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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

‘Tis the season to eat Crosstown fa la…Alright, any season is the perfect time to tuck into a sweet treat from everyone’s favourite bakery, but as it happens, Crosstown have just launched their new festive treats for the Christmas period. Crosstown Doughnuts have released 2 exciting new flavours that will be sure to have your tastebuds tingling with yuletide yums and gifting options to place under the tree. Talking of trees, they have also released a show-stopping doughnut Christmas tree which will delight guests at any party. Here are the deets of the tasty treats. Doughnut flavours: Ginger, Blackberry & Pear (ve) – Vegan sourdough covered in a pear and ginger glaze, filled with a refreshing blackberry, pear and ginger compote, topped with a pear puree, then finished with vanilla and candied ginger crumble (£5.75). Gianduja Chocolate & Hazelnut – A homemade gianduja ganache layered between chocolate cake dough, topped with an indulgent chocolate glaze, a sprinkling of hazelnut nibs, and a dusting of gold shimmer (£5.75). Doughnut boxes: Christmas Doughnut Selection – Six or twelve of the festive doughnut flavours, including vegan options + the choice of adding drinks and gift wrap (from £29.95). Merry Christmas Doughnut Selection – Six or twelve of the festive doughnut flavours, complete with ‘Merry Christmas’ edible toppers, including vegan options + the choice of adding drinks and gift wrap (from £29.95). Doughnut Trees: Christmas doughnut tree – A five-tiered stand complete with 12 festive doughnuts, 15 dough bite flavours and festive decorations (£140), an online exclusive. Christmas doughnut tree – A five-tiered stand complete with 36 festive doughnuts, 30 dough bite flavours and festive decorations (£315), an online exclusive. Where can I get my sticky hands on them? Doughnut flavours are available in-store from 1st November. Doughnut boxes and trees are available for delivery across England, Wales, and lowland Scotland from 1st November, place an order via: https://www.crosstown.co.uk/christmas/ Photos courtesy of Crosstown Doughnuts #christmas #christmasgifts #crosstowndoughnuts #doughnuts #crosstown

As one of the oldest and best-known venues in Soho, I was excited to be invited to try out the menu at Balans No. 60. A quick skip and a jump down Old Compton Street from the first Balans at No.34, No. 60 is known as “the big one”. Having been opened in 1993 the restaurant has been frequented by a cast of stars, including Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse, and so it’s no wonder that the site is a well-loved familiar face on Old Compton Street, and with a restaurant serving until 6am on a Friday & Saturday (5am Wednesday and Thursday) it truly is a place for great food at all hours! The vibe is casual chic, where anything goes, and whatever time you’re there, from morning to the early hours, you can guarantee a friendly server, a great cocktail and food worthy of its reputation. Balans ensures that no diner, however late, will miss the great taste and love for food that the chefs have to offer. From midnight the menu switches, but with no disappointment, you can still get a “late night breakfast”, pancakes, sandwiches or the classic mac & cheese. And in a venue as legendary as this, you can never be sure who you’ll be sitting next to! As an (early) diner, our 7pm dinner was a little tamer. Although we did start with their world-famous Porn Star Martini – having been given the recipe from the inventor of the drink himself, the bar staff stay true to its traditions and serve it with a shot of Champagne, never prosecco. And it did indeed lived up to its reputation. Sitting in the booth a few tables in, I could see the eccentricities of fabulous Soho pass me by, and had it been a little warmer, the street tables would have offered the perfect immersion of this famous London district. For starters, I was presented with a Torched Baron Bigod – that’s posh speak for warm delicious brie cheese accompanied with Korean spiced honey and handmade linseed crackers, and this was definitely a stand out for me. The melting cheese with the sauce was divine, the only disappointment, being that they didn’t serve an entire block of Brie like this as a main!! Gluttony springs to mind! I followed that, although it was always going to be tough, with a Butternut Squash Girella, essentially one rather large ravioli served with mushroom, spinach and tomato sauce. It was definitely a more interesting take on a traditional pasta dish, and the presentation was impressive. However, I did have a little food envy of my companion’s steak and chips, which was cooked beautifully and served with a side of Mac & Cheese. Having washed this down with a few glasses of the house white wine, which again, did not disappoint, there was no room left for dessert, but I will be back to try one of the many delicious-looking desserts… I had my eye on the burnt banana bread and the quirky-sounding cornflake icecream. In the heart of Soho, on one of London’s most famous streets, you can do no wrong stopping for some food at Balans No. 60 whatever time of day (or night!). Address: 60-62 Old Compton St, London, W1D 4UG Website: https://balans.co.uk Written by Polly Robin #balans #soho

