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Celebrate the festive season with an indulgent Christmas Afternoon Tea, located in the beautiful surroundings of The Lane’s Grand Saloon. Guests will be treated to a Christmas themed Afternoon Tea menu, London based baker, Lily Vanilli has created a delicious and spectacular looking menu, which includes a generous array of savoury bites and sweet cakes. Guests will be able to tuck into Cranberry Enriched Sausage Roll, a Canberry Filled Mince Pie, a delicious Gingerbread Spiced Sticky Toffee Pudding with Custard, a Chocolate Cake and Warm Scones. Afternoon Tea is served on bespoke fine bone china designed by Kit and Willow Kemp. Named The Mythical Characters, the collection celebrates the rich history of the theatre, exclusively created for The Lane. The Mythical Characters that adorn the china and linen table napkins were taken from illustrations of costume designs created for ballets, pantomimes, comic operas and Edwardian musical comedies. Sounds pretty magical huh? And if you fancy taking some of that magic home, you can! Each item is available to purchase from The Lane’s shop. Price: £49 per person | Available now – 24th December. Address: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF Website: www.thelane.co.uk Photography courtesy of The Lane #christmas #christmasafternoontea #afternoontea #Theatre #xmas #thelane #TheatreRoyalDruryLane

Set amidst the bustle of the new Tottenham Court Road Station development Vapiano provides authentic Italian cuisine in a stunning contemporary environment. The restaurant itself is busy and buzzing with a relaxed walk-in policy there is plenty of space and no need to book. Set over three levels, the interior has floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the square, with an open bar area for cocktails, mixed seating on large sharing tables for diners, plus an additional top floor dining space which is ideal for larger parties. The modern open kitchen allows guests to see the magic happen as talented chefs get to work creating their signature light sourdough pizza and authentic pasta dishes. The Vapiano brand is known for its fresh ingredients and their fully customisable menu, allowing customers to choose their favourite hand-made pasta shape, pizza topping or salad combination. Diners can also adjust their dish to use alternatives such as Spelt Fusilli or Zoodles (zucchini noodles) as well as array of vegan options and extras. Kids are catered for with their own mini menu. We began our meal with the Bruschetta Gamberetti, a fully loaded Bruschetta with added grilled king prawns – a hearty start. Followed by the Reef’n Beef salad, succulent tender beef combined with an abundance of prawns and roasted vegetables. The Calzone was deeply warming and packed with mushrooms, prosciutto and pepperoni in a rich tomato mozzarella sauce – a secret Vapiano recipe. Portion sizes are extremely generous and very good value for money, despite this, we still managed to pack in a little pudding – a light as a feather Crème Di Fragola, created with handmade mascarpone and fresh strawberries, which is surprisingly low calorie, as well as trying the Tiramisu Della Case, which kind of blew the healthy eating diet… well it would be rude not to! Vapiano has a warm friendly, relaxed vibe and an extensive menu of hearty Italian cuisine. The staff are highly attentive and with the fully customisable menu there is definitely something for everyone! Other locations include Great Portland Street, Tower Bridge and Paddington. Deliveroo and takeaway service also available. Website: https://uk.vapiano.com Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of Vapiano #vapiano #Italian #italianfood #pizza #pasta #tottenhamcourtroad

Weekends are made for lazy brunch dates and long lunches. Whilst visiting the market and independent shops in Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, we had a pang for something hearty and warming for lunch, cue Morty and Bobs.  Named after founder Charlie’s two grandfathers – one English, one American – the all-day dining restaurant, with American, English-inspired dishes was just the ticket. Morty and Bob’s has a welcoming and informal yet stylish feel, with exposed brick walls, comfy seating at the back and high tables to perch yourself on whilst sipping a coffee and watching the world go by at the front.  