Picture Restaurant, Marylebone

Posted on 10/08/2016 by Milly

Marylebone is one of my favourite pockets of London, particularly good for a Saturday morning wander around the shops and lunch with girlfriends. The new Picture restaurant fits in to this neighbourhood perfectly, satisfying stylish visitors with delicious gourmet lunches and indulgent dinners.

I went along with my brother to try out the seasonal lunch menu. It was a surprisingly sunny day and the modern dining room glimmered in the daylight. I always prefer eating out at lunchtime, the service is more observant, I’m generally hungrier and best of all, the light is normally perfect for food photography. At Picture the waiters were particularly lovely, checking our progress without crowding us.

We had various menus to choose from, a very reasonable, set lunch (two courses for £22, three for £25), the six course summer menu (£40) or the a la carte which advises four courses, one from each section (vegetables, fish, meat and sweet). Spotting a few of my favourite ingredients on the a la carte list, we decided to go for that, and between us managed to try eight inventive dishes. The cocktail offerings, alcoholic and virgin, change dependent on season, we couldn’t resist trying the Fresh watermelon martini and Strawberry and mint lemonade, both wonderfully refreshing.

In the kitchen two Michelin-trained chefs, Alan Christie and Colin Kelly use their expertise to create innovative and unique recipes from just a few ingredients. I particularly noticed their skill in the vegetable section of the meal, where simple produce was elevated into nuanced and special plates of food. The charred spiced cauliflower with sea purslane, peas and shallots was a subtle dish with a lovely variety of textures. Lingurian beef heart tomato with grilled bread, feta and rouille was a clever take on a tomato salad, topped with salty cheese and a creamy sauce.

Service was quick and before long it was time for course two. Cod with corn and chorizo was a light dish, carefully paired flavours that nicely complemented eachother. The ravioli of caramelised onion was a pasta lovers dream, perfect parcels coated in an irresistably buttery sauce.

For main course I tried the Roast young chicken with Portobello mushrooms and curly kale. Compared to previous courses it was a little bland, a large portion that I thought could have benefitted from a more delicate piece of meat, with crisped up skin. The 28 day beef was luscious and velvety, rich in flavour thanks to the bone marrow crumb and red wine sauce.

Desserts mimicked the sunshine outside. English strawberries with granola and iced mascarpone parfait was a version of a summertime breakfast, super sweet strawberries paired with crunchy oats and creamy indulgent parfait. For cocoa fans the Dark chocolate mousse was also a hit, with a happy salt caramel crumble surprise when you delve your spoon in.

With welcoming staff, a smart contemporary dining room and food worth far more than the price, I predict Picture Restaurant Marylebone will soon be a neighbourhood favourite.

More information and book a table here.

Heddon Street Kitchen

Posted on 08/08/2016 by Milly

Heddon Street Kitchen is a popular restaurant in the Gordon Ramsay empire. Ideally located, just off Regent’s Street, the venue is popular with those working in the area and tourists passing by. The restaurant was packed when I visited on a weekday lunchtime, we sat on the terrace outside, the perfect spot for people watching!

HSK can cater for every occasion, inside there are booths for date nights and larger tables for group gatherings… for a special meal opt for the chef’s table to enjoy the theatrics of the kitchen or the private dining room upstairs for something more intimate.

Despite the cold weather we ordered a couple of the sparkling aperitifs. A bright and vibrant Aperol spritz and a subtle floral rose spritz. Both were served ice cold, a lovely refresher before the meal commenced. For those only visiting HSK for a drink there is a menu of tempting snacks, which are much more substantial than you might assume. I recommend the Ham and egg croquettes and the flatbreads, great accompaniment with a glass of wine or cocktail.

The menu is packed full of tempting comfort food recipes, from Fish and chips to Macaroni cheese. The portion sizes are generous, so pick wisely, or visit with a greedy guest! Chicken paillard with garlic and chorizo was a lovely summer dish, an ultra thin piece of chicken breast topped with salty chorizo and a dressing made with the oil. My date ordered the decadent HSK short rib burger, a juicy patty of meat with oozing cheese, thick sliced gherkin and crispy bacon.

I’d been careful to save space for the main event of the meal, dessert at the HSK ice-cream bar! The chef took us up to create our puddings, where we joined a few kids, who seemed less excited than me. Choose from soft serve in chocolate cones or custom made ice-lollies and then add as many sauces, sweets and toppings as you like. We opted for the salt & vinegar and mandarin ice-lollies, the flavours of the week. Salt and vinegar was dipped in smooth dark chocolate, and for the mandarin I coated it in soft meringue and fruit sprinkles. Both were delicious, but I highly recommend trying the salt & vinegar, definitely not your average mini milk.

More information and book a table at Heddon Street Kitchen here.

London’s Best New Restaurants 2016

Posted on 28/06/2016 by Milly

When I returned to London, after travelling the world for 5 months, there were a lot of new restaurants to catch up on. After weeks of feasting I’ve tried and tested many of the city’s top new eateries… Here’s my pick of the bunch, and which dish not to miss at each.

Padella Pasta

This Borough Market newbie is the little sister of neighbourhood Italian, Trullo in Islington. Pop in for a reasonably priced plate of pasta and a slice of seasonal tart.

Don’t miss: Pici cacio e pepe (hand-rolled noodle-like pasta with cheese and pepper).

Best for: Quick lunchtime sustenance, post Borough market shopping.

Anglo

This elegant dining room in Farringdon is receiving five star reviews from every food critic who steps inside. Chef Mark Jarvis presents an understated seasonal menu that showcases his flair and confidence in the kitchen.

Don’t miss: British strawberries with lemon thyme and burnt meringue.

Best for: Quiet lunches with grown up family members.

