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Peckhams’ well known for its quirky, inexpensive bars and bistros, and the newly opened ‘Pedler Good Fortune’ is one to add to your SE15 hit list if you’re in the area and looking for somewhere unique to eat and drink. Formerly known as just ‘Pedler’ they opened back in 2014 and were originally located in Peckham Rye Park. The newly rebranded ‘Pedler Good Fortune’ is now just a stone’s throw from Queens Road Peckham station. Hidden behind potted bamboo, the frosted glass glows yellow in the evening. If the exterior works its charm and entices you inside, you’ll find yourself in a dimly lit, cosy craft gin bar. Eclectic vintage furniture gives everything a glamorous feel – think ornate lampshades, naked bulbs hanging from the ceiling, and plush velvet seating. Behind the main bar is a gin distillery where ‘Littlebird Gin’ is handmade and bottled in-house – cool right?! The lovely staff made the atmosphere – we were greeted with smiles and laughter and taken down a plant-covered spiral staircase to the dining area that comfortably seats around 25 people. The space feels surprisingly bright and spacious for an underground dining spot with neon lights (my favourite being the waving cat) and lanterns that dot the eccentrically wallpapered walls. We visited on a Thursday evening to try out the dinner menu, but ‘Pedler Good Fortune’ also boasts a fusion brunch menu offering up traditional full breakfasts for meat-eaters and veggies alike as well as pancakes, Asian brunch plates, and ‘morning tipples’ for those in the mood for a boozy brunch. We started with pints of Kirin Ichiban (the on-tap beer) but they also had a selection of bottled beers and a cocktail menu. The dinner menu, designed for sharing, didn’t disappoint. We were very much up for taking staff recommendations on what to order – we ordered one large plate, three smaller dishes, and one side and this was the perfect amount of food for two leaving enough room for dessert and a cocktail. What we ordered for two: Mr. G’s Whole Sticky Seabream (Soy, Ginger, Honey, Crispy Rice GF) Crab & Green Mango Salad (Chilli, Basil, Mint & Tangerine GF) Prawn & Cod Dumplings (XO Sauce, Garlic Chips, Ketjap Manis) Peanut Butter Tofu Buns (Burnt Chilli Mayo, Sesame, Pickles V/VEO) Katsu Fries Everything we ordered was full of flavour – stand-out dishes in particular being the seabream and the prawn and cod dumplings. The sea bream was fragrant – soy ginger and honey flavours came through in the crispy skin that was almost batter-like but very light. The fish itself was soft, moist, and flaky – I’ve never had fish like this before. The fish came whole but it wasn’t overly bony and it was beautifully presented (which is hard to do with a whole fish!). The prawn and cod dumplings also deserve some recognition. The dumplings were plump and filled with a pillowy seafood stuffing and the spicy XO sauce (spicy seafood sauce from Hong Kong with an umami flavour) with the Ketjap Manis (a thick, Indonesian sweet soy sauce) married everything together perfectly flavour wise. For dessert, we opted for a portion of the matcha ice cream to share and a nightcap (in the form of a cocktail) each from the fabulous drinks menu. The matcha ice cream was the perfect dessert after the mains – light and sweet with a touch of matcha that wasn’t too overpowering. The ice cream was served with seeded rice crackers which at first I thought seemed a bit strange but they complimented the ice cream really well. We ordered an Aperol spritz and an espresso martini to finish things off – both were delicious and served in lovely glasses. The service didn’t miss a beat and they even gave us a little tour of the distillery as we were on our way out. Finally, to note, the music was great all evening and ‘Pedler Good Fortune’ invite guest DJs each weekend! Open Wednesday – Thursday 5am -11pm, Friday – Saturday 10am – 12pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm. Price: About £50/60 per head (multiple courses, alcohol & service) Website: https://www.pedlergoodfortune.com Address: Pedler Good Fortune, 169 Queen’s Road, London, SE15 2ND Written by Lenny Wright #asianfood #asian #peckham #pedlergoodfortune #southeastlondon