In the warmer months you can opt for the outdoor seating, ideal for soaking up the buzz of Coal Drops Yard. The menu features the usual diner brunch dishes, but notched up a level or two, including  Avocado Toast, Spiced Yogurt and Poached Eggs, Mushrooms & Porcini Mushroom Cream on Brioche French Toast and Flat Iron Steak, to name a few. Saturday lunchtime was lively and busy, with some people being turned away, so do book in advance, always a good indicator of the quality we think. Morty & Bob’s is known for their grilled sandwiches, so the straight-up Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Ham was a no-brainer. Served on four soft yet crunchy layers of artisan sourdough, lightly crisp and golden with incredibly gooey cheese dribbling out. Warming, hearty and moreish and with those crispy pieces of toasted cheese you get around the crust (one of our favourite bits), this is a menu winner. I also ordered Bob’s burger, an aged chuck and rib cap patty, with melting emmental and slow cooked onions in a brioche bun, served with a side of crisp fries. The burger sauce brought the burger alive, and all in all it’s one of the better diner burgers around. If you are aiming for one dish, like most normal non-greedy people do, then we’d recommend the grilled cheese sandwich. It’s on the lighter snacks menu, it’s as filling as the burger, and trust me, it’s really good. Finally (yep, still going) the warm brownie, candied carrot and vanilla ice cream was an indulgent gooey dessert to complete the perfect brunch! We were well looked after by our waitress, who was friendly and offered up her favourite suggestions on the day (including the seasonal hot toddy, go on then!). No doubt we will be back again, did I mention how good the grilled cheese sandwich was? Address: Morty and Bob’s, Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ Website: www.mortyandbobs.com Written by Nyla S. #CoalDropsYard #burger #dinerfood #mortyandbobs #northlondon

Last week we transported ourselves to Southern California via Mexico tasting the creative, colourful and moreish tacos from Tigre. Their menu has come to the pop-up at Hacha Dalston, famous for their Mirror Margaritas, 7th best cocktail in the world award… Hacha takes their margaritas so seriously they have their own Instagram, bottled spirit and beautiful agave-shaped glass jars on the bar infusing their stunning drinks. The decor is laid back and stylish and the staff are keen to answer questions and recommend their favourites. We both tried the alcohol-free and alcohol versions which come with no umbrellas, gimmicks or cheesy straws needed for these grown-up cocktails served on beautiful traditional Mexican tiles. Tigre are equally as serious about their tacos following successful appearances across the city in pubs and restaurants with an all-fish and veggie menu focusing on colourful summer flavours and spices. We ate the sharer portion of three cheese and onion quesadillas served with a tangy and spicy Salsa Roja which was plenty between us. We followed with a taco trio of Calabasitas, layered grilled courgettes with a sprinkling of feta and tangy salsa verde. The No Fish Bajas were superbly spicy and fresh comprising Baja-style Banana blossoms and chipotle mayo with salsa verde. Our favourites were the MangoTostadas served on blue corn tortillas with a mango and kohlrabi ceviche. We left full and warm from the spices back in the December sub-zero temperatures feeling like we’d been on holiday. Address: 378 Kingsland Rd, London, E8 4AA Website: https://hachabar.com/pages/dalston Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Tigre Tacos and Hacha Dalston #HachaDalston #shoreditch #kingslandroad #TigreTacos #tacos

If you’re vegan or trying to have a meat free January, London has you covered when it comes to delicious vegan dishes, with applauds from vegans and meat eaters alike. We have listed our top picks from the big smoke. Mildreds Vegan restaurant, Mildreds is offering a new Veganuary menu, inspired by the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which will be available from 2nd – 31st January, across all five sites, including a selection of refreshing mocktails. Diners will be able to choose between three mouth watering new dishes including Tempeh Rice Cracker Cups to share, followed by larger plates of Char Siu Mushroom Bánh Mì, made with pulled oyster mushrooms, chilli mayo, mushroom pâté in a fresh baguette. Or if you are looking for a lighter dish, opt for the Lemongrass Chick’n Goi Ga, a fragrant salad with pomegranate and pistachio. The menu also includes three special vietnamese inspired non-alcoholic & low ABV cocktails, which includes the Ha Long Bay Spritz, Kumquat Iced Tea or low ABV Lost Paradise with Koko Kanu, cacao blanc, coconut juice, lime, agave, soda. Website: www.mildreds.co.uk Fat Hippo’s introduces “Sloppy Faux”, “Sloppy Waffles” and “DAPPA” Fat Hippo has launched three limited-edition vegan dishes to give you your vegan junk food fix! The Sloppy Waffles