The London Restaurant Review

London Restaurant News - May 2008

THE RAW CHEF HITS THE CAPITAL

There’s nobody in the UK that hasn’t heard of the ‘Naked Chef’, but fresh to our shores this week comes the ‘Raw Chef’ for the opening of the Capital’s first exclusively botanical fine-dining restaurant, Saf in Shoreditch.

Don’t raise your eyebrows or roll your eyes, the food at Saf is seriously good and is destined to change our perceptions of vegan food. With chefs like Charlie Trotter adding raw menus to their repertoire, this gastronomic trend is here to stay.  Banish any thoughts of minimalist cafes frequented by sandal-wearing, hippy-dippy, health-obsessed diners, Saf is seriously stylish, serving food that is more haute than hot.

Whilst the menu is 100% botanical with no animal products, dairy, wheat, sugar or refined ingredients, the food looks and tastes more Michelin than macrobiotic.  Everything on Saf’s menu uses only the purest seasonal plant ingredients, locally sourced and organic where possible.  The result is dishes that simply burst with real, natural flavour and nutrients.

Saf, 152 – 154 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3AT  Tel: 020 7613 0007
www.safrestaurant.com

PHO FEVER

Pho fever hits Noho with the opening of a brand new street food restaurant, specialising in Vietnam’s national dish, from which it takes its name

Named after the delicious, healthy rice noodle soup, Pho on Great Titchfield Street, W1, is the realisation of husband and wife team Stephen and Juliette Wall’s dream. Whilst travelling in Vietnam, they came across pho (pronounced as the French feu), often described as ‘Vietnam in a bowl’ and eaten by over 80 million people a day.  Little did they know that the country’s obsession was already becoming a phenomenon Stateside where there are now over 1000 pho restaurants in operation.  What they did know was that they had discovered a delicious, nutritious dish that would appeal to anyone looking for great tasting, authentic food so they decided to bring it to the UK, but serve it in a modern, modish manner, relevant to today’s diner
Just as they are on the street stands of Hanoi, all of the dishes at Pho are made from scratch using the highest quality, fresh ingredients by their team of Vietnamese chefs.  At the heart of the all day informal dining menu is the restaurant’s speciality – pho.  With over 15 varieties, diners can choose from tempting beef brisket, steak, chicken, prawn and vegetarian as well as hot and spicy versions. Diners are invited to DIY, building their own pho with a choice of stocks and toppings, and seasoning it at the table with fresh herbs, chillies and sauces.   

So, use your noodle and get down to Pho – you’ll be bowled over.

SHAY COOPER SHAKES UP NEW BINGHAM RESTAURANT

With the recent arrival of executive chef Shay Cooper (former AA rosette-winning head chef of Olga Polizzi’s Hotel Endsleigh and senior sous chef at Michelin starred Juniper in Altrincham) the elegant riverside Bingham Restaurant is destined to be Richmond’s finest destination eatery for seasonal British cuisine.

Reopening this March after an extensive refurbishment, the new interior of this Georgian property is the perfect setting for Shay’s sensational cuisine. The restaurant serves à la carte lunch and dinner alongside a delicious breakfast and fantastically priced set lunch menu. Dishes are fresh and lively, with the majority of ingredients being sourced from local suppliers.

Complete with breathtaking riverside views, an alfresco balcony, extensive wine list and a
calendar of invigorating food events, the Bingham is Richmond’s ultimate boutique restaurant.

Bingham Restaurant,
61 – 63 Petersham Road, Richmond upon Thames, London TW10 6UT
Tel: 020 8940 0902
www.binghamrestaurant.co.uk

TREAD THE BOARDS AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE’S NEW DECK

This summer will see the arrival of The Deck, an inspired new functions space atop one of the National Theatre’s highest Thames-facing terraces. Open from May to September with breathtaking views of London’s skyline from the South Bank, The Deck stands high above its competitors.

Combining an utterly unique, ultra-modern glazed structure with retractable walls and capacious 120sqm timber-decked terrace, The Deck has a distinctive inside-outside feel. Flooded with natural light, The Deck can be opened to, or protected from, the elements to ensure a spectacular event, whatever the weather.