Running every Thursday and Friday until 29th October, London’s favourite Rudie’s Jerk Shack has partnered up with Chef Anthony Cumberbatch and cultural consultancy AFRICA: Seen & Heard to run a series of supper clubs for Black History Month. The menu consists of a delicious five-course menu and accompanying drinks, expertly crafted to reflect Jamaica’s history and multi-ethnic food culture. On sale in Rudie’s Jerk Shack at Hawley Wharf Camden, the series has been titled Timeless Tastes: Savouring Jamaican History and will pay homage to the different migrants and settlers throughout Jamaica’s history. The evening begins in style with a rooftop reception at the new Hawley Wharf Camden development, coupled with mouth-watering canapes, before moving onto Cumberbatch’s five-course dinner. Menu highlights include: ●      Roast tranche of halibut with escovitch sauce, sweet potatoes and fine beans Showcasing seafood that is plentiful in Middle Passage waters ●      Red Stripe & Red Label wine-braised short ribs Elevating Jamaica’s favourite tipples to become fine-dining ingredients ●      Ackee & macanudo roast tomato tartlet With an aroma of indigenous silver-tongue tobacco leaf and vintage Jamaican cigars Cocktail menu highlights include: ●      Trenchtown Iced Tea A seamless fusion of Kingston street culture (Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum), Hawley Wharf accord (local Half Hitch gin), pineapple, tequila and CLIJÉ. ●      Dancehall Queen A liberating big-up to the London bashment music scene, Japan’s Dancehall subculture and the reign of dancing queens, this blends the flavour of Japanese melons with three staples of the bashment party scene: Passion fruit Alizé liqueur, Hennessy VS cognac and brut champagne. Dates: 22nd, 27th and 29th October Times: 7 – 9pm Address: Hawley Wharf Camden, Water Lane, London NW1 8JZ Website: www.rudieslondon.com Tickets are £65 per person, to book click here. #blackhistorymonth #Camden #carribean #RudiesJerkShack

Always on the look out for chilled out afterwork-nibbles-and-wine vibes, I was excited to try Paddington’s Massis; A Lebanese restaurant which offers mezze sharing style options, perfect for catching up with friends over nibbles. With the statement ‘Our mezzes are designed to be shared and loved by many while staying committed to making sure that the authenticity and wonderful flavours of Lebanon are available here in London’, this sounded like a dreamy option for a drizzly Monday night. The menu offers an extensive collection of Lebanese fare, alongside a concise list of accompanying wine, cocktails, beers & spirits. Hot and cold options are available as well as ‘from the grill’ favourites and desserts and sides, little bits to cater to all tastes. We opted for a list of vegan options for meat free Monday (does anyone still do that?!) coupled with a bottle of Chardonnay and settled into our cosy table to take in our surroundings. Vibrant music matched the jazzy décor; a bright blue bar, patterned wallpaper and trendy hanging lights, the vibe is upbeat and relaxed. We chose all the classics. From the cold menu we went with Hummus; Chickpeas purée, sesame sauce and lemon juice with crispy pita bread. From the hot menu, Mousakaa; Oven baked aubergine with tomatoes, onions and chickpeas, Falafel; Chickpea and fava bean croquettes served with tahini sauces, Batata Harah; Sauteed potatoes with mixed peppers, garlic and chilli with a spicy mayo, with olives and chips as additional nibbles because they are my absolute faves! We weren’t waiting long before the food came out in good time (the joys of getting loads of tiny bits) on the most gorgeous colourful plates. It was certainly a fest for the eyes. Super creamy hummus, salty crispy falafel, sweet and tangy Moussaka, everything had rich distinct flavours which really packed a punch, which is exactly how I like my food. The Batata Harah was a definite winner for me with a super spicy kick, such a warming meal. On our vegan night mission, we did not try anything ‘from the grill’ but did spend a great deal of time lusting after our neighbours selections. When I next go back, I’m giving the halloumi a go! A great Paddington based spot, Massis is the ideal place for a get-together where conversation and food are both important points on the agenda! You can stuff yourself on a huge meal, or just opt for small plates to accompany drinks and catch up, with an extensive menu offering options for both occasions. Address: 9 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London W2 6HY Website: www.massis.co.uk Written by Jordan Crowley #Lebanese #Paddington

