Category: Restaurant

Vivat Bacchus Restaurant, London

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant, Winter

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Tucked behind the Hays Galleria in London Bridge, Vivat Bacchus is a traditional steakhouse which serves South African dishes, cooked in the traditional South African style. This branch of Vivat Bacchus also contains an extensive wine cellar, which of course stocks South African wine, but there’s also something called a Cheese Room – yes, a room full of just cheese!  We visited on a miserable evening before Christmas to sample the best South Africa has to offer.

The menu is not just African food, but contains well known dishes such as burgers, sea bream and steaks but some of the ingredients, like Springbok, aren’t what you would usually find elsewhere!  Some of the spices are different too, and the cooking methods aren’t what we’re used to in the UK. However, this was a pleasant surprise as it’s nicely removed from the usual pizza places and fast food joints that are everywhere now, and the price of a pizza isn’t far off the price of the main meals at Vivat Baccus, plus you get more for your money here as the portion sizes are pretty huge!

We started with the Smoked Snoek and Pap Fishcake and 3 Sosaties – a dish of three mini kebabs of chicken, lamb and Boerewors served with baked apricots, pepper and onions.  These were delicious little treats, with an oil sauce that brought out the flavour and made a nice change to the usual starters. The Smoked Snoek and Pap Fishcakes are obviously made with fish found in South Africa and not our usual British waters, so the flavour of these was a gorgeous surprise. We were also given a baked corn bread as a starter, which came in a piping hot skillet as an accompaniment.

For mains, we ordered the Pork Belly (my favourite!) and a side of creamed spinach, and Vivat Bacchus’ famous beef burger with fries. The beef burger was enormous; with a salad and the chunkiest chips I’ve ever seen! There was so much there, we could hardly touch the side salad. The Pork Belly comes with a delicious Rainbow Coleslaw which has a slightly tangy dressing to counter the pork belly savoury taste. The Pork Belly was divine… a descent slab of meat, cooked until tender and soft enough to be pulled apart, with a seasoned crackling on top which was very easy to cut through, unlike some arrangements. This was perhaps the best Pork Belly dish I’ve ever had, thanks to the seasoning and the tenderness of the meat through the cooking process.

We were then treated to dessert.  Much like the rest of the menu, the desserts are a South African twist on the usual staples but there are also so completely unique items.  I tried the Crisp Peppermint Tart, which sounded like nothing else I’d heard of before.  A huge dish of cake was brought out to me and I was asked how much I wanted, which was a really nice touch when you’re completely full! Of course, I was given far more than I expected which I took to be part of the African hospitality.

The Crisp Peppermint Tart is a layered dessert with sponge, a mascarpone-type filling and peppermint on top. There’s crisp biscuits lining the top of the pudding too, giving it a juxtaposition of textures. This was divine! I really loved the peppermint flavouring after such a heavy meal, and the mascarpone filling was bubbly and light, making it easier to digest. The sponge was also firm enough to call a proper dessert in itself – think Tiramisu but with peppermint on top and sprinklings of chocolate and biscuit. This is one that I want to make for myself at home!

We didn’t venture too far into after dinner dessert wines or the extensive wines they have on site, but we did have the South African version of Champagne – a sparkling white wine with bubbles and a touch of acidity.

There’s a great atmosphere in the restaurant with wooden floor, chairs and tables, which I don’t think is particularly South African but the wine cellars and bottle presentation boxes are. It can get quite noise in there with the low ceilings and I noticed that there were a lot of couples at tables rather than bigger gatherings but that might just be because it was a Monday night. Incidentally, they do 2-for-1 on burgers on a Monday night too, which might explain how busy they are!

Having never been to any of the Vivat Bacchus restaurants before (there is another one in Farringdon) I was more than pleasantly surprised by the choice on offer, and with how removed it is from the usual chain restaurants on the market. The food was excellent, the wine was equally as good and the staff looked after us. In answer to your question, no, I did not manage to finish the Crisp Peppermint Tart in the end – maybe next time!

https://www.vivatbacchus.co.uk/london-bridge

https://www.vivatbacchus.co.uk/farringdon

The Three Fishes, Mitton

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: This meal was gifted to the reviewer for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are their own.

Tucked away in the charming hamlet of Mitton, right in the heart of the Ribble Valley lies The Three Fishes, a fabulous foodie heaven led by renowned chef Nigel Haworth. With a real passion for local produce and proper, traditional flavours, this place is all about that farm-to-fork goodness. It had been a long time since our last visit and after browsing the enticing menu online we couldn’t wait to tuck into what promised to be a truly special dining experience.

Nigel’s dedication to locally sourced ingredients is evident in every aspect of the menu, with many seasonal elements harvested directly from the restaurant’s kitchen garden or carefully selected from trusted local suppliers. This commitment ensures that each dish is served at peak freshness, resulting in bold, well-balanced flavours that truly shine. From the finest local producers to the restaurant’s own kitchen garden, every ingredient is chosen with care, and the attention to detail elevates even the simplest of dishes. The menu proudly showcases regional treasures like Mrs. Kirkham’s cheese and Morecambe Bay lobster, celebrating the authentic flavours of Lancashire’s rich culinary heritage.

The menu changes with the seasons, meaning there is always something new to discover. On this occasion, we ate from the Farm-to-Fork Tasting Menu, a carefully curated five-course journey through the best that the local land and sea have to offer. Despite it being a midweek evening, the restaurant maintained a lively yet intimate atmosphere, with just the right level of bustle to create a sense of occasion. Service was impeccable, with the knowledgeable staff providing detailed explanations of each dish and offering personal recommendations, particularly when it came to accompaniments for the pheasant. Small but significant touches—such as a waitress noticing our water needed replenishing without being asked demonstrated a level of attentiveness that is all too rare.

