Tag Archives: Michelin star

Takeaway Tea by Ametsa with Arzak Instruction

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This week, in celebration of National Afternoon Tea Week, I popped over to the Halkin Hotel in Knightsbridge to pick up a takeaway tea from the Michelin star Spanish restaurant, Ametsa with Arzak Instruction.

Ametsa with Arkzak Instruction afternoon tea

With Hyde Park so close by Ametsa with Arzak Instruction saw the opportunity to offer guests a take-away tea option, pairing up with Afternoontea.co.uk to package up everything you need to enjoy their luxurious afternoon tea in the park.

Ametsa with Arkzak Instruction afternoon tea

We searched for a suitable spot, avoiding the fitness fanatics and the kids chasing virtual Pokemon, to a sheltered grassy area under some amazing tall trees. Inside the boxes were lots of carefully arranged treats, immaculately presented despite being made to-go. One savoury container featured dishes like red pepper and avocado toasted sandwich and Iberico ham wrapped crackers. Without a menu we were left to try and guess the flavour of each bite-sized delicacy. Two orange and yellow test tubes contained what I could only assume was a kind of innovative fishcake.

Ametsa with Arkzak Instruction afternoon tea

The sweet treats were my favourite, miniature churros and chocolate dipping sauce, crème brulee cake, and tiny fruit tarts. Along with the array of food the staff had handed me a bag with small bottles of cava and plastic flutes, to add to the indulgence.

It was great fun tasting this imaginative tea whilst enjoying the fresh air and watching the activity that surrounded us. We were very lucky to enjoy some sunshine whilst picnicking in the park… if the British weather was more reliable I could see this Basque takeaway tea being a great success all year round.

More information on the restaurant and all its offerings here.

Eleven restaurant, Lisbon

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There aren’t many fine dining options in Lisbon, where the traditional bars and bistros seem to be more popular for dinner outings. For businessmen looking for somewhere a bit more upmarket and special Eleven Restaurant is the ideal choice. Located within the business district, but surrounded by lush green hills, the views from every table are stunning.

Eleven Restaurant

The grand restaurant is modern inside, with crispy white clothed tables and plenty of natural daylight. Chef Joachim Koerper presents contemporary Portuguese food using the finest seasonal produce.

Eleven Restaurant

After a glass of a local, deliciously dry Almeida Garrett sparkling wine we were offered an array of freshly baked bread, of which the tomato focaccia was my favourite.

Eleven RestaurantEleven RestaurantEleven Restaurant

The chef prepared a menu of summery favourites for us, a beautifully fresh and delicate cold cucumber soup to start, which felt surprisingly healthy for a Michelin starred meal.

Eleven RestaurantEleven Restaurant

The main courses were works of art. Varieties of beetroot was an explosion on the plate of purees, pickles and slices of the vibrant vegetable. Thanks to careful seasoning the sweetness of the beetroot came through paired with sprigs of fresh herbs. My dish was an immaculate cute of extravagant pork with polenta and a rich and salty jus that I found irresistibly tasty.

Eleven Restaurant

The dessert was beautiful, a light and refreshing combination of different textures and exotic fruit flavours. The crumbled biscuit base added some much needed texture to the fruity sorbets and mousses.

Eleven Restaurant

It was lovely to finish a haute cuisine menu without feeling too full to move. After a quick espresso coffee we were up and out ready to continue exploring the streets of Lisbon. I can see now why the city’s businessmen love this restaurant so much.

More information about Eleven Restaurant and book a table here.

The Masons Arms, Knowstone

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I am constantly amazed by Michelin’s ability to find the country’s best restaurants even when hidden away in an unlikely corner of the English countryside. The Masons Arms is a quaint pub in Knowstone, Devon, and is recognised by Michelin as one of the UK’s best pubs for foodies. The pub is run by a friendly couple who are passionate about good food and service.

This charming 13th century pub will transport you; as a Londoner I felt completely removed from the busy city life. I particularly loved the old-fashioned thatched roof. The dining room is cosy and comfortable offering lovely views of the verdant surrounding countryside. Before opening his own eatery, chef and owner Mark Dodson was head chef at Michel Roux’s renowned Waterside Inn in Bray. At Masons Arms he produces hearty, tasty food, which is what most of the visitors desire after a bracing walk in the area.

An a la carte menu is available at lunch and dinner and features a range of dishes championing British ingredients with a creative, often Asian twist. We sampled the reasonable lunch menu which allows guests to indulge in three courses (£25) or two courses (£20) at a cut of the normal price.

After a round of delicious crusty bread our starters arrived. Cream of cauliflower soup was a simple and comforting dish, lusciously smooth soup with subtle seasoning and finely flaked and toasted almonds on top. Duck liver parfait was a richer option with a luxurious and complex flavour accompanied with wonderful pear chutney and granary toast. The chef also delivered a plate of Seared peppered tuna with Oriental salad to our table, an eclectic and intriguing dish full of punchy ingredients with the highest quality fish steak.

Main courses were generously sized, especially for lunchtime. Classic Roulade of pork belly was sweet and indulgent, perhaps a little too sweet. A tender piece of pork was perched on a bed of braised red cabbage, apple compote and roasted vegetables. It was the ideal dish for a lazy weekend lunch. I chose to taste the vegetarian option (which would have been suitable for vegans too), a very pretty plate of Baked aubergine with roasted vegetables and balsamic reduction. It was artistically presented and tasted good but could have benefitted from a contrasting texture, perhaps some cheese or carbohydrate within the recipe would have been nice.


Dessert was my favourite course, a delicate and creamy Tonka bean creme brûlée with sharp, exotic passion fruit sorbet and a board of irresistible local West Country cheeses and chutneys.

Masons Arms is a popular local haunt perfect for satisfying Sunday lunches. Though more pricey, I would recommend opting for the a la carte menu which offers much more choice and finesse, and more exciting culinary variety and creative flair.

More information and book a table here.