is a great starter, featuring crispy waffle fries with Beyond Meat® Sloppy Joe sauce, chipotle mayo, pickles and pink onions. For the ultimate vegan burger, opt for the Sloppy Faux, filled with a juicy plant-based patty and topped with gooey vegan cheese, Beyond Meat® Sloppy Joe sauce, BBQ and chipotle mayo with crunchy pickleback ‘slaw. To finish off your meal opt for the sweet Cherry Bakewell DAPPA ice cream (£6.00), a signature black vanilla soft serve made from blended almonds and cashews, topped with a raspberry drizzle, biscoff, sprinkles and a cherry on top. Available at all Fat Hippo restaurants. Website: https://fathippo.co.uk Plenish x Wild By Tart Collab Plant-based drinks brand Plenish is collaborating with renowned London restaurant Wild by Tart to host Plenish’s Veganuary residence with Wild By Tart. For two weeks only, starting on 9th January, diners will be able to indulge in the famous Rice Pudding dessert, using Plenish’s silky Almond Milk, created by Plenish ambassador and Tart pastry chef, Ravneet Gill. For those looking for an extended plant-based adventure, guests are invited to explore other delicious vegan delights listed on Wild By Tart’s menu. For more information visit: https://www.wildbytart.com | www.plenishdrinks.com Vegan dumplings at Mama Chens Dumpling fans you will be happy to know Mama Chen has a new residency located on the ground floor of The Gantry hotel in Stratford offering an array of handmade dumplings and noodles. You will find delicious Green Panda vegan dumplings, fresh and tangy cucumber salad and umami tofu puff with shiitake mushrooms. With favourites including spicy noodles coated with Mama Chen’s crunchy garlic and Szechuan oil. A fresh and nutritious lunch or dinner option. Look out for the Founder Michelle Liu cooking up a storm behind the counter, who pays homage to her grandmother’s cooking! Website: https://www.mamachens.co.uk Wahaca Wahaca is offering diners the chance to try a selection of its vegan street food dishes on the house, as well as serving up veggie and vegan delights at a special Meat-Free Mexican supper club with co-founder Thomasina Miers. Dishes include: Ancho mushroom tacos, Zesty bean & feta tostadas and Crispy cauliflower bites. Diners can claim their free dish when they sign up for a voucher from www.wahaca.co.uk. If you’re also participating in Dry January? Treat yourself to Wahaca’s first ever Non-Alc Margarita. Pentire Adrift botanical non-alcoholic spirit is shaken with lime and agave and served on the rocks with a chilli salt rim and a slice of jalapeño. Website: www.wahaca.co.uk Wagamama launches the vegan ‘chicken’ kare lomen with a special UK food charity partnership For veganuary this year, Wagamama has launched The vegan ‘chicken’ kare lomen. A delicious and nourishing dish which contains udon noodles served in a bowl of coconut broth with a chilli kick, and topped with vegan teriyaki ‘chicken’, coriander, beansprouts and cucumber. Wagamma has teamed up with food charity The Bread and Butter Thing to help one million meals be donated to low income families. wagamama will also be providing warm and inclusive community spaces in selected restaurants – offering free sides to families with financial worries. It’s always great to see brands stepping up and making a difference! New limited edition vegan salad bowls from atis Healthy and nutritious salad bar atis has created two new limited edition healthy and delicious vegan salad bowls throughout the month of January, making lunchtime on-the-go that much more exciting! The two new bowls include: The Plant Therapy – featuring shredded Kale, cabbage, romaine lettuce, tahini, chickpeas, pickled red onion, cucumber, turmeric cauliflower, smoked almonds and tahini dressing. The Winter Bowl – featuring shredded Kale, cabbage, baby spinach, orange slaw and smoky beetroot, Polâine granola and the iconic Willy’s ACV vinaigrette, featuring immune-boosting elements. Sweet-tooth lover? You’ll be happy to know that atis is now offering cookies from The After School Cookie Club, London’s first plant-based cookie bakery. Available in chocolate chip and double chocolate flavours, what’s not to love! Website: https://atisfood.com Dr Watson has partnered with plant-based restaurant, Wulf & Lamb, to introduce the ultimate Veganuary menu Expect a vegan menu like no other! This exclusive January menu features expertly created vegan dishes and drinks, infused with Dr Watson’s health boosting mushrooms – Lion’s Mane and Reishi. Highlights include: Creamy Mushroom Pasta – fragrant Chestnut mushrooms cooked with a smooth garlic, Dr Watson Reishi and oat cream. Lion’s Spritz – A Dry January friendly mocktail, which is the perfect