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Just in time for Afternoon Tea week 13th – 20th August, Just Love Food have some great products and some wise advice if you’re hosting your own tea party with a mix of guests. Why make things awkward when you can provide dietary options for everyone and avoid embarrassment? The founder of Just Love Food – Danika Williams knows from experience, when she was given a severe allergy diagnosis when she was four. This led her to set up her company which provides gluten-free, vegan and allergy-safe cakes for all occasions. We tried the Vegan Chocolate Cake which was seriously moreish and tasted as good if not better than a regular dairy one! To celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week, Danika shares her top tips for hosting an inclusive afternoon tea this summer. 1. Communicate clearly with guests: it only takes a minute to drop a note to your guests to confirm their dietary needs in advance, and then to discuss any concerns they may have. Eating out can be very stressful for allergy sufferers and by clarifying their needs and listening to their concerns, you can ensure they feel confident you will be taking the right steps to ensure their safety. 2. Offer a variety of inclusive options: Plan a menu that accommodates a range of allergies, dietary needs and choices. Include options that are free from common allergens such as nuts, milk and egg, a gluten free choice and a vegan option.  Be aware that many vegan brands are not actually safe for milk and egg allergy sufferers, so do check packaging.    Just Love Indulgent Chocolate Cake or Confetti Traybake have no nuts, no milk and no egg so are allergy safe AND Vegan friendly. 3. Prepare and serve your treats safely:  Be mindful of cross-contamination by using separate utensils, cutting boards, and preparation areas for allergen-free dishes. Help your guests make safe and informed food choices by labelling each item clearly, indicating if it’s vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, etc.  (Just Love Cakes all have a handy cut out allergen label on the base of the box which you can display next to their cakes). 4. Normalise inclusive food: Allergen-free, gluten free and vegan dishes have come a long way. Gone are the days of flavourless and dry substitutes. With a rise in allergies, gluten intolerance and the increase in demand for vegan options, there are a variety of brilliant brands who provide delicious options that everyone can enjoy. Why buy two cakes, sandwiches, or pastries when you can have one that caters for all? The Chocolate cake comes with its own friendly label so you don’t have to mess around making your own, they really have thought of everything. Cakes are stocked in leading retailers nationwide at an RRP from £6. Website: www.justlovefoodcompany.com Images courtesy of Just Food Company #justlovecake

The weekend has gotten a little more exciting with the news of Restaurant Bamboo Mat launching a Peruvian and Japanese fusion bottomless brunch this September! Offering fresh and creative dishes full of flavour. Diners will be treated to eight of Bamboo Mat’s signature dishes for just £35 per person along with a DJ who will be entertaining the crowd with Peruvian music. Signature sushi dishes include Tuna Nigiri, Salmon Avocado Maki and Yellow Tail Nigiri. Peruvian classics include Bamboo Mat’s Seabass Ceviche with aji amarillo tiger’s milk, sweet potato, red onion, chancha corn; and Artichoke Tostada with salsa criolla and salsa verde. Fluffy Bao Buns are NEW to Bamboo Mat and exclusively offered at Stratford during bottomless brunch. Choose from pork or nasu (Japanese aubergine). The vegetarian offer costs £30 per person. Dishes include Vegetable Ceviche, Mango Maki and Pepper and Avocado Nigiri. Fancy a few bevvies? add the bottomless alcohol option for £18 per person! Bamboo Mat’s bottomless brunch will launch on Saturday 2nd September and will be available every Saturday and Sunday at Stratford between midday and 4pm. Address: 21-24 Victory Parade, East Village, London, E20 1FS Website: https://bamboo-mat.co.uk/stratford-menu Photo courtesy of Bamboo Mat #stratford #Westfield

