Monthly Archives: March 2011

Sao Paulo's Top Restaurant Comes to The Loft Project

Posted by Bon Vivant

Japanese-Brazilian chef Tsuyoshi Murakami, owner of São Paulo’s top Japanese Restaurant, Kinoshita, will visit London from 7th to 10th April to showcase his cuisine. Murakami is seen as the pioneer of the Kappo Cuisine in Brazil, a style of haute Japanese cuisine that aims to stimulate diverse sensations through the combination of rare and exotic aromas, textures and ingredients. Tsuyoshi Murakami will be hosting two dinners at Nuno Mendes’s Loft Project on 8th and 9th April – for reservations, please visit www.theloftproject.co.uk.

The Loft Project works as a temporary restaurant where chefs from top kitchens around the world are invited to host dinners for guests around one communal table. The Loft Project is located in Unit 2A Quebec Wharf, 315 Kingsland Road, London E8 4DJ.

At The Loft Project, he will be serving his creations under the Kappo Cuisine ethos like “Oyster Shot” – Oyster, salmon roe, Uni and quail egg yolk served in Ponzu sauce; “Sea Scallop Ceviche” – Fresh sea scallops marinated in Leche de Tigre and “Chocomoti Coffee Ice Mochi” with a Valrhona Jivara chocolate filling served with white coffee ice cream.

The Malmaison Manchester

Posted by Emyr Thomas

Emyr Thomas visits The Malmaison Manchester Hotel.

We are fortunate in London that we’re based in a travel hub to the rest of the world, with flights to large parts of Europe at little more than 2 hours in duration.

Of course, this doesn’t include the travel time to and from the airport, the early arrival at the airport, or the queues at security, but it’s worth the sacrifice to be able to visit another country and experience its culture in a short weekend break.

We often forget, however, that there are vibrant cities, bustling towns and quaint villages worth exploring all across the UK as well, with one such place being Manchester, a mere two hours by train from London Euston.

If limiting your travel time is a priority for you, then look no further than the Malmaison Manchester, which has a perfect setting a short stroll from both the train station and the main shopping district.

The Malmaison Manchester’s entrance is dark and sultry with plush velvet sofas and dimmed mood lighting, a theme that continues throughout the hotel with its signature black and red colour scheme.

Each of the 167 rooms at The Malmaison Manchester have all the modern features you could wish for, including satellite TV, iPod docking station and wireless internet, and the Malmaison-branded toiletries come with a sign encouraging you to take them home, so it really would be rude not to indulge.

The wifi is free for up to 30 minutes anywhere in the hotel, or it’s available for longer, uninterrupted, periods at £7.50 for 8 hours or £10 for 24 hours.

The Malmaison Manchester hotel has a number of suites, the most popular of which are the ‘True Blue’ and the ‘The Best’, each a homage to Manchester’s football heritage, and the ‘super suites’ – the theatrical ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ – both of which have a raised bath tub and big plasma screens in the living room.

The Malmaison Brasserie offers simple, classic British fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, including Lancaster smoked salmon and trout and Goosnargh chicken and duck.

The menu is already reasonably priced, but the brasserie also offers a special menu of two courses for two people with a bottle of wine and coffee for £30, which is great value by any standard.

The hotel offers a 24-hour room service menu and I can vouch that both the bacon sandwich and cheese on toast make ideal midnight snacks.

The Mal bar continues with the dark, seductive mood, which spills out to the reception area in the early evenings, creating a buzzy and convivial atmosphere that’s a perfect complement to the warm, friendly and welcoming service from the front of house staff.

The Malmaison Manchester’s five meeting rooms and private dining room are in high demand and feature all the modern facilities and audio-visual equipment you could hope for, and for those who want to be pampered, ‘le petit spa’ features a sauna, solarium and spa with ESPA products as well as a dedicated nail and fake tan booth.

The great location, welcoming service and reasonable price make the Malmaison Manchester an ideal spot for a weekend city break and, better still, you’ll be back home on the Sunday in less than three hours.

Our luxury travel service would love to plan your next weekend getaway – contact us now to enquire about membership.

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Looking for similar content? Read our guide to the best luxury hotels near London.

The Best Brunch in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

The best part of a weekend has to be long, lingering brunch with family or friends. Here are Bon Vivant’s suggestions for the best brunch in London.