If you crave an American-style pizza, or if you’ve never tried Deep Pan pizza go book your spot at Japes at either their Soho or Greenwich branch. We visited on a Thursday evening and the place was buzzing, full with a queue out of the door. The staff are super friendly and helpful with lots of recommendations and the space is warm buzzing and bright with neon yellow lights and staff in hilarious pizza quote t-shirts. We need one! The menu is extensive, with lots of classic combos and new ones, Japes style. You can opt for a London style, Deep Pan or Parmesan Crust and you can add any topping you desire. We started with Padron Peppers, they serve a  really generous portion, which is a nice surprise. As the pizza arrived, our jaws dropped at the size of the pizzas. Our waiter had likened the house style to a Yorkshire pudding. We opted for the Piccante with a golden parmesan crust and a London-style Hawaiian, both were served on mini pizza pan-style boards with a Garlic and a Tomato Dip for those deliciously doughy crusts. To go with our meal we opted for a mocktail and a cocktail – a passionfruit mojito and a rum Cuba libra. The pizzas are not small we will warn you! The London style was my favourite, not quite as doughy as the Piccante with plenty of delicious ham and pineapple – and of course cheese! We will definitely be back to try more flavours. Get down there pronto! You can find Japes is at Greenwich and Soho, for more information visit https://japes.uk Written by Claire Selby Photos courtesy of Japes #japes #pizza #soho

Purezza restaurant located minutes away from Camden station, is a vegan pizza haven. Our recent culinary journey through their menu was nothing short of a plant-based symphony. The restaurant’s decor and atmosphere has a touch of modern Tuscany with a hint of city life. The best part is the open kitchen, where you can see the chefs work their magic. The star of the show was undoubtedly the BBQ Bourbon pizza with Fable Mushroom marinated in Bourbon Whisky and BBQ sauce, adorned with Kimchi and Parsley. The fusion of bourbon-infused mushrooms and tangy BBQ sauce was the perfect combination for a sweet and savoury flavour explosion. My dining partner went for The Four Season Pizza, boasting a Tomato Base, Vegan Mozzarella, Grilled Artichokes, Olives, Wild Mushrooms, and Smoked Beetroot. The combination of seasonal toppings was well-balanced and very satisfying. For a side dish, we opted for the potatoes with melted cheese, which was a comforting delight. Vegan cheese can be very hit or miss, but Purezza nailed it, the cheese was gooey and creamy! For the sweet finale, we went for the New York cheesecake, which was a delightful treat. It captured the creamy essence of a traditional New York cheesecake, we even forgot we were tucking into a vegan cheesecake, that’s how good it was…. Located in the heart of Camden, Purezza is a culinary gem for vegans and non-vegans alike. The dining experience is wonderful, and the staff are very attentive. If you are a pizza fan and looking for indulgent vegan pizzas, I’d definitely recommend a visit to Purezza. Address: 45-47 Parkway, London NW1 7PN Website: https://purezza.co.uk Written by: Stephanie Sowaha Photography by Ellen Richardson #Camden #pizza #purezza #veganpizza