The meal commenced with Nigel’s Lancashire Cheese Bread Rolls, made with the renowned Mrs. Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese. These warm, pillowy rolls were accompanied by a savoury black pea hummus and a bright, herbaceous parsley pesto, an inspired combination of flavors and textures that set the tone for the meal ahead.

Next came the Baked Wilja Potato, sourced from a local farm and presented with samphire butter, fennel coleslaw, and puffed rice. The contrast of crispy, golden skin against the fluffy interior, drenched in rich butter, was simply divine. It was a masterclass in how to elevate a humble ingredient to something truly memorable.

Now, if I had to pick a standout moment from the evening, it would have to be the Morecambe Bay Lobster Soup. A properly well-executed dish, it had a rich, deep-sea flavour that was further enhanced by a bit of cream and a very sensible amount of chili, just enough to make itself known without being overpowering. The addition of sticky rice, along with decent-sized chunks of lobster and haddock, provided a pleasing contrast in texture. Each spoonful was a rather excellent balance of spice and creaminess, and I must say, this is one of those dishes that stays with you – in a good way, of course.

The Ribble Valley Pheasant Breast arrived as a golden-brown schnitzel, fried in pheasant fat for extra depth of flavour, and served with a fragrant herb butter and a spiced crumb. We opted for the super thick chips and cauliflower as accompaniments, though the unexpected highlight was a delightful serving of pheasant shepherd’s pie. Nigel’s philosophy of using every part of the bird resulted in a deeply satisfying dish, succulent minced pheasant with a sweet, moreish flavour, topped with a cloud-like layer of mashed potato.

For dessert, the Foragers Souffle, a delicate apple and bramble souffle was an absolute triumph. Light and fluffy it melted on the tongue and was served alongside a delicious, brown bread ice cream and crunchy croutons, providing a medley of textures that made each mouthful an absolute pleasure. Just when we thought we had finished, a final surprise arrived: a small Eccles cake, its crisp, flaky pastry encasing plump, juicy currants, providing a perfectly sweet ending to an exceptional meal.

Dining at The Three Fishes is a masterclass in how to celebrate local produce with skill, creativity, and a deep respect for the land. Nigel Haworth has created more than just a restaurant, he has crafted an experience that is both comforting and exciting, traditional yet innovative. This is farm-to-fork dining at its finest, and it’s one I’ll be eager to return to again.

5 courses £39 Wednesday & Thursday and £49 on Friday & Saturdays

To book telephone 01254 826666 or email reservations@thethreefishes.co.uk


Platzki, Manchester

Days Out, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Restaurant, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: We received a meal and drinks free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

Right in the heart of Deansgate, one of Manchester’s most vibrant stretches, sits a Polish restaurant called Platzki. Arriving on a bitterly cold Sunday lunchtime, we were greeted with warmth, both from the staff and the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere. The industrial-chic design was softened beautifully with plenty of greenery and fresh flowers, creating the perfect balance between contemporary and cosy and is just the kind of place you want to settle into for a long, leisurely meal.

From the moment we arrived, the service was nothing short of exceptional. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the food they were serving. They guided us through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, offering thoughtful recommendations and ensuring that we felt comfortable navigating the array of traditional Polish dishes. Their attentiveness was perfectly balanced, not too overbearing, yet always available when needed, making what could potentially have been an intimidating experience an enjoyable exploration of Polish cuisine. The drinks menu featured an extensive range of cocktails and Polish wines and not being wine experts we followed our waiter’s recommendation and opted for a Polish chardonnay. Light, crisp, and refreshing, it was a perfect match for the meal. 

As we awaited our starters, we were offered some Smalec, a traditional Polish rustic spread made from rendered pork fat and served with sourdough bread and pickles. Rich and surprisingly tasty it was balanced beautifully by the sharpness of the pickle giving us a tasty snippet of the Polish treats to come.

Eager to sample a variety of flavours, we opted to share two highly recommended starters. The Pierogi, delicate dumplings filled with velvety cottage cheese and topped with crispy fried onions, were wonderfully soft, satisfying and full of flavour. Meanwhile the Tatar, a hand-chopped, 21-day aged beef fillet tartare, was nothing short of exceptional. Whilst I enjoy a rare steak, eating raw meat was a step into the unknown but the tartare didn’t disappoint. The finely balanced flavours of mustard, spring onion and pickles elevated the dish, making it a real highlight of our meal. 

For the main course, we opted for a classic Polish dish – Bigos, a traditional hunter’s stew made with sauerkraut, beef, pork neck, Polish sausage, mushrooms, and a hint of red wine. The stew was robust, rich in tomato and onion flavours, and incredibly hearty. Served with sourdough bread, it was a deeply satisfying dish that showcased the heartwarming nature of Polish cuisine and was just what we needed on a chilly February day.

Our second main was Szaszlyk, a lighter but just as satisfying dish. The grilled chicken thigh skewers had been marinated in kefir, paprika, and thyme and were served with roasted baby potatoes and a creamy dip. The chicken was lovely and tender and packed with flavour and the accompanying pickles, salad and dip complemented the dish wonderfully.

To accompany our mains, we opted for two classic Polish side dishes. The Buraczki, a vibrant beetroot dish mixed with walnuts and mayo which offered an earthy sweetness that paired perfectly with the chicken. The Sauerkraut, mixed with carrot, apple, and onion, was a surprising delight. Having previously found sauerkraut underwhelming, this version was bursting with flavour and was incredibly moreish.

No meal is complete without a sweet finale and as we were both quite full we opted to share a baked cheesecake. Served warm, the creamy texture and subtle sweetness made it the perfect ending to our meal, especially when paired with the homemade chocolate hearts that accompanied it.

This visit marked our first foray into Polish cuisine and it certainly won’t be our last. The combination of a welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and outstanding food made for a memorable experience. Whether you’re already a fan of Polish cuisine or looking to try something new, Platzki on Deansgate is well worth a visit – we’ll certainly be back soon.