Caravan, Clerkenwell

Caravan offers a weekend brunch menu to rival any in London in a relaxed and effortlessly cool setting on Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell. The New Zealand influenced restaurant has its own coffee roaster, so flat whites are very popular too.

The open plan layout and double facing glassed front make this an ideal location for enjoying a vibrant part of London. Caravan has a second outpost on Granary Square behind King’s Cross station, Caravan King’s Cross, both of which serve some of the best coffee in London.

Hawksmoor, Shoreditch

Although more widely known for being one of London’s best steakhouses, Hawksmoor is fast becoming renowned for its weekend brunch menu offering a mammoth Hawksmoor Full English for two people to share and roast beef with all the trimmings available on Sundays.

The Modern Pantry, Clerkenwell

Anna Hansen’s acclaimed Clerkenwell restaurant The Modern Pantry serves an excellent weekend brunch in light, bright surroundings on a beautiful square in Clerkenwell, claimed by many to offer the best brunch in London.

The restaurant also has a large terrace to make the most of the sunshine in the summer months, making The Modern Pantry one of the best alfresco restaurants in London.

Cecconi’s, Mayfair

Serving fine Italian food from the morning until the early hours, Cecconi’s is a perfect spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch and a great way to break up a day’s shopping on nearby Bond Street.

Cecconi’s is fun and glamorous, with a real buzz about the place – and Prosecco on tap in never a bad thing, especially for a weekend brunch.

The Wolseley, Mayfair

The Wolseley has maintained its place as one of London’s chicest destination for breakfast, with businessmen and fashionistas flocking there for the grand dining room and people watching.

The Wolseley is one of the classic restaurants in London for a power breakfast meeting and certainly offers some of the best brunch in London.

34 Restaurant

The new brunch menu at 34 Restaurant offers eggs with a twist – lobster, crab, grilled asparagus, black pudding, smoked salmon, chorizo and much more. Grills include spatchcock chicken, pork belly, swordfish and steak; and brunch staples like buttermilk pancakes, pasta and Caesar salad are also available.

A Sunday roast with all the trimmings is available for Sunday brunch.

The Delaunay, Aldwych

The Delaunay, sister restaurant to The Wolseley and Brasserie Zedel from restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, sits on the corner of Drury Lane and Aldwych.

The restaurant is open seven days a week – until midnight from Monday to Saturday and 11pm on Sunday – serving breakfast, afternoon tea, and à la carte lunch and dinner menus ‘inspired by the grand cafés of Europe’. They also serve some of the best brunch in London.

Riding House Café

The team behind the acclaimed Garrison and Village East in Bermondsey opened the Riding House Café, an all day Brasserie offering a selection of small plates to share as well as traditional main courses in Fitzrovia. The restaurant has a great vibe and a ‘buzzy’ bar area too.

Pizza East, Shoreditch

Housed in the Tea Building, adjacent to Shoreditch House, Pizza East forms part of the Soho House Group, where the vibe is a cool mix of American and Italian. While the menu focuses on pizzas, including a full English breakfast pizza, the menu does offer more traditional brunch items as well.

Dean Street Townhouse, Soho

Dean Street Townhouse serves classic British cuisine from first thing in the morning until the early hours. The weekend brunch menu offers a full range of breakfast classics as well as a traditional Sunday roast. The pitchers of Bloody Mary are always popular too!

York & Albany

A short stroll from Regents Park you’ll find Gordon Ramsay’s York & Albany, housed in a converted coaching inn. After brunch, you can visit the adjoining deli, Nonna’s, to purchase items to take home with you, or you could even check in to one of the bedrooms in the hotel upstairs.

Lantana

This delightful coffee house is nestled down a lane in Fitzrovia. Lantana’s Australian ownership is reflected in the brunch style dishes, flat whites and relaxed atmosphere.

The cakes are particularly good and breakfast dishes always delight. Lantana offers some of the best brunch in London.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club, just off Upper Street in Islington, offers a casual, quirky environment for a weekend brunch. Serving a range of classic brunch dishes, from pancakes to eggs Benedict, at an affordable price, the café is very popular, so expect to queue!

Fifteen London, Old Street

Fifteen London is the flagship of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen group, which aims to give opportunities to disadvantaged youngsters. An emphasis is placed on making everything in-house and particular praise must be given to the homemade jam, which alone is a reason for visiting.