El Norte is the latest venture from Spanish brothers Alberto and Arian Zandi, who opened Kensington Latin American restaurant Zuaya in 2018, followed up with Como Garden last year, so needless to say we are very excited to hear the news of the opening of El Norte! El Norte (the North) is opening in Mayfair’s Dover Street this November and is being billed as a first for London’s Spanish restaurant scene, taking its cues from the country’s northern regions by offering a sharing style menu of traditional Spanish dishes with a “modern and luxury twist”. Alberto and Arian Zandi, who were born in Madrid, intend to bring Londoners a taste of their motherland with bold flavours and textures. As with all their venues, El Norte promises to offer a glamorous drinking and dining experience, with “chic and sophisticated interiors reminiscent of its sister sites” and will feature a focal-point bar with an exceptional wine list. We are very excited by the prospect of a Mediterranean takeover of the Big Smoke as the nights draw in and the temperature drops! Address: 19-20 Dover Street, London, W1S 4LU Website: https://el-norte.co.uk Written by Claire Coveney Photography courtesy of El Norte #doverstreet #elnorte #Mayfair #spanish

Hawley Wharf, Camden’s stunning new development, finally opened its doors at the end of the summer and is now home to workspaces, retail shops and plenty of new restaurants worthy of a visit. One of those restaurants being The Black Cow, a Middle Eastern take on an American steakhouse, envisioned by chefs Chef Amir Batito (Machneyuda group) and Chef Shiri Kraus (Palomar, The Barbary). The team, who successfully ran a private catering company during lockdown, decided to open up their own brick and mortar restaurant to the delight of many. Named The Black Cow as a nod to the chefs’ black sheep attitude towards the hospitality world, the Israeli chefs have drawn inspiration from the Hebrew phrase ’לפתוח שולחן’ meaning ‘opening a table,’ inviting their guests to join them for a meal. Using American steakhouses as an outline for their food, they infuse classics such as thick grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, and bread and butter with Middle Eastern spices and cooking techniques, creating new and incredible flavours. The restaurant is located in what looks like a posh food market, with stalls located throughout the space overlooking the canal and Camden Market. When you arrive, I highly recommend snagging a seat at the bar if there are any spots available, which overlooks the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. While we perused the menu, the lovely bartender started us off with drinks. I love a good tequila cocktail and the ‘Shaffa,’ made with Rooster Rojo Tequila, lime, and agave, was just what I needed. My partner, a bourbon fanatic, tried the Kashish, a mix of Rebel Yell bourbon, maple, orange, and bitters. Both drinks were balanced with the perfect mix of sour and sweet, while still allowing the taste of the spirits to pull through. Chef Batito asked us if we wanted to pick our dishes or allow him to choose for us – we of course opted for him to choose our dishes, and after a quick chat through the menu, he made his wonderful suggestions. First came the cheesy cauliflower – roasted cauliflower oozing with a spicy bechamel sauce, dusted with spices and pops of coriander seeds. Definitely an elevated version of the cauliflower cheese you have at your Sunday dinner. We next had The Casbah, which Chef Batito told us was their version of a Philly Cheesesteak. Instead of bread, they use brik pastry, which originated in Tunisia but gained popularity in Israel due to the large Tunisian population living there. Wrapped inside is slow-cooked pulled steak, monterey jack cheese, and a soft egg, all deep fried until the brik is crunchy and light and the cheese melted within. Last of the appetisers was the Shrimpim Prawn Cocktail, which as you can guess wasn’t your average prawn cocktail served in a martini glass. Instead, we were served beautiful and plump large prawns, fried with their shell on and placed on top of a cooling tzatziki dip. I happily ate the prawns whole, shell and all, sucking the flavourful juices from the heads. My partner did not follow suit, which meant more prawn heads for me. The star of the show was of course the farm-to-table, 100% free-range British beef steak. We shared the Benoni, a 10oz Denver steak cooked right in front of us over an open fire. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, sliced into large pieces and drizzled with burnt herb oil. Each steak is served with a bundle of dried herbs which is then lit on fire before you, the herbal smoke adding to flavour of the meat. For dessert, we opted for the chocolate cigar, a thinly rolled pastry filled with decadent chocolate and topped with a silky vanilla custard. I promise you, you will not regret getting this dessert. The staff at The Black Cow was incredibly friendly, engaging and enthusiastic about the food and drinks, we had an amazing time. I highly recommend visiting The Black Cow for an evening out with friends or your loved ones. Website: https://www.theblackcow.co.uk Address: 2nd floor, Hawley Wharf, 6 Water Ln, Camden, NW1 8JZ Written by Joanna Finlay Photography courtesy of The Black Cow #Camden #northlondon #steak #theblackcow

