Every summer, the guys who own a pub called The Gun turn their large outdoor, riverside terrace into a Portuguese grill, serving fish (from up the road at Billingsgate Market) as well as burgers, ribs of beef and lamb kebabs. So I went along with visions of glasses of chilled vihno verde, plates of bacalhau and nice piece of charcoal grilled fish- after all, what could be nicer?
Rico Picante chilli sauces
Chilli sauces are hot property of late. Quite literally- nipping at the the heels of Wahaca’s latest, and rather tasty, offerings is Rico Picante, claiming to deliver a big whack of flavour along with a fruity burst of fire. They also tick the trend box for provenance- hailing from that oh-so-now, country-of-the-moment- Peru.
Indian summer garden at Carom
The summer’s turning out to be a damp squib. We, however, are tucking into perfectly dry, crisp fried squid, luxuriating in the warmth of a garden filled with palm trees. Yes, this is London, and no, we’ve not imbibed one too many Maharajah Fizzes- although the 200-strong cocktail menu is undoubtedly one of Carom’s biggest lures.
Levi Roots Sweet
Since strumming his way into the Dragon’s Den, Levi Roots has been a household name and overnight success story. As one of the UK’s best loved foodie personalities his Midas touch was always likely to extend to the bookshelves. The latest cookbook to bear his mantel is a bounteous anthology of Caribbean inspired desserts, cocktails and sweet snacks representing the gastropreneur’s first concerted foray beyond his signature realm of savoury spice.
Mojitos and Ceviche by Asia De Cuba
What is the hottest trend in London right now? Peruvian food. The award winning Asia de Cuba at St Martin’s lane Hotel has taken over “The Front Room” to instal their summer pop up serving Mojitos and Ceviches.
Surprising result for Bertolli Spread Olive D’Oro Award
The best Italian food in the UK is to be found in the North, according to an award campaign to find Britain’s favourite Italian delis and trattorias.
The Magdalen Chapter, Exeter. A real eye-opener
Once a Victorian eye hospital, this Exeter landmark is now a blindingly cool hotel where there are no reception desks, every guest gets an iPad and Simon Hopkinson heads up the creative controls of the restaurant.
Goode & Wright in Portobello Road, London
Stepping into this shoebox-sized ‘Anglo Franco’ bistro is like travelling back in time 70 years to an era of post-war libération; it has the bohemian air of a secret, oak panelled salon, artists in residence huddled in a Gauloises haze.
Lowcountry Bar and Eating House, Fulham
The grits (like a coarse polenta) provided an unctuous creaminess which slowly dissolved to give way to tiny crunchy flecks. The fabulous accompanying prawns exploded like meaty fireworks between the teeth. Deep fried onion bits gave an additional depth of flavour and had they been a little crunchier, they would have provided yet another dimension of texture.
Poppies Fish and Chips, Spitalfield
It’s not cheap, but then fish isn’t cheap these days, especially cod. It is however about as healthy as fast food gets and it’s certainly great quality and cooked properly. I doubt we’ll ever see a return of the high street chippy, but Poppies’ gently ironic take on the past is certainly welcome.