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If you’re a fan of Anatolian cuisine with a contemporary spin Ruya is definitely on the Capturist map of places we recommend. We recently got the chance to sample their hero dishes from the current menu and were absolutely blown away. The restaurant has a sleek, luxurious feel with a full lounge/bar, a traditional open oven, and a huge dining room with private areas and cosy nooks. Service was exceptional, with our waitress recommending her favorites and the bartendar pouring the cocktails tableside. We had the Oya, a deliciously smoky pear and apple juice with cinnamon and the Violet Breeze with prosecco, elderflower and a gorgeous violet syrup. We sampled the cold meze to start with the Isli Patlican, Turkish Spoon Salad and Antep Fistikh Rafik. The trio complemented each other so well and provided a tasty and delicious start to our journey. We also tried the Lahmacun with spicy lamb which was so light and moreish we could have easily ordered it again… For the hot meze we selected melt-in-the-mouth Borek, Icli Lamb Kofte, and Umut’s Bayildi – a twist on the traditional Turkish dish of Imam Bayaldi.which is named because the priest fainted at the deliciousness of the aubergine and garlic dish. The main event was the 24-hour short rib which we tried with stacks of parmesan truffle and chili and garlic fries, complemented with chickpea puree and Turkish chili paste as well as some tasty Pistachio Rice. We gazed long and hard at the dessert menu but our bellies were so full, so we will have to visit again! We would have tried the specialty Kunefe or the Baklava FYI. We left with a doggy bag vowing to return and try the rest of the menu. Address: Ruya Mayfair, 30 Upper Grosvenor St, London, W1K 7PH Book now at https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/ruyalondon Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Ruya #Mayfair #ruyu #turkish #turkishfood

Hidden just a short walk off Islington’s Upper Street, Jiji is a brand-new dining concept showcasing the finest dishes the area has to offer. Creatively combining Japanese and Middle Eastern ingredients, the restaurant is built on the idea that ‘Life is too short to eat bad sushi… or any bad food for that matter’, it’s fast becoming one of Angel’s most popular eateries. We entered into a super sleek interior; low hanging lights, velvet furniture with gold accents and quirky wall art, even the bathrooms were impressive, you instantly get a sense of the level of care put into the aesthetics of the venue. The low hum of music accompanied by the warming dim lighting makes for a perfect date night spot. Unable to choose from the extensive offering, the kitchen prepared a tasting menu highlighting some of the restaurant’s best dishes, I opted for a vegetarian feast whilst my guest went for the full carnivore version. Starting with obligatory vegetable gyozas, my menu went on to include Aubergine Carpaccio with crispy onion, nuts and feta, Slow-Cooked Cauliflower Ezme salad, cured lemon paste, tofu cream and mixed nuts and a Vegetable JIJI Roll, Kanpyo with Takuan. Super tasty and creative flavours balancing indulgence with nourishing ingredients, I was impressed by the plant-based options on offer. My absolute highlight was the aubergine which managed to combine smoky flavours, a rich creamy base and sweet and tangy pomegranate all into one perfectly presented dish. On the flip side, my partner said the Scottish Salmon with 48-hour miso marinated was possibly the best piece of fish she had ever eaten, which was high praise indeed. We finished with a spectacular sharing dessert; Rocky Road; Chocolate hazelnut praline Cremieux, almond crumble, caramelised popcorn, and blueberries, I have to say the dessert offerings at Jiji’s are not to be missed. If you are looking for something a bit special in North London, then look no further, Jiji has it all. A truly stunning setting with a delicious and creative offering, the attentive and professional service makes for an all-around fantastic experience. Address: 6g Esther Anne Pl, London, N1 1WL Website: www.jijirestaurants.com Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of Jiji #jiji #angel #islington #japanesefood #northlondon #japanese