This week Lantana is offering up the ultimate Halloween afternoon tea experience at its London Bridge restaurant. The menu boasting sweetcorn blinis, served with beetroot cured salmon and chive soured cream, as well as sausage rolls with plum ketchup. Guests will be able to order a selection of seasonal sweet treats, served on vintage tiered cake stands, including ‘mummy’ brownies, pumpkin spice & apple cake, ‘pumpkin’ carrot cake and chocolate mousse with chocolate crumble ‘graves’. Freshly baked scones will also be on the menu, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, perfectly paired with a choice of Lantana’shouse blend coffee or Good and Proper Tea. For those among us looking for a stronger tipple this Halloween, guests can also opt for Prosecco. Lantana’s Halloween Afternoon Tea is available exclusively at the London Bridge restaurant from Monday 25th – Friday 29th October 20201. Prices are menu dependant; £15pp for afternoon tea served with tea or coffee, and £20pp to opt for Prosecco. This offering is on for one week only! To book call 020 7403 2633 or email londonbridge@lantanacafe.co.uk Address: 44-46 Southwark Street, London SE1 1UN Website: https://lantanacafe.co.uk Written by Lenny Wright #aussie #afternoontea #lantana #halloween #australian

We visited Poke House located in the heart of Notting Hill amongst the buzzing shopping street of Portobello Road. Already an established chain in Europe, this simple healthy Hawaiian cuisine is perfect for hungry market visitors, as well as locals who are looking for something healthy, affordable and incredibly filling to eat. The colourful, minimal exterior reflects the cuisine and brand style, which is fresh, modern and brimming with nutrition. Making it a great choice for those looking to eat that all-important ‘rainbow diet’ of fruit, veggies and protein. At the bar you can choose to either build your own bowl from the extensive range of fresh goodies or go for one of the Specials, such as the Vegan with tri-colour quinoa and kale, Spicy Tuna or Sunny Salmon, all of which are devised by layering fresh ingredients. If you want to build your own bowl, the base starts with sushi rice, noodles, quinoa or kale, to which you add extras from a range of delicious options. We added edamame, pink ginger and avocado to ours and topped off with soy dressing. It looked and tasted amazing! For pudding we opted for a sweet treat from the repertoire of Hawaiian Mochi balls, fresh fruit and nutty toppings. Also on offer is a range of beverages, which extends from wines and beers, to hot drinks, coconut water and smoothies, so there is something for everyone. The staff at Poke House are incredibly helpful and cheerful. We thoroughly enjoyed our Poke bowls, and left feeling nicely full, nutritionally balanced and still virtuous having eaten such a healthy lunch. We will definitely be going back to sample more of the menu options, and get creative with the extensive range toppings and sauces. Website: https://poke-house.com/en-uk/ Address: 214 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LA Written by Claire Bloom Photography by Claire Bloom #PortobelloRoad #nottinghill #pokehouse #healthy #pokebowl

Fried chicken, that trusty stalwart of the fast-food industry has got to be one of the most popular food choices in the world. Surely there isn’t enough room for more fried chicken? Well, there is, and it’s damn tasty. Thunderbird chicken was born from the mind of a man named Matt, a former NASCAR racing driver living in the deep south of America. With a passion for American food, a focus on technical know-how and a penchant for speed and fire, the result is beautifully crafted chicken with a bang. We headed to the World Food Court in Stratford to sample some of this southern fried bird. On the surface of it, the structure of the menu is exactly what you’d expect with a selection of burgers, wings, strips, fries and sides. Look a