Charlie Bigham’s Pies

Now here is smart marketing in action. Chaz isn’t content to just make quality pies using, as he says, the best ingredients – he wants to create a lifestyle too. ‘I came up with this brand new range specially designed to give couples the chance to steal back some time together. So, turn off the phones, dim the lights, crack open a bottle and enjoy a wonderful night in over some really lovely food.’ he says winningly on the box.

A selection of ideas for Mother’s Day

Looking for something special as a treat for your mum this Mother’s Day? We’ve brought together a few ideas and some possible options that you might like to consider, whether it’s chocolates, a meal out or a meal in, one of these might be just the thing you are looking for, or may give you inspiration.

Harrison’s, Balham, great food, good atmosphere.

Among the array of eateries in Balham, just off the High Street is Harrison’s, which can best be described as a bar/brasserie/restaurant. It’s a great local restaurant, that was very popular the evening we were there; they give excellent value for money and absolutely deserve to do well, serving very good food in a great atmosphere that compliments the trendiness of the area.

Simon Hulstone Creates Menu Fit For Royalty

Simon Hulstone, one of Britain’s top competition chefs, will be ccrafting a tasting menu inspired by Royal weddings dating back to Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert in 1840, in celebration of Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton on April 29th. Diners will enjoy dishes such as Consommé a la Windsor, Fillet of brill in lobster sauce, Beef Mascotte, artichokes, truffle potatoes and a Prune and Armagnac ice-cream created in honour of the soon-to-be married couple…

Baranis cocktail masterclass, cocktails with anisette

I knew that we were going to a cocktail masterclass, but what I didn’t know was that the evening would be devoted to those archetypal French drinks, pastis and absinthe. The drinks were the stars of the show, and rightly so. It was interesting to see them in a new light, one which demonstrated their versatility, and will hopefully boost their popularity.

Black and Blue, London

Black and Blue is a no-nonsense chain of steakhouses, loitering somewhere between an upmarket TGI Friday and a downscale Gaucho. Still relatively young, with seven branches already open across London, so far, so good.

The Bolingbroke

Named after a legendary politician and rake, the Bolingbroke feels very much part of its environs; large fronted and smartly decorated, it spreads a warm glow on a frankly nippy evening. Regular readers will know that we are fans of the Renaissance chain and The Bolingbroke certainly has enough good stuff to make it worth a visit if it’s in your neck of the woods.