Saturday Jazz Brunch at Le Caprice

Le Caprice has launched its Saturday Jazz Brunch featuring the musical styling of Dom Pipkin. Best known for his soulful New Orleans sound, Dom has played sessions with the likes of Ray Davies and Morcheeba, and is currently the man leading the band for Paloma Faith. Saturday Jazz Brunch happens twice a month from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Apero at The Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington

Set in the bright and airy cellar arches of The Ampersand Hotel, Apero brings a stylish and satisfyingly gentle twist to a weekend brunch.

The menu covers pretty much all the classic choices, from the Full English Breakfast, Grilled Kippers and Eggs Benedict to some slightly more adventurous alternatives such as O’Sheas Beef Onglet and Fried Egg, Beetroot Risotto or Pancakes with honeycomb butter and caramalised banana.

There’s also an excellent selection of cocktails and mocktails. The feel is relaxed, fresh and crisp; with glossy white tiles, beautiful teal and navy leather seating and dark wood finishes.

London’s top hotels are also well known for their brunch offerings, including Helene Darroze’s champagne brunch at The Connaught and the St John Hotel on Leicester Square is popular for their the ‘Breakfast Buns’.

If you liked this top 10 feature on the best brunch in London, why not read our guide to the most romantic restaurants in London, the best cocktail bars in London or the best alfresco restaurants in London?

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Trishna Restaurant: Not Your Average Curry Night

Posted by Bon Vivant

On 20 March 2011, Trishna restaurant and wine experts WineChap will launch Trishna’s new monthly pairing evenings. Not Your Average Curry Night – Thinking Outside the Bottle will be London’s only regular evening that pairs wine, beer as well as cider with an Indian menu, for £45 per person.

Not Your Average Curry Night is part of a series of celebrations to announce the arrival of new Head Chef Karam Sethi to Trishna restaurant in Marylebone. Karam started at Trishna in February 2011, previously working at Bukhara in Delhi (a regular on the San Pellegrino, World’s 50 Best Restaurants) and Trishna in Mumbai.

For reservations please contact us or call the restaurant on 020 7935 562.

The London Guide: News, Updates and Launches

Posted by Bon Vivant

Welcome to Bon Vivant’s latest article on the current news, openings and recommendations for London’s restaurant, bar and hotel scene. If you would like further information or to make a reservation, please contact us.

Polpo’s New Sibling

Spuntino is the new venture from the team behind Polpo and Polpetto, the successful Venetian ‘bacaros’ in Soho, opening on 14 March. Spuntino will also feature sharing plates, but inspired by New York instead of Italy. Like its sister restaurants, Spuntino has a no reservation policy for dinner, so expect to queue as this place is bound to be as popular.

The Modern Pantry Goes West

From 21st March for four weeks only, Anna Hansen’s acclaimed Clerkenwell restaurant The Modern Pantry will bring its fusion cooking to Meza in Soho, where the bar will also feature some of The Modern Pantry’s most popular cocktails.

Pollen Street Social

Jason Atherton, formerly of Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and one of his brightest protégés, will open Pollen Street Social in Mayfair, which will also feature London’s first dessert bar. Reservation lines are set to open on 31st March, three weeks before the doors open to the public on 18th April.

New Italian in Chelsea

Venosi, on Sloane Avenue in the heart of Chelsea, is the new venture from Luigi Venosi, who has worked in the restaurant industry for 40 years. Venosi is an elegant Italian restaurant full of old school charm and hospitality, combining simple, quality cooking and ingredients with the kind of service that will make you return again and again.

Bistro Du Vin Opens in Clerkenwell

On Friday 8 April, Bistro du Vin Clerkenwell will open next to Smithfield Market, which will be Hotel du Vin’s first foray into the London scene. One of the winners of Michel Roux’s ‘Service’ featured on BBC television, Danielle Meenagh, will be one of the sommeliers. The Bistro will be open all day, from breakfast until 3am.

Boisdale Expands into Canary Wharf

Boisdale, the Scottish restaurant and jazz bar, which currently has locations in Belgravia and Bishopsgate will expand its offering in April with a 12,000 sq ft site in Canary Wharf. Boisdale of Canary Wharf will feature two restaurants, a caviar and oyster bar, the world’s largest whisky bar, a Cuban cigar shop & sampling room and a 1,000 sq ft cigar terrace, with Jools Holland as Patron of Music.