blend of Dulce Verde and lime juice, soda water and Dr Watson Lion’s Mane. The Veganuary menu is available throughout January for £19.95 at both Wulf & Lamb restaurants, which includes two courses and a Lion’s Spritz for £19.95. For more information visit: www.wulfandlamb.com | https://drwatsoncbd.com Vegan Cakes and Cupcakes from Hummingbird Bakery Hummingbird Bakery offers up a a great selection of vegan cakes and cupcakes for the ultimate sugary indulgence! You can treat yourself to Red Velvet cake, vibrant Rainbow Layer Cake, Vegan Vanilla or the Vegan Devil’s Food Cake, or if you prefer cupcakes, you can opt for the vanilla and chocolate flavoured cupcakes. Exclusively for January only, you can also try the new limited edition Cinnamon Jam Doughnut Cupcake. A vegan fluffy vanilla sponge with a hint of cinnamon is filled with a jammy middle of seedless raspberry jam, swirled with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and dusted with cinnamon sugar. Prices start from £3.60 for cupcakes, £19.25 cupcake selection boxes and £34.60 for cakes. For more information on the full vegan range visit: The Hummingbird Bakery Yokocho launch Wellness Set Menu in partnership with Clearspring Check out the new wellness menu at Ramen Yokocho created in collaboration with plant-based Japanese and organic fine food specialist, Clearspring. Served from January 10th until 14th Feb 2023 for only £18.00, the set menu from Yokocho’s executive chef Kanji Furukawa is not one you want to miss out on! Dishes include: Clearspring’s fresh Organic Sea Vegetable Salad and a Vegan Miso Tantan Men Ramen. Diners can also try out the Clearspring Organic Japanese Hojicha Tea (VE) – a refreshing and detoxifying organic green loose leaf tea grown in the luscious rolling hills around Kyoto and Kyushu. Available at both Ramen Yokocho locations. Website: www.ramenyokocho.com Two course vegan brunch from buyagift Diners can indulge in a two-course vegan brunch at Vegan restaurant Comptoir V. Inspired by Moroccan cuisine, Comptoir V has a mouth-watering selection of inventive and exciting dishes. Dishes include shakshuka, scrambled ackee and fruit-stacked pancakes. Buy a voucher from buyagift for you and a loved one and you’ll both enjoy two main dishes, two pancake dishes, one small plate and two juices / smoothies. Book online at www.buyagift.co.uk #drwatson #wildbytart #plenish #hummingbirdbakery #mildreds #thegantry #veganfood #wagamama #wahacca #Yokocho #buyagift #mamachens #vegan #veganuary #doctorwatson #fathippo

Launching in Spring 2023, Emerald Hospitality Group have announced the opening of their fourth restaurant, Riviera, taking over the iconic Sake no Hana site on St James’s Street. The team behind London hotspots, El Norte, Zuaya and Como Garden, Riviera will be a Southern French restaurant, boasting over 200 covers across its main space and terrace. Set to be one of the hottest Mayfair openings of 2023. Riviera is set to represent and embody the luxurious lifestyle found in the South of France, in a unique London location. Address: 23 St James’s Street, St James’s, London, SW1A 1HA Website: https://emerald-hospitality-group.com Written by Jordan Crowley #Mayfair #riviera #southoffrance

Get ready to shake off the January blues on Thursday 12th January when Marugame Udon opens its new site in Waterloo Station with a breakfast menu launching in conjunction with Bandai and Tamagotchi. The first 100 Marugame Club members to visit on 12th January and buys a breakfast item will get a Tamagotchi pet to keep alive and the chance to win Marugame goodies including a year’s free breakfasts. The new morning menu launch includes Benedict Udon, a Japanese twist on Eggs Benedict with udon instead of muffins and Florentine Udon with wilted spinach. Expect exclusive sandos  – thick and fluffy Japanese-style sandwiches –  of Katsu & Bacon, Streaky Bacon & Tamagoyaki Egg, Japanese Pork Sausage & Egg and Spinach & Miso Tofu. You’d be crazy not to try the exclusive breakfast tempura including Sausage, Bacon and Tamagoyaki egg. The menu also includes Salmon or Rice bowls and Porridge to grab and go for those in a rush to catch a train. We’ll see you there! Marugame Waterloo is inside the station and open 8am until 10pm everyday. Website: https://marugame.co.uk Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Marugame Udon #asianfood #japanesefood #asian #MarugameUdon #japanese