DAROCO Soho is a must-visit that promises to transport you to the grandeur of an Italian and Parisian feast. Despite the construction hurdles in the surrounding area, the journey to this well-known Parisian-inspired restaurant is unequivocally worth it. Upon entering DAROCO Soho, you are immediately struck by the Renaissance-inspired ambiance. Soft lighting emanates from crystal chandeliers, casting a warm glow that dances against a majestic ceiling mirror, creating a visual spectacle that sets the tone for an opulent dining experience. The interior design is a celebration of all things luxurious, with marble tabletops, brass fixtures, plush velvet seating, and an abundance of greenery. The menu at DAROCO showcases a repertoire of Fresh Italian favourites, reminiscent of dishes and ingredients fit for a grandiose ball. During our visit, we indulged in a variety of offerings from different courses, starting with the Apertivi and Antipasti selection, we chose the Arancini, featuring braised leek, Scamorza cheese, spicy peppers, and pecorino, along with the Burrata Pomodoro, a perfect harmony of creamy Burrata and fresh tomatoes with a touch of basil. Moving on to the La Pasta course, we ventured into a realm of exquisite pasta creations. The Mezze Maniche ‘Nduja boasted a spicy kick from ‘Nduja, with the richness of ricotta and basil. The Ravioli al Fagiano, filled with braised pheasant and served with a butter and rosemary sauce, showcased the chef’s mastery in combining diverse flavours. To round off the pasta experience, we savoured the Guancia di Manzo Brasato, featuring beef cheeks braised in red wine, served with polenta tarragna and gremolata. Of course, no visit to an Italian eatery ends without trying their homemade Tiramisu which we shared between 2, it was a perfect ending to a great meal. Each dish at DAROCO Soho is a testament to culinary artistry, with flavours that mirror the opulence of the surroundings. The attentive service and the regal ambiance make DAROCO Soho a standout destination for those seeking a taste of Italy and a Parisian setting, in the heart of London. This gastronomic journey is a true feast of flavours whilst escaping into a world of Renaissance-inspired indulgence. Address: Manette St, London, W1D 4AL Website: https://www.daroco.com/en/restaurant/daroco-soho-2 Written by Lorna Bryne Photos courtesy of DAROCO Soho #DAROCOSoho #Italian #italianfood #soho

We headed to South Kensington to try a feast at The Bugis within the Bailey Hotel just a few steps from Gloucester Road tube station. The restaurant specialises in Singaporean cuisine with heavy influences from Cantonese, Thai and Szechuan, with a huge menu, offering a lot of choices. The stylish dining room is full of stunning decor and colourful crockery with bright turquoise chopsticks on every table. We started with the Jumbo Soft Shell Crab and the Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid both of which were covered in garlic and fresh chilli, crispy and delicious which whetted our appetite for more. Mains included Seafood Claypot with Prawns, Squid, Scallop and Oyster Sauce which was rich and filling. We also tried a Scottish Angus Beef Kway Teow with Stir Fried Rice Noodles and Beansprout. Each dish was perfect for sharing, with plenty of different flavours to mix and match. The standout dish for me was the Hainanese Poached chicken served with ginger, chilli and plum sauce. The chicken was sliced, soft and fell apart beautifully. For dessert we tried the Chocolate Lava – a chocolate pudding with melting insides and a fresh mango coconut cream with tapioca pearl which was the perfect ending to the meal. Address: 140 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 4QH Website: https://thebugisrestaurant.com Written by Claire Selby #Singapore #southkensington #TheBugis

Located in the grade II listed Old Westminster Fire Station, Yaatra offers a creative menu combining the best of Mexican and Indian flavours. Looking to feed hungry workers in the area who want something delicious to fit into their busy workday, Executive Chef Amit Bagyal & Head Chef Velino Goes have curated a brand new street-food inspired lunch menu that offers just that. A delicious explosion of taste and aesthetics which can be enjoyed during a lunch break. A Michelin Guide restaurant, Yaatra’s credentials for first-class food proceed them, but equally of note is the stunning building it is housed in. The Old Westminster Fire Station complete with fireman poles, it has been lovingly decorated with art and furnishings to play homage to the indo-mexican style menu. Already buzzing with a Friday lunchtime crowd, we were excited to try the full range on offer, selecting options from each part of the menu, beginning with the light bites: Dahi Puri Chaat; Crunchy wheat bubbles filled with a soft filling of tamarind, potato, mint & yoghurt and pomegranate, Vegetable Samosa; a classic reworked, filled with finely chopped vegetables, tamarind sauce & ground coconut masala and the Lettuce Chickpea Cup; Light & healthy, crunchy tangy chickpea & lettuce chaat, with low-fat yoghurt & mint sauce. Every bite was filled with flavour and completely unique to that dish, with their deep flavours they felt surprisingly light, a great option if you don’t want to overindulge before a busy afternoon at work. Moving onto the tacos, wraps and sliders, we were presented with another delicious tray of delights: Potato Bonda sliders; Spiced garlic potato cake, mint & tamarind sauce in a brioche bun, Paneer Tikka Masala wrap and Indian cheese tikka masala. The showstopper was the Veggie & Chole Jalfrezi Taco’s; Chickpeas, roasted vegetables, tomato salsa, lime & avocado in a homemade methi tepla taco. Creatively presented with dashes of bright colours and even edible flowers, these were like tacos I’d never seen before with flavour to match, I loved the use of the classic Mexican-style taco. Completely stuffed but wanting to try the full selection on offer, we finished up with the obligatory curry bowl. Vegetarian Kohlrabi Kofta; Black carrot & kohlrabi kofta, onion and tomato gravy, basmati rice & crunchy salad. I was completely surprised by how light and moist the kofta was, another fantastic light lunch option. Yaatra offers exceptional food and service in a beautiful venue, with a relaxed atmosphere. The street Indo-Mexican food-inspired lunch menu runs from 12 – 2:30pm Monday – Saturday, it’s the ideal option if you are looking for a work lunch with an added wow factor, or a Saturday brunch where you want limited time but maximum effect. Address: Yaatra Westminster, 4 Greycoat Place, Westminster, London, SW1P 1SB Website: www.yaatrarestaurant.com Written by Jordan Crowley Photos courtesy of Yaatra #westminster #yaatra

