London Restaurants | London Guide

Tiffinbites goes free range

A leading chain of Indian restaurants is switching to free range chicken at a personal cost to the owner of £150,000 a year - after he watched TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s impassioned TV plea.
 
Jamal Hirani, CEO and founder of Tiffinbites, says the move - which will increase food costs at his group of London restaurants by around £3,000 a week - is in direct response to the plight of intensively reared broiler chickens highlighted by Fearnley-Whittingstall in his series ‘Hugh’s Chicken Run’, screened on Channel 4.
 
It will make Tiffinbites the UK’s first Indian restaurant group to go free range - and Jamal is promising menu prices will not increase to account for the higher chicken costs.
 
Jamal said: “Hugh’s Chicken Run series has really affected the nation.  We immediately began receiving queries from customers as to the nature of the chicken we serve, and myself and all staff included instantly knew that we had to ensure all our poultry was free range.  Although it’s challenging to source free range chicken, it’s a move that we hope other Indian restaurants will follow.”
 
Suppliers, however, are cashing in on the interested generated by the Channel 4 series with significant cost increases.  A broiler chicken before would have set Tiffinbites back £1.88 per kg, but now this cost is set to rise to £4.88 per kg for free range birds.
 
Jamal added: “Poultry suppliers have been quick to spot the profit opportunity.  Many restaurants may seek to maintain the higher costs by increasing menu prices. At Tiffinbites, however, we believe that our customers shouldn’t have to pay for the privilege of eating free range chicken, and as a result are committed to keeping our menu prices at the same level as before.  We’re urging other Indian restaurants and food organisations to the same.”
 
For Tiffinbites, £3,000 a week is equivalent to a week’s staff wages in one restaurant or one ton of basmati rice. Each restaurant will need to serve an extra 600 meals week to account for the extra cost.
 
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall described the move by Tiffinbites as ‘brilliant news’, adding: “Obviously the Indian restaurant sector accounts for phenomenal amounts of chicken sales – and mostly these are all standard, intensively farmed birds.
 
“We hope many other Indian restaurants, both independent and chains, will follow Tiffinbites excellent example, and decide to go free range.”
 
For more info on Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s campaign, visit www.chickenout.tv.
 

Vivo Bar and Restaurant London

Location: 6 Poland Street, Soho, London, W1F 8PS
Tel: 020 7 734 3029
www.alphabetbar.com/vivo

ViVO:  A stylish but relaxed cocktail bar, restaurant and tapas bar situated in the heart of London’s Soho.  Designed by the entrepreneurial Alphabet Bars Group, this welcome creation offers a relaxing and intimate venue for lunchtime dining and after-work drinks.  A perfect one-stop shop for local professionals, residents or Soho aficionados looking to drink, eat and discuss their daily dramas.

Background Information:

Soho is full of glitzy, overdressed, overpriced bars. However, ViVO is a home away from home. Located on Poland Street, ViVO snugly lies in the heart of Soho.

In this unpretentious venue you can choose to relax and enjoy the fantastic food, or let loose at the bar downstairs with Latin inspired cocktails, beer, or wine. ViVO is a chic but refreshing addition to the collection of West End venues.

Opening Hours:

Restaurant

Monday – Saturday 12.00pm – 11.00pm

Bar

Monday to Wednesday 12.00pm – 12.00am

Thursday to Saturday 12.00pm to 01.00am

ViVo is closed on Sundays but available for Private Hire.

The Bar:

The bar at ViVO is deliberately set downstairs, to provide an unpretentious yet glamorous bar area.  Guests can relax on luxurious and comfortable leather sofas or, if they prefer, sit in banquette seating.  Custom-built LED lighting systems provide an intimate area, which are simply ideal for drinks and tapas and good conversation.

The Restaurant:

The upstairs restaurant at ViVO boasts traditional South American cuisine and grill.  Inspiring our cooking is the gauchos of South America, who we cannot argue know the history and heritage of cooking good beef. Each steak is imported from South America. In the five to six weeks from the pasture to the ViVO table, our meat ages beautifully. Alongside the Argentine beefsteaks, the menu includes many Spanish and South American delicacies including Char-Grilled Swordfish (£12.50) or the Marinated Rack of Lamb (16.00)

Prices:  A typical meal for two in the restaurant will cost £60 including wine.
Cocktails and tapas in the bar start from £3.00 up to £4.50.  Happy Hour is 5.00pm to 8.00pm every day.

Pre-burn your calories with Firezza by collecting any pizza in-store for £7

Firezza (www.firezza.com) - home of London’s premier pizza - has given couch potatoes a reason to leap off the sofa and get down to their local branch. Skipping, cycling, skateboarding, jogging or walking briskly to your nearest Firezza to pick up your order and back, burns off up to 448 calories  (the average slice of a Firezza pizza  is only 200 calories) – and for every in-store collection, customers can buy their pizza for £7, saving those extra pennies for a delicious starter, an indulgent pudding or even another pizza of their choice.

Firezza’s ‘Get Active for the Summer’ campaign aims to get the City fit for the sunny season while enjoying the nation’s favourite food completely guilt-free. Even skateboarding with a friend on the way back from collecting your pizza earns you fit points equivalent to two extra slices.

Edin Basic, CEO of Firezza said: “This is really just a fun way of encouraging people to expend their energy doing everyday tasks imaginatively and the end result earning yourself a delicious and indulgent treat!”

A healthier take on the ubiquitous standard take-out pizza, Firezza work with traditional recipes using only the freshest, most authentic ingredients (their mozzarella is flown in from Italy every Tuesday) and baked in traditional wood fired ovens. 

