London Restaurants | London Guide

Afternoon Tea at Eight Members Club in Moorgate

Throughout the festive season, Eight Members Club will be serving a bespoke Christmas themed afternoon tea complete with all the trimmings. Resident pastry chef Vanessa Antoli who has previously worked with Tom Aikens and the Berkeley Hotel, has designed all the sweet treats that will be ‘wrapped’ in an indulgent icing complete with icing ribbon.
 
The special festive afternoon tea will include Christmas favourites such as Cranberry Macaroons, Pear and Ginger Tarts, Christmas Cake and Mince Pies. There will also be custom made Chocolate Brownie Baubles, sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s palate. Served on a three tier stand, the Christmas tea will also include all the traditional tea components such as warm freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jam and a selection of delectable finger sandwiches.
 
Eight Members Club in Moorgate sets the perfect backdrop to enjoy this quintessential British experience. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the rooftop club boasts 360 panoramic views of London where guests can enjoy all the Christmas lights of London. Take a seat in The Library, which provides a secret haven with its wood panelled walls, leather and muted colours, making it a warm and comfortable space to enjoy the treats.
 
To round off the Christmas experience at Eight Members Club, follow up the festive afternoon tea with a warming glass of mulled wine on one of the expansive terraces that surround the two storey members club. Eight will be providing warm blankets for guests to get cosy under and enjoy the London skyline.
 
Come in from the cold and treat yourself to a delicious Christmas Afternoon Tea at Eight Members Club.
 
Contact Eight Moorgate on 0207 392 9410 / www.eightclub.co.uk for bookings
 
Eight Moorgate EC2                                                                                           
1 Dysart Street
EC2A 2BX     
0207 392 9410
www.eightclub.co.uk

Zia Teresa Restaurant celebrates its ‘Golden Anniversary’

Owned by Stefano Fraquelli of Metropolitan Restaurants and previously owned by his late father, Zia Teresa restaurant in Hans Road, Knightsbridge is this year celebrating its Golden Anniversary. To mark this momentous anniversary and the continuity of management and ownership, Fraquelli is offering every customer a complimentary glass of sparkling, golden Franciacorta wine, in association with one of Italy’s leading producers, La Montina, for the next 12 months.

Zia Teresa’s reputation and on-going success has earned it several accolades over the years, including The Independent's "Best Neighbourhood Restaurant" award in 2005, for "serving hit-the-spot, reliable Italian food." It was the only Knightsbridge restaurant that was consistently voted for by The Independent's discerning readers. Incredibly for these times of credit crunch, sales figures are currently 25% up on last year, validating the impression that Fraquelli really knows how to look after his customers.

When asked about the success of this much-loved restaurant Fraquelli’s explanation is simple; “I’m terribly lucky; it’s probably one of the best locations for a restaurant in the world and we attract all generations from local residents to business people and tourists. They like the fact that the food is good quality without any hefty price tags, which you wouldn’t expect, given the location. People’s demands may appear to have changed over the decades, but in actual fact the success of Zia Teresa comes down to its traditional charm and character and the simplicity of the menu, which still reflects what Italian food has always been about. Nowadays there are very few concepts that are so resilient.”

Further endorsement of this special anniversary comes from Fiat’s flagship store in Marylebone, who have boldly displayed the Zia Teresa Golden Anniversary logo over two of their new Cinquecento model, (Fiat 500). Cinquecento and Zia Teresa could, in fact, both be considered modern day icons, with their roots firmly in the past, but still perfectly apposite in today’s world. One of London’s leading shirt-makers, T M Lewin, have sponsored the staff uniforms and collectively this level of support is a reflection of Fraquelli’s reputation and demonstrates their desire to be associated with this inveterate restaurateur, who was decorated with the esteemed title of ‘Cavaliere’ by the president of the Italian Republic, for his services and contribution to the Italian community.

Customers visiting the restaurant between November 2009 and 2010 will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling, golden Franciacorta wine; and for a limited period, a special 3 course Golden Anniversary Menu for only £15.00.

