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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

Looking for a simple and effective way of getting more vitamins into your body, but fed up with taking a range of daily supplements. Let us introduce you to Bioglan Superfood powders, made from the highest quality ingredients, and designed to nourish your body. Get your morning health kick by whipping up your favourite smoothie and adding 1-2 teaspoons of Bioglan Superfoods to your blender, or add to your morning cereal, protein balls, and even those irresistible desserts! There are seven powders to choose from – Supperberries, Beauty Protein, Digestive Boost, Super Protein, Supergreens, Cacao Boost and Green Boost, tailoring to your health needs. In need of some meal or smoothie ideas? Check out the recipe section on the Bioglan website, it’s just the thing to help you nourish and transform your body. It’s time we’re kinder to our gut, trust me your mind and body will thank you for it! To find out more information visit https://bioglansuperfoods.co.uk Available to purchase from Boots, Holland & Barrett, Ocado, Waitrose and Amazon. Photography courtesy of Bioglan Superfood #hollandampbarret #BioglanSuperfood #healthy #healthyfood #superfood

Looking for the perfect restaurant to wine and dine your loved one on Valentine’s Day? We have rounded up our favourite places in the capital to give you a night to remember. Savage Garden Looking for opulence, a romantic setting and breathing taking views of London? Look no further, Savage Garden at Tower Bridge is set on the 12th floor and offers the ultimate Valentine’s day treat! Savage Garden’s Sicilian mixologist Mario Giaconia has created the Bloody Roses cocktail as part of Savage’s All’s Fair in Love and War theme. Diners can choose from Savage favourites, which include Honey Miso Aubergine Burger with fried green tomatoes, Coconut Beef Short Ribs with savage slaw, Crispy Squid Stick with pineapple ketchup and Citrus Buttermilk and Chicken Sliders with Kimchi Slaw and Korean Ketchup. Website: www.savagegarden.co.uk Pivot Bar & Bistro Spend your Valentine’s Day overlooking the iconic Covent Garden Piazza with dinner at Pivot Bar & Bistro. You and your loved one will be treated to a three-course menu. Highlights include traditional Chicken Liver Pate, Seared Scallops, Burrata & Heirloom Tomatoes, Fillet of Beef and the Pan Seared Sea Bass. Special V-Day cocktails on offer include the Floral Negroni and the Love & Passion Margarita. Available from the 11th – 14th of February. Priced at £45.00pp Website: https://pivotbarandbistro.com The Stablehand The Stablehand in Connaught Village is celebrating love with a special 4-course menu, available on Valentine’s Day. Dishes include Smoked Venison, Jersey Oyster with gin-infused apple, Beef Fillet with pressed potato served with horseradish cream and for dessert, guests will be spoilt with the Chocolate and Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. Priced at £54.95pp Website: https://thestablehand.co.uk | www.connaught-village.co.uk Bokan 37 Treat your loved one to a romantic evening at Bōkan 37 in Canary Wharf, with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of London’s skyline. Bokan 37 is offering an intimate seven-course dinner courtesy of Executive Chef Robert Manea. Highlights include Short Ribs, Parsnip and Shiitake Mushrooms, Scallop with Champagne Beurre Blanc and a special V-Day dessert, Love Forever – a heart-shaped red velvet sponge with blood orange, milk and dark chocolate mousse – accompanied by a glass of champagne. Priced at £150pp. Website: http://bokanlondon.co.uk The Cadogan Arms and The George The Cadogan Arms and The George will be offering a special three-course Valentine’s Day menu alongside an Oyster and Martini flight available from 13th-19th February. The indulgent three-course menu from Executive Chef, Alex Harper is a real treat! Dishes include Caramelised Onion Tart with Berkswell and a Waldorf Salad, Steak Rossini with Foie Gras, Beef Fat Brioche and Madiera Jus. Priced at £70.00pp Websites: https://thegeorge.london | http://thecadoganarms.london Sam’s Riverside Head chef James and Sam have curated an exquisite three-course menu for Valentine’s Day. Starters include Blood Orange Venison Carpaccio, Pickled Rhubarb and Jerusalem Artichoke or the Sam Riverside’s renowned Oysters to share, served with a refreshing cucumber and gin dressing. For mains, guests can enjoy a Cauliflower and Truffle Wellington with Kale and Mustard Velouté. Or the mouth-watering Rib Eye on the Bone, served with a choice of Bearnaise or Peppercorn sauce, fresh watercress, and hand-cooked chips. Desserts include an Apple Tart Tartin with Vanilla ice cream and Calvados Anglaise. Priced at £75pp with canapes and Gusbourne Brut reserve served on arrival. Website: https://samsriverside.co.uk #romantic #romanticrestaurants #valentinesday #valentines #romance