If there’s one producer of sweet treats that are guaranteed to bust out the limited edition seasonal goodies it’s Crosstown Doughnuts. With Easter on the Horizon, the innovative bakers are bringing back to you their popular, limited-edition vegan Hot Cross Bun Doughnuts. The delicious, sticky treats are made from Crosstown’s spiced vegan dough, oozing with cinnamon custard and topped with Seville orange glaze, a spiced cross and candied orange peel. Each bite is a heavenly mouthful of Easter. Easter boxes Of course you can get your chops around one of these doughnuts from any of Crosstown’s London, Cambridge, Oxford and Brighton stores for £4.75, or for a little extra treat, special Easter boxes are available for collection in-store, or delivery across the UK. Boxes include: Easter six-pack – Six limited edition Hot Cross Bun doughnuts or three Hot Cross Bun and three Dark Chocolate Truffle doughnuts (£26.95). Easter twelve-pack – Twelve limited edition Hot Cross Buns or six Hot Cross Buns and six Dark Chocolate Truffle doughnuts (£44.95). Hot Cross Bun dough bite fifteen-pack – Fifteen limited edition Hot Cross Bun dough bites (£37.50). Easter selection box – An Easter doughnut six-pack + specialty drinks + twelve chocolate truffles or three chocolate bars (£42.95). The Easter selection drink boxes include NYETIMBER Classic Cuvée (325ml), Gusbourne English Sparkling Rosé (750ml), Black Lines Espresso Martini, and St. JOHN wines, and more. Easter boxes will be available to pre-order from 13 March from www.crosstown.co.uk Photography courtesy of Crosstown Doughnuts #easter #crosstowndoughnuts #veganfood #doughnuts #crosstown #vegandoughnuts

We were lucky enough to be invited to an evening with Eaten Alive – where we were treated to a fermented foods special menu cooked up by the founders, Pat and Glyn. The friends were both fine dining chefs and started their business while trying to set up a restaurant – we would be the first to book if they do eventually! Surrounded by the company’s products, we started with a trio of canapes: Kimchi and cheese croquettes, Anie pickled carrots wrapping, a Labneh filling and smoked beetroot pkhali. These colourful and tasty starters started things perfectly and set the scene for the treats to come. We loved the Turmeric Brinedkholrabi, massala chat with preserved lime and fermented cucumber sauce, and the Fermented Courgette Dip with pickled yellow squash black pepper, and almonds, all so colorful and vibrant and perfect for sharing amongst the table. The chefs came out and explained their stories both to the room and were happy to chat one on one after, clearly in their element being back in the kitchen. The main event really was a whole course made with Koji – cooked rice and/or soya beans that have been inoculated with a fermentation culture, Aspergillus oryzae and can be used as a base much like a sourdough starter. Damn, we forgot to mention the delicious sourdough that was served with this course – with two different butters – miso and kimchi. Both were so moreish we had to ration our consumption. The Koji-brined chicken was served with a delicious lemon kosho and chicken fat hollandaise accompanied with beluga lentil and quinoa tempeh and a shoyu koji glaze. The real treat was the Koji bavette steak with blackcurrant mustard and ponzo, so tender and tasty. After all the ferments, our tastebuds were tantalised with a stunning dessert: 4-year-old preserved apricot with Barletymalt sponge and jellied plums. Every mouthful was beautiful, a real finale to the meal. Eaten Alive ferments are available online – www.eatenalive.co.uk/collections/all-products Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Eaten Alive #EatenAlive

Covent Garden’s luxury hotel Middle Eight has recently launched the musically inspired afternoon tea, which features a symphony of sweet treats and savoury bites with decorative and musical touches. Perfect timing some would say with Mother’s Day around the corner! Guests will be treated to an array of delicate treats which include ‘Blood Orange Opera’ – citrus Pannacotta with layers of blood orange jelly; ‘Treble Clef Treat’ – silky smooth and delicate Pistachio macaron filled with buttercream & roasted praline; and crispy, creamy ‘Hazelnut Harmony’ – Clanny’s twist on the classic Hazelnut éclair. Along with Finger sandwiches of Coronation chicken, Smoked salmon & cream cheese and Grilled vegetables with hummus served on a mixture of turmeric, charcoal and onion bread, priced at £45.00 per person / £55.00 with a glass of prosecco. Middle Eight, whose name derives from the musical term, provides a beautiful backdrop for the Afternoon Tea experience with its luxurious and beautiful interior.  Treat your mum to this symphony of sweet treats and delicate sandwiches at Middle Eight, she won’t be disappointed. Dates: Wednesday to Sunday Time: 13.00-17.00 Address: 66 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5BX Book by visiting www.sevenrooms.com/reservations Photography courtesy of Middle Eight #afternoontea #middleeight

