10 new restaurants to try in London this Spring

Spring is here, I think, and London is in full swing… the restaurant scene is thriving with new eateries and inaugural restaurant awards popping up weekly. I pride myself on trying (almost) every new dining experience, from the super hyped to the trendy under-the-radar spots. The question I get asked more than anything else on my instagram page – ‘is it worth trying?’ With that in mind here’s my top ten to try this season…

Devonshire Soho

The Devonshire, Soho – You can’t get a table here for love nor money… the Piccadilly Circus institution has been lovingly restored, and serves a classic, no-frills menu of superior steak and chips and other British favourites. My tip, grab a seat at the bar downstairs (no reservation required) and enjoy the steak sandwich with chips and a pint of Guinness.

Josephine, Fulham – The latest eatery from chef Claude Bosi and wife Lucy, this charming French bistro champions delicious Lyonnaise food. Wine is poured and priced with a ruler, the atmosphere is convivial and you’ll want to relax here all afternoon. I loved the mustardy rabbit to share, the potato menu (zut alors!) and the pretty in pink praline tart.

The Square, Clapton – This neighborhood gem was recently taken over by new management, and the kitchen is now in very good hands with Akoko alumni at the helm. They are well known for their brunch, but I recommend heading here on a Friday night date for absolutely delicious sharing plates.

Three Sheets

Three Sheets, Soho – The central London outpost of the hit Dalston cocktail bar. The original was founded in 2016 by brothers Max and Noel Venning, and now they are bringing their clean, minimalist, perfectly poured drinks to Soho. The signature (a version of a carbonated French 75, made with gin, clarified lemon, moscato, orange flower and verjus) is available here alongside some other tempting concoctions. In the daytime the team will serve food and coffee.

Ria’s, Notting Hill – Super hip little venue serving up epic wedges of Detroit-style deep dish pizza. It comes from husband-and-wife duo David and Ria, and despite neither having a background in food, the place is carefree but confident. Order a slice of the Pepperoni & soppressata and a glass of natural wine.

Quince

Quince, Islington – Anna Higham’s long awaited Quince bakery is here, and luckily it lives up to expectation. Located on the lesser known end of Islington, the takeaway venue has an alluring counter piled high with bread, fruit hand pies and Anna’s signature butter buns, yum.

Camille, London Bridge – In need of a place to catch up with a friend, settle in at Camille. This newbie comes from the Ducksoup team, and head chef Elliot Hashtroudi’s menu captures the rustic energy of a regional French table. We loved the sharing meats, the punchy pickled vegetables and the irresistable burnt milk tart for dessert.

The Dover, Mayfair – The sultry, stylish spot for a night out. The Dover is a New-York Italian Bar & restaurant in Mayfair. Serving classic Italian dishes with New York attitude it is the perfect place to perch with a martini or bowl of pasta and meatballs.

Donia

Donia, Soho – The finest modern Filipino fare at the top of Carnaby Street’s Kingly Court. The concise menu packs a punch with highlights including lamb shoulder caldereta pie and the addictively tasty grilled chicken inasal.

Morchella, Exmouth Market – Located just off Exmouth Market in a former bank, Morchella is a restaurant and wine bar serving a modern interpretation of classical dishes from across the Mediterranean. The huge venue has been kitted out beautifully and the menu is full of wonder – order the pork jowl, salt-baked poussin and the unusual blood orange and black olive portokalopita.

Head to my instagram @millykr to see all my restaurant recommendations.

The Ultimate Foodie Advent Calendars

Christmas is coming and the December count-down is just round the corner. Kick off your festive season with one of this year’s ultimate foodie calendars. I’ve picked five of my favourites including pastries, coffee, chocolate, fizz and more… Treat yourself or buy one for your food loving friends and family.

Advent Calendars

Pophams – I can’t think of anything I’d like more than a month of pastries from one of London’s finest artisan bakeries. This year the Pophams calendar has been beautifully illustrated by Lottie Hampson, inspired by the different Pophams branches. You will also find gifts from Minor Figures and Bare Bones chocolate, along with a range of baked treat vouchers. The whole calendar is worth over £100 and as Christmas is about giving it includes 2 doors which reveal donations to Hackney Food Bank.