Nibbles £6

Starters from £7.50

Mains from £21.50

Sides from £4.50

Desserts £6.50

The Ivy Restaurant, West Street, WC2 London

Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant

NOT SPONSORED

The outside appearance of The Ivy is deceptive when you consider that the restaurant is wedge shaped and on both Litchfield Street and West Street, where the entrance is, in London’s Theatre Land.  The distinctive Ivy Windows which have become their branding, can be seen clearly from both streets as you approach and are directly opposite St Martin’s Theatre where The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie has been playing for more than 70 years.

Inside, the bar dominates the centre of the restaurant which isn’t as expansive as you might have thought. The tables arrange around the bar and towards the back of the room but there are more private rooms out of view – a necessity for the celebrities who frequently choose The Ivy for entertaining.  If you walk off the street and ask for a table you’re unlikely to find one, but there’s a slim chance that you’ll get a seat at the bar to eat, which is the same menu as everyone else.  

The Ivy

Opening in 1917 for the first time, when Europe was at war and there were very few people in London, The Ivy has in the past decade branched out and opened several Ivy Brasseries around the country. All of them have the stained glass window branding and this original West Street site is ne exception, even after renovation.  What’s striking is the attention to detail such as the ivy cut outs on the bar’s drip tray, the artwork which reflects the bold colours of the (obscured) windows and the managers who wear an Ivy brooch to show their responsibility.

The menu is classic and the portions plentiful.  From Veal cheeks bourgouignon to the Ivy Classics of The Ivy Burger and Deep-fried haddock and chips, there is something for everyone.  The menu at West Street is similar to what you find in the brasseries but with added temptations and some specials you won’t find anywhere else such as Beef Wellington for 2. We also liked the dessert menu, which has staples such as Tiramisu and a selection of cheeses, but with The Ivy’s famous Chocolate Bombe which is a theatre experience in itself when the staff pour hot caramel over the chocolate bombe to reveal ice cream underneath. Not for the fainthearted, it’s worth saving room on the mains for this delicious, decadent treat that The Ivy does so well.

The bar creates a wealth of cocktails, some of which are house specialties going back decades, as well as the usual long selection of spirits. The Ivy is famous for their Martinis though, and the bar staff will happily advise along which Martini route you wish to indulge.  Another suggestion would be their Peach Bellini, the Prosecco based tipple which is often enjoyed at breakfast but goes exceptionally well with lunch as well.

The atmosphere is bustling and warm within The Ivy with nearly every seat at every table able to see who walks in the door.  From the outside, it’s impossible to see who is seated inside so you have to venture in through the wood and glass Art Deco doors, past the huge vases of fresh flowers and to the hosts on the main desk to see if they have a table, or a bar stool for you.  The food is the star of the restaurant though, with sumptuous presentations of classic dishes and something different for anyone looking for a change.

https://ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivy-west-street/

The Ivy West Street

Hard Rock Cafe, Manchester

Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Restaurant

Disclaimer: We received a meal and drinks free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Nestled right in the heart of Manchester, within the newly refurbished Printworks entertainment complex, stands the Hard Rock Café, a veritable shrine to rock ‘n’ roll and, as it turns out, mighty fine food.

Upon entering we were warmly welcomed and shown to our booth which, given our location, was the ideal spot – situated beneath a display of memorabilia from Oasis – one of  Manchester’s most iconic bands.  The Hard Rock Café is more than just a restaurant, it’s a celebration of music, culture, and legendary artistry. When you look around the restaurant there is an amazing collection of memorabilia, from guitars autographed by iconic musicians, drum kits on the walls and outfits worn by some of the world’s most famous musicians, every piece tells a story and a meal at the Hard Rock Café is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.

January, of course, is a month for frugality, as many of us recover from the excesses of Christmas. And so, the two mains for £25 deal (available Monday to Thursday, 12–3 pm) was music to our wallets. While the menu for this offer isn’t as vast as the standard menu, the selection remains delightfully tempting. Choices range from a Caesar Salad with Chicken or Salmon to a classic burger with fries, a grilled chicken sandwich, or a South-Western Chicken Bowl, each each dish tempting enough to make you reconsider those New Year resolutions.

Guided by the expert advice of our ever-attentive server, Andy, we began with the starters: the “One Night in Bangkok Spicy Shrimp” and a mammoth tray of nachos. While the nachos were generous enough to satisfy two, it was the shrimp that truly stole the spotlight, perfectly crispy, tantalisingly spicy, and served on a bed of crunchy coleslaw – it was absolutely delicious and I could easily have eaten a second portion!!

For our main courses, my husband opted for the Caesar Salad with Salmon, while I indulged in the Classic Burger with Fries. The salad was delightfully fresh and crisp and refreshing with large croutons providing a pleasing crunch, while the salmon was cooked to perfection. The burger, was everything a good burger should be – a towering stack of tender beef, melted cheese, and all the classic accompaniments, expertly assembled for maximum satisfaction.

After devouring two courses, we were feeling quite full, but I can never say no to dessert, especially when there’s a hot chocolate fudge brownie on the menu. This show-stopping treat arrived in a towering glass, featuring a warm, gooey brownie as its base, crowned with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream, a fluffy swirl of whipped cream, and a bright red cherry on top. Rich, indulgent, and utterly divine, it was the perfect way to end the meal on a sweet high note.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was relaxed yet lively, with classic rock hits playing at just the right volume to enhance the vibe without overwhelming the conversation. The staff were friendly and efficient, and the diverse crowd, families, couples, and groups of friends—added to the welcoming, inclusive feel of the place.

If you’re in Manchester and looking for a meal that delivers on flavor and fun, the Hard Rock Café is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back—and probably sooner rather than later!

Walk-ins are welcome, but booking is recommended. For more information or to reserve a table, visit: Hard Rock Café Manchester.