little closer however and you will find some rather exciting upgrades to the familiar setup. The burger range includes the classic Thunderbun with smokey burger sauce and pickles, a Sticky BBQ option and the Meltdown, oozing with jalapeño cheese sauce and red pepper aioli. The wings have interesting options such as the award-winning Chipuffalo – you guessed it – chipotle-buffalo sauce-slathered mouthfuls of chicken with coriander and blue cheese. Other options include Garlic butter, sweet and sticky BBQ and if that isn’t sweet, or indeed sticky enough for you, how about a salted caramel umami sauce with orange, sesame and a touch of chipotle. For those who want to feel the burn to feel like they are really alive, the Habenero Wings don’t mess about. They are full-on three red pepper rated heat bombs with sriracha glaze and pepper cream. Even the fries at thunderbird come packed with flavour and can be laced with the signature sauces; Meltdown, Chipuffalo, Garlic Butter. By now, however, you may want something a little plain to balance the flavour of the other dishes. Aside from the flavour, what we liked about Thunderbird was the balance. The burgers had the flavour but weren’t overly fussy, the chicken was just crisp enough and still juicy. The wings were not only delicious, but they looked good, with interesting flavours presented with zigzagged sauces and scatterings of seeds and coriander. Thunderbird is a welcome and interesting addition to a market saturated with many bland alternatives. Website: www.thunderbirdckn.co.uk Written by Rick Hartley Photography courtesy of Thunderbird Fried Chicken #fastfood #Thunderbird #chicken #burgers #friedchicken #Westfield #stratford

To celebrate the coming of autumn/winter Dalloway Terrace has teamed up with perfumer Miller Harris and heritage wine-makers Champagne Telmont to create a multi-sensory botanical afternoon tea and cocktails menu. This immersive experience, which includes floral installations by designers Early Hours, is an unrivalled visual and culinary feast. Located in the elegant Bloomsbury Hotel, Dalloway Terrace has long been a destination for Instagram influencers, foodies and style seekers. This ever-evolving floral wonderland offers a stunning atmospheric indoor/outdoor garden environment, alongside regularly updated and highly photographable cocktails and cuisine. Tables are set underneath a magical flower encrusted canopy, with outside heaters and a roaring fire to keep you cosy on those chillier evenings. This season they are offering a unique aromatic botanical Afternoon Tea menu which combines the delicate fragrant notes of Miller Harris perfumes with the crisp bubbles of Telmont Champagne. British Perfumer Lyn Harris breathed new life in to the world of fine fragrance when she founded Miller Harris in 2000. The now established brand is known for its contemporary take on traditional French scents. These notes have been cleverly translated into a delightful menu of cakes and drinks for the collaboration. Champagne Telmont hails from the village of Damery in North-Eastern France. Established in 1912 the brand now has four generations and over a century of wine-making expertise. Known for its light harmonious aromas and crisp fine bubbles, this elegant champagne blends seamlessly into the expertly devised floral cocktails. Highlights from the menu include a delicately scented rose and almond sponge topped with rose cream, green tea jelly with green velvet sponge and tangerine cream on vanilla biscuits. Savoury treats include marinated cucumber and cream cheese pain de Mie, as well as egg and cress mayonnaise, served on a colourful brioche bun. Traditional scones have been updated to include vanilla and lemon and golden raisin, served with Devonshire clotted cream and raspberry jam alongside pots of fine leaf tea. The cocktails, which are priced at £15.00 each, transport you to a heavenly garden. Mixes include Rose Silence; with The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, Muyu Jasmine Vert and Telmont Grand Reserve Brut, freshly squeezed lemon and egg white. The Tea Tonique is made with The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, Autumn Spices Formula, Clementine bitters and Absinth essence. For floral devotees, there could not be a more perfect way to spend an afternoon. To book your immersive experience visit www.dallowayterrace.com Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of Dalloway Terrace #afternoontea #ChampagneTelmont #Dallowayterrace #millerharris

