The Basics

Address: The Shed, 122 Palace Gardens Terrace, London, W8 4RT

020 7229 4024

https://www.theshed-restaurant.com/

A Snapshot

Shabby-chic restaurant, providing an eclectic mix of menus. From 6 course tasting menus accompanied by sustainably sourced wine pairing to generous A La Carte options, offering fresh and seasonal produce. The Galdwin Brothers bring rustic Farm-to-Fork dining to the heart of Notting Hill, bringing the stunning Sussex countryside to this little pocket in London. Their hyper-seasonal produce ensures zero-waste as well as exceptional quality food straight from their farm in West Sussex. Located a couple of minutes’ walk from Notting Hill Gate station, this restaurant promises a great evening of delicious dining or a seasonal set lunch menu.

The Food

We started the tasting experience with a mushroom marmite éclair, egg confit, cornichon caraway crispbread and spiced carrot puree with crispy sage. To put it simply, a homemade eclair filled with the most delicious melt in the mouth mushroom confit. We wish we could have taken the filling home! It was the perfect start to our tasting voyage and it really got the tastebuds going, without being too heavy. It was paired with a nutty vintage wine.

We moved on (quite swiftly!) to our next course, arriving on a plate fresh out of the fridge, a perfectly chilled Hampshire trout crudo with wasabi Chichester and beetroot puree. The wasabi was very mild and the trout was smooth with the perfect texture, complimented with the sweet earthy beetroot kick. The dish was extremely aesthetically pleasing, simple and delicious.

At this point we went slightly off-piste and ordered a dish which was not on the tasting menu, scallops. Arriving in a shell, they were huge and perfectly cooked. Hidden under a blanket of apple confit, these went down a treat and the only downside was that there was only one!

Next, we tasted their homemade Sussex chorizo from the farm, Hung yoghurt and crispy kale. Arriving in a stone ramekin full of different textures and spices. The tangy Chorizo was softened with the yoghurt and had an added crunch on top of the crispbread. The portion size was perfect, even though we could have eaten more of it, we knew we still had three more courses to go! The blush rose Nutbourne wine also delivered flavor to the dish, another delicious local wine.

As pasta lovers, my colleague and I were thrilled to see ravioli on the tasting menu. Paired with a light and fruity Dog Point Sauvignon were beautifully homemade parcels filled with asparagus and Somerset pecorino. The filling was textured and not too pureed, which can sometimes be the case with ravioli. Coated in a thick sauce, the dish was filling and we were questioning how we were going to fit in two more courses!

Alas, we managed! Lyons Farm sirloin beef, parsnip puree and red wine jus. For me, it was not your typical steak but tasted more like roast beef with gravy – still delicious! We did expect it to be a little more melt in the mouth, being a sirloin cut, but the taste was excellent and accompanied well with El Cipres Malbec. A heavier red that I personally wouldn’t drink on its own but was lovely with a meal.

The pudding was a salted caramel chocolate torte with Chantilly cream and a raspberry sauce. Although we were very full at this point, it was a delicious way to end the meal. The torte itself was rich, but the cream and raspberry ensured it wasn’t too heavy and added an extra kick of flavor. It paired nicely with the sweet Coteaux du Layon and I just wish we had had room to finish it!

The Venue

Buzzy yet relaxing atmosphere with a lovely hum of diners, groups of friends, couples, and colleagues. We sat next to the kitchen and while this can sometimes feel stressful in some restaurants, we didn’t feel like that at The Shed. Instead, we could see all the delicious dishes being served, which had us wanting to come back to try the A La Carte menu. We were intrigued with every dish they brought out! The waiters and waitresses wore countryside inspired checked shirts which we loved. It really felt like we were in a country eatery rather than busy London restaurant. The shabby chic interior consisted of exposed brick, lots of natural light and eclectic mix of wooden chairs.

In Summary

A wonderful evening filled with delicious food and an abundance of wine, transporting us away from busy London life.

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The Basics

Address:

One & Only Royal Mirage, Arabian Court, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE

A Snapshot

Trèsind is located in the heart of Dubai, a beautiful venue situated in the One & Only Royal Mirage. As the birthplace of innovative Indian cuisine, it is an award-winning restaurant. Here, guests are offered a chance to experience Indian fine dining in an imaginative and visual way, where each dish has a story to tell. Trèsind has restaurants in Dubai, Kuwait and Mumbai.

This restaurant has become one of Dubai’s most sought-after restaurants and has been recognised in the inaugural Dubai Michelin Guide and MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants.