Maison Francois, 34 Duke Street SW1Y

Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant

NOT SPONSORED
Tucked behind The Ritz and Fortnum & Mason, Maison Francois is a piece of France nuzzled into the London West End scene.  The food, like the extensive menu, is quintessentially French and uses the best ingredients in one of the best London locations to keep Londoners happy. Very few people know of its existence either, making this a new find for most casual city diners.

The restaurant opens into an Art Deco floor with woodwork booths and sectioning to give privacy to diners.  There’s a huge pewter clock above the passe to the kitchen and the high ceilings makes it easy to talk at any of the tables.  The menu is written all in French but the staff are happy to help with any of the items especially the specials and the bar is well stocked, again with specials available to everyone.

Maison Francois is famous for their patisseries but before we get to that stage, the menu is worth talking about.  There is a huge choice and everything that you can imagine is French is on there, including some things that aren’t such as types of pasta and breakfast items.  The steaks and duck pasta (reginette, ragoût de canard, olives vertes) are particularly good.  We also sampled some of the wines which are on show in a huge cabinet behind the waiter’s station.  The desserts are also on show, but in the old-fashioned tradition of a dessert trolley.  The glass dome shows off the hand crafted cakes and drawers underneath hold even more delights such as macarons and bark.

Downstairs there’s a breakfast bar which turns into a wine bar after 3pm. Again, the theme of open plan works well here as you descend downstairs and see the deli items on show.  No reservations are needed here but as it’s downstairs, you can easily hide away or take time out before returning to shopping.

The atmosphere is professional yet low-key with a high level of service but a familiarity of the restaurant and friendly staff.  The attentive nature of a French restaurant means you are well catered for, service is quick and the food is top level.

Pros

Huge choice of French cuisine

Excellent desserts and a range of cakes

Service was friendly and efficient

Cons

The menu is entirely in French so you might need a translation from staff

Can be pricy, reflecting on the quality of the food

https://www.maisonfrancois.london

The Delaunay, 55 Aldwych London WC2B

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant

With London’s rich history comes a plethora historical restaurants which are less for tourists and aimed more at those aching for a London gone by.  The Delaunay, on the edge of Covent Garden and with The Strand at one end and London’s financial district at the other, has been part of Holborn for decades albeit as The Wolseley on Piccadilly. As part of the Wolseley Group, The Delaunay caters from breakfast to dinner, serving theatre goers as well as locals and fans of European cuisine but with an understated, high end elegance only this part of London can show off.

The Delaunay boasts a classical, wood panelled French-style bar when you walk in. Here you can have a drink pre-dinner or walk through to the hive-like restaurant with its grand ceilings, low lighting and a huge antique clock at one end, it looks like it’s been there for decades yet only opened as The Delaunay in 2011. It’s menu reflects the surroundings; Tranche of Halibut, Fillet of Beef Stroganoff and Grilled Spatchcock Chicken with Jersey Rock Oysters for starters, or Borscht with horseradish cream to reflect the European feel of the restaurant.  There’s a specials menu too, which produced this delicious Beef Wellington with a doorstep sized wedge of beef that was medium rare, but not by any means a medium meal.  There was no need for side orders with this meal as there was ample on offer. Still, the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant allowed for some time between mains and dessert, allowing an opportunity to soak in the ambience.

The dessert menu gets the full European treatment with gems such as Classic Apple Strudel, Salzburger Soufflé and The Franz-Joseph Kaiserschmarrn (a fluffy, German inspired pancake dessert with plum compote).  We went for the Berry & Vanilla Baked Alaska which arrived with the very dramatic blow torch and alcohol pan, served flaming in front of us with the meringue lightly scorched enough just as the flames burnt out.  The fresh blackberries, red currants and kirsch bring out the sweetness of the ice cream and meringue in this hearty dish, leaving everyone satisfied after just two courses. You can of course, have a selection of British Cheeses either as well or instead of a dessert, and the extensive wine and cocktail list from The Delaunay Bar adds to the grandeur of the occasion.

Unlike other establishments, the hassle-free expertise of the waiting staff at The Delaunay contribute to the pleasure of dining in contrast to the more formal settings. Diners are afforded the speed of a City restaurant but the laid-back service of a French café or a German bar, making the entire experience the best of European dining.

Pros

Different cuisine with an emphasis on European, especially with the desserts

Very relaxed, easy to take your time over food or just a snack

Spacious seating so you can converse without interruption

Cons

Very dim light, so use the torch on your phone!

Caffe Nero’s Festive Menu 2024

Christmas, coffee, Family Life, Food & Drink, Home, Restaurant, snacks

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Whether you’re at work and wanting to grab something different for the time of year, or out shopping at the weekend and need a break, Caffe Nero have a new menu for Christmas 2024 that includes sandwiches, cakes and drinks that we can all enjoy.  We were sent off (happily) for a working lunch to find a few of Caffe Nero’s yummy delights!  

All of the items we tested are on Caffe Nero’s Festive Menu. We started with the Pigs Under Blankets Panini and the New Italian Festive Porchetta Focaccia.  Both sandwiches are best when heated up, which the Caffe Nero staff are happy to do as they make your hot drink.  We liked the Pigs Under Blankets for the festive sausages, bacon and added onion relish and when it’s hot, it’s especially nice!  The Italian Porchetta Focaccia has not just the porchetta ham but mozzarella and pesto.  This sandwich is sweeter than the Pigs Under Blankets and you can taste the pesto and mozzarella most with the ham and the sweetness of the focaccia bread being second.

We then tried one of the delicious Caffe Nero Classic Mince Pie. Made with shortbread pastry and filled with raisins, currents, sultanas and mixed peel with spices, this was a very sweet mince pie which can be eaten hot or cold. I chose to have it cold with my hot panini sandwich but you could add cream or ice cream to this easily.  The mince pie is really sweet, and has a lot of filling and really light pastry to it too. We would have tried a few drinks that day but the coffee machine was broken, but seeing as we still had a lot to try, we went back another day!