Looking to treat your loved one to a romantic meal at home on Valentine’s Day? But in need of that extra special something to light up their eyes… The Iberica Cava & Albert Adria Hamper is the perfect gift for Valentine’s day, inside the hamper you will find a bottle of Vilarnau Brut Cava – an exquisite and unique sparkling wine from Spain, a Turron Trufa Blanca – a traditional Spanish nougat with white truffle, and Milk Chocolate with hazelnut and passion fruit. A real luxurious and indulgent treat! The Iberica Cava & Albert Adria Hamper is priced at £25.95 To order your hamper or see the full range of hampers available visit https://shop.ibericarestaurants.com/collections/hampers-gifts Photography courtesy of Iberica #iberica #valentines #valentinesday

As Valentine’s day approaches, wannabe lovers are furiously flicking through their cookbooks, and mentally searching through their archives of go-to recipes to impress someone special. Spag-bol? too simple, Steak perhaps? too…… cliched, Sushi? Now that is sure to impress. But who the heck know’s how to make sushi? Well… you do now. Or at least you can with the Ultimate Sushi Kit from Japanese snacks and drinks brand, Kelly loves. Packed with all the essentials to create a medley of authentic and sensational sushi rolls and maki, including toppings such as fried onions, ginger, and wasabi. Just add your / or your loved ones’ favourite fish or vegetables, load them up into the impressive bento box, included in the kit, and impress the socks off your dinner date. Valentine’s day not your thing??? who cares! Sushi IS your thing, so whether you are treating your loved one, or yourself, or just want to have some fun and get creative in the kitchen, the Kelly Love’s sushi kit will have you rustling up some top-notch sushi, all from the comfort of your own home. Kits can be bought on the Kelly Love website at https://kellyloves.com/products/ultimate-sushi-kit Written by Nyla S. Photography courtesy of Kelly Love #CookatHome #Foodkits #KellyLoves #Sushi

The ever so popular Guinness & Baileys doughnut is once again back, to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and this time with an improved recipe enhancing the flavours of everyone’s favourite Irish tipples – Guinness & Baileys. Haven’t had the pleasure of trying this flavour before? You can expect a fluffy chocolate Guinness cake dough, piped with Baileys Irish cream and chocolate ganache, dipped in Baileys chocolate glaze, and hand finished with chocolate curls. Trust us when we say opting for one isn’t enough and the guys and gals at Crosstown know this, which is why they are also serving up special St Patrick’s Day limited-edition boxes for you to indulge in! St. Patrick’s six-pack – Six limited edition Guinness & Baileys doughnuts or three Guinness & Baileys and three vegan Tongan Vanilla Bean Glaze doughnuts (£26.95). St. Patrick’s  twelve-pack – Twelve limited edition Guinness & Baileys doughnuts or six Guinness & Baileys and six vegan Tongan Vanilla Bean Glaze doughnuts (£44.95). St. Patrick’s celebration box – Includes the St. Patrick’s six-pack + four Guinness cans (£30.95). St. Patrick’s boxes will be available to pre-order from the 23rd February, with deliveries and collections between the 1st – 19th March. Individual doughnuts will be available in-store, for collection, and on-demand delivery from the 1st March. Place a pre-order at: https://www.crosstown.co.uk/st-patricks-day-in-london Photography courtesy of Crosstown #crosstown #crosstowndoughnuts