Delivering the finest South East Asian hospitality the capital has to offer, the luxury Pan Pacific Hotel London is a must for those looking to toast to fruitful new beginnings, offering special menus at two of its onsite restaurants. Ideally situated in the heart of the City, the hotel is running a unique afternoon tea in partnership with Diptyque in The Orchid Lounge, and a wonderful Chinese New Year Feasting at Straits Kitchen. Having launched on 4th January and available all the way through to 27th March, the Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea with Diptyque is set to offer a delectable candlelit Afternoon Tea, magically served in a beautiful birdcage. Known for her show-stopping patisserie, the menu is inspired by the luxury brand’s orange and orange blossom scent, with Seasonal patisseries such as a mandarin and white chocolate mousse with orange marmalade, as well as Chinese savoury choices such as crispy wonton with aromatic duck and tofu. Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed with a choice of tea from The Rare Tea Company, or The Orchid Lounge’s Bespoke Blend – a perfect mix of Loose Leaf Indian & Malawian Black Tea, Chinese Oolong Tea and Indian Rose Petals. Each guest enjoying the limited-edition afternoon tea will be given a red card or ‘hóngbāo’ to write their hopes and dreams for the year ahead on, before attaching it to the tree. Chinese New Year Feasting at Straits Kitchen will run on Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd January. On Saturday, guests can enjoy a celebratory four-course sharing dinner, whilst on Sunday a family-sharing feast will be available. Guests will also have the opportunity to opt-in for 2 hours of unlimited wine to accompany their meal. In addition, from 23rd – 31st January 2023, enjoy a three-course set lunch menu or four-course set dinner menu, each showcasing Straits Kitchen’s unique Singaporean-style cuisine with an added Lunar New Year flair. Dates: Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea with Diptyque – The Orchid Lounge – 4th January – 27th March 2023 Chinese New Year Feasting at Straits Kitchen – Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd January Website: www.panpacificlondon.com Address: Pan Pacific London 80 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AB Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of Pan Pacific #hotel #Londonhotel #afternoontea #ChineseNewYear #panpacific

If you’ve visited Wagamama recently you will be wowed by the number of Vegan dishes on offer, the menu is 50% plant-based, which shows the demand for plant based food has increased in demand over the years and we are here for it! Who doesn’t want healthy and nutritious meals that taste delicious! We visited Wagamama last week to try out their vegan dishes including the kare lomen, a limited edition dish for Veganuary. Launched alongside the new charity partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing which supports thousands of families in over eighty locations. The vegan ‘chicken’ kare lomen is udon noodles served in a nourishing bowl of coconut broth with a chilli kick, and topped with vegan teriyaki ‘chicken’, coriander, beansprouts and cucumber. Teriyaki mixed with a coconut broth is an unusual combination, some may say daring, but the sweetness of the teriyaki and the citrus coconut broth creates an explosive veganuary dish. We also tried the Sticky vegan ‘ribs’ made from mushroom, seitan and soya protein. I must say I was apprehensive at first, as I’m a big fan of ribs, but this dish blew me away! A real favourite of mine now! Sticky, smoky, sweet, and quite meaty for a vegan dish, it was very moreish and is an absolute must-try! Next up The Bang bang cauliflower, crispy wok-fried cauliflower, coated in firecracker sauce with red and spring onion, and garnished with fresh ginger and coriander. This flavoursome dish is tangy with a spicy kick, giving you a bang for your buck. We also tried the sticky miso corn, which is new to the menu, corn on the cob roundels with a sticky miso sauce, red chilli and sesame seeds. The sticky miso corn offers an umami flavour, giving it a nice depth of flavour, another very moreish dish. I’d suggest you come to Wagamama hungry, there are so many vegan dishes you are going to want to tuck into! You won’t miss meat at all, the vegan dishes are very flavoursome, healthy and delicious. Sadly we were too full to try the vegan desserts, but there is always next time… For more information or to check where your local Wagamama is visit https://wagamama.com Written by Nyla S. #vegan #veganfood #veganuary #wagamama