Next day we tried the Festive Feast Panini with bacon, chicken, cranberry & apricot stuffing and cranberry sauce in a sourdough panini.  This panini was also heated up and tasted of sweet cranberry and chicken with a herb-tasting panini. The New Brie, Bacon & Cranberry Panini was also warmed which allowed the Brie to melt all over again and give the counter-taste to the bacon and cranberry. We also got a cake today, a delicious New Black Forest Chouxnut. If you’re not familiar with a chouxnut, it’s a ring doughnut made with choux pastry which is filled with a Black Forest cream and topped with cherry ganache. The filling is incredibly sweet and the topping makes it very decadent – great for work or a treat and even better if you can share it with someone!

We also tried the New Tiramisu Latte.  This latte has a tiramisu syrup flavouring and dusting of chocolate powder, and even has a sponge finger added on top to give it more of the tiramisu dessert flavour! We liked this for the heartiness of the latte and the added tiramisu coffee and chocolate flavouring which made it feel extra Christmassy.

We loved the variety of the sandwiches, cakes and drinks, and there were so many to choose from that we couldn’t try them all. They’re full of flavour and have lots of Christmas spirit to them. All of the Caffe Nero Festive Menu is available to view online (we made our choices before we even left the office!) and are all in store from now on. Vegan and Vegetarian options also available.

https://www.caffenero.com/uk/menu/festive

Christmas at The Ivy Market Grill

Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant, Winter

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

There’s nowhere better than The Ivy this Christmas to meet up with friends, celebrate with family or finish off a joyous evening at the theatre. With The Ivy’s new festive menu, you can take the work out of Christmas and dine on their sumptuous, all-Christmas menu. We visited The Ivy Market Grill at Covent Garden this week to see the Christmas lights turned on and start the celebrations with a gorgeous meal!

All venues of The Ivy throughout the country are decorated from now until New Year with an Alpine theme of snowmen, skiing and winter chalets. Here in Covent Garden, we couldn’t move for the amount of people stopping to admire the snowmen, skis and the festive trees at the front door and have their photo taken. As you enter, the restaurant is dotted with fully lit Christmas trees throughout the floor, providing a backdrop to each of your yuletide photos.

We were also privy to the luxurious private dining rooms which were set up and ready for guests that evening. There are two private dining rooms at The Ivy Market Grill in Covent Garden, one which can sit 18 on a long table or more on 3 round tables, and the other room comfortably seats 10-12. Each room had a Christmas tree and lots of candles to create the Christmas mood, with each table laid with candelabras and floral centre pieces.  A perfect setting for your department outing, or to meet up with family without the hustle and bustle of the bar and other patrons.

Upstairs, the Covent Garden level tables are split between outside dining (with appropriate heating and throws to keep warm!) or indoors with booths, tables or at the bar. The atmosphere on this Tuesday night was much like a Friday with lots of people dropping in for after work dinner and drinks.  We tried out some of the staples on the menu including this Stilton salad and then the smoked salmon and rye bread. For mains we had seabass and duck curry then ice cream with shortbread and I tried the Birthday Dessert Box – a luxurious dessert of a golden orb, vanilla ice cream, honeycomb pieces, chocolate strands and a hot caramel sauce poured over, with a taste of birthday cake and a huge amount of calories! It’s presented in a ‘box’ which reveals the dessert underneath.

This Christmas, The Ivy have a special festive menu which includes some of your favourites like The Ivy 1917 Cured Smoked Salmon like we tried above, plus some takes on the usual dishes.  There’s the Goose, Turkey and Duck Shepherd’s Pie which is a step-up from the Shepherd’s Pie you find on the menu all year round, and of course being Christmas, there’s the obligatory Turkey Ballotine with all of the Christmas trimmings.  There’s also some new cheeky extras – like the Pigs In Blankets side dish! Two courses (served until 6:30pm) are available for £55 or 3 courses (available 11:30am until close) is £60.

It’s not just the A La Carte menu that’s been updated but this year, you will be able to sample the Boxing Day Brunch with The Ivy, complete with a Bloody Mary and brunch served all day. 

The Ivy is open on Christmas Eve all day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day as well where there’s a great 3-course menu for £87.50 per person. For dinner on the 2nd quarter of the 21st century, you can sample all of the delights of The Ivy without any of the leftovers!

Finish off your meal at any of The Ivy’s bars. We were treated to the Nyetimber Classic Cuvee and there are some delicious Christmas-inspired cocktails to try including the Christmas Mojito, Fig Leaf & Pear Negroni and Ginger & Honey Margarita.

 I cannot wait to go back to The Ivy later this month when I meet up with friends for our annual Christmas dinner.  We love the food, and the service is always so special plus the atmosphere at this time of year is exactly as you dream it should be – Alpine Christmas all the way.

A La Carte Festive menu is available now until New Year: https://ivycollection.com/christmas/

Gift Cards are available for The Ivy here: https://gifts.ivycollection.com

Afternoon Tea at The Imperial Hotel, Blackpool

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Restaurant, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received the afternoon tea free of charge for this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Opened in 1867, The Imperial Hotel in Blackpool is a charming Victorian establishment steeped in history, having hosted notable guests such as Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne, and even the Beatles. This grand hotel, with its impressive entrance, sits proudly along the seafront, a true reminder of Blackpool’s Victorian heyday when visitors flocked to enjoy the therapeutic seawater and Turkish baths.

The moment you step into the Imperial Hotel’s magnificent foyer, you are transported away from the bustle of daily life. The wood panelling and grand staircase set a refined atmosphere, promising an experience of timeless elegance.