It may be a surprise for some to learn that London has not always been the veggie-friendly hub that it is today. Mildreds one of the first veggie favourites in London has been a beacon of light for anyone who is vegetarian and those wanting to cut down on their meat consumption but also be excited by the premise of plant-based cuisine. With its flagship restaurant opening in Soho in 1988 (moving to larger premises in 2000) Mildreds has since built a reputation for producing exciting and flavoursome veggie food and has gone on to open three more restaurants in recent years. Now the team behind Mildreds is trying something different by launching a brand-new restaurant concept in Borough Market called mallow. mallow promises to offer an elevated plant-based food model serving fresh, colourful and internationally inspired food with a strong focus on sustainability, seasonality, and provenance. Exclusive to Borough Market, mallow aims to minimise waste wherever possible, with ingredients sourced from small, sustainable businesses, including those stalls within the market itself. Hero dishes will include small plates of Cauliflower chaatt with coriander yoghurt and Porcini truffle croquettes, leeks and aioli. Large plates will feature Shiitake dashi, udon, mushroom sesame tempeh and daikon, Banana blossom tacos with smashed peas, pistachio mole and pink grapefruit and a flavoursome Plum plant chicken burger. Sweet tooth lover? you’ll be happy to see Kumquat lemon meringue pie, Chocolate hazelnut financier and white chocolate mousse and a Campfire marshmallow on the dessert menu. Mark your diaries guys and gals, mallow will be opening on 8th November. Website: https://www.mallowlondon.com Written by Claire Coveney #boroughmarket #mallow #vegetarian

Located in the heart of buzzing Westfield, The Phoenix is the ultimate destination for long Bottomless Brunches and celebrations with friends. The venue offers a vibrant indoor and outdoor dining/cocktails experience. Entered through a decorated floral arch, the magical English Garden terrace is well-appointed with cosy seating under a canopy of flora and greenery. In addition to an all-day food and drinks menu the terrace area offers regular live entertainment and music from local talent. Inside fun includes Bottomless Brunches and Quiz Mondays. As you move on inside through the huge glass doors you pass the luxurious bar, which is also festooned in live greenery. Venture on further and you can’t help noticing the walls, which are decorated with an array of colourful artwork. The group has an in-house artist to provide bespoke murals, as well a collection of works by local artists. Creativity being a central part of the brand experience. Seating in the restaurant is a mix of intimate tables and booths as well as long rustic tables, perfect for larger groups. We choose to have our brunch inside in one of the cosy booths. Settling in with some delicious green tea, we followed this with a fragrant Mimosa. The extensive brunch menu caters for all tastes and dietary requirements, including Vegetarian and Vegan. Dishes on offer are truly indulgent. The Truffled Hot Smoke Salmon; truffled scrambled eggs with hot smoked salmon, sourdough toast, parmesan shavings and burnt lemon is a particular taste sensation. Vegan French Toast, rustic white bread, lacto-fermented berries, agave nectar and cinnamon coconut yoghurt, is another triumph. In the end we opted to try the highly recommended house special Phoenix Fry Up, a sumptuous offering of sourdough toast heartily topped with slow roasted tomatoes, port sausage, oak smoked streaky bacon, rosemary crushed potatoes, and eggs. We also ordered the Smashed Avocado on Toast with smoked salmon, which comes scatted with delicate sprouted greens and lightly crumbled feta. All served on rustic plates in satisfyingly generous portions. Drinks available with the brunch include sharing jugs of picante / grapefruit / passionfruit Margarita, Spritz Jugs of Aperol mixed with crisp apple, cucumber and pink gin, Prosecco Mimosas, as well as traditional Bloody Marys. The staff are charming and always ready with the cocktail shaker to bring on the fun. Bottomless brunches are available at £30pp for a 90-minute session of indulgence from 13.00 to 16.30 pm every Saturday and Sunday. The rest of the week and weekend the restaurant and bar are open as usual for guests to eat and drink from the extensive menu, which in addition to all day brunches extends to pizza, luxury burgers, Thai BBQ, steak and chips, serious salads and a vast array of cocktails, with and without alcohol. To book your bottomless brunch visit: https://thephoenixlondon.com Written by Claire Bloom #bottomlessbrunch #brunch #ThePhoenix #Westfield