Planet Hollywood Christmas Menu

Planet Hollywood has launched a festive menu to spread Christmas cheer throughout the winter months. For the perfect yuletide event, a traditional feast with all the trimmings has been added to their diverse menu.
 
A three or four course menu will be available (for £24.95 or £34.95) with a selection of dishes to suit every palate. For Starters, guests can choose from a classic Prawn Cocktail in Marie Rose Sauce or a light and fresh Salad of Gravadlax with a Sweet Mustard and Dill Dressing. For the main course, diners can enjoy the archetypal Christmas main of Roast Turkey served with Sage and Onion Stuffing, Roast Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Chestnuts and Buttered Carrots. Or in true Planet Hollywood style, try the Rack of Tender Baby Back Ribs smothered in a Tangy and Sweet BBQ Sauce, served with Chips and Coleslaw for a classic American dish.
 
If there is any room for dessert, try the White Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding served with Whipped Cream or cleanse the palate with a Cranberry Sorbet. As a perfect after dinner treat, why not share a plate of Mince Pies with Rich Vanilla Ice Cream.
 
For refreshment after the hearty feast, how about hitting the Planet Hollywood bar to celebrate the upcoming holiday, with a glass of bubbly or a cocktail. Legendary barman, Salvatore Calabrese has created a bespoke menu of cocktails, tasty enough to warm guests on the chilliest December eve. Try the indulgent Vanilla Bay (Vanilla Vodka, Baileys, Kahlua topped up with Ice Cream and Oreo Cookies) or an Amaretto Paradise (Amaretto, Malibu, Midori topped up with fresh Pineapple Juice).
 
Throughout December, the stylish décor of Planet Hollywood will be given a touch of Christmas cheer with baubles and tinsel, sparkling lights and snow spray; making Planet Hollywood the ultimate festive party venue. The little ones will be kept entertained with movie memorabilia, festive games and a DJ to play all the Christmas classics.
 
Bring all the family along for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience.

Address:
Planet Hollywood
57 Haymarket
London
SW1Y 4QX
 
020 7287 1000
www.planethollywoodlondon.com
 

Inn The Park Christmas Goodies

Stuck as to where to go to get the best home-grown specialist produce this Christmas?

Championing the best of British, Oliver Peyton is hosting a festive food market at Inn The Park. Located in the stunning lakeside surroundings of St James’ Park, the market will take place on Saturday 19th December and will showcase an abundance of the finest, locally grown produce Britain has to offer. Often produced in limited quantities and not readily available at farmers’ markets, this is a rare opportunity to
buy some of the best British wares, including premium free-range meat and poultry, mushrooms, hand cured charcuterie, sensational cakes and tender market vegetables.

Throughout the day the restaurant will also be serving a festive menu using produce from the market. Showcasing head chef Gillan Kingstree’s culinary expertise, take in the winter wonderland views from the restaurant whilst indulging in traditional Christmas dishes such as roast Sussex ham covered in East London honey; Clayton Farm organic Bronze roast turkey wrapped in bacon and potato dumplings with Secretts Farm purple sprouting broccoli and Mrs Tee’s New Forest mushrooms. To help recreate the dishes at home on the 25th, diners will be presented with recipe cards, and the head chef and growers are on hand all day to answer any Christmas foodie questions.

With a superb selection of unique and inspiring ingredients, Inn The Park’s market has taken the hard work out of Christmas and is an ideal one-stop-shop for gourmands to source everything for an outstanding yuletide dinner with all the trimmings.

The Christmas market is open from 10 am – 5 pm

Inn The Park, St James’s Park, SW1A 2BJ T: 020 7451 9999
www.innthepark.com

Porridge Eating Contest at Giraffe

On Saturday 28th November, as part of their porridge extravaganza, Rude Health is holding a Freestyle Gourmet Porridge Contest with their lively friends at Giraffe, the global family-run restaurant group.

Whilst Rude Health roller-skaters hand out complimentary bowls of their scrumptious porridge, fellow
porridge fanatics who didn’t make it up to Scotland for the World Porridge Making Championships last
month, are invited to try their luck at this new London event.

To enter simply dream up your ultimate breakfast concoction whilst emailing hello@rudehealth.com for an application form.