Step out of East Croydon station, past Boxpark, cross the road and you have arrived at Fern’s light, buzzing space, it’s half bar, half restaurant and from our vantage point upstairs it felt like we were sitting on top of Croydon. In fact, we could have been in Manchester or New York. Somehow the folks here have created something really sophisticated but authentic to the Cronx. The decor is relaxingly stylish, staff are attentive and more than happy to accommodate our gluten-free and alcohol-free needs. We started with a couple of the signature cocktails: a Paloma and a Margarita. Both came Instagram-ready with bright colours, lightly dusted stunning glassware and straws to sip. They were exceptional, the best we’ve had in a long time – no wonder the bar was packed on our arrival. There are no amateurs here. The menu is divided by Land, Sea and Plant, and we were suggested to order five to nine dishes to share. We went with the waitress’s recommendations and chose a mix-and-match across the specialities. We started with the colourful Sea Bream Ceviche which was delightful with tangy microherbs and a citrus kick, the perfect palate cleanser. We followed with the Creamy Parmesan Polenta with green beans, chickpeas and fried sage, almost an entire tasty meal in itself. The showstopper was probably the Harissa Chicken served on a bed of Tzatziki bejewelled with Pomegranate seeds. Not too spicy, not too hot, just mouthwateringly good. The portions are really generous, and we struggled to eat the pork and beef meatballs as the sautéed baby potatoes were so good we finished them all. We shared the Panacotta for dessert as it was a recommendation and came as beautifully presented as everything else. We highly recommend a visit if you’re down this way. Address: Fern Croydon, 100a George Street, Croydon, CR0 1GP Website: https://fernlondon.co.uk Written by Claire Selby Photos courtesy of Fern #croyden #fern

London cocktail week is around the corner (12th-22nd October) think limited edition drinks, special cocktail offers and bars offering you a night to remember… what’s not to love! The clever folks at Crosstown are just as excited, so much so, that they’ve joined forces with El Rayo to relaunch the vegan margarita yuzu and lime doughnut! El Rayo’s Plata Tequila is a clean and balanced Tequila blanco, with notes of pineapple, black pepper and wild flowers, and now the fresh and vibrant spirit has been wrapped up in a Crosstown doughnut, to be enjoyed no matter what time it is. The margarita-inspired custard packs a punch, it’s fresh, zesty and delicious! You can pick up on for £5.75 in-store and online or of you fancy a real celebration, indulge in the El Rayo x Crosstown gift box. Inside the box you will find three Yuzu Margarita & Lime doughnuts and three Dark Chocolate Truffle doughnuts, alongside a 5cl bottle of El Rayo Plata Tequila, a 5cl bottle of El Rayo Reposado Tequila and four cans of tonic, priced at £39.95. Place your order by visiting www.crosstown.co.uk Photo courtesy of Crosstown #crosstown #elrayo

Whether you are hosting a Halloween party or having a low key evening indoors, get your hands on some delicious spooky treats from Lola’s Cupcakes! The Halloween selection includes: Devilishly delicious cupcakes with spine-chilling decorations Indulgent spooky layered cakes and Wickedly gooey brownies The vibrant yet darkly decadent layer cake is the perfect choice for an extravagant and spooky centerpiece, it’s a showstopper and your guests will be delighted with such a masterpiece. Want to surprise the trick or treaters, delight them with the bewitchingly decorated bite-sized brownies and mini cupcakes. And when the party is over, bring out the dark and spooky cupcakes and enjoy them with a cuppa or a tipple or two. Let Lola’s Cupcakes cater to all your sweet and spooky desires. Visit one of their bakeries or order online – www.lolascupcakes.co.uk Written by Nyla S. Photos courtesy of Lola’s Cupcakes #cakes #cupcakes #halloween #lolascupcakes

SushiDog is a great place to swing by for a quick healthy lunch, made in minutes! You will find sushi rolls, poké bowls and Asian-inspired salads made fresh. A lover of sushi? Then this place really is a must! They offer a convenient way to eat a lot of sushi, made like a hot dog, hence the name SushiDog. You can choose from a range of signature rolls which include Signature Salmon, Chicken Katsu, Teriyaki, Prawn Katsu or Cauli. Or if you’re feeling creative you can opt for the “build your own”. You can choose from a roll, bowl or salad. Pick your own filling, from salmon, chicken or cauliflower, add up to five exciting toppings, then add some of their tasty sauces and garnish with some seasoning. It’s perfect for when you want something fresh, healthy and delicious. We visited Strand branch and ordered the signature salmon roll, it was prepared promptly, which is perfect for when you’re in a rush and in need of a ‘grab and go’ lunch. The ingredients were fresh and the juicy Asian flavours were a real treat, and it was surprisingly very filling. Rolls start from £6.50, with bowls and salads starting from £7.75. You can join the MySushiDog loyalty club, which allows you to collect points with every order for future redeemable discounts and freebies. SushiDog is affordable, flavourful, healthy and satisfying. If you haven’t been yet, you’re in for a treat! Address: 78 Strand, London, WC2R 0DE Website: https://sushidog.co.uk Written by Faiza Arbouche Photos courtesy of SushiDog #fastfood #strand #Sushi #SushiDog

