23/02/26

Review of Tortello

Set just moments from the Italian Gardens in Hyde Park, Tortello arrives as one of London’s most charming new Italian restaurants. Overlooking the water and greenery, this trattoria-style restaurant pairs park views with the comforting hum of soulful Italian cooking.

To start, I ordered the beef carpaccio, delicately sliced and beautifully arranged, topped with peppery rocket, generous shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano and a light drizzle of balsamic. It was fresh, balanced and exactly what you want from a classic done well, allowing the quality of the beef to shine without unnecessary embellishment.

For my main, the Delica pumpkin Tortelli was the clear standout. Perfectly pleated parcels arrived coated in a glossy brown butter emulsion, finished with crispy sage and toasted hazelnuts. The filling was naturally sweet and silky, offset by the nuttiness of the butter and the crunch of hazelnut. It was comforting yet refined, with each element thoughtfully composed.

To finish, I went for the hazelnut tiramisù with Maldon salt and salted caramel. It offered a playful twist on the traditional, striking a careful balance between sweet and savoury. The mascarpone was light, the coffee flavour present but not overpowering, and the hazelnut added depth without making it heavy. Indulgent, but not overwhelming.

The drinks list is proudly Italian, with spritzes, a concise wine selection and proper espresso to round things off. Combined with the warm, relaxed interiors and terrace views over Hyde Park. Tortello feels both destination worthy and effortlessly easy. A confident new opening that celebrates handmade pasta with care and character.

Address: Royal London Lancaster, Lancaster Terrace, London, W2 2TY

For more information click here.

Written by Enytha Peer

Photography courtesy of Tortello

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with Cutter & Squidge’s Limited-Edition Lunar New Year Collection

FOOD

Review of Velvet Tacos at Broadgate

FOOD

Review of Ivan Ramen in Farringdon

FOOD

Review of Via Emilia, Notting Hill: A homage to northern Italian pasta

Shakespeare-inspired Free Public Art in Shoreditch

Dec 2, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Dec 3, 2024

Shakespeare enthusiasts, head to the Stage in Shoreditch to see their newest art installation, Winter’s Ethereal Glow. You’ll be able to enjoy a series of window displays inspired by scenes of The Winter’s Tale, created with Global Street Art.

The first window will make use of an intricate silhouette technique, with cutouts layered on top of each other and illuminated such that they cast dynamic shadows, adding depth and movement to the scene. In the central window, delicate die-cut wooden panels will be paired with vibrant coloured Perspex, using lighting and reflective materials to form a dazzling display of colour, thus creating a modern stained-glass effect to visually tell the story of key moments from the play.

It is worth noting that the Stage is intrinsically linked to Shakespeare: the remains of the Curtain Playhouse have been excavated within its very grounds! Shakespeare’s acting troupe used the theater as their base for 2 years, before moving on to the Globe. The exact location of the theater was lost, and unknown until 2011, when the archeological discovery was made. As such, the Museum of Shakespeare will open in 2025, within the remains of the Curtain Playhouse at the Stage.

Artistically, Winter’s Ethereal Glow is therefore at an interesting junction between tradition and modernity. The innovative techniques used to design the window displays enable a new approach to the timeless, universal themes of The Winter’s Tale: time, change, and renewal, power of redemption and healing. Perfect topics to reflect on during the festive season, especially in such a historically meaningful location.

From Wednesday 4th December, visitors are invited to watch the installations as they are being set up. The ‘Winter’s Ethereal Glow’ windows will be completed and open for full public viewing from Monday 9th December, and the display will be in place until January 2025.

Address: 22 Hewett Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3NL

Website: https://www.thestageshoreditch.com/news/community-and-events/winters-ethereal-glow

Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt

Photography courtesy of The Stage