Start spreading the news, we’re eating today…ok enough! Bright lights, big city, no prize for guessing where we are. That’s right, Canary Wharf, and tonight we are trying the New York inspired tasting menu at Six by Nico. Tasting menu’s may conjure up images of self congratulatory “designer food” with price tags that require a small mortgage. Six by Nico however have managed to deliver something which provides the culinary spectacle at an affordable price. There are two whopping big clues in the name as to what you are to expect in the menu, six dishes, designed by Chef Nico Simeone. The restaurant itself has a feeling of upmarket industrial chic. Panelled wood walls and accents of gold and marble are brought down to earth with industrial style lamps and ribbed glass shelving full of plants. The environment kind of nods to the fact that you are in for a quality experience yet still approachable and down to earth. The current menu at Canary Wharf is celebrating all things New York. My dairy-avoiding dining partner (I will come back to this later) are invited on a tour of the city that never sleeps via 6 plates of food which went a little something like this: Snack – Corn Dog OK so technically there are seven dishes, as we start with the optional Corn Dog. #1 Beef Burger Donuts Kinda does what it says on the tin, it’s a meatball sized patty with a sweet doughy coating served with ketchup and American Mustard. Definitely a tick in the American theme so a good start but we know the quality hasn’t peaked just yet. #2 Eggs Benedict Definitely the first dish that feels “chefy”. This is a delicious, almost wafer-like coated rectangle of succulent but rich ham with dots of brown butter hollandaise giving the dish a silky finish. Then there’s a kind of de-constructed scotch egg consisting of a crumbed ball of pork and a separate quail egg. Everything is dinky but delightful. #3 Little Italy A bowl of Saffron Pici Pasta is beautifully glazed with a smoky and creamy hazelnut Ragu. There’s a real richness to the dish making you appreciate the portion size as we are only half way through. #4 Clam & Cod Chowder One of our highlights. How can a small piece of cod have almost a steak-like quality yet remain soft and flaky at the same time? We’re not sure either but it kinda just does. The sauce is beautifully smoky which is helped along with barbecue leeks and roasted corn, a lemon gel provides citrus pockets to cut through the savoury sauce. #5 Flatiron Building You guessed it, flat iron steak. The penultimate dish and final savoury round doesn’t try to ease out gently. the slices of steak are pink and tender with a hint of smoke. The meaty ensemble is paired with a crisp yet moist brisket croquette. One more dish to go, how much more “New York” could they possibly get? #6 The Big Apple There’s a hint of irony in the size of the dish but after 5 rounds of “look at me” flavours that are perfectly reasonable, and if it’s New York you want, then this dish delivers. A cheesecake, shaped into an apple with a tarty apple compote surprise waiting for you in the middle, they nailed it. The bed of crunchy pecan and oat granola gives this delightful dish the sweet bed that it requires and it’s an altogether fun and tasty end to the evening. Ah yes, my dairy-free dining partner. As a restaurant with Italian cooking at its heart, and with a number of dishes as creamy as they seem, you would forgive them for not quite catering, this is a showcase after all. Actually, they also nailed this. There wasn’t a sorbet or cheese replacement in sight. The entire dairy-free version was cleverly crafted to be as delicious, interesting and almost unnoticeably different to the version featuring dairy. Six by Nico most definitely delivers on a feeling that you are fine dining on a more moderate budget, at £37 per head for the 6-course menu we think this is great value. An additional £33 and you can add wine pairing which again is not bad at all for what you get. We can’t wait to see what the next theme is. The New York Menu at Six by Nico runs from Tues 2nd November to Sun12th Dec To book a table visit: www.sixbynico.co.uk/canary-wharf/new-york/ Address: 6 Chancellor Passage, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5EA Written by Rick Hartley Photography courtesey of Six by Nico #canarywharf #newyork #sixbynico #tastermenu