We enjoyed afternoon tea in the Palm Court Restaurant, where the restaurant manager warmly welcomed us and led us to a table with a stunning view of the sea. After introducing us to the menu, he brought us each a glass of prosecco and a pot of tea. Once the tea had brewed, a classic three-tier cake stand appeared alongside a savoury plate featuring a small cup of delicious soup, a mini tomato and mozzarella quiche with beautifully crisp pastry and a homemade sausage roll with cranberries and thyme, served warm with wonderfully flaky puff pastry which was absolutely delicious.

The bottom tier of the cake stand was arranged with a selection of finger sandwiches on white and brown bread, with fillings of maple-cured ham with grain mustard, egg mayonnaise with watercress, mature cheddar with spring onion and roast turkey with smoked bacon, red onion, and mayonnaise. The sandwiches, served on soft, fresh bread, were full of flavour and very tasty. They weren’t sparing with the fillings either, which always gets a tick in my book.

The middle tier presented freshly baked scones with an array of accompaniments -clotted cream and strawberry jam for the cherry scones, and onion jam and chive butter for the Lancashire cheese scone. This savoury twist was a welcome change, particularly enjoyed by my husband, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth and really enjoyed his cheese scone. The scones were excellent with the perfect mix of crisp outer shell and soft (but not dense) centre.

On the top tier, a beautifully arranged selection of bite-sized pastries and cakes awaited. We were treated to a lemon Madeira drizzle with raspberry gel, a banoffee tart garnished with crisp banana and chocolate shavings, a mixed berry mess topped with mini meringue, and a mini-Eccles cake with candied orange. Each was delightful, with the Eccles cake emerging as our favourite.

By the time we had sampled all three tiers, we were pleasantly full and content to linger and soak in the elegant surroundings. And, for those who can’t quite finish, the hotel thoughtfully offers to box up any remaining treats for you to enjoy later.

We really enjoyed our afternoon tea at The imperial Hotel and being in such lovely surroundings made this afternoon tea experience that little bit more special.

With Blackpool Illuminations in full swing, now is the perfect time to experience this iconic seaside resort. Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea, then stroll through the world-famous Illuminations – you won’t be disappointed! To add a festive touch, a Christmas-themed afternoon tea will be available starting November 25th. Or, make a weekend of it by booking a stay in one of The Imperial Hotel’s charming rooms.

Afternoon Tea is served daily from 14:00 – 16:30 and costs £20.50 for adults and £12.00 for children. If you are in the mood for something fizzy then a glass of prosecco can be added for an additional £5.00 per head.

Beef Brisket at Smith’s Bar and Grill, Paddington

Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Restaurant, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Paddington in London is more than just the Bear we all love… the whole area along the canal has been transformed in recent years to be a vibrant, social place with lots going on. One of the inhabitants there is Smith’s Bar & Grill, right on the canal and a stone’s throw from Paddington Station.

Mondays are Beef Brisket day at Smith’s Bar & Grill. That means £40 for a whole sharing platter (for 2) of tender beef, corn on the cob, macaroni cheese, sweet potato fries and gherkins, along with a couple of sauces to go with the mix.  The offer is only available on Mondays so we went along for a taste and to see what else they had on offer!

Smith’s Bar & Grill is on the canal but has both indoor and outdoor seating. If you’ve ever walked to Little Venice, you’ve probably walked past Smith’s and not realised – I know I did recently. Their menu is a mix of Italian, seafood and grill with an impressive salad menu too.  We chose the Beef Brisket but started with Burrata and Salmon Tartare.

The delicious Burrata was served with an olive oil dressing and red and yellow cherry tomatoes. It’s a generous size serving too and absolutely divine, especially if you’re a cheese lover.  The Salmon Tartare is smoked salmon served on a bed of avocado, with a lemon dressing. The salmon is just right; light and well dressed and the avocado is creamy and soft to go with the lemon dressed salmon.

The Beef Brisket (which we had both been waiting for!) came out on a giant wooden platter, complete with beef pieces dressed in a BBQ sauce an accompanied by macaroni cheese, sweet potato fries and gherkins. There’s also pesto and BBQ sauce dips to accompany as well.   The beef is cooked then cut so there are some pieces which are well done with the majority of the joint being medium rare, so there’s a choice for both of you who are sharing. There’s ample there to be able to get enough food for only £20 a head, and I liked how there was enough vegetables to give you a whole meal as well as a huge helping of beef.

To top off the meal, we had Tiramisu and Chocolate Fondant, which is served with vanilla ice cream.  Going with the Italian theme, the Tiramisu is incredibly light but also very velvety and has a delicious hit of coffee with it.  The Chocolate Fondant is also very well baked with the gooey chocolate filling and a beautiful vanilla ice cream on the side. Served warm, it gushes chocolate from the centre when you cut into it and is again a good size portion.

We came for the Beef Brisket (which is only available on Mondays after midday but Smith’s Bar & Grill also has half price premium wines) but there were so many other choices on the menu that we had to choose more.  The Italian theme is not all they do – there’s steaks and a great range of seafood as well and plenty to choose from all round. We really enjoyed the Beef Brisket, which is a brilliant idea to get people out on a Monday and enjoying the Paddington area and what the canal has to offer. The atmosphere, even with a few people on what was a miserable afternoon weather-wise, was just as enjoyable.  I wonder what they’re going to do for Christmas?

Beef Brisket is available Mondays only, 12:00 until closing and is available for £40 for two to share.  Desserts and starters are additional.

See menu and details here: https://www.smithsbarandgrill.co.uk/hidden-gems/brisket-wines?utm_source=smiths_internal_email&utm_medium=smiths_internal_email&utm_campaign=smiths_internal_email

Smith’s Bar & Grill: 0207-286-9458, 25 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London, W2 6EY

Afternoon Tea Week at Brown’s Covent Garden

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gluten Free, Restaurant, Summer, Vegetarian, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As if we need an excuse for an Afternoon Tea, 12-18 August is Afternoon Tea Week across the UK and Browns Brasserie & Bar invited us to their Champagne Afternoon Tea at their luxurious Covent Garden restaurant to sample their new Moet & Chandon menu. Available now in all Browns Brasserie & Bars, the classic meal is enhanced by a glass of classic or pink Champagne courtesy of Moet & Chandon and set in the fabulous ex-courthouse building in Leicester Square.