A Bit Of Background

Bhupender Nath is the Founder who made his debut with Trèsind in 2014. He has since opened restaurants in two other countries. Bhupender is a passionate entrepreneur and has been named F&B Heavyweight of the Year. He works alongside Chef Himanshu Saini who is considered one of the youngest tastemakers in Indian cuisine. For these reasons, Trèsind is a must-try spot in Dubai.

The Food

The food at Trèsind is renowned as one of the best Indian fine dining restaurants in Dubai. The presentation is impeccable, the service excellent and each dish’s ingredients and story is explained as it’s served. If you are a lover of modern Indian food, then this is certainly a venue to try. The menu is impressive with the option of a la Carte or a tasting menu and wine pairing.

We opted for the premium tasting menu which offers several tasting courses, each dish bringing flavourful combinations. Each dish is served with a story by the waitstaff, and some are even prepared in front of you.

We started with a selection of small, bite-sized amuse bouche dishes which included an arugula pani puri rote and cannoli samosa with tomato chutney. This was a real standout, as it tasted fresh and had the perfect balance of flavours.

Our starter, which was a prawn and asparagus salad, was packed full of spices. Following the salad, we were surprised by a mouth-watering and tender Blackmore wagyu steak, served alongside molcajete chimichurri chutney and truffle mushroom. Next came a white chocolate and black lime bon bon to cleanse our pallets in time for the main course.

Our main dishes included chicken khassi curry, barramundi salan and lamb kofta served with onion chilli paratha. Each dish was vastly different but complimented one another well. The fish melted in our mouth and had just the right amount of spice.

To finish the meal, a black forest mithai tart was made in front of us. For fans of the theatre, this is a dish not to be missed!

The Venue

Walking through the One & Only, the beautiful interiors and accommodating staff were hard to miss. The ambiance is perfect for couples, meeting clients and large groups.

In Summary

Entertain clients with a memorable dining experience or bring a foodie fan to indulge in all the flavours and smells of Trèsind. This restaurant is an ambiance-filled, five-star experience guaranteed to impress.

The post In Review: Trèsind Dubai appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The Basics

Münsterhof 8,

8001 Zürich

Snapshot

The Zunfthaus zur Waag, based in the heart of Zurich’s old town, is one of the hottest addresses in the city when it comes to Swiss cuisine. From classic “Züri Geschnätzlets” with Rösti to “Kalbsleberli”, this guildhall combines all Swiss culinary classics. The restaurant offers an authentic piece of Zurich history served on a plate and embraces the hospitality in this historic 17^th century house.

A Bit of Background

The Zunfthaus zur Waag was the meeting place of the linen and wool weavers from 1440 and a place where people used to come and go, meet, eat and drink while discussing political, economic and social subjects. Since 1636 it has been a restaurant and, until today, people continue to do the same as they did in the old days –dine, drink, chat and debate together. It is an inspiring house; you can feel the history as soon as entering the imposing building.

The Food

The food at the Zunfthaus is a variation on traditional Swiss cuisine while at the same time sophisticated in presentation and taste.

As a starter, we enjoyed oven-baked pumpkin topped with goat cheese and walnuts on an apple-celery salad, alongside a truffled celery soup.

For the main course, we adored the traditional sliced veal “Zurich style” with Rösti  and the Swiss whitefish fillet with lemon dill butter, young leaf spinach and boiled potatoes.

To complete the meal, a Swiss chocolate souffle served on raspberry and vanilla sauce.

Needless to say, the dishes were absolutely delicious!

The Venue

Even from the outside, the Zunfthaus zur Waag stands out in contrast to the other buildings. The old weaver’s house is painted in discreet light blue and every window seems to be illuminated. Upon entering, a high and heavy iron door must first be opened before climbing the stone stairs up to the second floor, where the restaurant is located. Once there, we were greeted by the maître d’, our coats were collected and we were quickly escorted to our table. The hall is furnished in dark blue tones with wooden elements, giving it a charming elegance.

In Summary

Overall, we had a wonderful evening. The atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming. We would highly recommend the Zunfthaus zur Waag as a superb place for both business lunches and special occasions with families or friends.

The post In Review: Zunfthaus zur Waag appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics

16 Bury Street, London, SW1Y 6AJ
+44 207 930 6767
www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk

A snapshot

Quaglino’s is a long-standing feature on St. James’s social scene which is famed for its nightlife among its more sedate neighbours. PAs, Quaglino’s is a great choice if you’re looking for an evening of entertainment as a backdrop to your dining experience.

Tiger rating: 3.5/5

Great for: Entertaining evening guests

A bit of background

Quaglino’s began life back in 1929 when Italian restaurateur Giovanni Quaglino first founded the venue, and throughout its colourful history it has regularly attracted a long list of royalty and A-lister guests.

