Author: Lucy Ann Watson

Table 9 at 108 Brasserie

Published by

Where 108 Brasserie What 108 Brasserie (formerly named 108 Bar and Grill) has had a complete make-over. Tanya Yilmaz of former The Ivy and Asia de Cuba fame has joined the team as General Manager, while Ivo Ferreira de Silva runs the bar. The team has introduced a new chef’s table named Table 9. Table 9 is a large table located in the center of the 108 Brasserie’s restaurant, which comfortably seats 6-8 people. Guests choose from a selection of tasting menus all designed by executive chef Russell Ford, who brings with him his experience from the Grove hotel, Le Méridien Piccadilly and the Dorchester. He is even on hand to greet you between each dish and guide you through your culinary feast. Experience It took me five minutes to escape the chaos of Oxford Street and walk into the idyllic tranquility of Marylebone. I met my friend in the bar and was handed a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee sparkling wine while we waited for other guests to arrive. I hadn’t seen my friend …

Beany Green – Bringing the Lunch Box to Life

Published by

Where Beany Green, London What Beany Green has opened a flagship cafe in the new Broadgate Circus development tucked behind Liverpool Street Station. Experience Australian born Prue Freeman and her English partner Tom Onions gave it all up to bring hand crafted coffees to the City in 2012. Now launching their filth venue, Beany Green offers a larger city venue with tables located around the open-aired terrace of Broadway Circus, prefect for people watching. Forget those soggy sandwiches and boring packaged salads. Beany Green is on a mission to revolutionise the diet of the average city worker with their bold, healthy food offerings and perfectly roasted coffee. Order a Beany Green Salad Box packed full of your choice of three freshly prepared, daily-changing salads devised by Ottolenghi-trained Executive Chef Tricia Jadoonanan – yummy! Beany Green screams ‘upbeat Melbourne cool’ without being pretentious. OH – and it has a trick up its sleeve. It’s open in the evening to stir and shake the most incredible cocktails. The Espresso Martini is made with freshly poured coffee house …

Carluccio’s Launches Spring/Summer Menu

Published by

Where Carluccio’s, Garrick Street, London What The infamous Italian restaurant chain, Carluccio’s, has launched a new spring / summer menu so I was invited along to the Garrick Street restaurant, near Covent Garden, to celebrate. Experience It was a sunny afternoon at the beginning of spring when I made my way to meet my friend Alice outside Carluccio’s. Sun seekers had already filled the outdoor tables, sipping on ice cold white wine, enjoying the hottest day of the year. We were lead up a grand, spiral staircase which lead to a private dining room, and presented with an offering of a prosecco cocktail – yes please. The prosecco was lightly quenched with limonchello and made an uncomfortably warm girl instantly revived. The Garrick Street Carluccio’s is housed inside an historic London building with tall ceilings and whiter-than-white painted walls. It hosts a bar and dining area over two floors, along with a private dining room and of course the infamous Carluccio’s deli. In the far corner were the guys from Peroni working their magic shaking …

The Imperial, Kings Road

Published by

Where The Imperial, King’s Road What An environmentally friendly British and sustainable gastro-pub in the heart of the Chelsea Design Quarter on Kings Road. Experience The Imperial is set within a distinguished and grandly restored Victorian corner building, which caught our eyes as we approached on the bus from Sloane Square. As you enter through the door, you are faced with a modern bar with exposed brick wall, which leads into the sophisticated candle lit dining room. The restaurant is all about locally sourced, good quality, sustainable food. The garden is a beautiful space used for growing produce for the kitchen – you can’t get more local than that. Newly appointed Head Chef Jason Lee Cole and Sous Chef Ollie Quelch, bring their experience from restaurants such as Jamie Oliver’s 15 and Barbecoa, to the new menu at The Imperial. Diners are in for a treat. The starter of Rare Bavette with Chichory, Chard Leek, Pickled Mushrooms stood out at me from the menu, and I’m so glad I made the choice. The melt-in-the-mouth bavette …

Big Fernand Finally Crosses the Channel

Published by

Where Big Fernand, London What Big Fernand has ventured to London to set up their burger workshop, focusing on French flavours and Parisian finesse. There are no hamburgers here, it is hamburgés that Big Fernand deals in. It marries the comforting American classic with French gastronomy to deliver the crème de la crème. Experience In 2013 I went to Paris with Food for Think’s very own Sarah Kemp. During our three day trip, our feasting would have given Marie Antoinette a run for her money; but one restaurant in particular remained prominent in our minds. Just before catching our Eurostar home, we embarked on an adventure to Big Fernand, a French-inspired (obviously) hamburgé bar with a queue of hungry Parisians spilling out of the door. We agreed we had possibly just eaten the best burger of our lives and calculated schemes to bring this unique idea across the Channel. Luckily we didn’t have to as the team at Big Fernand were already planning their next venture. I could not be more excited to try a …