The Deck’s talented in-house function team are experts in devising memorable events, project managing a function from start to finish, whilst fabulous food, creative cocktails and fine wines come courtesy of the National Theatre’s accomplished catering team, headed by Executive Chef Simon Flint (previously of Caprice Holdings).

So for a stunning summer event that may include exclusive backstage tours and customised creative workshops, The Deck is the perfect stage. 

The Deck, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
T: 020 7452 3796
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/thedeck

MYHOTEL BRIGHTON OPENS

“where Freddie Mercury meets the Maharishi”

This April sees the opening of myhotel Brighton, the group’s third property and first new build outside of London. Positioned in the city’s regenerated North Laine area, this unique 80-guestroom hotel, spread over four floors with two event spaces, Zilli restaurant and café and the stunning merkaba bar is the shared aesthetic ideal of Andy Thrasyvoulou and New York designer Karim Rashid.

Juxtaposing sexy cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art technology with serene spirituality and the principles of feng shui, myhotel Brighton is an exhilarating experience waiting to be explored. From the brilliant white façade to the achingly cool interiors, the hotel offers the very latest in modern comforts with a vibrancy and life echoing that of this seaside destination.

myhotel Brighton, 17 Jubilee Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1GE
t: 01273 900 300
www.myhotels.com

PING PONG OPENS IN HAMPSTEAD AND ST KATHARINE DOCKS

Ping Pong, the 21st century teahouse and dim sum emporium, founded in 2005, is going from strength to strength with two recent additions to the group. The first has just opened in the heart of Hampstead village, with their second in St Katharine Docks.

Both restaurants offer Ping Pong’s signature range of over 40 hand-made dim sum and specials with an enviable cocktail and fruit cooler list. New to both restaurants is the introduction of breakfast; dishes include baked puffs of ham, cheese and mushroom served alongside offerings such as black and white coconut and cranberry sticky rice, fresh fruit and a range of exotic fruit teas. Popular with a chic urban crowd, visit Ping Pong and see why dim sum translates to ‘hearts delight’

Ping Pong, 83-84 Hampstead High Street, London, NW3 1RE. Tel: 0207 433 0930
Ping Pong, Unit 3 Tower Bridge House, St Katharine Docks, London E1W 1BA
Tel: 0207 680 7850
www.pingpongdimsum.com

CULTIVATED CUISINE AT THE CINNAMON CLUB

This May, green is the new black at London’s most innovative Indian restaurant, The Cinnamon Club, with the launch of a botanically inspired five-course garden menu. Celebrating Spring and rejuvenation, this blossoming collection of vegetarian dishes has been carefully cultivated by executive chef, Vivek Singh.

Available throughout Vegetarian Week (19-25 May) and over the Chelsea Flower Show (20-24 May), the garden menu sees exotic flowers and herbs expertly combined with aromatic spices to create wonderfully complex flavours. Diners will indulge in nature’s delicacies including marigold, banana and sweet Syrian borage flowers, fragrant jasmine, mint and saffron.

Available from 1st – 31st May 2008 the garden menu is £60 per person
The Cinnamon Club, The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU
www.cinnamonclub.com t.020 7222 2555

CHELSEA’S CLAWS ARE OUT…FOR AWANA’S LOBSTER FESTIVAL

Honouring the king of crustaceans, from the 14th – 28th May 2008, Awana on Sloane Avenue is tempting diners with a series of succulent specials from starters to mains at eminently affordable prices. Lobster dishes include Udang Galah Kukus - half lobster steamed with lemongrass, ginger and chilli, garnished with a noodle salad or Udang Galah Panggang - chargrilled half lobster coated in a sesame barbecue sauce, served with a sour tomato salad. Seafood lovers won’t want to eat anywhere else.

Crafted by executive chef Mark Read celebrate the most sumptuous of seafood. Indulge in a lobster feast or if something tempts you from Awana’s a la carte menu then simply mix and match to experience a taste of Malaysia in the heart of Chelsea.

Available from 14th – 28th May 2008
Awana, 85 Sloane Avenue, Chelsea, London SW3 3DX
www.awana.co.uk t.020 7584 8880

TO MARRAKECH AND THE MEDINA VIA KENZA

Enjoy two new fabulously decadent new nights of Moroccan hospitality at Kenza, the city’s hottest restaurant and lounge bar.  On offer at both are belly dancers, DJs and live drummers whilst tarot card readers and henna tatooists create an irresistible atmosphere amid sweetly perfumed incense, rose petals and candlelight reminiscent of the souks of Morocco.