Pub quiz question: “Who was the winner of Masterchef 2005?” Well for those who can remember further beyond what they had for dinner last night, it was Thomasina Miers who impressed the judges with her unique cooking style. Fast forward to 2007 and, along with co-founder Mark, Thomasina opened a restaurant in Convent Garden offering up fresh, vibrant Mexican street food dishes. That restaurant was called Wahaca. Fast forward again (last time we promise) and Wahaca is now a firm favourite amongst Mexican food lovers up and down the country, us included. So we headed down to the Shoreditch branch to remind ourselves of some of our favourite dishes. Mexico conjures up images of vibrant colours, yellows, reds, and of course limes, and for those who aren’t familiar, the restaurants match perfectly with these images. Each branch has its own identity, but the environment always feels fun, down to earth and casual. The perfect place to hang with friends over a margarita and a plate of nachos. Plates at Wahaca range from nibbles to share, smaller street food plates and classics such as burritos and enchiladas, at The Capturist we think the food here is designed to share, so order 2-3 plates each and enjoy it with your nearest and dearest. On this occasion we stacked up a few (some may say too many) plates to graze on over a lazy afternoon. No trip to Wahaca is complete without at least 2 of the tacos. We’d normally recommend the juicy, slow cooked, free range pork pibil, but today we mixed it up. The plantain tacos are a vegan treat, sweet and covered in creamy crumbled feta with a drizzle of hibiscus. Free-range chicken and avocado tacos were also on the hit list, with zingy guacamole and green tomatillo salsa. Finally on the taco run was battered pollock, with a lightly crispy exterior, white fluffy interior and dressed smartly with crunchy slaw and a warm chipotle mayo. One of my faves on this occasion was the unassuming black bean & three cheese quesadillas. A proof point that big flavours can come in small simple packages, these beans were smokey, balanced beautifully with the stringy, creamy melted cheese. Admittedly a little trickier to share, we opted to take turns tearing apart a chargrilled steak burrito. As delicious as this looked, we soon realised that the steak was cooked medium rare. Now that would normally be a big “juicy” win, but on this occasion, not suitable for my quite pregnant dining partner. The restaurant team were super friendly and helpful from the start and they had no hesitation in swapping this out for the free-range chicken burrito with ancho rub, which was delicious! Wahaca is far from the new kid on the block when it comes to Mexican food, or even restaurants for that matter, but something about it makes us feel cheery. The food is somehow different and refreshing whilst warming, easy and familiar, all in equal measures. There are worse ways to ponder life with a loved one on a lazy afternoon for sure. Website: www.wahaca.co.uk Address: 140 Tabernacle Street London EC2A 4SD Written by: Rick Hartley Photos courtesy of Wahaca #Mexican #Sharingfood #shoreditch #Wahaca

Set along the buzzing Thames path between Hammersmith and Fulham Sam’s Riverside supplies the much-needed opportunity for sophisticated dining to the area. Offering modern British cuisine with an emphasis on local artisan produce. The restaurant boasts fantastic river views and has a stunning interior; a combination of mid-century modern and high-ceilinged Parisienne brasserie, intimate yet luxurious, with cosy tables overlooking the twinkly water. The restaurant also offers larger dining spaces which are cordoned off with a high ceiling and glass walls, so one can feel private, yet not separated from the hub of the restaurant. The location is perfect for lone diners, parties and corporate dining, a date night dinner, and on slightly warmer days, eating al fresco. The bar also provides an area for drinks and relaxed dining, with a thickly marbled countertop, and adorned with exquisite bottles of wine and unusual spirits. Customers can kick off their evening with an exclusive cocktail, or for wine connoisseurs the opportunity to sample some of the extremely well-sourced wines from around the globe. Sam, the owner is a consummate wine buff and hand-picks the most incredible bio-dynamic and organic wines. We went on a Thursday evening, and the restaurant was humming with the atmosphere and the promise of a great night out. We started off at the bar with a glass of La Chita, a delicious organic red wine, accompanied by a little ‘amuse bouche’ of the house speciality – Parmesan Churros, well it would be rude not to! These are an absolute treat, and a real exclusive to Sam’s, before heading off to our table by the window overlooking the Thames. The Wine & Dine menu is available for lunch or dinner and offers two or three courses and a bottle of wine for two, starting at just £60 it’s fantastic value. The offer includes one of two great wines, either the La Chita Organic Tempranillo, a smooth and rich red, and for