Nestled in the cellar of the recently refurbished townhouse 3 Henrietta Street is the latest offering from acclaimed Cuban chef Luis Pous. Having already made a name in Miami and New York with his twist on traditional Hawaiian street food, El Ta’koy brings a dash of upscale tiki dining to London’s Covent Garden. The fusion menu is an eclectic mix of small bites, tacos and poke bowls, along with decadent tropical cocktails. We made our way there on a rainy afternoon and upon entering found ourselves saying ‘aloha’ to a den of colour and exotic flavour. The décor is a feast of verdant green, with faux leafy plants embellishing the walls, a 70’s peacock chair, real pineapples and oversized bamboo lampshades to complete the tiki-club atmosphere. In keeping with the lush tropical vibe is a fabulous array of Hawaiian-inspired tipples, including rum cocktails and signature daiquiris. A very generous Happy Hour runs Monday to Thursday between 12.00 and 18.00, perfect for lunchtime shoppers and after-work drinks. We indulged in a Zingiber Lotus; a gin cocktail made with the heavenly mix of fresh ginger, lychee and a touch of lime, as well as a tiki classic the Saturn, another delicious gin cocktail with passion fruit juice over crushed ice. Take your pick and you are ready to be transported. For the main meal, we choose a selection of small snacks and tacos as recommended by our host. The menu is great for sharing, with lots of options for vegans and vegetarians. The Bento Box Brunch for £35.00 per head is a fantastic deal, including cocktails on arrival. We started with the Avocado Edamame Hummus, which is displayed as a miniature garden, with slim stands of vegetables and crunchy nachos for dipping, amongst a pond of delicious hummus. Next up a salad of Baby Gem and Pickled Red Cabbage, with avocado salsa kimchi and tangy wasabi mayo. To follow was the Lamb Barbacoa, a signature taco dish of stunning flavours, including sharp cilantro and zesty lime cream. As well as the Lomi Salmon Tostada, a tequila-cured salmon, avocado, wasabi aioli, lemon cream and ikura creation. What impressed me was the lightness of the tacos, so delicate and fine, complimented by the fresh ingredients and unusual flavour sensations. We went for lunch and found our selection of savoury dishes very filling, but if you want to polish off your meal with something sweet and tropical, try the Banana Lumpia, a healthy(ish) pudding of banana and chocolate sauce. With some great dining and cocktail offers the restaurant and bar is open Monday to Sunday from 11.00 – 23.00 | Happy Hour Monday to Thursday 12.00 until 18.00. Bento Box Bruch £35.00 including a cocktail of your choice runs Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 12.00 – 16.00. Website: https://el-takoy.com Written by Claire Bloom #coventgarden #eltakoy #pokebowls

If you’ve been missing your Gaucho brunch fix now’s the time to get back on the horse. From 11am – 4pm every Saturday at all Gaucho London branches you are invited to enjoy a delicious South American-inspired feast with bottomless drinks for £75pp. Try the citrus negronis, passionfruit martinis or an aperol spritz, with Argentinian wines and beers also on tap, an alcohol-free version is available with mocktails for just £50 pp. Grab your besties, enjoy the Latin beats with live DJ’s and chow down on all of the Gaucho classics from Argentinian sausages, tostadas, empanadas, churassco de cuadrill and the famous brunch burger. Enjoy 100% Argentinian steak topped with cherry tomato jam, mushrooms, egg and streaky bacon in a brioche bun. If you still have room for dessert choose from a chocolate brownie or apple pancakes and ice cream. The last sitting is at 2.15pm and each booking is 90 minutes. Book now at www.gauchorestaurants.com Written by Claire Selby Photography by JW Howard #brunch #gaucho #steak

Leyla Kazim and Crystelle Pereira have teamed up with Tommi Miers co-founder of Wahaca for Plates Shared: a supper club to celebrate International Women’s Day. Taking place at Wahaca Shoreditch on 8th March, where guests will be treated to a five course menu. Dishes include smoky tomato fideos with grilled mussels and herb butter, five hour grass-fed short rib with Tehuano sauce and toasted almonds, and grilled corn bread with blood orange and piloncillo caramel. This incredible menu is only available for one night, so grab your gals and celebrate International Women’s Day in style! Profits from the evening will be donated to Practical Action, a charity focused on tackling gender equality and poverty in the developing world. Tickets cost £60pp, to book your ticket visit http://.wahaca.co.uk #internationalwomensday #iwd #platesshared #Wahaca

Kahani – a gourmet Indian restaurant in Chelsea is offering a colourful menu to celebrate the festival with traditional Holi sweets. Michelin-starred chef Peter Joseph has created an exclusive menu, to celebrate Holi. Start with a classic Kahani twist – a cocktail with Indian spices, paired with Beetroot Idlis with Tomato Garlic Chutneys, or Spiced Chickpeas with Tamarin Chutney. The starters are a choice of Smoked Malabar Prawns with Turmeric, Coconut and Curry Leaves, or Kashmiri Char Grilled Chicken Chops with Mustard Oil. Mains include Somerset Lamb Chop with Nagercoil Clove or Chargrilled Chicken with Fenugreek Leaves. Both are served with Kadhai Vegetables Dal Maharani, Rice and Naan. There will also be vegetarian options for non meat eaters. For dessert choose from – Gajjar Halwa Tart and smooth Caramel Ice Cream, followed by traditional Holi Badana Sweet This colourful offering is available from 6th – 10th March only, book now so you don’t miss out! Address: 1 Wilbraham Pl, London, SW1X 9AE Website: www.kahanilondon.com Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Kahani #holi #holifestival #kahani