NEWS IN London

Dock Kitchen Restaurant (West London)

Initially, Dock Kitchen served as the canteen for the London Design Festival taking place at Tom Dixon’s premises, but which became so wildly successful that it morphed into a permanent fixture… Dock Kitchen is totally anchored now, and am hoping it will stay that way for a while, because I think Stevie Parle is a genius. The talented chef is still so young (25) but his cooking is already oh so brilliant, there is still so much time ahead of him to evolve as a chef. Exciting really. As for the concept of DK, I think it is just so modern, no bullshit, no conventional amusers aspiring to recipes of the old Nouvelle! Read the rest of this entry »

To stay fashionable in London, you shall keep heading east! And that’s what chef Nuno Mendes (ex of Bacchus) did when he opened Viajante in Bethnal Green’s former town hall. Following the success of our post on Nopi Brunch place in London, here is  Viajante, one of the gems of London “fooding” scene.

The Grade II-listed Edwardian building (see the pic below), restored by Rare Architecture, houses a hotel, a bar and apartments at the same time. The restaurant has two dining areas with handcrafted wooden furniture, while the bar features a huge chandelier by Paris-based designer Tzuri Gueta. The food is inspired by Portugal-born Mendes’ travels (he trained in New York and San Francisco, namely working with Wolfgang Puck and Jean-Georges Vongerichten). The tasting menus mix Spanish, Portuguese, Asian and Scandinavian cuisines like the Braised octopus with pimenton potatoes, chorizo and eggs or even the Skate, mustard gnocchi with brioche and roasted yeast… Moral of the story, if you’re in London, just head easter you can whether it is to pop in this nice place or try something new!

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Last year, the Bulgari designer brand was in the new for some serious business changes: the brand came under the aegis of luxury giant LMVH. But nevertheless, Bulgari has still spread its wings far and wide, enabling it to venture into other avenues like Hospitality, where the first luxury Hotel of the brand, in joint collaboration with Marriott Group is slated to open in London. Now that the London 2012 Olympics are drawing nearer by the day, this Bulgari hotel shall cater to at least the affluent sports enthusiast, who would be there to visit the city for the mega event!  Read the rest of this entry »

Holland & Holland is an old house founded by Harris Holland in 1835. Harris was actually a very talented shot at his time and he got convinced by his peers to start his own gun business. He then started manufacturing his own guns around 1850s. Holland & Holland on Bruton Street London is now one of the most prestigious gun manufacturer and reseller in the world.

Yet, we’re not promoting gun usage here but the exclusiveness of the gun is part of elegance of the traditional British hunter. As you can see on the video, Holland & Holland then diversified their businesses with the launch of tailoring (even bespoke tailoring) activities to dress and fit out their clients in addition to selling unique guns for game shooting. Not only do they master the art of manufacturing guns, but they are also brilliant at designing traditional tweed uniforms. You are a passionate of hunting and game shooting, then you must visit Holland & Holland’s page. Read the rest of this entry »

Gail’s: Our Sunday Morning Brunch in London

I guess you just woke up and you’re starving right now! Let me show you a really nice and cosy brunch in London I discovered 2 weeks ago: Gail’s! I actually tested the one situated at Exmouth Market (close to Islington and the City). I wouldn’t compare it with Tom’s Kitchen (the previous brunch I told you about), yet, Gail’s got its own identity and has nothing to envy to its South Ken’s counterpart!

At Gail’s, you’ll have a large choice of breads (they actually all bake their own bread…), pastries (you just cannot resist), breakfast or even cakes and sweets! I had their renown muffin bacon egg breakfast (for like £8) with a delicious hot chocolate (£3). Not only is the quality of food stunning, but the service is also excellent! Don’t miss it: today or next week, I’m sure you can find one next to your place. Your time won’t be wasted going there! Last but not least, it’s not as crowded as many other places in town… Read the rest of this entry »

Roka Restaurant, Charlotte Street in London

After the award-winning Zuma in Knightsbridge, Rainer Becker‘s second restaurant brings the same style and quality of food to the West End of London. May sound poshy, but I am just a huge fan of the contemporary japanese robatayaki cuisine (about £50 per person) they serve. Roka’s interior was actually created by Norimoshi Muramatsu in collaboration with Tokyo’s renown Super Potato architecture and design company: the cosy (exotic hardwoods) yet contemporary (floor-to-ceiling glass windows) design will definitely blow your mind… In contrast with the rest of Charlotte Street, you just cannot miss Roka’s facade! Plus, if you fancy a drink, there is this breathtaking Shoshu Lounge along side with the restaurant…  Read the rest of this entry »