fans of white, La Chita Organic Sauvignon Blanc/Macabeo. Starters include Smoked Mackerel Pate, Cucumber and Sourdough Toast or a Roast Beef Carpaccio, dressed with Rocket and a special Tartare Dressing. We are both fans of Beef Carpaccio and were not disappointed by the delicate cuts of meat, which were light as a feather and melted in the mouth. For the main course, we dined on Smoked Haddock and Montgomery Cheddar Souffle accompanied by Endive and Bitter Leaf Salad. The combination of flavours is divine. Also on the menu is Confit Duck Leg, Puy Lentils and Beetroot Crispy Artichoke. A deeply warming dish perfect for a cold January day. The slow-cooked duck simply glides off the fork, and into one’s mouth. To finish off we sampled the Warm Treacle Tart with Crystallised Ginger served with a blob of Milk Ice Cream – a combination of dreamy, creamy and sweet textures. In addition to this traditional favourite is a Rhubarb and Coconut Fool with Blood Orange. Tangy, cool and decedent, the perfect ending to an indulgent meal. Sam’s Wine & Dine offer runs Monday to Thursday for both lunch & dinner, with vegan and vegetarian options also available. Dinner for two including wine starts at just £60.00, and three courses for £70.00. A great way to blow away the January blues. For those who are already fans of Sam’s brand, there is now Sam’s Larder over in Chiswick, as well as a gourmet food store just behind the restaurant in Fulham, with more locations due to open later this year. Perfect for those who, like me have picked up a serious Parmesan Churros obsession! Website: www.samsriverside.co.uk Address: Sam’s Riverside, 1 Crisp Walk, London W6 9DN Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of Sam’s Riverside #hammersmith #SamsRiverside #westLondon

Set just behind Bond Street, The Duchess offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere in a particularly hectic part of Central London. We sat down to our table in the upstairs dining room, with a low hum of conversation around us and accommodating yet chilled waiting staff, this was exactly the laid-back setting we needed for our somewhat hungover Sunday lunch. The menu offers a real twist on classics, with options such as; haddock croquettes with truffle hollandaise and Nduja cacklebean Scotch egg with house piccalilli for starters, and everything from bangers and mash and burgers to a full sharing roast for 4 people for the mains. I’m always on the lookout for pubs that do a decent vegetarian Sunday roast, a proper roast, I have an aversion to all things cauliflower steaks, stuffed peppers or any other vegetables masquerading as a main for the plant-based option. I’ll opt for a wellington or hearty nut roast every time, so I was delighted to see the vegan main was that of a pastry kind. I started with the roasted butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds. Served with a swirl of truffle oil and a chunk of delicious fresh sourdough bread, sometimes you find a place that does amazing soup and this is certainly one of them. My guest ordered a super retro crab & crayfish cocktail served with avocado, spring onion, and orange Marie Rose sauce. She was as happy with her option and we both remarked at how 80’s dinner party it felt, very cool. My main was a roasted butternut squash & forest mushroom en croûte. I know what you’re thinking, double butternut squash? But I was super happy with it, it certainly tasted like it was fully in season and suited the dreary winter day. The salty vegetable filling and the crispy pastry were the ultimate comfort food. Served with roasted potatoes, carrots, purple sprouting broccoli, and braised red cabbage, they don’t scrimp on the sides here which is a real bonus. I’m not usually someone that is hugely fussed by gravy but it was coated in an insanely moreish roasted red wine gravy, finishing off the plate perfectly. My dinner partner opted for the Cambrian chicken supreme which she was as equally chuffed with. Accompanied by a bottle of the Argentinian Catena Malbec and followed by the sticky toffee pudding with a salted caramel sauce, we rolled out of the venue ready for an afternoon nap and rid of our ghastly hangovers. Worth the trip to Marylebone from East London, The Duchess is a great spot for a central London Sunday roast, seemingly a world away from tourists despite its location. Laid-back dining with attentive waiting staff, there is a diverse menu catering for a variety of dietary requirements and preferences. Address: 39 Duke St, West Central, London W1U 1LP Website: www.theduchesspub.co.uk Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of The Dutchess #sundayroast #TheDuchess #roastlunch #sundaylunch #bondstreet