Walking into In Horto feels like you are walking into a swanky bar in Ibiza. Red brick tiled floors, dark wooden tables, and overhanging straw woven light shades, the space is equal parts rustic and stylish. Centrally located just a short walk from London Bridge, the new opening from The Venue Group has been receiving a lot of attention as of late. In Horto, translated from the Latin ‘In The Garden’, is precisely that; a rustic dining concept that puts pastoral tradition at the centre. Big sharing plates invoke the feeling of Mediterranean hospitality, whilst friendly and attentive service in a relaxed setting makes for the perfect backdrop for a chilled, but special dinning experience. Starting with olives and Padron peppers, and a margarita, of course, we ordered a vegi feast. Heritage beetroot, vegan feta toasted sunflower & pumpkin seeds, Vegan nduja corn ribs with courgette, pinto bean & red pepper stew, Whole baked cauliflower, four cheese potatoes with garlic & parsley and Wild mushroom gnocchi. The menu offers creative twists on traditional fayre. Served in big cast iron plates adding to the overall aesthetic, this was the definition of comfort food. Delicious and decadent, the vegetables used were super fresh, and there is a clear emphasis on the quality of ingredients here. My personal favourite was the baked cauliflower; a super gooey cheesy casing with the cauliflower cooked to absolute perfection. I’ve tried a few variations of a baked cauliflower over the years but this was by far the best I’d ever had. We finished with sharing a portion of tarte tatin with vanilla; a super flaky pastry and deliciously sweet apples, the perfect sweet ending to our lovely evening. In Horto is fast becoming one of the key restaurants in the area and for good reason. We’ll definitely be back in summer when we were told that all of the surrounding wooden walls are lifted so the space becomes truly open and airy. Address: 53b Southwark St, London, SE1 1RU Website: https://inhorto.co.uk Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of In Horto #inhorto #Londonbridge

Located 9 minutes from Walthamstow station, Taro offers a quirky Japanese dining room experience, transporting you out of London and into Japan. We sat down in one of the comfy shared booths, which offers a private dining experience, in a busy and fast-paced environment. The menu includes authentic Japanese food, which include Japanese style grilled chicken dumplings, mixed vegetable tempura, a chicken teriyaki bento box and much more! I have a lot of love for Southeast Asian food and I’m always on the lookout for tasty plant-based options and most importantly authentic flavours. I normally go for ramen but with a great selection of dishes on the menu to choose from I was spoilt for choice. We were greeted with a hot drink called Genmai Cha – Green tea with roasted rice, it was the perfect drink to start off our meal. I started with the Ebi prawn Gyoza Japanese’s style grilled dumplings filled with vegetables accompanied with soya sauce. Taro offers up top-notch gyozas! Moist, flavoursome and extremely moorish. My dining partner ordered the prawn tempura with dipping sauce tentsuyu. We were both extremely happy with our starters. My main was a tofu bento box, I know it might sound a little less exciting compared to all the other amazing Japanese dishes on offer, but I was very happy with everything the bento box came with and the exquisite flavour. The tofu steak with vegetables on a bed of rice and teriyaki sauce is the perfect combination, the bento also included inari cucumber sushi roll, korokke, and beansprouts which was a real bonus. I normally expect an average portion, but this was more than satisfying. My dining partner choose the duck teri don, deep fried duck with vegetables on a bed of rice and was equally happy with her decision. Accompanied with Japanese lemonade. We were too full for dessert so I’ll have to give into my cravings for Japanese green tea and dessert for next time. Worth the trip to Walthamstow from South West London, Taro is a portal to a Japanese dining experience with friendly and attentive staff, if you’re lucky you may spot Mr Taro himself in the restaurant. Taro offers up a diverse menu, with dishes to tantalise your tastebuds! Address: 76 High Street, Walthamstow, London, E17 7LD Website: https://tarorestaurants.uk Written by Stephanie Sowaha #japanese #taro #Walthamstow

