L'Atelier Robuchon: Back With A Bang

L’Atelier closed its famous two Michelin-starred Covent Garden site back in 2018, just nine months after the founder and one of the most decorated chefs of all time, Joël Robuchon, sadly passed away. Well, now it’s back.

Now in Mayfair, Italian born Andrea Cofini takes charge as Head Chef having previously headed up Robuchon Shanghai and the sister L’Atelier in Paris since joining in 2014, both of which hold two stars. Accomplished in the Robuchon style, the new Clarges Street L’Atelier carries the same three principles as before – excellence, simplicity, and consistency, principles that apply to every stage of dining here.

First, the hospitality, where from the first step into the restaurant to the last step leaving, the hospitality and attention to detail of the staff brings a friendly and peaceful feel to the countertop open kitchen experience. The charming art deco dining room is beautifully designed, but it’s the cuisine that is front and centre, and the absolute star of the show.

Classic French gastronomy meets touches of Asian influence from Cofini’s Shanghai stint. Expect to see kambu, seaweed, special vinegars and alike, as well as world renowned Robuchon favourites like the purée de pomme de terre, AKA the best mashed potato in the world, sea bream carpaccio and roast quail with foie gras. Seasonality is highly valued too, so expect an array of different dishes.

Let’s not forget that Robuchon bucked the trend in French fine dining with this theatrical chef’s workshop, where à la carte ordering isn’t frowned upon, and guests aren’t limited to the tasting menu. It is still very much there, with the Discovery menu offering a mouthwatering journey from caviar to lobster, to sea bass, right through to lemon and cucumber jelly and roasted figs with mascarpone foam. However, you could also opt Les Langoustines with langoustine ravioli, black truffle, and foie gras sauce, followed by Dover Sole and the simply named, Le Chocolate for dessert – with crémeux Araguani and cookie crumb. It’s an expansive selection, with the quality of a tiny, set menu.

Other Robuchon trademarks are back too, like the champagne trolley offering Laurent Perrier delights and even premium English bubbles, and the extraordinary breadbasket with salted brioche, bacon and mustard twists, squid ink rolls and more. Finally of course, the sommelier option is there and well worth going for, with beautiful pairings to elevate each dish to that next level, if that is even possible.

L'Atelier Robuchon is a dazzling and theatrical ride. As comfortable and perfectionist in uncomplicated flavours as it is in open-minded invention, it celebrates its award winning past but as always, looks to the future.

6 Clarges St, London W1J 8AE
robuchonlondon.co.uk/latelier

To read more restaurant reviews, click here.

Searcy’s St Pancras: First Class

Nestled within the historic St Pancras station, Searcy’s is an iconic destination that celebrates the best of its surroundings whilst also providing a joyful escape from them.

As seen in the Ab Fab film, the longest Champagne in all of Europe sits under a mighty iron roof that was the largest in the world when first built all the way back in 1868. Whether nestled in a cosy nook, or overlooking the Victorian grandeur, the bar has a certain magic to it that’s both relaxing and exciting.

The display bar of delicious nibbles gives you a tantalising taste of what’s to come as you cross the walkway to the Brasserie – the restaurant side of Searcy’s. Industrial chic, swanky with golden warm tones and plush with greenery, you could almost forget where you are for a moment were it not for the bright blue station clock in the middle reminding you.

Inspired by early 20th century classics, British heritage, seasonal produce and of course, the gastronomic delights of the Eurostar’s main destination, the Brasserie’s changing menu under Colin Layfield is always a delight. Fresh seafood in particular takes centre stage, with the likes of light platters, smoked salmon and crab linguine, roast monkfish, caviar, oysters, posh fish and triple cooked chips enticing you in. Schnitzel, bulging burgers, succulent Lake District beef and others fill out the seasonal menu, and that’s before we even mention the drinks – there is a Champagne bar after all!

In fact, there is even a ‘Press for Champagne’ button - yes please, and you’ve got around seventy to pick from. Some of these bubblies currently star in the Searcy’s cocktail list alongside St Germain elderflower liqueur, be that the Latin Quarter with Limoncello, the French Garden with Calvados, or the Sureau Royal with rose liqueur... which I love the sound of. Spicy, sweet and refreshing; the range is always fantastic and that goes for the No/Low options too.

Whether it’s to unwind after a long commute or to get the ball rolling on a trip to the continent, Searcy’s is a truly memorable experience. Keep your eyes peeled for their events too, like Searcy’s Sunday Brunch Feast with live jazz music that you can book now from 9th July 2023 onwards.