The result is delicious, simple Italian food and classic Neapolitan pizza served traditionally ‘al metro’ (by the half metre) that is kinder on the waistline. Even supermodel Lily Cole was once reported to be a fan of the Limited Edition Skinny Pizza.  A selection of freshly prepared organic salads, homemade desserts and Italian beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties) complement the menu making Firezza perfect to share, either for a night in or a meal out at selected eat-in branches. And now customers can order online at www.firezza.com.

Firezza launched in 2001 after its two owners, Edin Basic and Adnan Medjedovic, realised a long-standing ambition to deliver authentic Neapolitan pizza to discerning foodies. Since then, Firezza has acquired a loyal fan base in all seven of its London-based operations, and has strong plans to extend its premier pizza offering throughout the city and beyond.

Firezza has branches in Battersea, Wandsworth, Islington & City, Chiswick, Herne Hill, Notting Hill and Chelsea. A new branch in Crouch End is anticipated to open in summer 2008. 

Below Zero, Heddon St, London

A subterranean secret to some, a hidden gem to others, the temperature has been raised at belowzero, London’s favourite restaurant and lounge bar.
Located beneath bustling, vibrant Heddon Street, belowzero has reached new heights with the appointment of Head Chef, Sean Marshall, and the opulent transformation of the interior.

Marshall brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked at Prism, Oxo Tower, Bank and Mint Leaf. His new modern European menu showcases his excellent and varied cooking skills whilst being driven by quality, seasonal ingredients. This, shared with Marshall’s passion for innovative combinations of flavours and textures, positions belowzero as a destination restaurant.

Typical starters include pan-fried red mullet, warm blood orange and red onion salad with saffron orange oil; seared Scottish scallops with Arbroath smoky and parsnip purée; as well as lavender smoked wood pigeon with caramelised black figs, wild mushrooms and blackberry jus.
Main courses feature must-try pistachio and sage crusted lamb rack with spiced sweet potato, spring greens, morels and port and bacon marinated kidneys; line caught seabass with stuffed steamed baby cabbage, girolle and cockle butter; or pan fried fillet of venison with seared foie gras, walnut braised red cabbage, beetroot and cranberry compote and a rioja jus. Whole lemon sole, swordfish, rib-eye steak and maize-fed chicken are also available from the grill, each served with capanota and sauce vierge.

Inventive and decadent desserts include cardamom and star anise mousse with spinach genoise and lime leaf anglaise; white chocolate fondant with szechuan ice cream and crystallised fruits; or banoffee cheesecake with rich butterscotch sauce and home-made banana sorbet.
The menu is complemented with a strong and extensive international wine list, with many bins under £30. Alternatively blow the budget with stars of the show such as Shiraz, Penfolds Grange Hermitage, South Australia, 1995 or Mouton Rothschild, Aile D’Argent, Pauillac First Growth, Bordeaux 1996.
The lounge bar at belowzero takes cocktails to another level with its talented bar team, contemporary concoctions
and its comprehensive premium and super premium spirits list, which includes Absolut 100, only available at 100 bars in the world. Unique creations include ‘Ultimat Mochatini’ - Ultimat Chocolate Vanilla vodka, white cacoa liquer and coffee jelly or ‘Sagini’ -Whitley Neill gin, Pimm’s No. 1, fresh sage leaves and pomegranate juice.

Delicious sharing platters bursting with the finest ingredients provide the perfect accompaniment for a cool evening. Select from prosciutto with mortadella, salami, ciabatta crostini, sun blush tomatoes, olives and cornichons or gravadlax with blinis, crème frâiche, keta caviar and capers.
Whether drinking or dining, once you descend downstairs to the newly decorated den, which was originally used as wine vaults for the British monarchy, minutes will turn into hours and you’ll be loathed to leave. Designed by General Manager, Matthieu Bourgone, the restaurant and lounge is now dressed in a palette of burgundy, claret and chocolate. belowzero exudes a real richness and warmth with the use of opulent velvet curtains, soft leather semi-circular banquettes and solid beech furniture, contrasting stylishly against the original exposed brickwork. The new mix of specially designed cosy corners and large booths make it equally suitable for intimate dinners and larger celebrations.

31-33 Heddon Street London W1B 4BN T: 020 7478 8910
wwww.belowzerolondon.com

Stunning Sushi arrives in Muswell Hill

Sushi 101 has opened its doors in Muswell Hill offering Japanese food with an original and distinctive menu.

The restaurant, located inside the luxurious boutique Raglan Hotel on Queens Avenue, is the inspiration of European restaurateur, Marina D’Ischia, whose objective is to provide affordable, stunningly presented, fresh sushi to this area of North London.

Together with ex-Nobu and Yo! Sushi chef, Jimmy Nakamura, Sushi 101 has created a range of ‘101 signature dishes’ which extend the menu beyond the more traditional nigiri and maki sushi with more contemporary flavour, colour and texture. 

Two of the pioneering hot dishes are grilled baby lamb cutlets with sweet miso paste and stuffed courgette flower tempura with prawns.  The more unusual maki rolls include avocado, mascarpone and smoked salmon; goat’s cheese and mixed peppers; mango tempura and crabmeat; ‘Dragon Roll’ of barbecued eel; and avocado and spicy tuna with the rice as the wrap.   Desserts include mango tempura with green tea ice-cream and dark chocolate sauce and lemongrass crème brulet. 

Sushi 101 is designed by D’Ischia with maroon, black and chrome colours, cream leather seats and a tropical fish tank.  It is has been laid out as part-bar, part-restaurant with plenty of space and light.

Take-away customers can order on-line (www.sushi101.co.uk) –at “sushi 2 go” from the full Sushi 101 menu with an option for a delivery at a time to suit the customer.  Free home delivery is offered within a 10 mile radius of the restaurant. 

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