The Corinthia Hotel

The Corinthia near Whitehall is due to open on 2 April and will have a bar and restaurant designed by David Collins. The restaurant, Massimo’s, will be overseen by Italian chef Massimo Riccioli, who also runs La Rosetta in Rome. The menu will be focused on seafood, with crudo, antipasti and oysters served at the bar throughout the day.

The Zetter Townhouse

In Clerkenwell, The Zetter is due to open a sister property in April across the road from the original boutique hotel in a Georgian townhouse which will have the feel of a private residence rather than hotel with just 11 rooms, two suites and a lounge and cocktail bar, all designed by interior designer Russell Sage, with cocktails from renowned mixologist Tony Conigliaro from 69 Colebroke Row.

New Bar at Semplice

Michelin starred Italian restaurant, Ristorante Semplice, will be launching a new bar and a private dining room at the end of March. The bar will serve a selection of classic Italian snacks for those who only want to visit for a drink.

The London Sky Bar Launches

The London Sky Bar situated on the 29th floor of Milbank Tower in the heart of Westminster, right next to the London Eye, The Houses of Parliament and The Thames has recently opened. The venue commands stunning 360-degree views of London and its prominent landmarks and features a cocktail ‘pharmacy’, listed in a menu under sections such as “aphrodisiacs”, “stress relievers” and “pain killers”.

The opening of The Gilbert Scott, Marcus Wareing’s British brasserie, has been postponed until May. For reservations or to make enquiries about the services that we offer, please contact us.

Gourmet Traveller: Recommended Food & Restaurant Blogs

Posted by Bon Vivant

Continuing with the theme of restaurant and food blogs that I enjoy reading, here’s a Q&A session with Debbie from Gourmet Traveller.

Name of Blog and Blogger:

Gourmet Traveller, Debbie

How would you describe your blog?

An equal mix of restaurant reviews (both London and further afield) and recipes, with some other food and wine related titbits thrown in for good measure.

What’s your favourite restaurant in London?

I’ve been going to The Ledbury for years and have yet to have a meal there that is less than superb. The restaurant is refined yet unstuffy, and Brett Graham’s well-considered plates are absolute works of art. For days when I’m seeking something more low-key Sakana-tei is a favourite.

What makes the perfect restaurant for you?

Good food is a given, but the service and ambience is just as important. I do plenty of cooking at home so when I eat out I like to be looked after and given the chance to unwind – places like Bob Bob Ricard and Scott’s do this impeccably.

What’s next on your hit list?

Having perhaps already tried THE opening of 2011 (Dinner by Heston), and being slightly disappointed, I’m now currently on a stint of revisiting old favourites but I also want to get down to New Cross for burgers at #Meateasy, and of course, Jason Atherton’s highly-anticipated Pollen Street Social when that opens in April.

Are you excited about any new openings during 2011?

I am quite excited by the rumours that French Laundry & Per Se’s Thomas Keller will be doing a pop-up restaurant at Harrods sometime this year.

If you could give a new restaurant advice before opening, what would it be?

Location, location, location. The amount of restaurants that pop up and disappear within months due to poor research of the area and demographic constantly baffles me.

Which of the newspaper reviewers do you like / hate the most?

Hands down my top pick would be Marina O’Loughlin. I really enjoy her writing style and the fact that she doesn’t take herself too seriously. Unlike A.A. Gill, who I just cannot bear.

What’s your favourite post on your blog?

I’m not sure I could single one out, it’s seems wrong – like having a favourite child! I’ve had much positive response to the London BYO List and Sushi in London series of posts, so perhaps those.

What’s the future direction of your blog?

More of the same really. I have a couple of eating trips lined up to the US (San Francisco, Napa and Vegas) and San Sebastian, so will be covering those in a series of posts in the near future.

Which other blogs, food or otherwise, would you recommend?

LondonEater for the sumptuous photography and thoughtful reviews, Bincho Yakitori’s Blood+Wasabi is one of the most interesting restaurant blogs I’ve read, and Cooking Issues – the French Culinary Institutes’ blog that feature riveting in-depth posts on everything from unusual citrus varietals to instructions on making stretchy chewy ice cream.

Where to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London

Posted by Bon Vivant

Article written in March 2011.

Here’s our selection of the best Irish venues at which to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London. Let us know if you have your own suggestions to add.