Find their website here

St. Pancras, St Pancras International Station, London N1C 4QL

Heliot Steak House: A Cut Above

The grand Hippodrome Casino on Leicester Square opened in 1900 as a circus theatre, playing host to legends like Judy Garland, Charlie Chapman and a certain Clara Heliot, a lion tamer whose namesake restaurant now occupies the first floor – The Heliot Steak House.

Carving out its own spot in London legend, this premium restaurant and late-night bar overlooks sweeping views of the buzzing casino floor. With chandeliers dazzling and roulette wheels spinning amongst the lavish décor, the luxury Vegas casino vibe is well and truly pulled off, with a sophisticated touch of 1930s elegance thrown in for good measure. It’s pretty unforgettable, and that’s before the culinary experience has even begun.

Let's talk about the star of the show—the steak. Heliot Steak House specializes in award-winning USDA prime grade steaks sourced globally, including cuts from Nebraska, Argentina, Great Britain, and Japan. These exceptional cuts of Fillet, Sirloin, Rib Eye and Rib on the Bone undergo a meticulous aging process of four to six weeks before bespoke seasoning and cooking, resulting in incredible tenderness and flavour for every diner. Amongst tough competition, The Heliot was voted the Best Steak House in London, as well as the Best Casino Restaurant and other top gongs.

But the culinary adventure doesn't stop there. Executive Chef and expert Meatologist Ioannis Grammenos infuses his Greek heritage into the menu, offering delectable starters like Grilled Octopus with Roast Baby Potatoes & Tarama and Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce & Parmesan. Don’t fancy steak for main course? How about New Zealand Lumina Lamb Rack with Pitta & Raita, or Roast Chicken & Grilled Sweet Potato with Yoghurt Sauce? Make sure to save room for a diverse dessert menu too, with the likes of the Bougasta Custard Cream Pie and the renowned Chocolate Tree to pick from. This is just a taste of an extensive menu that is refreshed every few months, not to mention the weekly specials that make the task of ordering an even tougher one, but that’s not a bad problem to have, right?

For the perfect pairings for all of this, enter Salvatore Russo, General Manager and Head of Wine. With over 60 globally sourced bottles of red wine, including an impressive selection available by the glass, you'll be sure to find the ideal complement to your steak. With White, Rosé, Champagne and Sparkling too… there really is a stunning bottle for everything.

And if wine isn't your preference, fear not because you can always consult the wide-ranging drinks menu featuring spirits, beers, ciders, soft drinks, as well as the most exciting choice for us… an array of tantalizing cocktails, such as the Helicolada and the Take Me Down.

Together, Ioannis, Salvatore and their attentive team have combined their passion and expertise, married it with the glamorous surroundings to solidify Heliot Steak House's status as a West-End icon. Let the show go on!

Find the Heliot Steak House’s website here.

The Hippodrome Casino,
Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7JH London, United Kingdom

LPM Restaurant and Bar

LPM is already notorious for its lovely French and Mediterranean cuisine. Now with their new cocktail menu inspired by Jean Cocteau, there is even more reason to book a table at this iconic spot. 

The cocktail menu is beautifully presented in a red cover and tells the story of the French poet. There are four “chapters” in this story,  each exhibiting a  different style of cocktail to choose from - mainly aperitifs, fruity cocktails, savoury cocktails, and dessert drinks. Each drink also has a story to it, and one could sit in silence and read this menu for their entire stay at LPM! 

Our eyes were immediately drawn to the Lettre à Coco. This cocktail is an homage to Jean’s friendship with the legendary Coco Chanel, using the classic Chanel No. 5 as inspiration. The delicate Champagne based cocktail also uses jasmine, bergamot and rose to add some beautiful floral notes. The presentation is also exquisite, the crystal coupe glass being delivered with a love letter sprayed with Chanel No. 5 to make you feel like Chanel herself.

For dessert, the Hommage cocktail works a treat - with cognac and cherry brandy. The cocktail is garnished with a gold dusted cherry for the perfect display. 

As you can see, the cocktail menu is truly a masterpiece, and combined with lovely food and spectacular service, there is no reason to put off visiting LPM. The staff are warm and welcoming, and the barmen know the cocktail menu inside-and-out and are able to give you the perfect recommendation based on your food choice and your usual go-to drink. 

Life is too short for mediocre cocktails. Do yourself and your tastebuds a favour and go give this experience a try.