Bossa, the stylish Brazilian restaurant nestled a stone’s throw away from Oxford Street, is an exciting addition to London’s restaurant scene. Led by the talented Brazilian chef, Nilson Chaves who spent many years at the Michelin starred restaurant Oteque in Rio de Janeiro, this newly opened establishment promises a captivating dining experience. Upon entering, you’re greeted by the restaurant’s high ceilings, an array of booths that offer both comfort and privacy, and various-sized dining tables. The bar, thoughtfully designed with open shelving against the window, not only reflected the light beautifully through an impressive collection of bottles but also acted as a serene barrier from the bustling thoroughfare outside. We were seated at a booth overlooking the sleek open kitchen, our host gave us a comprehensive overview of the menus on offer; a 6-dish tasting menu paired with the iconic champagne Laurent-Perrier and Bossa’s new set lunch menu, uniquely divided into three sections: “The Beginning,” “The Middle,” and “The End,”. With dishes changing weekly. For drinks we ordered the highly recommended Bossa’s house wine, a Napa Valley Chardonnay. The wine has a slight hint of oak but was refreshingly zingy, with mineral undertones, which perfectly complemented our meal. In “The Beginning,” I opted for the Octopus Vinaigrette with fresh peas and paprika cream. The octopus, lightly grilled and wonderfully meaty, was a true delight. The accompanying sauce was simply outstanding. My dining companion chose the Mussel Escabech with carrot juice, parsley oil, and toasted bread. The mussels were the best we’d ever had, and the sauce was nothing short of exceptional. We were delighted that we kept the sourdough bread as this was the best type of vessel for savouring every drop. Moving on to “The Middle,” my guest chose the Grilled Bavette with a side of beans, dry banana farofa, and fried rice. The steak, sliced and cooked to a perfect medium rare, was superbly seasoned. The meat and sides evoked the flavours of a recent South American journey. I ordered the Sea Bass, served with pumpkin cream and okra vinaigrette, a pleasant medley of delicate tastes. For “The End,” I indulged in the Egg and Coconut Custard,  paired with a recommended Jurancon wine, resulting in a perfect combination of flavours that delighted the palate. We also relished the White Peach with Yogurt fig leaf, paired with another recommended wine, adding a sweet and refreshing conclusion to our meal. The entire dining experience at Bossa was a rich tapestry of cultural flavours that beautifully showcased the essence of Brazilian cuisine. The restaurant’s staff played a pivotal role in enhancing our experience. They were attentive, incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, the dishes, and the wines, and their warm and friendly service elevated our visit. Bossa is a delightful destination for those seeking a taste of Brazil in the heart of London. It offers a culinary journey filled with bold flavours, exceptional cocktails, and a warm, inviting ambiance, all delivered by a dedicated and knowledgeable team. Address: www.bossa.co.uk Website: 4 Vere St, London, W1G 0DG Written by Lorna Byrne Photos courtesy of Bossa #bossa #brazillian

In the heart of London’s sophisticated Sloane Square, where elegance and culture converge, lies Kahani – a contemporary Indian restaurant known for its fusion of flavours. We recently ventured into this culinary gem situated opposite Cadogan Hall to experience their Thursday Jazz nights, which will continue into November. Upon arrival at Kahani, we were warmly greeted by our gracious hostess, who guided us down the stairs to our table in the main restaurant. The décor exudes a sense of sophistication and intimacy with a combination of glass, warm lighting and stunning white linen-covered dining tables – the ideal setting for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant also has the capacity to cater for larger numbers from 14 people; in their sumptuously decorated glass mezzanine private dining room. We had the choice of three different menus, a la carte, a 6 course tasting menu, or their “Jazz Set Menu”  specially curated by Michelin Star Chef Peter Joseph to celebrate the launch of their Jazz nights. As we were there enjoying their special Jazz night, we chose the latter which comprised of four courses, with an optional wine paring which guests can choose. The evening began with a refreshing Lychee Bellini, which set the tone for the evening. Our culinary journey commenced with Grilled Scallops served with a red pepper and sesame blend, accompanied by coconut and curry leaves. The scallops were cooked to perfection, tender and succulent, and the sauce, with its gentle but spiced flavours, complemented the delicate taste of the scallops. This appetizer was nothing short of stunning. Our next course, consisted of the Hyderabadi Chicken Chop, seasoned with paprika, garlic, mustard oil, and hummus raita which was full of flavour along with a Lamb Seekh Kebab, featuring green chili coriander, ginger, and a black olive crumb; this was delicious. The main dishes included Chicken Tikka, tossed with red onion and peppers. The Bhuna Gosht, a dish of tender lamb infused with dried lemon, shallots, ginger, and garam masala, though flavourful, leaned slightly toward dry side. Basmati rice, Cheese Chilli Naan bread and Yellow Dal were served as accompaniments To conclude our gastronomic journey, we were treated to a truly remarkable dessert – Braised Carrot Fudge with Cardamom, Pistachio Coconut Sorbet. Initially, I had my reservations about these combinations however the sweet and nutty flavours, paired with the coolness of the coconut sorbet, were delightful and a perfect end to a really enjoyable evening. Last but not least the service at Kahani is truly remarkable, from the attention to detail, knowledge of the dishes and waiters who were uniquely charming. Kahani’s jazz nights are an enchanting addition to their dining experience, creating a chilled-out ambiance which was really relaxing. Jazz Set Menu – 4 courses £65 | Wine pairing £45 Address: Kahani, 1 Wilbraham Place, London, SW1X 9AE Website: https://www.kahanilondon.com/ Instagram: @kahanilondon #indian #jazz #kahani #sloanesquare