Since then, it has undergone various makeovers and today, its décor harks back to a by-gone era of opulence, grandeur and affluence. It’s the perfect backdrop for evening of dining and entertainment, but lunch guests may feel like they’re at the dress rehearsal.

The food

Our party arrived at Quaglino’s for a lunch meeting; upon arrival we were enthusiastically greeted by attentive hosts before being guided down a gold, red carpeted sweeping staircase into the opulent main dining room.

We ordered off the a la carte lunch menu, which has a succinct array of elaborate contemporary European dishes that cater for meat eaters, pescatarians and vegetarians alike, yet with no particular theme or apparent speciality.

When we booked our table, we were asked whether our party had any dietary requirements or special requests – one vegetarian and no truffle, we said – and our waiter astutely confirmed our requests while we browsed the menu.

But when we ordered the deliciously creamy cauliflower velouté to start, it arrived without the parmesan tuile and girolle mushrooms that were listed on the menu, which was a bizarre confusion with our dietary requests. A small apology followed with no offer to replace the dish or remove it from the bill.

Aside from this faux pas by the waiter, who was otherwise reliable, the several other dishes ordered were good; the rump of lamb was just the right amount of pink and was accompanied with a divine jus that was full of deep flavours, making this dish the highlight.

We were also impressed by the chicken terrine, which was rich, meaty and everything that a terrine should be; but again, the menu described a ‘pickled vegetable’ accompaniment that didn’t appear on the plate.

And then there was the pan-fried cod with mussels: although the fish was plump and beautifully cooked, it rested in an exceedingly salty mustard-coloured broth which felt unnecessary for the delicate fish flavour.

Perhaps we wouldn’t have noticed these slipups had we been distracted by an evening show, but for our afternoon lunch, they were too notable to ignore.

The venue

Nothing about Quaglino’s is understated; from its dramatic lighting, underground labyrinth of dining areas and Hollywood icons adorning the walls, to its huge central bar with oversized vases and gilded stage complete with velvet curtains – it is certainly out to impress.

And it is impressive – it’s hard to imagine what lies beneath its sober exterior – yet this extravagance creates a feeling of expectation which, without the buzz of the evening clientele beautifying the sumptuous bars, makes the atmosphere feel quite sedate.

It’s all so carefully choreographed: the décor, the waiters, the lights, the bar… It feels as it could easily be a film set. And on the day we dined, there were various photoshoots in private dining areas taking place, which only contributed to this.

So, in all, would we recommend Quaglino’s? Yes, certainly. It’s a beautiful venue which comes alive at night. But PAs, your principals might not be as impressed at lunchtime without the accompanying entertainment.

The post In review: Quaglino’s, the extravagant dining room appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics

27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
+ 44 (0)20 3828 2000
www.thened.com/restaurants/cecconis

Cecconi’s became an overnight sensation when it opened its Mayfair doors back in 1978. Since then, several Cecconi’s restaurants have opened, much to the delight of Italophiles around the globe, with Cecconi’s, City of London being the latest. Without a doubt, the food held its own against the backdrop of exceptional décor and style of The Ned.

Tiger rating: 4.5/5

Great for: Breakfasts, business lunches, after-work suppers, after-work drinks

A bit of background

Enzo Cecconi was the youngest ever general manager of Venice’s world-famous Cipriani before he opened his doors in Mayfair back in 1978. Bringing the delights of Italian fare to Londoners with a theatrical twist and notes of Venetian sophistication, Cecconi’s was an overnight hit and was soon the go-to hangout for A-listers and royals alike.

The venue

If you haven’t yet been to The Ned or are familiar with the building, it is worth a mention. Minutes from Bank Station and the bustle of the City, you walk into what feels like an extravagant 1920’s film set. The former Midland Bank’s banker hall boasts 3,000 square metres of space, emphasised by its incredibly high ceilings and some 92 verdite columns. It’s no wonder that nine restaurants fit comfortably. Soho House Group have preserved the 1924 building perfectly; the website even encourages you to go in search of the building’s ‘secrets’, such as the vault. Hidden behind the bank’s original 20 tonne door is the vault bar – also home to some 3,800 safety deposit boxes which line its walls.