Hoppers

I’ve never been to Sri Lanka but I’m keen to visit after tasting the vibrant cuisine at Hoppers. Located in the heart of Soho, there is always a queue so head there on a weekday lunch for a shorter wait.

Don’t miss: Egg Hopper (pancake) with Lamb Kari.

Best for: Pre-show dinner.

Morito Hackney

A more spacious branch of the popular original on Exmouth Market, serving moreish cuisine from Southern Spain to North Africa. Arrive hungry and order as many tapas plates as you can fit in.

Don’t miss: Crispy aubergine, whipped feta and date molasses.

Best for: Gathering up all your friends and ordering everything.

The Woodford

It may be nearly in Essex but it’s only a few stops further than East London on the central line. Chef Ben Murphy presents beautiful plates of food, and many predict a star for this stunning restaurant.

Don’t miss: The reasonably priced set lunch.

Best for: A special meal worth the journey to E18.

Kricket

Located at the top of Pop Brixton’s temporary structure is the unassuming tiny Indian eatery, Kricket. Offering small plates of Southern Indian food with big flavours, I have already been back twice.

Don’t miss: Keralan Fried Chicken with curry leaf mayonnaise.

Best for: Friday night feast nights with anyone.

Banh Banh

Vietnam has come to Peckham with this family-run, cosy restaurant. Minimalist modern decor and a brief but tasty menu has already made this new eatery a no-fuss, neighbourhood favourite.

Don’t miss: Beef in betel leaves.

Best for: Quiet and casual date nights.

Frenchie

The Parisian favourite comes to Covent Garden bringing classic French dishes and charismatic waiters. Sit at the bar to chat to staff about their favourite dishes.

Don’t miss: Seasonal specials.

Best for: Celebratory meals.

The Barbary

The new venue from the highly successful Palomar team, The Barbary (hidden in Neal’s Yard) offers small plates inspired by Berber flavours. There are only 24 seats round an intimate bar, so arrive early to avoid a lengthy wait.

Don’t miss: Pata Negra neck.

Best for: Catch up with your closest friends.

Gunpowder

A petite but powerful modern Indian restaurant tucked round an unsuspecting corner of Spitalfields. This home-style restaurant has no reservations and is always busy with locals in the know.

Don’t miss: Sigree grilled mustard broccoli and venison doughnuts.

Best for: Indulgent work lunches.

Somsaa

This stylish new Thai restaurant aims to present London with an authentic taste of Thailand, and the dishes are unrecognisable compared to your average takeaway. After a successful stint at Climpson’s Arches the Thai team continue to thrill diners with confronting flavours and memorable recipes.

Don’t miss: Whole Deep Fried Seabass with roasted rice and Isaan herbs.

Best for: Dinner with a group of friends.

Oldroyd

Fantastic food in a no fuss eatery in Islington. Tom Oldroyd is a genius in the kitchen creating dishes that are seasonally inspired and inventively thoughtful.

Don’t miss: Spinach and ricotta malfatti with broad beans and crispy sage.

Best for: Intimate lunches and dinners.

Primeur

A renovated garage is now the home to Primeur, one of North London’s most exciting new restaurants. The delicious menu changes daily to reflect the produce available and guests sit round communal tables.

Don’t miss: Whatever the waiter recommends that day.

Best for: Weekend meals with your favourite people.

Santo Remedio

The most authentic Mexican yet to come to London. A colourful joint in the centre of Shoreditch serving up vibrant food and great cocktails.

Don’t miss: Guacamole and Elote.

Best for: Feasting with friends.

Ellory

Both the space and the plates at Ellory scream contemporary cool. Normally full of Hackney hipsters, this modern restaurant serves stylish seasonal dishes that wow.

Don’t miss: Matching wines with your meal.

Best for: Lovely summer lunches with friends and family.

Sosharu

Jason Atherton’s latest restaurant, inspired by the izakaya eateries of Japan. Make sure you save space for cocktails in the underground 7 Tales bar downstairs.

Don’t miss: Tempura, almost as good as the real thing in Tokyo.

Best for: Business lunches and date nights.

The Good Egg

My new favourite breakfast stop, despite the fact that it’s a trek over to Stoke Newington. A Jewish style cafe/deli that is open all day but particularly busy for brunch.

Don’t miss: Shakshuka – baked eggs with tomato and peppers, preserved lemon yoghurt, sumac and a challah roll.

Best for: Long weekend brunches with friends.

The Ninth

The sophisticated first solo venture from brilliant chef Jun Tanaka. The menu features French inspired dishes that taste irresistibly good.

Don’t miss: Pain Perdu with vanilla ice-cream.

Best for: Weekday lazy lunches with mum.

Rok Smokehouse

A Nordic eatery championing the trend for smoked meat and pickled vegetables. Particularly reasonable at lunchtime.

Don’t miss: Nduja scotch egg.

Best for: Foodie friends meet up.

Marksman Public House

Most of my Sundays are spent at Columbia Road Flower Market so I am more than delighted to have a delicious new lunch place to stop off at, laden with blooms. A relaxed Victorian pub serving wholesome British dishes. Have a look upstairs too at the wonderfully-light redesigned contemporary dining room.

Don’t miss: Brown butter and honey tart.

Best for: Long Sunday lunches.

Black Axe Mangal

A posh Turkish kebab parlour with psychedelic decor and seriously tasty food. They have just started serving weekend brunch.

Don’t miss: the Reuben sandwich.

Best for: Weekend gorging with friends.

Blog post coming soon… the best new cocktail bars in London.

Thoroughly Modern Milly

looking, listening, shopping and eating in London, and beyond…

Tag Archives: restaurant

Picture Restaurant, Marylebone

Heddon Street Kitchen

London’s Best New Restaurants 2016