Down a colourful postered staircase, and past a “no loitering” sign, found hiding in the basement is this exotic, high end Cantonese restaurant known as Chop Chop. If you didn’t know it was there, you probably wouldn’t look, but amongst the soft green and cream booths, lit by neon fish, this eatery might just be the Hippodrome’s best kept secret. Celebrating its first birthday, the restaurant serves its delicious Cantonese dishes from 6pm to 4am – satisfying those late-night duck cravings – and in style, with the Divine Duck having been named the best in the world by the Financial Times. We started off with some cocktails, and the Jasmine Botanical Tea, served in a tea pot with a fish bottomed sipping cup, it was just the trick to wind down after a day of work. If you love gin and jasmine tea, this is the cocktail for you! All the dishes were as generous in portion as they were tasty. For starters, we sampled the Salt and Pepper Prawn, Spring Rolls, Char Sui BBQ Chicken Bun and the promising Shitake Mushroom & Water Chestnut dumplings. The Spring Rolls were crispy with plenty of filling, no sog or grease in sight but the standout starter was hard to pick out. The Prawns were lightly battered and tasty, the Bao Buns soft and fluffy, the best we’ve ever had. But the dumplings just stole the show, as a vegetarian option the filling was plentiful, shitake mushrooms and chestnut, easy to pick out and taste their textures, and the steamed pastry done to perfection. After these epic starters, we were starting to get full, but the menu continued to impress, and we had to narrow down the main selection. So many of these dishes sounded so good and there was something for all diets. And a special mention should go to “Choppy” the robot, who you’ll see taking himself in and out of the kitchen, helping take plates to the porters, and generally causing a flurry of chat and picture-taking at his presence. We paired our mains of Steamed Whole Sea Bass and Char Sui BBQ Pork with the Chicken Chow Main, Egg Fried Rice and, Chinese broccoli. All of which came in generous portions, especially the Pork, which with sides, was easily enough for two. The Pork was the star of the show, with very traditional flavouring and cooked to perfection we felt this deserved as much love as the famous duck. The Seabass was light and fresh, with simple flavours of ginger and spring onion, it worked perfectly with the Kai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) for which you can choose your flavour preference of oyster, garlic, ginger or simply stir-fried. We were in early for dinner, but by the time 7.30pm came around the place was buzzing, with double dates, girlfriends out for after work drinks and tables of 16 people. It’s clearly a popular place, and for good reason. The service was on point, the cocktails fun, the food delicious, the portions generous and the prices very reasonable. Address: Hippodrome, Cranbourn Street, London WC2H 7JH Website: www.hippodromecasino.com/chopchop Written by Polly Robin Photo one and two courtesy of Chop Chop #chopchop #fourseasons #Hippodrome

Karapincha’s new Canary Wharf branch is now open. Welcoming the option to grab a nutritious breakfast and fiery Sri Lankan dish for brunch, lunch or dinner. The moment you step into Karapincha, you are hit with the bright and vibrant colours of the interior and the aromatic smells of the delicious food. Twin sisters Vasanthini and Dharshini Perumal have really done their late mother Rajamma proud, keeping that home-cooked and humble vibe. We indulged in the Kothu Roti, a best-seller- Roti stir-fry with chopped roti, vegetables and flavoured with the curry of your choice. We opted for the chicken. We also enjoyed the devilled chicken and rice – fried chicken in a blend of sweet, sour and spicy sauce served with Sri Lankan fried rice. This was my favourite. Packed full of flavour and the added pineapple really helped to balance out the overall dish. Famous for their small bites, we tried the chicken samosa, which was delightful. The lamb spicy rolls were made from bread crumbs and curried lamb, dipped into their homemade mayonnaise, this was a definite winner. Confirming with the team, the masala chai is a must when having small bites. This is how they are traditionally eaten. It really was a nice combination. With plenty of plant-based, vegetarian, and halal options, there’s something to please every palate. Address: Unit 14, Canary Wharf Station, London E14 4HJ Karapincha, Canary Wharf Written by Faiza Arbouche Photo courtesy of Karapincha #canarywharf #Karapincha