The food

Sitting in the Cecconi’s corner of the great hall, it was truly difficult to order from such an impressive menu. As we ordered, I was amazed at how well we could hear one another in such a huge space. (I wondered how they must have reached the decision that housing a potential 1000 covers in one space wouldn’t be too much for the ear drums to bear.) Sipping on a delicious chardonnay from northern Italy, we awaited our Italian fate. The signature tuna tartare and the calamari fritti arrived promptly. The calamari was cooked just as it should: tender and succulent, encased in a flawless crunchy light batter. The tuna was fresh and succulent. If I had to criticise, the tuna dish might have been a little more flavourful. The chilli didn’t add to the dish other than its vibrant red colour; I’d hoped the capers to add more salty punch; and the rocket was fine.

The main event

When in Rome, one must order the pasta. Out came the crab ravioli and lobster linguini. The pasta was absolutely delicious on both sides. The crab ravioli was a dish I had enjoyed in other establishments but Cecconi’s do it differently. Within these little perfect pouches was just crab! No ricotta, no herb, no spring onion. Just crab. This dish evidently tips its hat to the subtle flavour of crab meat, and I loved it. The simplicity of it was the perfect accompaniment to the pasta and delicious sauce. It was perfect. If my boss wasn’t in attendance I might have ordered another one.

My colleague ordered the lobster linguini which was nothing short of theatrical as it entered stage left on to the table. An impressive lobster tail nuzzled picture-perfect cherry tomatoes and al dente linguini which wrapped itself around generous morsels of tender lobster and rich sauce. Sadly, the sauce was slightly too rich, so she wasn’t able to finish.

As we nursed our full bellies and congratulated ourselves on our good fortunes, the dessert menu arrived. After the compulsory, ‘oh no but I couldn’t possibly’’s, we committed to sharing a lemon tart and vanilla ice cream. Sweet, Sour, Crunchy and Smooth danced on that plate in perfect unison.

In summary

I want an excuse to go back, and pronto. Cecconi’s at The Ned won’t fail to impress the most discerning of gastronomes. If you’re a PA looking to book a sure thing for your boss and clients, or a Private PA requiring an impressive venue and food combo in the City, look no further.

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The basics

42 Albemarle St, Mayfair, W1S 4JH
020 3011 5900
gymkhanalondon.com

In India, a gymkhana is a member’s club where high society locals can socialise and participate in sporting activities before retiring to drink and dine the night away.

In London’s Mayfair, Gymkhana is a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant that pays homage to this same concept, offering exceptional sub-continental flavours that challenge, ignite and satisfy the senses.

Tiger rating: 4/5

Great for: business lunches, after-work suppers, group dining

A bit of background

Gymkhana is the third restaurant from patron-chef Karam Sethi, who is also the creative force behind Marylebone’s Trishna. It threw its doors open in 2013 and raised through the ranks, taking home a Michelin star and the top spot in Restaurant Magazine’s Best British Restaurants in 2014. While it no longer retains its number one ranking, the Michelin star has stuck around – and rightly so. It continues to dominate the city’s Indian culinary scene, delivering diverse fare that combines the sentiment of home cooking with the highest-quality produce.

The food

The menu takes most of its inspiration from the North India, meaning richer textures, deeper flavours and a liberal dose of spices. Since we’re there for lunch, we opt for the lunch menu, a very reasonably priced three-course extravaganza. The adventure starts with three different types of papadums – lentil, cassava and tapioca – served with shrimp and mango chutneys. The tapioca papad is most reminiscent of prawn crackers: light, crunchy and the perfect textural accompaniment to the sweet mango jam.

The starters range from soft shell crab with Bombay bhel (puffed rice) to mattar paneer pao with a sesame and peanut chutney. Two of our party beeline for the crab, whilst the third opts for the duck egg bhurji with lobster and Malabar paratha. The bhel is a revelation – puffed rice is complemented by the fresh bursts of cucumber and tomato and the crunchiness of roasted peanut. While the crab is equally as textural, the entire dish would have benefited from a sauce or chutney as it’s quite dry.

In contrast, the duck egg bhurji is a masterclass in silken egg, folded with lobster, tomatoes, onion and chilli. Accompanied by a flaky yet buttery paratha, it’s a luxurious way to start the meal.

The mains will challenge even the hungriest of eaters, with sides galore. The tandoori guinea fowl is marinated for over eight hours before cooking in the tandoor. It’s served with a green apple chutney that cuts through the marinade, offering a balanced sweetness. The Hariyali bream is coated in what we could only describe as an Indian-inspired salsa verde, fresh and fragrant with a bright green hue. The accompanying tomato kachumber is made by charring the tomatoes over charcoal to remove the skin and then combined with chilli, spring onions, ginger, baby plum tomatoes and coriander stem, creating a great complement to the spinach and coriander-based marinade.