LPM is great for a special occasion with someone special.

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Range:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 10/10

Address: 53-54 Brook's Mews, London W1K 4EG

The Best Gastropubs in the UK 2023

The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs of 2023 has been assembled for another year to answer the question, ‘what is the best gastropub in the UK?’, so who has been crowned?

More than 100 industry professionals had the job of judging the finest gastropub’s offerings and whittled it down to these 10 as the very best so without further ado, let’s enter gastropub heaven.

10. The Red Lion and Sun, London

There’s been a pub on this site in leafy Highgate Village since the 16th century, but with it securing another Top 10 placing, it’s safe to say it’s probably never been this good. Just as delightful warming by the log burner inside or in the beautiful garden, The Red Lion and Sun is famous for its extensive wine list (it’s seriously long!) and in terms of food, producers are carefully selected with fresh ingredients rotated in a menu changing everyday offering, ‘rustic, modern British pub food’. In particular, tables for the Sunday Roast are like gold dust but it’s well worth persisting.
Website

9. The Fordwich Arms, Kent

They say the best things come in small packages, and inside England’s smallest town of Fordwich is The Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms. The gorgeous red brick-green ivy combination overlooks the River Stour in Kent, and The Observer’s Young Chef of the Year 2016 presides over local Kentish ingredients in the kitchen. There is a choice of tasting menus including vegetarian and each with an optional wine pairing to top it all off.  On a sunny day by the river, the terrace seating here really is some of the most beautiful in the country.
Website

8. The Hand & Flowers, Marlow

This is the only pub in the UK to earn two Michelin stars, a feat never achieved before. With Tom Kerridge at the helm, this rustic whitewashed pub hosts a culinary spectacle that attracts people from all over to try dishes like duck liver parfait with orange chutney and toasted brioche and the signature chocolate and ale cake. Once guests have finished all that, they can also stay at one of the many luxurious cottages owned by the pub that include a hearty breakfast come morning.
Website

7. The White Swan, Fence

Somewhat unassuming from the outside, The White Swan in Lancashire is much more than the typical villager boozer it imitates. Tom Parker’s skills in the kitchen were rewarded with winning the 2019’s Great British Pub Awards Chef of the Year and a Michelin star, given for a rotation of themed nights and specials such as lobster soup and Whitewell partridge with smoked bacon. In the past, two courses have cost £30 and three for £40 but with an influx of praise and planned renovations, it’s a safe bet that this may be going up.
Website

6. The Angel, Hetton

Nestled in the sublime North Yorkshire Dales, The Angel has claims of being the UK’s original gastropub, with drink and dining origins dating back to the 15th century. The reimagined pub food like Loire valley rabbit loin, monkfish, quail, venison, and Tahitian Vanilla cheesecake won a Michelin star after Michael Wignall’s takeover, and he also happens to have won the 2022 Chef of the Year... so you’re in safe hands.
Website

5. The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells

Brothers Chris and James Tanner saved the pub from being demolished for flats and after serious TLC, it launched in 2014 and is now adored for its modern British cuisine using mostly local fresh ingredients. In one half of the pub, you’ll find dishes like goat’s curd with beetroot, walnut and clementine being served, but the other has been retained as a stylish bar space to maintain the community feel – a true gastropub.
Website

4. The Sportsman, Seasalter

Overlooking the Kent coast, The Sportsman has been a stalwart of the Top 50 Gastropubs list for years now, with chef-patron Stephen Harris laser-focused on the menu reflecting the surroundings. From making his own salt from the neighbouring sea to using meat from Seasalter farms around the corner, almost everything is sourced from the land surrounding the pub. If you’re lucky enough to get a table, the highlight of the five-course is the slip sole grilled in seaweed butter... using seaweed picked from the adjoining beach of course.
Website

3. Freemasons, Wiswell

In 3rd place is yet another one of Lancashire’s stunning gastropubs and that’s Freemasons in the charming Ribble Valley. Alongside an array of experimental dishes merging local and world flavours like roast loin and kofta of lamb with BBQ lettuce, miso aubergine and mint yoghurt, the pub offers four guest rooms and a unique Chef’s Table that sits at the heart of the kitchen action. With a husband-and-wife duo covering both the kitchen and front-of-house in award-winning fashion, this is very much still a pub, just a spectacular one.
Website