Rock the Casbah: every Monday, 6pm – late
Begin the evening in Kenza’s opulent lounge bar where a complimentary magnum upgrade awaits you. Simply order a bottle and receive a magnum at no extra cost. Alternatively, indulge in a fabulous feast and receive a complimentary bottle of champagne for every four diners or bottle of Chateaux Ksara for every pair.

A Night in Marrakech: every Saturday, 6pm – late
Relax among the silks and muslin drapes of Kenza’s stunning restaurant and enjoy a special Souk Feast for just £25 per person. For those at Kenza for the party, order a round of cocktails in the lounge bar and indulge in one of Kenza’s signature mezze platters with their compliments.

Kenza
10 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YP
T: 020 7929 5533
www.kenza-restaurant.com

London Restaurant News - May 2008

THE RAW CHEF HITS THE CAPITAL

There’s nobody in the UK that hasn’t heard of the ‘Naked Chef’, but fresh to our shores this week comes the ‘Raw Chef’ for the opening of the Capital’s first exclusively botanical fine-dining restaurant, Saf in Shoreditch.

Don’t raise your eyebrows or roll your eyes, the food at Saf is seriously good and is destined to change our perceptions of vegan food. With chefs like Charlie Trotter adding raw menus to their repertoire, this gastronomic trend is here to stay.  Banish any thoughts of minimalist cafes frequented by sandal-wearing, hippy-dippy, health-obsessed diners, Saf is seriously stylish, serving food that is more haute than hot.

Whilst the menu is 100% botanical with no animal products, dairy, wheat, sugar or refined ingredients, the food looks and tastes more Michelin than macrobiotic.  Everything on Saf’s menu uses only the purest seasonal plant ingredients, locally sourced and organic where possible.  The result is dishes that simply burst with real, natural flavour and nutrients.

Saf, 152 – 154 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3AT  Tel: 020 7613 0007
www.safrestaurant.com

PHO FEVER

Pho fever hits Noho with the opening of a brand new street food restaurant, specialising in Vietnam’s national dish, from which it takes its name

Named after the delicious, healthy rice noodle soup, Pho on Great Titchfield Street, W1, is the realisation of husband and wife team Stephen and Juliette Wall’s dream. Whilst travelling in Vietnam, they came across pho (pronounced as the French feu), often described as ‘Vietnam in a bowl’ and eaten by over 80 million people a day.  Little did they know that the country’s obsession was already becoming a phenomenon Stateside where there are now over 1000 pho restaurants in operation.  What they did know was that they had discovered a delicious, nutritious dish that would appeal to anyone looking for great tasting, authentic food so they decided to bring it to the UK, but serve it in a modern, modish manner, relevant to today’s diner
Just as they are on the street stands of Hanoi, all of the dishes at Pho are made from scratch using the highest quality, fresh ingredients by their team of Vietnamese chefs.  At the heart of the all day informal dining menu is the restaurant’s speciality – pho.  With over 15 varieties, diners can choose from tempting beef brisket, steak, chicken, prawn and vegetarian as well as hot and spicy versions. Diners are invited to DIY, building their own pho with a choice of stocks and toppings, and seasoning it at the table with fresh herbs, chillies and sauces.   

So, use your noodle and get down to Pho – you’ll be bowled over.

SHAY COOPER SHAKES UP NEW BINGHAM RESTAURANT

With the recent arrival of executive chef Shay Cooper (former AA rosette-winning head chef of Olga Polizzi’s Hotel Endsleigh and senior sous chef at Michelin starred Juniper in Altrincham) the elegant riverside Bingham Restaurant is destined to be Richmond’s finest destination eatery for seasonal British cuisine.

Reopening this March after an extensive refurbishment, the new interior of this Georgian property is the perfect setting for Shay’s sensational cuisine. The restaurant serves à la carte lunch and dinner alongside a delicious breakfast and fantastically priced set lunch menu. Dishes are fresh and lively, with the majority of ingredients being sourced from local suppliers.