Our final main dish is the kid goat keema, a beautifully complex combination of minced goat and fenugreek, topped with potato matchsticks with a side of brioche buns and chopped onions. It’s a surprise of a dish, decadent in its flavour and offering more with each bite.

On the side, classic staples like daal and naan are elevated through the subtle use of garlic and saffron respectively, while the vegetables are cooked with the same attention as the main dishes. In fact, this small side was nominated by one of us as a favourite – not because the nominated mains were lacking, but the sides were just as finessed.

Everything is incredibly flavoursome, so we struggle to finish what’s in front of us. But this doesn’t mean we don’t have room for dessert. Instead of opting for one each, we share the stewed fig kheer, a cool rice pudding spiced with the likes of cardamom and nutmeg. By the end, we’re rolling up the stairs.

The venue

The first thing you’ll notice upon walking into the cosy space is the smell – the wafts of the tandoor oven hit your nose almost immediately, preparing your stomach for the feast to come. We have a reservation and are promptly seated downstairs, sans coats, with the maître d’ warning us of every unexpected step. The two spaces may not appear that visually different, but on closer inspection, there is purpose in their design. Upstairs, the space is informed by the idea of a traditional restaurant, with high ceilings, retro fans and marble table-tops. Downstairs, the feel is a little more intimate, harking back to the idea of a 19th century tearoom. Brass and dark wood panelling complement the rattan chairs and heritage photos of times gone by. Paired with the lighting, quiet background music and embellished furnishings, it was an ideal escape from the blustery weather outside.

However, if we could, we’d be opting for one of the private vault rooms, found on either side of the lower ground floor. The secluded areas can each seat up to 14 people and hold the option of either enjoying a set menu or designing your own.

No matter where you sit, expect attentive service, with water glasses filled at every opportunity and waiters attuned to our every move.

In summary

Gymkhana combines colonial style with the hallmarks of home cooking, offering refined dishes that are both surprising and impressive. With interiors reminiscent of its namesake, and service that leaves nothing to be desired, it’s a sure-fire winner for any PA looking to book a decadent culinary experience for their principal.
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Looking for more spots to eat and drink in London? Check out our reviews of Quaglino’s and Cecconi’s at the Ned.

The post In Review: Gymkhana, Mayfair’s mod-Indian masterpiece appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics

Address: High Street, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AQ

Telephone: +44 1628 580 333

thefatduck.co.uk

A snapshot

The Fat Duck is a brand synonymous with experimentation, liquid nitrogen, multi-sensory adventures and Heston Blumenthal. But while the cynics might presume his flagship restaurant to be little more than extravagant gimmicks and a pricey wine list, we found his three-starred tour de force to be a unique and exhilarating gastronomic experience.

Tiger rating: 4.5/5

Great for: business lunches, social lunches, group dining, special occasions

A bit of background

The experience at three-Michelin-starred Fat Duck begins a month before D-Day, when we receive a questionnaire asking, ‘What makes you feel like a kid in a sweet shop?’ and ‘What nostalgic memory transports you to the moment?’ This proves to be a sign of things to come, as the experience at Fat Duck is ALL about nostalgia, fond childhood memories and the transportation to a different time. Blumenthal’s concept is simple, but the execution is anything but, and while some have criticised him for taking his attention away from the food and towards gimmicks, I’d argue that all these elements – the toys, science and storytelling – are critical elements in waking our inner children.

The food

Upon arrival, the menu (which lists some 17, 18, or 19 courses) is presented as a map. We are informed by the ‘storyteller’ (yes, that’s the official job title) that we are all travelling together on a summer holiday to the seaside. Each course represents a particular experience on the trip. We opted for the wine pairing, which ventured beyond the classic champagne, white and red to options such as orange wine and sake. For me, the wide range of alcohol was a little excessive. If I had my time again, I’d choose one nice bottle and stick to it.

The menu (or map) is made up of the following:

1. The day before we go: Are we nearly there?

2. Morning: Rise and Shine, it’s breakfast time

3. Mid-morning: First one to see the sea

4. Afternoon: If you go down to the woods today

5. Evening: Are you ready for dinner

6. Bedtime: Of to the land of nod

7. And then to dream

At each of these stages, we enjoy between one and five courses – all of which are introduced by our storyteller. Intermittently, we are surprised by a nostalgic memento they’ve prepared (a result of the questionnaire we had filled out ahead of time). For example, I had mentioned that apple trees and pine cones reminded me of childhood memories; at one point a mini apple tree took centrestage, as pine-scented dry ice enveloped the table.