Advent Calendars

Artisan Coffee – This culinary coffee brand has been developed by Michelin starred chefs and the flavour profile of the beans showcases the thought that has gone into the bean selection. The pod and bag advent calendars offer a selection of their bestselling coffees so you can pick your favourite to order in the new year when the calendar has sadly finished.

Advent Calendars

Divine and Freixenet – The best of both worlds… 24 drawers of treats from the fizz and chocolate brands. A selection of different flavours and wines are contained in this extra luxurious calendar. The bottles and bars are perfectly sized for one, so I suggest not sharing!

Advent Calendars

Lakrids by Bülow – Whether you are a liquorice lover or hater you can’t deny that this is a special selection to make your way through this December. The Danish confectionary brand has developed a super chic calendar filled with every flavour of the chocolate chocolate liquorice balls.

Advent Calendars

Lindt – It is iconic for a reason… you can’t go wrong with the Lindt Lindor calendar, packed full of the indulgent chocolate truffles – from the classic milk chocolate to salted caramel and white chocolate.

Six restaurants you need to know about in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s food scene has never been better than it is right now. The Scottish capital is brimming with delicious foodie options, whether you fancy a deluxe sandwich or an elegant Michelin starred date night dinner. Inventive chefs are opening up exciting eateries in every corner of the historic destination – here are a few of the spots I’ve tried, tested and encourage you to taste for yourself.

Tipo

Tipo – A beautiful minimalist dining room in the centre of town, Tipo serves relaxed Italian cuisine. The small plates and homemade pastas deliver on flavour and aesthetics. Don’t miss the irresistable snacks – lamb fritte with white anchovy and zeppole with pecorino cheese, and the seasonal soft serve for dessert.

Spry –  This neighbourhood wine bar and bottle shop specialises in naturally made wines. ‍ The accompanying food menu is an ever-changing selection of dishes made with local, seasonal produce. I particularly loved the fresh cheese with olive oil and the leek dumplings (perfect for a chilly winter’s evening). The group also has a great bakery and coffee shop downstairs called Ante.

The Little Chartroom

The Little Chartroom – Roberta Hall’s bijou bistro serves modern European dishes in a charming little dining room. The menu showcases bold Scottish ingredients, presented confidently and creatively. The menu changes frequently but the Spenwood cheese & caramelised onion tart, pickled onion, beer vinegar was very memorable. Book a table at the chef’s counter to watch the kitchen at work.

Eleanore – Located on Albert Place, Leith, Eleanore is the second restaurant from the Little Chartroom team serving a fine dining, seasonal menu. The eatery and wine bar has high stool seating and bright monochrome décor and the service is wonderfully welcoming. Every plate was tastier than the last, with the Pork ‘Bo Ssam’, cashew, sesame and Cheese course particularly standing out.

Noto – Noto is an independent restaurant focused on food for sharing, small domaine wine producers & bespoke cocktails. Inspired by chef-owner Stuart’s time working in NYC, the restaurant is named after his eclectic room-mate there, Bob Noto. I loved the fusion style dishes, unexpected and full of flavour – ox cheek bao buns, onion, star anise and purple sprouting broccoli tempura, togarashi were a couple of my stand-out plates.

The Palmeston

The Palmerston – This much loved restaurant and bakery is always full of hungry locals and visitors. Housed in an impressive 19th-century building – a former Royal Bank of Scotland, it feels a bit like a classic Parisian bistro. The menu is full of tempting options, with comforting recipes like rich, slow-roast Tamworth pork loin with borlotti beans and black cabbage. It is a friendly, warm place to meet with friends or family and feast together.

Other restaurants I’ve loved on previous trips or have been highly recommended recently – Timberyard, Lyla, Heron, Pomelo, Mirin, Alby’s, The Gardener’s Cottage, Fhior, Kitchen Table at Twelve Triangles.