The 10 best entries will be invited to the final cook-off at Giraffe restaurant on the Southbank. The winner will be crowned Rude Health’s London Porridge champion 2009 and presented with their prize.
With the only prerequisite being that competitors use Rude Health’s Daily Oats, an expertly-made blend
of organic jumbo and porridge oats, the world really is their oyster. From creamy porridge served with
poached, seasonal fruit and an almond tuille, to rocky road porridge, the possibilities are endless. Those
feeling adventurous might even go down the savoury route with pumpkin porridge risotto or parmesan
porridge dumplings; the more inventive and imaginative the recipe the better.

Competitors will be provided with a single porridge pan and stove, and can pick their mixing implement of choice, be that a spoon, spurtle or spon. They have 20 minutes to prove their worth.
There’ll be plenty more going on at this porridge party. Giraffe will be hosting a junior contest to find London’s little Porridge Prince or Princess. Here 12 junior finalists will be given 5 minutes to transform a bowl of plain porridge into a tantalising breakfast treat and dazzle the eminent porridge judges with their culinary creativity.

One of the judges on the day, the 2010 World Porridge Champion – Anna Louise Batchelor– will be
demonstrating her spectacular Spotted Dick Porridge Pudding. This dish recently won the Speciality
category at this year’s Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships in Scotland.

When?
Saturday 28th November, 10 am – 12 noon
Where?
Giraffe restaurant, Southbank
1 More London Riverside
London, SE1 8XX
020 7928 2004
www.giraffe.net

Who are Rude Health?

Based in South West London, Rude Health was set up by a bunch of foodies in 2005 with one simple aim:
to make breakfast cereals that they wanted to eat. This means that everything Rude Health makes has to be
wholesome, sustainable, good for you and of course utterly delicious.
For further information on Rude Health and their range of fabulous breakfast foods you can visit the
website www.rudehealth.com

Wine Dating at Asian Dinner Club

As Hemingway once said: ‘wine is the most civilized thing in the world’ - which can literally have the conversation flowing between complete strangers in a matter of seconds.

A new calendar of Wine Dating events from by Asian Dinner Club will allow potential couples to check each other out over a prized bottle of Pinot, see sparks fly over a glass of Shiraz or click over a mutual dislike of Chardonnay.

Asian Dinner Club organises fortnightly networking drinks and private dinners for like-minded, single Asian professionals. By catering for a niche group it cuts through the dating spam of mass, generic dating sites - providing more suitable matches and less time wasters.

From January Asian Dinner Club will offer WINE DATING events where attendees are paired off based on their wine preferences; the sommeliers will talk them through a tutored tasting before wine related tasks and trivia, designed to facilitate networking.

Like the characters in the film Sideways, Asian Dinner Club is confident its members will not only walk away with an improved understanding of appellation, vintage and terroir but (hopefully) a new-found appreciation of a fellow drinker (or two). Speed dating maybe so last decade but the format of pairing strangers off for a specific and fun task is one that proves an effective ice breaker both at work and at play.

Salima Manji founder of Asian Dinner Club comments: ‘Our members are highly-sociable professionals who love to wine and dine. Just as dating doesn’t have to be painful, wine tasting doesn’t have to be dull...and what better way to spice it up than with the potential to meet the perfect partner over a glass of their favourite tipple?’

Asian Dinner Club’s wine dating events will take place on a monthly basis in London and major UK cities.

www.asiandinnerclub.com

About Asian Dinner Club:

What sets Asian Dinner Club apart is the niche membership which means there are a higher percentage of suitable candidates – less time wasters and dating spam. Personalised and friendly advice is always just a phone call away for either level of membership:

Basic – Access to fortnightly networking drinks and monthly private dinner parties.

Premier – the club facilitates one to one introductions and takes care of every detail from choosing a venue to follow up flowers the next day. Plus exclusive benefits such as experience days and discounts on spas and shopping.

A glamorous and successful mum of two who embodies the Sex and the City generation, Salima Manji had tried every dating fad going only to be disappointed time after time. So rather than moan to her girlfriends about it she quit her career in Investment Banking and founded Asian Dinner Club in 2008.