At breakfast time, we enjoy an eighties-style breakfast menu in the form of a ‘variety pack’ of cereal, ‘tea’ and ‘coffee’. As to be expected, nothing is what it seems. The cereal represents crunchy morsels of full English flavoured breakfast bites. The hot drinks are, in fact, half hot, half cold creations.

Our trip to the seaside is a thrill. We enjoy ice creams, chase crabs in rock pools and listen to the waves crashing on the shore. In literal terms, this translates to salmon, avocado and horseradish ‘twisters’, crab and passionfruit 99’s, crab velouté, and the famed ‘Sound of the Sea’. The latter actually involves plugging in earphones and listening to waves crashing. A favourite moment involved watching the waiter pour velouté over the crab ‘shell’ and seeing it dissolve as the storyteller explained that the naughty little crabs ran away.

The trip to the woods received mixed reviews among our party. Our first mushroom-based course wasn’t well received, however the hotly awaited mock turtle soup was every bit as delicious as we’d hoped, as was the toast sandwich.

So far, it’s been a fantastic day out, but our storyteller informs us we need to dress for our three-course dinner. We go on to enjoy the more ‘traditional’ dishes of the evening – and they are exemplary. It occurred to me that Heston might use this moment to smirk at those who accuse him of hiding behind gimmicks: there’s no doubt that he can do classic fine dining with the rest of them. The results are a perfect balance of texture, flavour and decadence.

At bedtime, the lights above our table dim and lullabies start to play. A sleepy-looking white dish arrives on a floating pillow (literally). While outstanding in its presentation, the dish was a bit milky for all our tastes.

To conclude, a dolls house-style sweet shop is trundled over to our table as the storyteller cranks the leaver, prompting various drawers to pop open and bestow us with the final quirky treats of the day.

The venue

The venue was refurbished in 2015 following a £2.7m renovation but, on first impression, the fruits of their investment are not obvious. The physical venue is, simply put, underwhelming. Perhaps the money went towards research and kitchen equipment instead?

The restaurant is easily accessed from London and is handily located near Heathrow Airport. One member of our lunch party even took a 15-minute cab to the airport directly from the restaurant. There is also an excellent selection of lodges and B&Bs nearby to which you can retreat afterwards.

In summary

Everything about the food, the menu and the experience was thrilling. Personally, I loved the attention to detail and the personalisation of the menu to our individual preferences. If I were to return, I’d make a couple of changes. Firstly, I’d go for a walk afterwards. Secondly, I’d steer away from the wine pairing. The combination of champagne, sake, white wine, red wine, orange wine and dessert wine was just a little excessive for the senses, when sitting alongside the sheer variety of the food.

PAs, if you’re planning a trip yourselves – or for your principal – it’s an unforgettable and unique experience. A tip: ask the restaurant to surprise them with a tour of the wine cellar before the food is served. It’s a treat.

The post In Review: The Fat Duck appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics

Level 33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY

+44 020 3011 1257

hutong.co.uk

A snapshot

Located well above London’s skyline on Level 33 of the Shard, Hutong delivers refined Northern Chinese flavours in a sophisticated and luxurious space. With jaw-dropping views as the backdrop, it’s a dramatic way to enjoy dim sum, Peking duck, Shandong seafood and other modern Asian dishes. It’s perfectly placed for London Bridge and Southwark-based workers, but with such a unique setting, it’s worth the trip from anywhere in central London.

A bit of background

Hutong is the London flagship of the Aqua Restaurant Group, a Hong Kong-based hospitality venture. Its brother resides in their home city, where it has developed a reputation for delivering fiery flavours in what can only be described as a sumptuous setting. The London outpost isn’t much different, albeit a little more Anglicised. With two private dining rooms perfect for business lunches or client dinners, a menu full of words like dumplings, enoki mushrooms, Sichuan chilli and pak choi, and cocktails inspired by similar ingredients, it has everything you or your principal need for a luxurious Asian adventure.

The food

We’re there for lunch so opt for the Experience Lunch menu. However, should you or your principal have more time, or are there later in the day, there are signature menu and à la carte options.

We open with a colourful display of dumplings, resplendent in pink, green, yellow and translucent. These are not your classic Chinatown combinations; each colour represents what’s inside. The pink is rose champagne and shrimp, the green seasonal mushroom and cabbage, and so on. Each one is a perfect parcel of flavours, beautifully balanced but as always, benefitting from a dunk of soy sauce.