Bhangra beats, banging snacks, a free-flowing bar and a colourful graffiti-filled restaurant heralded Roti King’s arrival at Waterloo earlier this month. The third in the chain’s expansion following Euston and  Battersea – not bad for a street food pop-up! The chefs were fully on display in the open kitchen serving up a tasting menu of mini bites served buffet style by the amazing staff on the signature banana leaf platters. Roti King are famous for the amazing roti canai they serve with curries. It is incredible and has to be tasted to be believed. We tried everything – particular favourites were the Roti Canai with Mutton Kari, a rich melt-in-your-mouth mutton curry. We enjoyed the Ayam Goreng Berempah Lolipop – it’s like a crispy chicken popcorn on a stick served on the bone with the spiciest sauce this side of the globe! Made our eyes water. Both of the Mee Gorengs were so moreish we tried several portions of both the fish and vegan mushroom versions, and couldn’t decide which one we preferred. The Lamb Murtabak was also a taste sensation – a layered lamb omelet topped with pickled red onion. The flavours packed a punch! We will be back to try a few of their dishes, even just for the atmosphere! Address: 97 Lower Marsh, Waterloo SE1 7AB Website: www.rotiking.com Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Roti King #Malaysian #malysian #rotiking

If, like me, you delight in a floral installation, and love a restaurant that elegantly embraces the spirit of the seasons, then you will want to visit Dalloway Terrace. Located in the literary centre of Fitzrovia and named after Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway the restaurant is set against a stunning backdrop of seasonal foliage and is currently sporting a richly styled display of russet leaves and succulent cascading creepers and vines. The transportive vibe gives Londoners a touch of countryside without leaving the city. Dalloway is best known for its artistic afternoon teas, including tiered trays of delicate flower-inspired patisseries, specialist cocktails- think lychee and jasmine, as well as an extensive menu of modern British cuisine. This botanical gem, offers diners a unique year-round al-fresco dining experience, designed for genuine foodies as well as floral hunters. We booked for dinner, on a very cold evening, which could have been a chilly experience, but we sat snug as bugs under the covered terrace, complete with flame heaters and lantern light, sipping crisp Perrier Jouett champagne before being served an indulgent three-course meal by the amazingly charming staff. Dalloway Terrace has been transformed into a glamorous winter wonderland in collaboration with Perrier-Jouët Champagne. Inspired by the history and elegance of Maison Belle Époque, the home of Perrier-Jouët in Epernay, Dalloway Terrace will pay tribute to the iconic Champagne house, adding some sparkle, for the festive season! To start I opted for the Devon hand-picked Crab, topped with feather-thin heritage radishes, tarragon and tapioca crisp, this succulent dish was dreamily light and layered in flavour, a great starter for my heavier main course choice. We also sampled the Jerusalem artichoke velouté, a delicate, yet hearty soup – perfect for the season. Alongside our starters we had the chance to indulge in the gourmet bread basket – compete with house-favourite Guinness bread which does not disappoint for its rich nutty flavour, particularly good when topped with a spread of salted butter. To follow I ordered the juicy Black Angus Grass-Fed 200g Fillet Steak, topped with Café de Paris Butter and Crispy Fries. Naughty, but at this time of year, when we crave a little more comfort food, it really hit the spot. Other menu highlights include traditional Chicken Milanese, Wild Seabass as well as options for vegetarians such as Wild Mushroom Risotto. Portions are generous but well-paced for the rich ingredients and each is artfully presented. For dessert I opted of the Ricotta Cheesecake with Flower of Fig, it had the lightest hint of orange, and was creamy yet fluffy and light, just enough after a rich main course. Other desserts on the menu include Apple Tart, Classic Crème Brulee and Hazelnut Baked Alaska with Gingerbread and Praline, which sounds absolutely delicious… I’ll certainly be going back to immerse myself in another delicious menu and of course to marvel at the floral installation of the season. A little tip for you, make sure you visit The Coral Room at the hotel for some bubbly before you visit Dalloway Terrace. It’s glamorous and opulent, and you’ll feel like a movie star! Address: Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury, 16 – 22 Great Russell St, Fitzrovia, London WC1B 3NN Website: https://dallowayterrace.com Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of Dalloway Terrace #champagne #Dallowayterrace #PerrierJouët