2. The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge

This year’s runner-up is last year’s winner and also 2023’s host, a 16th-century inn with all the crooked ceilings, log burners and beams you expect, not to mention the lush greenery outside. Alongside over 60 wines and a range of mouthwatering craft beers, home-made cordials and local fruit juices, dishes are a curious ‘Britalian’ blend, mixing it up from traditional pub cuisine. Expect offerings like celeriac and mushroom lasagna, halibut with avruga caviar sauce & seaweed potatoes, and the trademark unruly chocolate tiramisu. The achievements of Owner Brendan Padfield are amplified by the fact that a fire destroyed parts of the building just 12 weeks after opening, but since then it’s truly been onwards and upwards!
Website

1. Parkers Arms, Clitheroe

Swapping from 2nd to 1st is the historical rural inn Parkers Arms. It’s difficult to stand out in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty but with blow-away modern British classics on chef-patron Stosie Madi’s menu, they’ve managed it. With enchanting rolling hills within view, you can expect super flavoursome dishes that fill you up – no ‘gels and foams’. Apart from things like spices and chocolate, if it doesn’t grow within 30 miles it isn’t on the menu. Madi says, ‘The Parkers Arms is a country pub that welcomes everyone and their dog’ like a proper gastropub should. To complete the package, there are also alluring rooms available. Delicious local food, beautiful surroundings, extensive wine and ale lists, a dog-friendly bar and somewhere to rest your head too – idyllic.
Website

The Top 50:

1. Parkers Arms, Newton-In-Bowland, Lancashire
2. The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge, Suffolk
3. Freemasons at Wiswell, Wiswell, Lancashire
4. The Sportsman, Seasalter, Kent
5. The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
6. The Angel at Hetton, Hetton, Yorkshire
7. The White Swan at Fence, Fence, Lancashire
8. The Hand & Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
9. The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury, Kent
10. The Red Lion and Sun, London
11. The Mariners, Rock, Cornwall
12. The Cornish Arms, Tavistock, Devon
13. The Harwood Arms, London
14. Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax, Yorkshire
15. The Coach, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
16. The Beehive, Great Waltham, Essex
17. The Cadeleigh Arms, Tiverton, Devon
18. The Pack Horse, Hayfield, Derbyshire
19. Pyne Arms, Barnstaple, Devon
20. The Black Swan, Ravenstondale, Cumbria
21. The Moorcock Inn, Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire
22. The Guinea Grill, London
23. The Baring, London
24. The Masons Arms, Knowstone, Devon
25. Canton Arms, London
26. The Rat Inn, Anick, Hexham, Northumberland
27. The Pipe and Glass, Beverley, Yorkshire
28. The Longs Arms, South Wraxall, Wiltshire
29. The Dog at Wingham, Canterbury, Kent
30. The Felin Fach Griffin, Brecon, Powys, Wales
31. The Hardwick, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales
32. The Loch and The Tyne, Old Windsor, Berkshire
33. The Bull & Last, London
34. The White Horse, Brancaster, Norfolk
35. The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
36. The Swan, Bampton, Devon
37. The Bell Inn, Langford, Oxfordshire
38. Scran and Scallie, Edinburgh
39. The Dog & Gun Inn, Skelton, Cumbria
40. The Duck Inn, Stanhoe, Norfolk
41. The Duncombe Arms, Ashbourne, Staffordshire
42. The Black Bear Inn, Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales
43. Heft, High Newton, Cumbria
44. The Broad Chare, Newcastle
45. Woods, Dulverton, Somerset
46. The Gunton Arms, Norwich, Norfolk
47. The French House, London
48. The Eagle, Farringdon, London
49. The Butchers Arms, Hepworth, West Yorkshire
50. Royal Oak, Whatcote, Warwickshire

For more restaurant and bar recommendations, check these out.

IT London

Words by Hannah van Houweninge

Last week we had the absolute privilege of trying out the new cocktail menu at IT London. The bar is perfectly situated in Mayfair, and a five minute walk from Green Park Station. The setting itself is beautiful, with the round bar being in the centre of the restaurant. The in-house DJ plays upbeat music creating a social vibe without disrupting your conversation.

Now onto the most important part: the drinks. The new cocktail menu is expertly curated by Mattia Lufrano who combines classic cocktails that everyone knows and loves with Mediterranean twists. Mattia’s recommendation would have to be the Milk and Cereals cocktail. This cocktail reminds him of his breakfast of choice when he was young- the star of the show being… Cheerios. Don’t let the cereal-cocktail put you off. This beautifully made drink includes Wisemen Kentucky Whiskey, hazelnut liqueur and caramel tea to make a lovely smooth drink experience. The cocktails range from £18-26. The steeper price is 100% validated by the incredible attention to detail and stunning craftsmanship. Even the ice cubes are engraved with IT’s logo. 