From there, we move onto classic poached monkfish in lamb broth, enhanced by the interesting inclusion of Szechuan pepper and goji berries. Soon after, our table is heaving with dishes – sautéed cuttlefish with gong vegetable, enoki mushroom and Sichuan chilli sits by crispy beef tenderloin with bell peppers, dried garlic and black bean. Accompaniments include wok-fried pak choi in a garlic sauce and pickled vegetable fried rice. Each dish is a masterclass in texture – the cuttlefish is drowning in a gorgeously red broth and thanks to those Sichuan chillies, has us reaching for our water glasses more than once. The beef is lightly fried, crunchy on the outside but tender inside. The pak choi and rice cut through the richness of the other dishes, while soaking up all their juices. We finish with a refreshing mango pudding, perfect for cleansing the palate.

Cocktails are just as flavoursome, with combinations such as Peking-duck-infused Hennessy cognac, roasted sesame syrup, chocolate bitters, angostura bitters and chocolate and sesame seed pancake. For those wishing to abstain from the hard stuff, there is also a small range of mocktails, as well as a selection of Chinese teas.

The venue

Because of its location, getting to the restaurant is a bit of an adventure itself. After passing through security, the lift offers a direct route to the 33^rd floor, where you’ll be ushered up the stairs to the reception desk. The restaurant is spread across the edges of the building in order to take full advantage of the view. With dark wooden furniture, touches of red and textured walls, as well as ‘tree’ with wishing well ‘leaves’, it’s a decadent take on traditional Chinese interiors.

There are also two private dining rooms – appropriately named Shanghai and Beijing. The former looks over Tower Bridge and the City and has capacity for 16, while the latter boasts views of St Paul’s and the London Eye and can seat 24 guests. These options are worth considering should your principal be entertaining, creating the illusion of intimacy and privacy.

Whatever you do, make sure you make a visit to a bathroom. They’ve extended the floor-to-ceiling views here, making for one of the most dramatic bathroom visits you may ever have.

In summary

Hutong takes Chinese fare to a new level of luxury – both figuratively and literally. The prices are far beyond that of Chinatown, but in a location like this, it doesn’t matter. Make a booking for you or your principal’s next lunch or dinner – they’ll be floored by what’s on offer.

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Tiger specialises in the matching of outstanding support staff with employers of choice and UNHWIs in London, regional UK and internationally. If you are looking for a new challenge, get in touch today!

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Photos by Paul Winch-Furness

The post In Review: Hutong appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics

21 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, W1B 4BG
+44 207 287 4029

A snapshot

Nestled in the pedestrianised Heddon Street, just seconds from the hustle and bustle of Regent Street, Piccolino is a homage to everything Italians hold dear – good food, good wine and good company. With three distinct dining spaces – including an expansive streetside terrace – it has everything you could need from an Italian feast.

A bit of background

Piccolino Heddon Street is one of 21 Piccolino restaurants peppered throughout the UK, all of which sit under the Individual Restaurants banner. While different in design and offering, each venue is united by an appreciation for the simplicity of Italian ingredients, offering seasonal menus that span from salumi boards and antipasti to pasta, pizza and secondi. With all the usual suspects appearing throughout – bruschetta, burrata or bistecca, anyone? – a visit will transport you to the cobblestones of the boot-shaped country with just one bite.

The food

Indecisive eaters be warned: you’re going to need to do some research. Piccolino’s menu spans seven pages – and that doesn’t include dessert. We’re there for a lazy lunch, so opt for both starters and mains. While the antipasti plate, stacked high with the likes of fennel salami, parma ham, bresaola, buffalo mozzarella, Sardinian pecorino and truffle honey, is incredibly tempting, we choose two of the antipasti options – grilled asparagus with soft-poached egg and herb breadcrumbs and beef carpaccio with Venetian dressing, rocket and Grana Padano shavings.

The asparagus was fresh, perfectly al dente and enhanced by the runny egg and texture of the breadcrumbs. The carpaccio was texturally opposite but just as balanced, with exactly the right amount of rocket to cut through the richness of the beef and Grana Padano.
From there, it was onto the mains. The ravioli granchio showcased the distinction of ingredients beautifully, with hand-made parcels coated in a simple yet sophisticated chilli, lemon and shellfish butter. The classic Sicilian flavours of the tuna were executed beautifully and when paired with a couple of sides, made for a healthy yet hedonistic option.

The venue

The simplicity of the menu isn’t mirrored by the restaurant’s design – instead, it’s an opulent dedication to the palazzos of the Italian elite. The large terrace features both booths and tables but is generally shaded, meaning you can graze on your antipasti without worrying about the cheese melting in front of your eyes. Upon entering, it’s impossible to miss the gilded bar running along the back of the space, where bartenders in bow ties mix up negronis and Aperol spritzes. Diners that sit to the right of the space are given a front-row look at the culinary magic happening in the open kitchen, where the well-oiled team of chefs turn out dishes with precision and care.