Crosstown have baked up a treat for the festive season, with the new Christmas limited edition doughnut. The Mont Blanc is a glazed architectural wonder created by clever folks at Crosstown, in homage to the lofty French mountain, and the 19th Century Parisien dessert. Filled with chestnut custard which melts in the mouth, glazed with chestnut cream and topped with meringue shards. It conjures up images of frosty mornings and the magic of winter as you bite into it. The new flavour is available in all stores and online in some of the selection boxes, and it’s all vegan! Made with vegan sourdough and vegan meringue, perfect for the vegan in your life. When bought in Crosstown stores or ordered online for same day delivery, it comes served in an individual box with ribbon (£6 each) for that extra special Christmas feel. The Mont Blanc will also be available for nationwide delivery in festive doughnut gift boxes, joining Crosstown’s other festive flavours: Ginger, Blackberry & Pear (ve) and Gianduja Chocolate & Hazelnut. Alongside the Mont Blanc comes a brand new Christmas cookie. Cinnamon & Cranberry – a blend of sweet and tart with Crosstown’s chocolate chip and cranberry dough, infused with a touch of cinnamon for a twist. Generously drizzled with cinnamon icing, complete with a cranberry and freeze-dried raspberry. Available from Crosstown stores (£3 each) and in the Crosstown Christmas Doughnut & Cookie Box. Order online at https://www.crosstown.co.uk Written by Claire Selby Photos courtesy of Crosstown #crosstown #xmas

Walking into this Grade II listed building, before you’ve even seen the restaurant, you know you’re in for a culinary experience. From the concierge to the waiting staff, everyone at CORD wants to make your visit a memorable one. Entering the restaurant you are greeted by crisp white tablecloths, velvet sea blue chairs, and an abundance of gold accents in the décor, awash with white. There is someone always there to pull your chair out, refold your napkin and explain not only the menu, but the ethos behind the cooking. It is clear, that in every detail there is care, and that care is in every detail of this LeCordon Bleu dining experience. The waiter, chef and sommelier work seamlessly together to create a delicate dance of flavours, all meticulously thought through to accentuate the already delicious and carefully sourced ingredients. Before our starters arrived, we were served a palette-cleansing Black Truffle Cappuccino, which was not at all caffeinated but in every way refined and moreish. The Dry Aged Steak Tartare has to be the best I’ve ever tasted. Not only because of the Cumbrian meat, but the textures created something beyond a normal Tartare. Served to be eaten like a pate, with a crisp snap of thin toasted bread, the mustard packed a punch that perfectly complimented the serene beef with mushroom broth. The Cognac wasn’t overwhelming, giving the perfect pair to the sorrel. Then the Main – Black Truffle Chicken Supreme was a stand out dish; served on a busy looking plate of carrots, broccoli, foie gras. The small flowers adorning the plate almost made you feel bad for eating this work of art! The black garlic, star anise and carefully selected and cooked chicken gave a new and interesting twist to the French classic. Talking of traditional, we opted for the classic dessert Black Forest, which was a world away from the desert we were expecting but provided again a modern twist on an 80s classic. The candied tangerine and Amarena cherries paired perfectly with the caramel sorbet and finished off this experience with the sweet treat we craved. I was especially delighted by the Sommelier who visited us between each course, offering advice and suggestions for the perfect wine pairing for our upcoming choices. Beautifully presented, immaculately served, and expectantly delicious, CORD really does live up to its LeCorden Bleu namesake, this restaurant is one for the refined palette, and for those with a taste for the nicer things in life, or looking to treat a special date, you couldn’t go wrong by booking a table here. Address: 85 Fleet St, London, EC4Y 1AE Website: www.cordrestaurant.co.uk Written by Polly Robin #cord #finedining