If you still can’t wrap your head around the cereal-concoction, perhaps try the Chocolate and Coconut Negroni. This lovely twist on my favourite cocktail order has coconut infused Whitley Neill Gin and dark chocolate liqueur. Who wouldn’t love this?

IT London is great for a special night out such as an anniversary or birthday drinks.

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Range:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall: 9/10

Address: 28-29, Dover St, Mayfair, London W1S 4LX

3D Recommends: Café 1001, London

Photo credit: designmynight

The sun is finally making more frequent (and very hot) appearances, which can only mean that we will be eating and drinking outside more often.

This week, we tried Cafe 1001 on the corner of Dray Walk and Brick Lane in East London located inside the Truman Brewery and loved it for its relaxed, urban vibe.

What does Café 1001 offer?

Dray Walk itself is a buzzing street filled with a variety of food trucks, independent shops and art galleries. For the next few weekends during summer, there will be different pop-up shops and record fairs as well as DJs or live music. You can sit inside if the weather takes a negative turn or alternatively, sit outside along the street (perfect for people watching if your date is late!) The bar menu is pretty standard with a selection of different wines, beers and cocktail options.

What really stood out was how well-priced all the drinks were. These days, drinsk can be so expensive in venues but here, a bottle of wine ranged from £24-38 and there was an Apérol Spritz special for 2 for £12. Perfect in the sunshine! Next door to the bar is a takeaway pizza restaurant if you are hungry, serving divine homemade sourdough pizzas between £8-15 that you can bring to your table.

Café 1001 is Ideal for:

First dates, starter drinks with friends, mid-week lunches or post work drinks.

The outdoor setting is filled with laughter and chitter-chatter of the other tables, but isn’t too loud to disrupt conversation. Cafe 1001 is even dog-friendly in case you want to bring your furry friend to break the ice! 

Ambience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Range: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall: 8/10. We certainly plan to go again after a snoop around the shops, spoiling ourselves with an Apérol Spritz (or two)!

Address: Inside the Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL

Instagram: @cafe_1001

Bar La Rampa

Bar La Rampa, sitting snug on Market Place, is a Cuban delight, celebrating the heritage and culture of 1950s Havana. Entering to the sound of live Cuban music, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you were thirty seconds off of Oxford Street. The Havana theme really shines through in the small plates menu, developed by Ana Gonçalves and Zijun Meng of TĀTĀ Eatery, their reimagined Cuban dishes bringing Latin America to London in a stylish but authentic way. Bar La Rampa also prides itself on its extensive, rum heavy, cocktail menu, often featuring Eminente, a special new Cuban rum imagined by Cesar Marti, the youngest Cuban Maestro Ronero. 

The Elote Corn Ribs with vegan chipotle mayo and lime is a simple yet immensely flavoursome dish, and a must try on the menu. This is what Bar La Rampa does so well: simple dishes with bold flavours and an almost addictive quality. The moreish devil on the menu is the seemingly unassuming ‘Corn and Beans’. Though it may seem to simply be a black bean dip with tortilla chips, do not underestimate this dish. It’s less of a ‘sharing’ plate and more of a ‘fight to the death to get the last scoopful’ plate. Even if you’re only picking up a couple of cocktails, get the Corn and Beans: you won’t regret it. The Sandwich Cubano, a twist on a classic Cuban sandwich, is again a flavoursome treat. There’s both a classic and a vegetarian option - so you won’t be caught short if you don’t eat meat.

When it comes to cocktails, Bar La Rampa is not playing around. Not to be missed are the ‘Hemingway Special (Papa Doble)’, a sweet and sour daiquiri said to be the author’s personal favourite, the ‘El Presidente’, reminiscent of a smooth Negroni with a bolshy rum undertone, and the ‘Mango Colada’, a refreshing and fruity cocktail for those with a sweeter tooth. 

Bar La Rampa is certainly modern and stylish, however, the live Cuban music from the house band playing almost every night reminds you of where it all began: Havana. If you’re looking for big flavours in food and cocktails with a bouncy atmosphere, Bar La Rampa is the place to be.

Address:  7-8 Market Place, W1W 8AG
Telephone: 020 3840 5555
Website: www.barlarampa.com