Upon arriving, the Judge’s Court room is upstairs (staircase or lift, in case you’re wondering) which is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downstairs and one of the busiest parts of London. There’s no noise and no passing trade to disturb you or your photos, but the decadent décor, the parquet flooring and almost complete inside of the court from when it was a working court is still there. There’s even the judge’s chair left at the front of the room and ‘TO THE CELLS’ sign on the door! It’s beautifully decorated with plenty of room and no rush to contend with.

The Afternoon Tea Menu is both traditional and delicious. Starting with the Moet & Chandon Champagne, we had a classic glass each, which was slightly dry but totally appropriate with an Afternoon Tea. The sandwiches include an open sandwich of rye bread and salmon pate, lobster brioche, salt beef and horse radish and a lovely mix of cheese, pickle and crunchy apple – a combination which I will be trying at home! Each of the sandwiches was so fresh and so delicious we wanted to have more, but Browns had other ideas, judging by the amount of cake that was also on the stand.

Each of us had a plain and a fruit scone for the second course, with cream and both strawberry and blackcurrant jam to accompany. The crumbly scones were obviously baked that morning and fresh on the plate, as were the four different cakes which we enjoyed. Starting with the Blackcurrant Victoria Sandwich which was light and fluffy and featured the fruity blackcurrant jam which featured with the scones, it was definitely the first one to try before the stronger flavours kicked in.  The Carrot Cake was also fresh and baked with cinnamon to give the tangy yet rich flavour which is so often found in Afternoon Teas.  The Brown’s Black Forest Chocolate Pot also requires a Highly Commended mention because this was the richest of all the rich desserts with a Black Forest centre, chocolate moat and a cream filling on top. This one was definitely one to be eaten slowly!  The final cake was a delicate lemon meringue tart with edible violet flower on top, to remind you that it’s still summer.

All of this was accompanied by a tea of your choice including loose leaf English Breakfast or Earl Grey and teabags of Green Tea, Elderflower & Pear or Ginger, Turmeric & Lemon.  The tea is endless with more pots being brought out whenever you ask for them and the jams and cream are bottomless too.

Browns Brasserie & Bar have put on a super Afternoon Tea this year and not only is it available throughout the summer but there are vegetarian and Gluten Free versions too.  Classic Afternoon tea starts at £30 with Moet & Chandon Champagne costing £40 and Pink champagne at £45. We certainly enjoyed our 2 hours stress free and were more than full from their Afternoon Tea! https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/afternoonteamenu#/

Mint Leaf Indian Restaurant, Angel Court London EC2R 7HB

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Restaurant

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Behind The Bank of England in the City of London, there is a tiny car-less passageway called Angel Court which houses Mint Leaf Indian Restaurant. The minute alleyway belies how extensive Mint Leaf is as both a restaurant and a bar, but if you were here during the working week, you would see that every inch of space is needed for diners of this authentic Indian cuisine.

We were greeted by the lovely staff who brought over cocktails for starters. Illusion is a lychee and lemonade mocktail topped with Gypsophila and is deliciously refreshing. I was given the Sunderban, a vodka based cocktail served in a toadstool glass and beautiful table setting. Named after the delta Sunderban in the Bay of Bengal, it also contains peach, pineapple, Grenadine and lemon juice. Yes, it really is delivered in the toadstool ceramic ornament!

It’s always worth asking for a recommendation so we were brought Crispy Kekda (Indian style fried crab) and Charcoal Lamb Chops for starters.   The Charcoal Lamb Chops were perfectly cooked with the lamb meat tender but the fat was silky soft and pulled away from the bone. There was an accompaniment of mint sauce as well, which added to the flavour and texture. I couldn’t get enough of these and this was only the starter! The Crispy Kekda was equally delicious. Each piece of crab was fried to a crispness without being burnt and not at all heavy with grease. The flavour of the crab meat was also evident and made a welcome difference to what you normally find on a menu.

The main course was again recommended to us. We had Bhuna Khargosh (slow cooked rabbit) and Coconut Prawn Curry were brought over to us in piping hot dishes with beautiful garnishes and ample amounts. The Coconut Prawn Curry had enormous prawns, curled round and presented in a dish of coconut sauce. This wasn’t too spicy, and along with the rice, the sauce was a meal on its own. The prawns were cooked to perfection and not at all chewy and the coconut sauce was delicious, especially on its own. This is a great dish for children who don’t like hot curries. The rabbit is something which is not often seen on menus in the UK and I gather it’s not that well known in India either, but if you have never tried rabbit as a dish before, this is the time to try it! I’ve eaten rabbit before and it can be a bit stringy, but this dish was tender, had the texture of soft beef and was easy to eat in the Indian gravy.  I also added some of the Coconut Curry sauce to it which gave it a different texture altogether!

The staff also added some rice and both plain and garlic naan breads, which help enormously when you’re trying to devour the last few drops of curry sauce from your plate. They were also delicious on their own!

As full as we were, there was still dessert to come. We were treated to the house specials of White Chocolate Cheesecake and Carnation Milk Vanilla Cake served with rose petals. The cheesecake was to die for – the base was light and had only a slight texture to it and the filling was incredibly delicate, with a rich flavour but nothing like the heavy cheesecake filling I knew growing up. The Carnation Milk Vanilla Cake was served on a bed of Carnation milk and rose petals and the cake itself is also incredibly light with a vanilla taste. It absorbs some of the Carnation Milk to give extra flavour and it’s more than enough to give a sweet ending to a meal.

