Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Una, St. Pancras Clock Tower- Kings Cross, London

St Pancras Clock Tower, N1C
http://grubclub.com/una

Una allows you the chance to experience a truly unique and memorable evening in the iconic St Pancras Clock Tower. Developed by chef Martin Milesi; Latin American is the cuisine focus for this private dinner and the creative, multi-course menu explores both traditional and contemporary dishes paired with delicious Argentinian wine. Dining in an intimate apartment setting with eleven others; you will receive an excellent standard of service and get the chance to meet a group of new people.

 Grub Club offer other private dinners in the Clock Tower so keep an eye out for these if you miss out on a ticket for Una!


















Monday, 18 August 2014

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea- Sanderson Hotel, London

Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG
Website

This is such a fun and creative afternoon tea! Situated in the light and bright courtyard garden of the Sanderson Hotel, the whole theme is based around Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter's tea party which is woven into your experience in different ways.

At first glance, the black and white crockery has clock and time illustrations; reminiscent of the White Rabbit's stopwatch. The teapot arrives wearing a black crown and the unique section of teas are served in little glass bottles wrapped with bows.

The rolled sandwich selection includes Cumbrian ham on sun-dried tomato bread and egg mayonnaise with smoked sea salt on lemon bread. You're given a delicious mini quiche of the day and the scones come in both savoury and sweet form; our warm spinach scones with chive butter were absolutely delicious and the traditional versions with jam and clotted cream hit the spot too. Probably the most impressive part however, was the wonderful selection of little desserts and cakes. Carrot meringues, Victoria Sponge, mango cheesecake, white chocolate mousse served in a colourful chocolate cup and a creamy passion fruit 'Drink Me' potion are all things to look forward to.

The afternoon tea is priced at £38, with a glass of champagne it's £48 per person. Be aware the 15% service charge and pricey cocktails if you want to keep drinking.



Tuesday, 5 August 2014

City Social- The City, London

Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ
http://citysociallondon.com/

Another string to Michelin Star Jason Atherton's bow of successful London 'Social' restaurants (Pollen Street Social, The Little Social, Social Eating House), City Social located high up in Tower 42 serves dinner and drinks in a sleek interior with jaw-dropping panoramic views of London.

The restaurant menu is divided into five sections with something for everyone; cooked starters, uncooked starters, pasta and rice, mains and grill. Veggies might like the heirloom tomato and burrata salad or the basil tagliatelle with colourful sprouting broccoli and parmesan veloute.  The mains on offer include a good selection of fish and meats, all accompanied with flavoursome sides. From the grill, all beef is cooked over charcoal and served with duck fat chips. For dessert, pick from dishes such as the apple tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, the strawberry soufflé with yoghurt sorbet or the white chocolate mousse with caramel hazelnuts and salted caramel ice cream (wow).

If you're not keen on dinner, the City Social bar serves prohibition inspired cocktails with tasty snacks such as goats cheese churros and Cornish chilli squid...where you can still enjoy the same stunning backdrop of the iconic Gherkin building that looks so close you could touch it.



Monday, 28 July 2014

Maltby Street Market- Bermondsey, London

Ropewalk, 41 Maltby Street, London, SE1 3PA
http://www.maltby.st/

A true SE1 gem, Maltby Street Market is a treat for any foodie. Located along a secluded lane draped with bunting, this small space comes alive each weekend. Stalls selling pastrami sandwiches, avocado dips, Scottish smoked salmon rye breads, Tartiflette, Brazilian wraps, giant burgers, Greek oils and preserves, freshly brewed coffee and tasty brownies are just some of the delights on offer. Arches of the adjacent railway have been transformed to sit-in spaces; try the Little Bird Gin bar where cocktails are served in jam jars or Spanish bar Tozino serving cured meats, cheeses and fine wines. Antique shop LASSCO also has seating space to eat and drink and is know to facilitate swing dancing with a live band.





Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Chotto Matte- Soho, London

11- 13 Frith Street, W1D 4RB
http://www.chotto-matte.com/

Chotto Matte fuses Japanese and Peruvian cuisine in a large, artistic space based in the heart of bustling Soho. Spread across two floors encompassing a cocktail lounge, open Robata grill, sushi bar and outdoor seating; it aims to bring modern day Tokyo to London. Graffiti artists based in both capitals have created colouful art installations for each floor that are inspired by Tokyo's contemporary urban culture and evoke an underground feel.

From the cuisine fusion- also known as 'Nikkei'- you can expect options like Padron peppers, spicy lamb chops, grilled octopus, fresh sushi, prawn tempura, chicken miso with yellow chilli salsa and purple whipped potato. The dessert menu isn't bad at all; the salted caramel chocolate fondant was amazing and the peanut parfait with Frangelico or the passion fruit brulee looked yummy. Tasting menus start from £41 ahead or you can go à la carte.

This is a perfect choice for a large group of people and had a great atmosphere when we visited one recent Friday night.




Wednesday, 2 July 2014

Coppa Bar & BBQ- Hackney, London

Hothouse Rooftop, Martello Street, E8 3QW
http://www.coppalondon.co.uk/

This summer pop-up is perfect for warm days; a fun rooftop space with colourful huts, chequered table cloths, deck chairs and lemon garlands strung all around. The view over London Fields is pretty nice too.

Reservations can be made for 6+ people and the menu is set. Expect bread, nuts, olives, a meat antipasti selection and huge portions of soft mozzarella to start. During our visit this was followed by roast chicken from the open BBQ served with fries and mixed salads. Dessert was a palette pleasing lemon sorbet.




Wednesday, 25 June 2014

Holborn Dining Room- Holborn, London

252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN
http://www.holborndiningroom.com/

The Holborn Dining Room is a grand dining salon located in the Rosewood Hotel. Conveniently, the cosy Scarfes Bar is in close proximity for a specially curated cocktail pre or post dinner. Inside the Dining Room, red leather seats, antique mirrors, marble pillars and a copper-topped bar bring a real sense of elegance to this brasserie.

The seasonal British menu has variety; dishes range from green spelt risotto or the shrimp burger to the lamb rump with violet artichokes or Angus beef & stilton pie. The hot and cold counter menus are great for small dishes to share. Espresso Martinis and a delicious raspberry & rose Eton Mess finished our lovely dinner off nicely.

I took note of the breakfast options too- tasty looking pastries, toasted avocado muffin, fresh fruit, buttermilk pancakes, Eggs Benedict and a caviar omelette (if you feel awfully flush)  were some of the options- as it would be an equally lovely brunch venue.

A pretty courtyard with tables also let's you enjoy drinks & food al fresco.