Complete with breathtaking riverside views, an alfresco balcony, extensive wine list and a
calendar of invigorating food events, the Bingham is Richmond’s ultimate boutique restaurant.

Bingham Restaurant,
61 – 63 Petersham Road, Richmond upon Thames, London TW10 6UT
Tel: 020 8940 0902
www.binghamrestaurant.co.uk

TREAD THE BOARDS AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE’S NEW DECK

This summer will see the arrival of The Deck, an inspired new functions space atop one of the National Theatre’s highest Thames-facing terraces. Open from May to September with breathtaking views of London’s skyline from the South Bank, The Deck stands high above its competitors.

Combining an utterly unique, ultra-modern glazed structure with retractable walls and capacious 120sqm timber-decked terrace, The Deck has a distinctive inside-outside feel. Flooded with natural light, The Deck can be opened to, or protected from, the elements to ensure a spectacular event, whatever the weather.

The Deck’s talented in-house function team are experts in devising memorable events, project managing a function from start to finish, whilst fabulous food, creative cocktails and fine wines come courtesy of the National Theatre’s accomplished catering team, headed by Executive Chef Simon Flint (previously of Caprice Holdings).

So for a stunning summer event that may include exclusive backstage tours and customised creative workshops, The Deck is the perfect stage. 

The Deck, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
T: 020 7452 3796
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/thedeck

MYHOTEL BRIGHTON OPENS

“where Freddie Mercury meets the Maharishi”

This April sees the opening of myhotel Brighton, the group’s third property and first new build outside of London. Positioned in the city’s regenerated North Laine area, this unique 80-guestroom hotel, spread over four floors with two event spaces, Zilli restaurant and café and the stunning merkaba bar is the shared aesthetic ideal of Andy Thrasyvoulou and New York designer Karim Rashid.

Juxtaposing sexy cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art technology with serene spirituality and the principles of feng shui, myhotel Brighton is an exhilarating experience waiting to be explored. From the brilliant white façade to the achingly cool interiors, the hotel offers the very latest in modern comforts with a vibrancy and life echoing that of this seaside destination.

myhotel Brighton, 17 Jubilee Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1GE
t: 01273 900 300
www.myhotels.com

PING PONG OPENS IN HAMPSTEAD AND ST KATHARINE DOCKS

Ping Pong, the 21st century teahouse and dim sum emporium, founded in 2005, is going from strength to strength with two recent additions to the group. The first has just opened in the heart of Hampstead village, with their second in St Katharine Docks.

Both restaurants offer Ping Pong’s signature range of over 40 hand-made dim sum and specials with an enviable cocktail and fruit cooler list. New to both restaurants is the introduction of breakfast; dishes include baked puffs of ham, cheese and mushroom served alongside offerings such as black and white coconut and cranberry sticky rice, fresh fruit and a range of exotic fruit teas. Popular with a chic urban crowd, visit Ping Pong and see why dim sum translates to ‘hearts delight’

Ping Pong, 83-84 Hampstead High Street, London, NW3 1RE. Tel: 0207 433 0930
Ping Pong, Unit 3 Tower Bridge House, St Katharine Docks, London E1W 1BA
Tel: 0207 680 7850
www.pingpongdimsum.com

CULTIVATED CUISINE AT THE CINNAMON CLUB

This May, green is the new black at London’s most innovative Indian restaurant, The Cinnamon Club, with the launch of a botanically inspired five-course garden menu. Celebrating Spring and rejuvenation, this blossoming collection of vegetarian dishes has been carefully cultivated by executive chef, Vivek Singh.

Available throughout Vegetarian Week (19-25 May) and over the Chelsea Flower Show (20-24 May), the garden menu sees exotic flowers and herbs expertly combined with aromatic spices to create wonderfully complex flavours. Diners will indulge in nature’s delicacies including marigold, banana and sweet Syrian borage flowers, fragrant jasmine, mint and saffron.

Available from 1st – 31st May 2008 the garden menu is £60 per person
The Cinnamon Club, The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU
www.cinnamonclub.com t.020 7222 2555

CHELSEA’S CLAWS ARE OUT…FOR AWANA’S LOBSTER FESTIVAL

Honouring the king of crustaceans, from the 14th – 28th May 2008, Awana on Sloane Avenue is tempting diners with a series of succulent specials from starters to mains at eminently affordable prices. Lobster dishes include Udang Galah Kukus - half lobster steamed with lemongrass, ginger and chilli, garnished with a noodle salad or Udang Galah Panggang - chargrilled half lobster coated in a sesame barbecue sauce, served with a sour tomato salad. Seafood lovers won’t want to eat anywhere else.

