London’s food news and delicious autumn menu to see you through October
FOOD FEST
London Restaurant Festival
This massive celebration of London’s best has returned with a packed calendar focusing on the diversity of the local restaurant scene. Events include Champagne Gourmet Odysseys, the Ultimate Gastronomic Weekend, Chef’s Tasting Menus and opportunities to learn to cook some of the most celebrated dishes and create your autumn menu at leading cookery schools.
STEAK SABRINA
Haché
Sabrina Ghayour’s ‘Steak Sabrina’ burger, created to raise money for Action Against Hunger, will now take pride of place on Haché’s main menu. The burger appeared exclusively at the restaurant for June’s Evening Standard London Food Month and has now gained a permanent position. Enjoy the incredible ‘Steak Sabrina’ with the knowledge that £1 of each order will continue to be donated to Action Against Hunger.
SEASONAL FOOD
Bayley & Sage Battersea
Celebrating their 20th Anniversary in Wimbledon Village, Bayley & Sage is due to open its sixth and largest store in Battersea in October. With the same emphasis on fresh seasonal food, the new store will have an abundant supply of organic produce and is the go-to place for delicious artisan breads, fresh homemade ready meals, wine and champagne.
MENU MAKEOVER
Salon
Salon is getting a makeover with a new bar on the ground floor as well as a wine store next door. Grab yourself a bottle to have with dinner or take it for the road. The magnificent design still comes in second to the cooking, which features dishes such as whole baked aubergine with smoked almond cream.
TEA & CAKE
Sans Pere
The first-of-its-kind lifestyle house Sans Pere caters to coffee, tea and patisserie lovers alike. The menu presents elegant pastries, custom house espressos and impeccable tea from the title holder of the third best tea brewer in the world. While enjoying your treats, have a chat with their estate agents and interior designers on site.
BOUTIQUE SPIRITS
Borough Wines & Beers
Opening in Turnham Green this September, Borough Wines & Beers are welcoming their eighth shop. They began life as a small stall on London’s Borough Market in 2002 and have since opened across London. They supply over three hundred handpicked wines, a diverse selection of craft beers and boutique spirits and create the perfect autumn menu.
BOMBAY CAFE
Dishoom
Dishoom is preparing to open another Bombay-influenced café in the corner of the iconic Barkers building on Derry Street. Within the space, the stories of 1940s Bombay will be brought to life, showcasing the unexpected form of Art Deco that flourished alongside an equally unexpected and exciting jazz scene. For a taste of something new, Dishoom is a truly unique experience.
DIM SUM
Courtesan
Their all female chef team have produced an innovative Dim Sum menu using modern ingredients honouring the dish’s origins. They also boast a wine and spirit list with beverages produced exclusively by women. And if the restaurant, tea room and cocktail bar aren’t enough for you, they also offer a late-night entertainment space.
GASTRO PUB
M Bar & Grill
Martin Williams and Executive Chef, Michael Reid, have teamed up with rugby star, Simon Shaw MBE, for the first M Bar & Grill opening in Twickenham. The team behind the acclaimed multi-faceted M venues are offering a taste of central London style and quality combined with all the elements true of a quintessential British pub. The M Bar & Grill is the ultimate home away from home.
STREET FOOD
MAM
Set to take the West London food scene by storm, MAM is inspired by the barbecue street food stalls found all over Vietnam and promises to bring fresh flavours to All Saints Road. MAM is divided between a bar area, which offers a refined cocktail menu, and a dining room adorned with décor reminiscent of the riverside town of Hoi An.
INDIAN CUISINE
Gul and Sepoy
Uniting two unique styles of cooking, this new restaurant shows the breadth of Indian cuisine by highlighting both North and South India. ‘Sepoy’ reflects a modern interpretation of relaxed, provincial food such as Masala Wild Rabbit Terrine. Dishes like Three Bird’s Awadhi Korma from the ‘Gul’ selection echo the royal flavors of Raj palaces, making for the perfect autumn menu.
AUTHENTIC TASTE
Villa di Geggiano
Villa Di Geggiano is the authentic taste of Tuscany, boasting a romantic terrace that is ideally situated for al fresco dining to enjoy the autumn menu. Head Chef Emanuele Morisi, inspired by the region’s rich and abundant cuisine, heads up the world-class kitchen. Villa di Geggiano is famed for its incredible selection of fine estate wines and is a hidden gem amid the bustle of West London.
TAPAS TIME
Brindisa Shoreditch
Exposed charcoal grills provide a dramatic backdrop to a feast of Iberico pork and beautiful Spanish produce. Tapas Brindisa celebrates the diversity of culture, landscape and cuisine that Spain has to offer. Take a seat at the counter or high tables and tuck in.
AUTUMN MENU
The White Onion Wimbledon
The White Onion prides itself on working with the best seasonal produce, regularly showcasing new dishes and wine discoveries. This month they’ve got a new autumn/winter menu that incorporates innovative and top-quality dishes. Enjoy your meal under the beautiful star gazing window and choose from a selection of seasonal wines.
AMERICAN STYLE
Stagolee
Stagolee’s brings the heart of South American style cuisine to South West London. Inspired by her grandmother’s cooking, Head Chef Ashley James perfectly compliments the fiery chicken and comfort food with the selection of unique US bourbons and moonshines. Indulge in the incredible food and drink and leave with your stomach full and your heart content.
MADE-TO-ORDER SUSHI
Sushi Shop
This autumn, leading European sushi group, Sushi Shop, will open the doors to two new London sites in Hampstead and Richmond. Both venues will continue to follow the tried and tested Sushi Shop footprint, offering the highly regarded range of Japanese and Californian-inspired sashimi, poke and tartare. You will never be disappointed with their impeccable quality and made-to-order sushi.
THAI BBQ
Smoking Goat Shoreditch
The much loved Thai BBQ restaurant is getting a second home in Shoreditch. The larger venue draws inspiration from Bangkok’s open air canteen restaurants and bars. Their menu features a smaller selection focusing on high grade barbecue and seafood dishes, such as Tom Yum which uses often underrated native crab and prawns.
NEW PUB
Tap Tavern
The new pub and bar concept has opened the doors to its first venue in south-west London at Richmond Upon Thames. Specialising in independent beers, small batch gins and quality British food, its mission is to deliver a contemporary take on the traditional British tavern. With comfort food being the order of the day, every day, the Tap Tavern is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
SUNDAY BRUNCH
Boustead & Bidois
First Aid Box welcomes Boustead and Bidois as the dynamic duo takes on their second residency. The menu offers a delectable selection of British plates and dishes such as Broad Bean and Chard Gratin and Smoked Potatoes with Leek Aioli. Spend your Sunday enjoying one of their delicious brunches.
PUB LUNCH
Duke of Clarence
The newly refurbished pub is situated in the heart of South Kensington and is the perfect place to enjoy good food while catching up with friends. Their selection of fine steaks sourced from the award-winning family butcher, Frank Godfrey, makes the Duke of Clarence the go-to place at any time, day or night.