Overjoyed at a fabulous meal and feeling full, I was given a tour of the rest of the restaurant.  The magnificent bar stretches along the back wall, but there’s another bar upstairs in the private dining area which can house corporate events. Downstairs, the restaurant area is divided so that you can have several smaller private rooms of around 30 seated, or open up the divided and have long tables seating up to 60.  There’s also a projector downstairs for presentations and a lounge area for pre-presentation drinks or after dinner.

The restaurant itself is enormous and you don’t get the scale of it until you walk around all the different areas and see for yourself. The lighting is kept low (which makes it difficult to photograph!) and the subtle lighting comes from pretty candle tealights on the table. The whole room is airy with double height ceilings and an open staircase with the bar taking up the main bulk of the back of the restaurant.

I cannot speak highly enough of the food. This is not your “High Street” Indian restaurant where you find the same old items on the menu. Instead, this is Indian inspired cuisine with the best quality meats (and you can tell that these are not the cheap cuts) with rich Indian flavours, a mixture of hot curries and every type of Indian bread you can think of. There’s plenty to choose from on the menu too and enough for vegetarians to enjoy, or if you want to go back several times and try a range of dishes. 

Mint Leaf Indian Restaurant is one of those hidden treats in London that once you find it, you’ll want to tell everyone you know. You’ll not be disappointed with either the food, or the experience.

Mint Leaf

Angel Court London EC2R 7HB

T: 0207 600 0992 | E. reservations@mintleaflounge.com

https://www.mintleaflondon.com/city

Gibbon Bridge Hotel and Restaurant

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Disclaimer: We received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

There is nothing better than escaping from the stresses of everyday life to a beautiful hotel in the countryside and whether you just want to relax and recharge your batteries, enjoy a foodie break or explore the local area, Gibbon Bridge, situated in the picturesque village of Chipping, ticks all those boxes and needs to be on your list of places to visit this year.

Situated in the Forest of Bowland, the hotel is in a real walker’s paradise with both rolling countryside, woodland, rivers and the spectacular Bowland Fells on the doorstep. If you’re not familiar with the area, you can expect wild moorland walks with stunning views but without the crowds you find in more well known destinations. History lovers will enjoy visiting the nearby village of Ribchester, a significant Roman site and the market towns of Longridge and Clitheroe (with a Norman castle) are well worth a visit with a fantastic selection of independent shops to browse.  Although perfectly situated to explore the delights of the Forest of Bowland and the Ribble Valley, you could be forgiven if you never left the hotel, instead simply enjoying the food, hospitality and beautiful views the hotel offers!

We have just spent a fantastic night there and from the moment we entered the hotel we knew this was a special place. After receiving a very warm welcome we were immediately struck by the character of this old building which began life as a family farm and was converted into a hotel in 1982 by owner Janet Simpson. The warm fire in the reception area was a welcome treat coming in from the sub zero temperatures outside and once we had warmed up we were shown to our room. 

Opening the door we discovered a spacious room with a king sized bed and a couple of very comfortable armchairs. The room was spotlessly clean and incredibly comfortable with everything you might need for a relaxing break. It was very modern and tastefully decorated and the large bathroom contained a jacuzzi bath with an overhead rainfall shower. The bed was very comfortable and I’m not sure whether it was the long walk we did earlier in the day or the complete absence of road noise but I had one of the best night’s sleep I have had in a very long time. 

The room had all the extras you would expect in a luxury hotel, cosy bathrobes, fluffy towels, complimentary toiletries and a tea tray with a good selection of teas and coffee. There were also some delicious biscuits, made in the on-site bakery, not only giving our tastebuds a treat but offering a taster of the culinary delights awaiting us later in the day.  

Venturing downstairs the roaring fire in the bar area looked very inviting so we decided to enjoy a drink in the cosy bar area whilst waiting for dinner. There is a good selection of mouth watering dishes on the menu with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Two courses cost £30 or three for £37.50. After much deliberation we settled on the Crispy Pork Belly with Black Pudding and the Gin Cured Salmon followed by  Sirloin Steak (£5 supplement) and Slow Cooked Shin of Beef. The food was not only beautifully presented, it was absolutely delicious and we didn’t need much persuasion to look at the dessert menu! Spoilt for choice we settled on the Warm Sunken Chocolate Cake and the apple pie and custard. The staff were attentive and friendly and as the tables were well spaced out you didn’t feel on top of the other guests.

The following morning, we headed back to the restaurant for breakfast – cereal, juice, fruit and yoghurt was served buffet style and the waitress took orders for cooked breakfasts and toast. We both went for a full English breakfast which was perfectly cooked and was just what we needed to set us up for the day ahead, exploring the beautiful Forest of Bowland.

Gibbon Bridge has large mature gardens offering many places to sit and chat or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The gardens, although not at their best in January, are stunning and offer a perfect backdrop for the many weddings that are held at the hotel. With a large terrace overlooking the garden and beautiful ceremony room it makes for a perfect venue for a special celebration.

The hotel has a number of outdoor eating areas plus a function suite and can accommodate both large and small gatherings. These are often used for corporate functions and family celebrations and the hotel also holds a variety of events throughout the year such as musical afternoon teas, concerts and recently partnered with a local distillery to hold a gin tasting evening. You don’t need to be a resident to enjoy the delicious food so I’m sure it won’t be long before we’re visiting again! 

Throughout January and February you can take advantage of their Winter Warmer offer where you can stay in a double or twin room for £149 and includes tea or coffee on arrival, served in front of a roaring fire with syrup flapjack made by the onsite bakery as well as a delicious breakfast. 

We really loved our stay at Gibbon Bridge, we were made to feel very welcome, the food was wonderful, the scenery fantastic and the hotel has so much more to offer than we realised. Living locally we’re sure to return and will be keeping our eyes on their website for news of their next events. We have already recommended the hotel to our friends and family as a brilliant location for family celebrations and look forward to our next visit.

To book call 01995 61456.