Crafted by executive chef Mark Read celebrate the most sumptuous of seafood. Indulge in a lobster feast or if something tempts you from Awana’s a la carte menu then simply mix and match to experience a taste of Malaysia in the heart of Chelsea.

Available from 14th – 28th May 2008
Awana, 85 Sloane Avenue, Chelsea, London SW3 3DX
www.awana.co.uk t.020 7584 8880

TO MARRAKECH AND THE MEDINA VIA KENZA

Enjoy two new fabulously decadent new nights of Moroccan hospitality at Kenza, the city’s hottest restaurant and lounge bar.  On offer at both are belly dancers, DJs and live drummers whilst tarot card readers and henna tatooists create an irresistible atmosphere amid sweetly perfumed incense, rose petals and candlelight reminiscent of the souks of Morocco.

Rock the Casbah: every Monday, 6pm – late
Begin the evening in Kenza’s opulent lounge bar where a complimentary magnum upgrade awaits you. Simply order a bottle and receive a magnum at no extra cost. Alternatively, indulge in a fabulous feast and receive a complimentary bottle of champagne for every four diners or bottle of Chateaux Ksara for every pair.

A Night in Marrakech: every Saturday, 6pm – late
Relax among the silks and muslin drapes of Kenza’s stunning restaurant and enjoy a special Souk Feast for just £25 per person. For those at Kenza for the party, order a round of cocktails in the lounge bar and indulge in one of Kenza’s signature mezze platters with their compliments.

Kenza
10 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YP
T: 020 7929 5533
www.kenza-restaurant.com

Restaurant marketing - Knaypa signs to London Restaurant Review

The Knapya Restaurant in Hammersmith signed this week to The London Restaurant Review profile marketing programme.

You can read what The Knaypa Restaurant has to say for itself here.

The programme gives restaurants their own voice on the website, with the ability to include photos, full descriptions, menus, special offers etc.

One of the key advantages of the programme is that the restaurant profile gets indexed in Google and therefore provides another way for the restaurant to be found in the great sea that is search.

If you are a restaurant owner and wish to promote your restaurant in this way, it will cost you £50 for a 6 month tenancy, or £70 with a photo or two.  Please contact me for more details.

The great tap water debate

Asking for tap water in restaurants may be losing its stigma.  Safe in the knowledge that they are saving money AND being eco-friendly, diners are feeling more confident about choosing tap water over expensive bottled mineral water when they are dining out.

Does this mean that restaurants up and down the country are going to struggle now that they can't rely on heavily marked up water to swell their profits?  I don't think so. In fact, I see it as a great opportunity for UK restaurateurs.  Their colleagues in the USA have been happily serving iced tap water to their customers for years.  Diners in the States expect a glass of iced tap water as soon as they sit down. It is a free aperatif.  Indeed in some restaurants there are specific water staff whose job it is to just top up diners water.

Why do I think restaurants will be better off?  Because matching a glass of iced water with a glass of wine throughout the evening will leave you in fine fettle to drink more wine throughout the evening or to enjoy a post dessert whisky or brandy.  Restaurants have an opportunity to offset that lost £4 water sale with a couple of large 'digestifs' at £6 a pop.  Net result - £8 profit.
So iced tap water should become the norm in all UK restaurants, not just for the benefit of the customers, but also because it may well benefit the restaurants.

Rude Restaurant

I saw this excellent article on the BBC website today.  I have posted the entire article below with link:

Restaurant sorry over F word bill 

The message was printed in capital letters on the bill (suck my di*k fat face)
A restaurant owner has apologised after diners had their very own F word experience - without Gordon Ramsay.
Ten friends found the abusive and sexually-explicit message on their bill at Joe Delucci's Italian restaurant in Bird Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire.

Diner Clare Watkin said she thought it was written after they complained about poor service.

The party from Walsall had gone to the restaurant on Friday. Owner Nigel Langsdon has begun an investigation.