Vinopolis

On the 17th and 18th of March, Vinopolis will be offering a special St Patrick’s Day wine and whiskey tastings, which will also include a pint of Guinness and home-made steak and Guinness pie. For every ticket purchased, 5% of the value will be donated to Comic Relief.

Corrigan’s Mayfair

Corrigan’s Mayfair and its chef, Richard Corrigan, will be celebrating St Patrick with a week long festival of Irish food. The restaurant will offer an Irish Market Menu for £27.00 for three courses, including of a 250ml carafe of wine. Daily Irish specials will be available in the a la carte menu, and the cheese trolley will be entirely Irish for the week.

Lutyens

From Monday 14 to Friday 18 March, Lutyens restaurant will celebrate the Irish heritage of head chef David Burke, where menus will include Irish ingredients and recipes, and the bar will feature special Irish oysters and cocktails.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill

Bentley’s will celebrate St Patrick’s Day with an Irish buffet lunch (including Oysters, Smoked Salmon, Irish Stew, Whiskey Apple Pie and Irish Cheeses), with live music and Irish dancing as entertainment.

St Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade

On Sunday 13 March, central London will witness a full parade of floats, marching bands and dancers with live music and performances along the parade route, which passes Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street and Trafalgar Square.

Traditional Irish Pubs

Most people will be celebrating with a pint of Guinness in one of the many Irish pubs in London – our suggestions would be Waxy O’Conner’s or The Tipperary – enjoy!

Travel Guide: St Barths Hotels

Posted by Emyr Thomas

Read Bon Vivant’s Guide to St Barths, including its best hotels and restaurants.

Le Sereno

Beautifully designed by Christian Liaigre, Le Sereno are effortlessly stylish. With four-poster beds, large terraces and rainfall showers, the rooms are spacious, modern and sophisticated.

The main pool, which seems to extend into the sea, is the focal point of the hotel, and with its position next to the restaurant, someone is always on hand to replenish your cocktail.

The hotel sits on the Grand-Cul-de-Sac, a short stroll from an abundance of water sports for the active traveller, and guests can also use the hotel’s canoe to explore the neighbouring coves.

Carl Gustaf

The Carl Gustaf, with its prime position in the hills overlooking the marina, is the perfect base from which to explore Gustavia’s stylish boutiques and super yachts.

There are only 14 rooms, but each is a one or two bedroom suite with a terrace, private plunge pool, sitting area and kitchenette, while the Royal Suite has four separate en suite bedrooms and several terraces to maximise the beautiful views of the marina and the endless blue sea.

Isle de France

The Hotel Saint Barth Isle De France lies on Flamands Beach, one of the best beaches on the island, with picture perfect pristine white sand and turquoise sea. The 12 beachfront rooms are prized possessions, including the new beach suites with private plunge pools, while the remaining cottages, located in the garden area at the rear of the hotel, all have large terraces.

The hotel is effortlessly stylish, making great use of its beach location and, with one of the beachfront rooms, you’ll struggle to find a more idyllic view anywhere on the island.

The Caribbean on the whole may not be known for its cuisine, but St Bart’s is a welcoming exception. On The Rocks at the Eden Rock hotel, which offers French cuisine with a Caribbean twist, has a romantic and serene setting with panoramic sea views and crashing waves all around.

The most formal restaurant on the island, Le Gaiac at Le Toiny, has a distinct focus on haute cuisine and makes its mark as the only property to have the Relais Chateaux affiliation. With its glorious views, faultless service and, most importantly, exceptional French and Creole cuisine, Le Gaiac offers fine dining at its very finest.

For further information or to make a reservation, please contact your concierge.

Morton’s Club, Berkeley Square

Posted by Bon Vivant

Morton’s Club is an elegant and contemporary private members’ club overlooking Berkeley Square in Mayfair. The first floor restaurant is the heart of the house, with high ceilings, impressive artwork and a picturesque balcony for alfresco summer dining. The night lounge on the lower ground floor features house DJs and is one of London’s most chic clubs.

The committee of Morton’s Club represent an eclectic mix of high profile individuals from industries such as fashion, film, property and finance who are bound by common interests and shared passions; art, food and wine.

Bon Vivant’s members can make reservations for a party of up to 12 people in both the restaurant and the night lounge and Morton’s Club will waive the £250 joining fee for members of Bon Vivant until 31 March. Contact us to arrange an introductory meeting or to make any reservations.