Not too long now before our much-loved coffee shops start to roll out their Christmas sandwich and drinks range. To celebrate their new festive arrivals Pret A Manger has 15 security safes popping up across the UK, filled with the Pret Christmas Lunch Sandwich. On Monday 6th November, Club Pret Christmas fans will be emailed the secret code to unlock the safes in order to get their hands on the Pret Christmas Lunch Sandwich, before it launches in-store! But you will have to be quick! Once you receive your code, hot foot it down to one of the safes, as it’s limited stock only, so no pressing the snooze button on this one! You want to GO, GO, GO! The Christmas lunch sandwich features thick slices of British turkey with a zesty Port & orange cranberry sauce, herby pork stuffing and fresh baby spinach, finished with a generous dab of mayo and a sprinkle of crispy onions. Sounds good huh? Pret’s full Christmas menu will launch on the 7th November, so if you happen to miss out on 6th November, you will only have to wait another 24 hours! Club Pret subscribers will also get 20% off the entire seasonal menu. The Pret locations with safes outside include Pret A Manger, 27-28 Great Marlborough St, Carnaby Street, London W1F 7HY Pret A Manger, Spinningfields, 4 Hardman Square, Manchester M3 3EB Pret A Manger, Unit 6 Central Square, Cardiff CF10 1FS Pret A Manger, 34 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3AH Pret A Manger, A4044 Cabot Circus, Unit Su50G, Bristol BS1 3BD Pret A Manger, Old Change House, 128 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4BY Pret A Manger, 125 High Holborn, London WC1V 6AN Pret A Manger, 77-78 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4AA Pret A Manger, 13 Hanover Square, London W1S 1HN Pret A Manger, 120-125 Strand, London WC2R 1HL Pret A Manger, 252 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7RB Pret A Manger 25 Old Broad St, London EC2N 1DW Pret A Manger, Network House, 5-11 Mortimer St, London W1T 3JB Pret A Manger, 80-82 St John’s Rd, London SW11 1RA Pret A Manger – Unit 320, (RT1) Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 4QS Website: www.pret.co.uk #christmassandwich #pret

Nestled amongst a plethora of chain restaurants on London’s Southbank, La Gamba shines like a beacon of difference, for those seeking an alternative to the usual tourist trap fayre. Brought to us by the Brothers behind Borough Market’s eponymous Applebee’s Fish, the food is Inspired by traditional Spanish recipes and flavours with a focus on the north-western corner of Galicia, La Gamba. On a sunny day overlooking the Thames, La Gamba stands out from the crowd, with diners eating alfresco basking in the sunshine, perhaps dining before a show at The Southbank centre. Lovers of modern Mediterranean interiors will be in awe of the decor created by Basque Architect, Cristina Lanz Azcarate from Atelier EURA. Natural limewash style walls, low-hung basket ceiling lampshades, wood and rattan furniture, and a gorgeous bar brimming with overhead foliage. The environment provides the perfect backdrop to prepare you for the food to come. Each and every one of our dishes resulted in a satisfying nod of approval, from the padron peppers to the grilled free-range chicken thighs. Some of our menu highlights (there were a few) included a fresh and zingy octopus salad, the octopus providing pops of saltiness. The crab croquettes looked like they belonged in a sophisticated chocolate box, with a rich, black squid ink interior that tasted like the sea. A roasted aubergine with a subtly tart goat cheese filling, topped with a nutty crunch. Dessert was a delightfully indulgent caramelised bread with cinnamon, orange and vanilla ice cream. La Gamba is the perfect place to stop by on a stroll along the Southbank, share a few delicious plates with friends and loved ones, and pretend you are sat in a corner of Galicia, sampling their finest cuisine. It’s a big thumbs up from us. Address: La Gamba, Unit 3, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX Website: www.lagambalondon.com Written by Nyla S. First two photos courtesy of La Gamba #lagamba #southbank #spanish #tapas