Ms Watkin said: "I couldn't believe it. The bill read 'fish cakes', which one of us had for a starter, and it was written right above it - absolutely disgusting language.

  I think that the way that we've been spoken to is absolutely outrageous

Clare Watkin

"We actually booked the table for 8 o' clock in the evening, by the time they had taken our order it was quarter to nine and we didn't actually receive our food until quarter past 10."

She added: "I'd like a written apology from the restaurant and I'd also like some compensation.

"I think that the way that we've been spoken to is absolutely outrageous."

TV chef Gordon Ramsay's foul-mouthed diatribes on his Channel 4 show The F Word have given viewers an insight into the type of language often used in the restaurant kitchen.

Joe Delucci's owner Mr Langsdon said the message had been meant to be seen only by kitchen staff and he did not know how it ended up as an item on the receipt.

He said: "That shouldn't come out on the bill, so we've got to find out what's gone wrong there.

"But we have apologised unreservedly to the girls concerned and said that they're very welcome to come back and have a free meal and we'd like them to."

He has also offered to donate the bill for their meal to charity.

The cost of the meal came to £284.68, including a 10% service charge.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/staffordshire/7253002.stm

Fado Night at Algarve Restaurant, Wandsworth, London

On....Friday 25 January 2008

Artistas: Barra Lopes, Sousa Matos, Paulo Jorge, Fernada Duarte

Set Menu   £32.50 per person

Bread, Butter, olives, Cod Fish Cakes, Crab Sticks, Fresh Cheese, Pates.

Starter

Traditional Portuguese Fish  Soup

Main
Roasted Lam with vegetables
Or
Oven baked Sun Dry Cod with vegetables

Desert
Traditional Portuguese Pudding

www.thealgarverestaurant.co.uk
Book now 0208 875 0313 /07947483126

Sounds like fun!

Square Meal Survey 2007

Square Meal, that publishes the City London restaurant guide, has just released details of its 2007 london restaurant review survey.

Funnily enough, service has come out very poorly.  Prices in London restaurants are generally high enough to warrant good consistent service and I have to agree that in many restaurants this is lacking.

Some might blame the influx of Eastern European workers but in my opinion they are hard working and try hard to please. The problem is that they might sometimes lack the knowledge required, and that is the fault of the establishment, not them.

At least in London you rarely see that over the top American service, where the staff are so sickly sweet you want something nasty to them.  Please let's never have that here.  I would rather surly but efficient service any day!

Read the customer survey here.

New Year's at Harrisons Restaurant Balham

Harrison's restaurant in Balham will be hosting a fabulous dinner followed by a disco and dancing with a live DJ until 2am.

New Year's Eve Menu  - Price Per Head: £80.00
Reservations are available at 7.30, 8.00, 8.30 or 9.00pm

. A glass of Champagne and Canapés
. Amuse Bouche
. Black Figs, Roast Chestnuts, Cashel Blue Cheese & Chestnut Vinaigrette
. Lobster Cocktail, Tomato Jelly, Avocado, Lime & Vanilla
. Potted Shin of Beef, Oysters & Guinness, Pickled Beetroot & Watercress
. Fillet of 35-Day Hung Beef Wellington, Potatoes Anna, Green Beans & Oxtail Jus
. Roast Turbot Bourguignon, Parsley Mash & Sauce Le Vin
. Cep Tart, Confit Red Onion, Cauliflower Puree & Vegetables A La Grec
. Pre Dessert
. Pink Grapefruit Mousse, Lemon Sorbet & Hot Gin Fizz
. Chocolate Tart, Burnt Orange Cream & Salted Caramel
. Prosecco & Raspberry Jelly & Vanilla Milkshake
. Cashel Blue Cheese, Quince Paste & Crackers
. Petit Fours & Coffee

Seasonal ingredients subject to availability.
Please note there is a maximum table size of 10 guests.
A discretionary gratuity of 12.5% will be added to your bill.

Dinish Restaurants Ltd t/a Harrison's
15-19 Bedford Hill, London, London SW12 9EX

To reserve a place for our New Year's Eve event, please contact one of the team on 020 8675 6900 or email info@harrisonsbalham.co.uk. Please book early to avoid disappointment!

