ‘food was pretty fantastic’.

The sushi was ‘first class’ and scallops were ‘polar fresh and buttery’. Spinach rolls were ‘really excellent’, deep-fried agedashi tofu was ‘a very decent substitute for the traditional chicken version’ and grilled eel teriyaki was ‘excellent’. 7 out of 10.

AA Gill, The Sunday Times

AA Gill visits a selection of restaurants in New York. Momofuku Milk Bar had a menu of ‘cakes and pies’ where pork buns were ‘by far and away the best thing, the reason for coming here’. DBGB, Daniel Boulud’s more casual restaurant with a ‘1980s Conran’ look had ‘deeply unpleasant black pudding’, a Vermont sausage with cheese ‘that was like eating an infected toe’ and ‘the best thing was the house hot dog’.

The Breslin, a ‘busy, dark dining room’ at the new Ace hotel, from the cook from the Spotted Pig ‘is one hell of a restaurant’. The full English breakfast was ‘well made’, the Caesar salad and steak and egg were ‘good’ and a grilled three-cheese and ham sandwich was ‘brilliant’.

Momofuku Milk Bar 4 stars out of 5; DBGB Kitchen and Bar 3 stars out of 5; The Breslin 4 stars out of 5.

Matthew Norman, The Guardian

Matthew visits the ‘ultra-voguish’ Dean Street Townhouse in Soho, which ‘is as close to flawless as seems decent’. The lighting and acoustics were ‘flawless’, the service ‘lavishly attentive without being oppressive’ and the food ‘exceedingly good’.

Twice-baked smoked haddock soufflé was ‘wonderful and savoury with a lovely, buttery sauce’, and onion tart with caramelised sweetbreads and grilled squid were both faultless.

The salt beef was ‘huge and the flavour authentic’, fish and chips was ‘excellent’, and ‘the ultra-faddish chicken and leek pie’ was ‘the pick of the bunch’. No rating given.

John Walsh, The Independent

John reviews Kitchen W8 in Kensington, where ‘the décor is rather stark’ and ‘the waiters’ know ‘their stuff’.

Chicken and mushroom ravioli was ‘light and utterly delicious’ and thinly sliced smoked eel with grilled mackerel was ‘as pretty as an English watercolour’. Pork cheeks with black pudding ‘were cooked to a densely flavoured succulence’ and the John Dory was ‘delicious, perfectly well cooked’ but ‘too sweet’. The puddings, including a rhubarb fool, ‘were wonderful’. 4 stars out of 5 for the food; 3 stars out of 5 for the ambience; 5 stars out of 5 for the service.

Toby Young, The Independent on Sunday

Toby visits Pearl Liang in the Paddington Basin, where the front-of-house manager is ‘a model of courtesy’ and the furniture is ‘reassuringly dysfunctional’.

The prawn dumplings were ‘nothing to write home about’, the pork bun, shu mai and glutinous rice were ‘all very tasty’ and the barbecued pork puffs were ‘sweet and rich’ and ‘best of all’. 14 out of 20.

Zoe Williams, The Telegraph

Zoe visits the ‘incredibly traditional’ Camellia in Horsham, West Sussex, where ‘the atmosphere is what the word ‘hush’ was invented for’, and the menu ‘as eternal as food itself’ with ‘some quirky touches’.

Scallops with crab ravioli and braised fennel had a ‘wonderful flavour’, the Cowfold quail ‘was absolutely terrific – tender, distinctive and subtly gamey’, slow-cooked Sussex fillet of beef ‘was very good’ and the seared sea bream with wild mushrooms ‘was very professional’. 7.5 out of 10.

Jasper Gerard, The Telegraph

Jasper visits Gilpin Lodge in Cumbria and loves the ‘friendly informality’ of the ‘jewel in the crowd’ of the Lake District.

A ballotine of organic salmon with caviar and ‘a dollop of crème fraîche’ was ‘simple’ and ‘delicious’, braised lamb was ‘everything I remembered’, twice-baked goat’s cheese soufflé was ‘particularly picturesque’ and roasted breast of corn-fed Goosnargh duck was ‘very punchy, almost like venison, and waddles along delightfully with buttery celeriac and potato gratin’. Pistachio and olive oil cake was ‘winningly moist and crumbly’. 8 out of 10.

Chris Blackhurst, The Evening Standard

Chris visits Benares in Mayfair, which has a ‘buzziness and warmth about the atmosphere that some Mayfair establishments lack’, where ‘the decor has been lightened and the place feels less stuffy’ but ‘is far from cheap’

Tandoor-roasted rabbit in a spicy crust marinade was ‘jolly good’ and a tandoori rattan had ‘hot and juicy’ lamb, chicken that was ‘bursting with herbs’ and a ‘plump and sweet’ prawn.

Main of murg korma (tandoori chicken supreme with korma sauce and smoked courgette) and mongsho ghughni (roast Romney Marsh lamb rump on rosemary sweet potato and chickpeas) were both ‘delicious’. 4 stars out of 5.

For more information about Bon Vivant, please visit our website at www.bonvivant.co.uk