akandpa (Alan King)

akandpa (Alan King)

Having been interested in cooking from an early age, I often cooked at home as a child.  My first job was as a trainee chef at The Ritz Hotel in Central London. However, split shifts and unsocial working hours were not for me, so I left and took up office work. I entered a career in the Civil Service, where I worked until late 2008, when I took early retirement.  I now have the privilege of working on things that I enjoy. Food and its creation has remained a passion throughout my life and I have been writing about it for some years now, originally as a house reviewer for london-eating, I moved to foodepedia at its launch. I write under the akandpa name as it is more distinctive than Alan King – there are a lot of Alan King’s out there!

  • The Warrington

    Monday January 18th, 2010

    Following our visit to The Warrington, to sample their bar food, back in December, we decided to go along to eat in the main restaurant of this characterful west London pub, which is part of Gordon Ramsay’s empire. 

     

  • The Parlour

    Monday January 18th, 2010

    The Parlour is one of four new restaurants that are brought together in a new complex at Canada Square in Canary Wharf. It could best be described as a bar/restaurant, and has a stark, almost industrial feel about it. Delivering really good quality food at very reasonable prices, it is excellent value for money.

  • Jing Tea raises the bar – and your little finger, perhaps…

    Thursday January 7th, 2010

    Having been given a JING glass Gong Fu set recently, together with a set of four teas – Assam Breakfast, Dragon Well, Silver Needle and Jasmine Pearls, I am impressed by the quality of these products.  These JING products make great gifts for any occasion or are simply worth buying as a treat for yourself or a loved one.

  • Caponata launches in Camden

    Tuesday December 8th, 2009

    Just a short hop from Camden High Street, in Delancey Street, this new Osteria and Restaurant launched on the 2nd December to the sounds of lively band music while invited guests quaffed wines or beers and nibbled on interesting canapés. It was a fun evening that did justice to this new eatery, which occupies the site of the old Cafe Delancey.

  • Bingham Hotel and Restaurant

    Tuesday December 8th, 2009

    Having recently reported on site that the Bingham Hotel had won two BT Visit London gold awards, for ‘Best Small Hotel/B&B’ and for ‘Best Gastronomic Experience’ we decided we must go along and see what all the fuss was about. The Bingham certainly is a great gastronomic experience.

  • A pie and a pint at The Warrington

    Tuesday December 8th, 2009

    Having been invited to a Gordon Ramsay place for something to eat and to drink, well you go, don’t you? We were asked along to The Warrington for a pie and a pint and a look around after some work had been done on the place.  It is hard to say whether The Warrington is unique but I would hazard a guess that because of the way it has been developed over its 150 years, it probably is.

  • Babylon did Thanksgiving, now for Christmas!

    Monday November 30th, 2009

    Having never been to a Thanksgiving celebration before, it seemed like a good idea to go along to Babylon to experience theirs, which we had heralded here on site a few weeks ago. Apart from Babylon’s normal menu, Head Chef Ian Howard had added an American themed special for each course in honour of the occasion.

  • Piya Piya

    Monday November 30th, 2009

    Having attended a reception at Piya Piya and tasted some very good nibbles that were being handed around, we decided to go back there for a meal so that we could sample the selection from the full menu, with an interesting array of dishes, Piya Piya has a lot to offer.

  • Gourmet Garden launch new products

    Tuesday November 24th, 2009

    The recent party held by the producers of Gourmet Garden, to promote their range of produce, and to launch four new blends, was held at Maya club just off Oxford Street in Dean Street. I have tried some of these products at home and am happy to report that they do add good fresh flavours to your dishes.

  • GBK Clink Street

    Monday November 16th, 2009

    For those of you who are familiar with GBK, Clink Street is the chain's 50th outlet and rather different from the norm for a few reasons, the most striking of which is that it offers full restaurant service, rather than ordering and paying at a counter, which is how it works everywhere else.

  • Shabu Shabu, a swish way to eat at Wholefoods market

    Monday November 16th, 2009

    We were invited to the press evening for the launch of this Japanese food outlet at Whole Foods Market in Kensington, on the first floor of the old Barkers building. Whether alone, which in this environment would feel perfectly natural, or in a group, it is a novel and interesting way to eat.

  • The Ebury

    Monday November 16th, 2009

    Part of the First Restaurant Group chain, The Ebury has an imposing presence, occupying a prime location at the fork of Pimlico Road and Ranelagh Grove, very near to Ebury Bridge. Recently awarded two AA rosettes, for the fourth year running, this is a good destination to head for.

  • Grosvenor House Hotel’s Afternoon Tea – a Red Letter Day (re-visited)

    Tuesday November 10th, 2009

    Having been given a Red Letter Day gift of Afternoon Tea for two at one of some five Marriott Hotels in London about a year ago, I finally got around to using it recently, about a week before its validity expired.  The tea arrived, a three tiered silver server, a little bent out of shape, which was quite ironic, as by the end of the afternoon, so was I.

  • Lauden Chocolates

    Tuesday November 10th, 2009

    Having had this box of simply packaged chocolates land on my desk, the temptation to try these attractively presented goodies was far too great to resist.  These little gems of confectionary are perfect for spoiling yourself when you have an evening alone, or as an indulgent gift for a loved one.

  • The Terrace, at Grace

    Monday November 9th, 2009

    This huge venue opened at the beginning of October this year and boasts three separate bars, as well as the Terrace restaurant. The Terrace menu is currently priced at £25 for three courses, which is excellent value.

  • Sipsmith Gin and Vodka – a good mouth-feel (as they say)...

    Thursday November 5th, 2009

    So, it would have been rude to turn down a very civilised invitation to join the Sipsmith team at The Dorchester Bar in order to taste their wares, well, it would, wouldn’t it? It seemed like only seconds after our arrival that Sipsmith’s gin and tonics were thrust into the steely grip of each of us.....

  • Locale, Balham

    Tuesday November 3rd, 2009

    Locale Balham is one of a chain of five Italian restaurants around London, the Balham restaurant, on the corner of Balham High Road and Ritherdon Road has a modern but comfortable feel with well spaced tables. It is a good local restaurant, as the name suggests.

  • Stanza

    Monday October 26th, 2009

    You will find Stanza on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Greek Street, opposite the fire station.  Set in the heart of buzzy theatreland, the restaurant has a lot to offer.

  • Mehek

    Monday October 26th, 2009

    Just a five minute walk from Moorgate station, Mehek nestles under the overhanging office buildings just short of where London Wall meets Moorgate.  A modern, but comfortable and popular Indian restaurant..

  • Lucy’s on a plate

    Monday October 19th, 2009

    Lucy owns a number of foodie businesses in the village and wider.  Lucy's on a plate is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.