Celebrate Easter this year with loved ones in style with a gorgeous Easter hamper from DukeHill. The luxury artisan producers are offering luxury Easter hampers, gift sets and seasonal produce to make your Easter that extra special. The indulgent hampers can be purchased from the DukesHill website or you can opt for the DukesHill team to expertly curate the very best of the British countryside, ensuring you and your loved ones have the ultimate dining experience. The Easter Hamper, priced at £120, comes in a bespoke 18” wicker basket, containing: • Dark Chocolate, Cherry & Caramelised Almonds Easter Egg with Truffles (230g) • Blonde Chocolate, Strawberry Crumb & Shortbread Biscuit Easter Egg with Truffles (230g) • Simnel Loaf Cake (525g) • Milk Chocolate Covered Honeycomb (150g) • Salted Caramel Quail Eggs (150g) • Mini Milk Chocolate Almond Praline Eggs (150g) The Luxury Easter Banquet priced at £169, comes in a bespoke 18” wicker basket, containing: • Whole Bone-in Leg of Lamb • Midi Boneless Wiltshire Ham • Luxury Salmon Terrine • Scottish Oatcakes • Whole Bone-in Leg of Lamb • Montagnolo Affine 450g • Sticky Toffee Pudding • Simnel Loaf Cake • 2 x Tanners Cava Brut • Cracked Black Pepper Crackers • Chocolate Tiffin Sweet or savoury, you are guaranteed to find the perfect hamper! The wicker baskets are also great to use when on an Easter egg hunt with the little ones… it’s the gift that keeps giving! To order your hamper or Easter gifts visit: www.dukeshillham.co.uk Written by Nyla S. Photography courtesy of DukesHill #dukeshill #easter #eastereggs #hampers

You’ll soon be able to experience your very own slice of the Cote d’Azur in London with the opening of  “Riviera” on 21st of April 2023. Riviera, a new French restaurant brings the charm and elegance of the South of France straight to Mayfair, specifically on the footprint of the old iconic Sake no Hana site on St James Street. Here you will experience French fine dining at its best, celebrating vibrant  Mediterranean dishes full of fresh flavours. The menu is divine and would make your tastebuds tingle even thinking about it;  Starters include King Crab Salad & Sweet Lemon Dressing, Scallops & Citrus Butter, Truffle Sauce & mushroom Mustard Croutons and for meat lovers Beef Carpaccio. The Entrees are just as impressive with seafood such as Lobster with Yuzu Butter, and Sea Bass Papillote sourced from the shores of the Cote d‘Azur itself. In the meat selection expect a variety of cuts of beef including the very famous Chateau Briand for sharing. As you would expect, much care has gone into curating the perfect wine pairing, which encompasses a very extensive wine list from most wine regions of France including some new world wines to complement any dish. This new restaurant is certainly one to add to your “go to” list. Website: www.riviera-london.co.uk Address: Riviera – Cote D’Azur, 23 St James Street, London, SW1A 1HA Written by Lorna Byrne Photography courtesy of Riviera #french #frenchfood #riviera

Wagamama’s brand new flagship restaurant has opened in Battersea Power Station. Adding to what is fast becoming London’s newest and most exciting riverside neighbourhood, the chain will be bringing their popular, nourishing pan-Asian dishes to the development. On a mission to spread positivity from bowl to soul, Wagamama’s Battersea Power Station restaurant will serve rice bowls, noodles and curries. Now also offering 50 percent plant-based dishes, so you can get your delicious vegan fix! Set in Battersea’s impressive Grade II* listed Power Station, guests can enjoy a full day out with an array of shops, bars, food outlets and experiences on offer. Address: 5 Prospect Wy, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BH For more information visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk and www.wagamama.com Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of Wagamama #asian #asianfood #batterseapowerstation #wagamama