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

I was emailed by one of the PR agencies recently with details of their Xmas day openings:

The Cinnamon Club

For a capital Christmas Day with a difference, head to fine dining
Indian restaurant, The Cinnamon Club where a memorable Christmas Day
menu stands apart from all those tiresome trimmings. Set in the
beautiful surroundings of the Grade II listed Old Westminster Library,
Executive Chef Vivek Singh has created original and indulgent dishes
that are a must for a deliciously hot yuletide. With a nod to the
traditional sprinkled throughout the three-course menu, spirits are
sure to be raised.

Relax in refined surroundings with a champagne aperitif before
indulging in a range of starters including Keralan lobster soup flamed
with brandy; tandoori breast of partridge with peanuts, spices and
dried mango; and carpaccio of cured wild salmon with onion seeds,
cumin, lime and mustard oil. Follow with main courses such as spice
crusted breast of goose with sesame tamarind sauce; smoked rack of lamb
in Rajasthani corn sauce with pilau rice; or large morels filled with
spiced paneer, minted peas and rich onion sauce. Tempting sides include
tandoori roasted aubergine crush; cumin flavoured yoghurt with
cucumber; and masala mashed potato. Desserts take an inspired twist
with Christmas pudding with cardamom and cinnamon custard; hot rice
‘kheer’ with coconut halwa and caramelised milk dumpling; and prasad –
a selection of Indian sweets inspired by religious offerings.

From just £75 per person, spice up your Christmas at The Cinnamon Club
The Cinnamon Club, The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith
Street, London SW1P 3BU
T:020 7222 2555 www.cinnamonclub.com

The Bingham

Enviably poised on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond, the
Bingham Dining Room is an enchanting eatery that evokes the very
essence of the festive season. Beautifully designed, this fine-dining
restaurant serves Modern British cuisine expertly prepared by acclaimed
head chef Shay Cooper. A must for those searching for a luxurious
retreat on Christmas Day, the Bingham’s five-course tasting menu,
paired with fine wines for those who want it, is sure to please.
Champagne cocktail or glass of Devaux Grand Reserve
Lobster consommé with langoustine brochette and Parmesan goujere
(Bourgogne Chardonnay, Jean-Claude Boisset, France 2005)

Foie gras ballotine with beetroot compote, ginger brioche and mandarin
jelly
(Sauternes, Château Laville, France 2003)

Traditional turkey with parsnip puree, glazed chestnut and pork stuffing
(Châteauneuf du Pape, Château De Vaudieu, France 2003)

Selection of British cheeses
(Quinta Do Infantado, 10 Year Old Tawny)

Homemade Christmas pudding with mascarpone ice cream and Sauternes
sabayon
(Pedro Ximenez, Muy Dulce, 15 year old)

Selection of loose leaf teas, coffee and petit fours

With stunning riverside views, exquisite food and a dedicated
children’s menu, the Bingham is perfect for families, couples and
groups of friends looking to spend Christmas together. Prices start at
£95.00 per person and £125.00 per person with wine. Accommodation
packages staying in one of the 15 boutique bedrooms are available.

For a timeless Christmas visit the Bingham.
Bingham, 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey TW10 6UT
www.thebingham.co.uk tel:020 8940 0902

Harrison’s in Balham

I got this email from Sam, the owner of Harrison's in Balham.  I also popped in there the other day and it was heaving - business apparently is very good at the moment.  I wonder whether they can maintain it?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I hope that many of you have already had the opportunity to try our new restaurant in Balham and, if you haven’t yet, we look forward to welcoming you through the doors soon.
As with Sam's Brasserie in Chiswick, we’ve tried to create a great neighbourhood venue; somewhere for breakfast or a quick coffee, a light lunch with friends, a casual business meeting or cocktails and a great dinner in the evening.
We hope that you will use Harrison’s on weekday nights when you don’t feel like cooking, or on the weekends when you have something special to celebrate or just feel like a treat.
Family is important to us, so we’ve really tried to create a family-friendly and, more importantly, child-friendly environment for our guests. We always have books and toys on hand to keep kids entertained, and have a great children’s menu featuring lots of the old favourites.

We hope to see you soon,

Dinish Restaurants Ltd t/a Harrison's
15-19 Bedford Hill, London, London SW12 9EX