Olive Tree, Southampton – restaurant review
This was my first visit to Southampton but finding good food wasn’t going to be a challenge: I had a recommendation! A French/Seafood restaurant called...
Patty and Bun, Old Compton Street – restaurant review
Soho in general and this street in particular became the refuge of Huguenots, French Protestants who fled to England in the early 1680s. The street...
Prawn Blinis with Beetroot and Horseradish
From Sainsbury’s A colourful bite with prawns and a fiery sauce. A perfect party recipe from the January issue of Sainsbury’s magazine. Serves:...
Hotel TerraVina for Bed and Breakfast – hotel review
We are blessed with many fine hotels in the UK. All the 5* chains are well represented in all major cities. But we also have...
CAU Kingston – restaurant review
People say it’s all about location. That’s probably true, as there is no finer spot than CAU in Kingston on a hot summer evening. Sitting...
The Meat Co, Westfield, Shepherds Bush – restaurant review
I live in West London and I can say with a degree of authority that a decade ago Shepherds Bush was, on a good day,...
Potato Wafers with Smoked Salmon, Watercress and Horseradish Cream
From BBC Food These crispy potato slices with smoked salmon and homemade horseradish cream make a tasty starter or canapé. Ingredients For the...
Balmer Lawn: New Forest Stay – hotel review
Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror designated this wooded corner of southern England as a royal forest for the pleasure of the king and...
Hotel TerraVina Dining – restaurant review
Hotel TerraVina is a gem. It’s a well-appointed house – well, it seems like someone’s home (read the accommodation review here). A line of colourful...
Pan-fried Scallops with Crisp Pancetta, Watercress & Lemon Crème Fraîche
From Sainsbury’s A perfect balancing act between delicate scallops, bold pancetta and a fresh, zingy dressing. Serves: 8 Preparation time: 5 Minutes Cooking...
Travels & Tapas in Basque Country – travel review
We have likely heard of it but if pinpointing this region on a map was a capital offence then it’s probable a few of us...
Orange, Salt Cod, Onion and Black Olive Salad
From BBC Food This clean, fresh-tasting recipe makes a great winter salad, when oranges are at their best. Ingredients 500g/1lb 2oz salt cod...
Mackerel with Spicy Yuzu Citrus and Pepper Paste
by Chrissie Walker This is so simple that it’s hardly a recipe at all. But the end result of very little work will make...
Mackerel on Toast with Salted Cucumber and Horseradish
From BBC Food A potent combination of fresh mackerel, pungent horseradish and refreshing cucumber that’s a smashing start to any meal. Ingredients ½...
Hanger SW6, Fulham – restaurant review
Fulham is trendy these days, but it wasn’t always such a sought-after address. In 879 Danish invaders had a winter break at Fulham and Hammersmith....
Mele e Pere for Vermouth with a Master – bar review
Vermouth has been ubiquitous in and on cocktail bars since mixed drinks became popular more than a century ago, but many of us have no...
Lobster Lemongrass Lime Leaf Risotto
by Balmer Lawn Hotel Executive Chef Chris Wheeldon Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 native lobster 200 grams mussels 3 tablespoons butter, divided 1 glass...
Mele e Pere – a steak in Soho – restaurant review
Mele e Pere opened in the heart of Soho in February 2012, but that neighbourhood dates back centuries. In the Middle Ages, what is now...
Brunch Counter, Vauxhall Arches – restaurant review
One could easily miss it! Counter truly is under the arches at Vauxhall station. Its entrance is understated but don’t pass by. This is worth...
Romulo Café, London – restaurant review
This is a leafy corner of the capital. It’s not a neighbourhood of steel and glass. This is the preserve of people who actually live...