Looking for a little piece of France in London? Le Garrick ticks that box and much more! This Award-winning restaurant is a little gem found on Garrick Street in Covent Garden, from the outside it has everything you would expect from a French Bistro, red and white checked tablecloths, French bistro tables and chairs and a chalkboard displaying the specials, enticing those passing by. The menu boasts hearty French classics, expect to find Boeuf Bourguignon, Moules Frites, Filet de Saumon et sa Ratatouille and Escargots de Bourgogne. For my starter I opted for the Seared fresh scallops which sat on a bed of rocket and red peppers, it was beautifully presented and the scallops were cooked to perfection, the acidity of the balsamic dressing cuts through the scallops perfectly, it was incredibly moreish, and left me wanting more. For my main dish, I went for the Boeuf Bourguignon, a dish that sums up French comfort food, which is just what I was after on a Saturday afternoon. The meat was tender, and the sauce was rich and flavoursome. Perfectly paired with new potatoes, vegetables and lardons. I thoroughly enjoyed my two dishes, so it was a no brainier to get a dessert, I choose the Taste au citron, the perfect sweet treat to end a delicious meal. I would book in advance if you want to eat at Le Garrick, as I can imagine this place getting very busy! Downstairs you will find alcoves, cosy booths, candle-lit tables and French charm, it’s the ideal place to impress a loved one. This family-run restaurant was more than I could have asked for, delicious food, great ambience and exceptional service, no doubt I’ll be back! Website: www.legarrick.co.uk Address: 10-12 Garrick Street, London, WC2E 9BH Written by Nyla S. Restaurant photography courtesy of Le Garrick | Food photography by Nyla S. #frenchfood #french #coventgarden #Frenchbistro #legarrick

This week I had the pleasure of dining at Audrey’s, where they were launching their new spring menu from New Head Chef, Vincent Hiss. Audrey’s itself is a café type-restaurant, a stone’s throw from Borough Market and behind Flat Iron Square. Upon rounding the corner to the street, the vibrancy of the restaurant and its picture-perfect terrace acts like a beacon. How they’ve managed to incorporate the existing mature trees into the structure is very impressive. Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by the staff and took a table by the window. The menu was explained in detail as well as the delicious-looking cocktail menu which we sampled to great effect. Our favourites were the French Martini which was delightful, and the strong Rum Swizzle, a concoction of white and dark rum,  pineapple & orange juice, and some Angostura bitters. If you visit between 5pm and 7pm you can take advantage of Audrey’s 7 till 7 offer where all 7 cocktails are only £7 – Bargain! For starters we chose the Chicken Liver Parfait with accompanying red onion jam and toasted brioche, which tasted sublime, a winner from both of us. The Borough Market fish cake topped with a juicy prawn, sweet potato puree base and cucumber salad and pieces of samphire was also tasty, I found it had a very interesting mix of flavours… It took us a lot longer to decide on the mains as despite only seven items, all the dishes sounded scrumptious. Following lots of mind changing I settled on the Fish Pie which had a very generous medley of prawns, mussels, salmon, and smoked haddock. My guest was torn between the Spring Vegetable Risotto with asparagus, tomato fondue and parmesan crisp and the Dry Aged Longhorn Ribeye steak but of course the Ribeye won and deservedly so, it was cooked perfectly and just melted in your mouth. Skinny Fries and Braised Sweetheart cabbage was ordered to share. Due to the very generous portion sizes of our starters and mains, we left it a while to have our desserts. The crème brulee & soldiers were certainly a showstopper, served in eggshells within 2 eggcups with meringue shoulders for dipping but it missed the silky consistency that is usually associated with this dessert, enjoyable all the same. My guest was full of compliments for the Chocolate and Apricot mousse accompanied with a cacao crumb tuile, and was very tempted to lick the plate (she didn’t). Overall, a very pleasant evening with good food and drinks and one to add to your list, especially when the weather gets better so you can sit on that beautiful terrace and people-watch. Address: Audrey’s, 1 Flat Iron Square, Union Street, London SE1 0AB Website: www.audreyslondon.co.uk Written by Lorna Byrne Photography courtesy of Audrey’s #audreys #bankside