Downstairs sits the multi-use cicchetti bar, which can also be hired out for events or dinners, sitting up to 100 guests. Every Friday and Saturday night, sharing plates and Venetian tapas are consumed while listening to the tunes of a resident DJ, offering the perfect way to welcome the weekend.

In summary

With a central location, expansive menu, diverse dining areas and dedicated event managers, Piccolino has everything your principal needs for an large Italian culinary adventure. Whether it’s a team lunch, after-work drinks or 100-strong celebration, it has something for every occasion.

The post In Review: Piccolino Heddon Street appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics

4 Redchurch St, London E1 6JL
bratrestaurant.com

A snapshot

Ex-Kitty Fisher’s chef Tomos Parry has ventured out on his own with Brat, a relaxed yet refined outpost in Shoreditch’s culinary corner, Redchurch St. Posh without pretence, this is contemporary British cooking at its best, with an open grill, elegant Spanish flavours and a menu that reads like a map of the Isles. Sophisticated enough for a corporate lunch, Brat is the type of place your principals can disappear into, concentrating on more important matters – what’s on their plate.

A bit of background

Welsh chef Tomos Parry made his name at Kitty Fisher’s, the Mayfair restaurant that has welcomed the likes of David Cameron and Kate Moss through its doors. With Brat, he offers creatives and City workers a chance to indulge in his simple fire-focused cooking, where seasonal ingredients are allowed to shine through a Basque lens. With the food looked after, Tomos teamed up with Dan Keeling of Noble Rot for the wine list, where plenty of left-of-centre options are offered by the glass.

The food

There’s something for everyone on Tomos’ menu, with sharing plates to start and individual mains for when you decide relinquishing even one morsel is way too much. We start with shishito peppers; samphire, melon and Carmarthen ham, and wild rabbit with blood sausage and beans. The ham was the standout and epitomised Tomos’ culinary philosophy – understated yet complex on the palate. The wild rabbit did feel a little heavy-handed on the oil, but with the house bread on hand to soak everything up, we didn’t mind too much.

We opt for individual mains, choosing the Herdwick lamb and lemon sole, with garlic potatoes and red peppers as sides. Both proteins were treated with the utmost respect – the lamb was cooked to perfection and served with sautéed greens, while the lemon sole was finely filleted and balanced beautifully. Were we here with a bigger group, the 1kg turbot would have been our first choice – the signature dish is grilled over charcoal as a whole fish and then rested in the wood oven before being served.

Had we any room left for pudding, we’d be ordering the burnt cheesecake with peaches and lemon tart. We also didn’t opt to indulge in a tipple but were intrigued by the options on offer and would partake upon return. If your principal is a sherry fan, they’ll find a treat within the pages of the drinks menu, with options by the glass and the bottle.

The venue

Brat is situated above another restaurant in a building that used to house a strip club. However, not one ounce of its previous occupants is obvious; when we visit at lunch, the room is bathed in light thanks to large windows that dominate one wall. Wood-panelled walls and timber tables ensure the space is warm and welcoming and despite being packed in close to our dining neighbours, we don’t feel claustrophobic. The service is relaxed yet attentive, with abundant smiles and water glasses constantly refilled. Coupled with the room’s design, Brat’s ambience is one of its shining stars, allowing guests to truly enjoy the experience.

In summary

Brat brings refined British cooking to Shoreditch, offering visitors a polished dining experience sans white napkins and tablecloths. With a seasoned chef at the helm, a wine list that keeps you on your toes and an atmosphere that’s hard to beat, it’s a fantastic option for your principal’s long business lunches or drinks after work.

All photos: Benjamin McMahon

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The basics

8-10 Pollen Street, Mayfair
London W1S 1NQ
020 7290 7600
www.pollenstreetsocial.com/

A snapshot

Housed in a Georgian house just moments off bustling Regent Street, Pollen Street Social does a roaring business lunch trade, offering a spot for clients to indulge in Michelin-star dining without the stiff tablecloths and uptight service. The diverse set of menus celebrates the best of British produce, paired with a comprehensive wine list that’s sure to tickle even the pickiest of taste buds.

A bit of background

Pollen Street was the launchpad for Jason Atherton’s restaurant empire, his first solo venture after leaving Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen way back in 2011. Since then, he’s opened restaurants in far-flung culinary hotspots, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dubai and St Moritz, as well as expanded his hold over London with Social Eating House, City Social and Hai Cenato, amongst others. Pollen Street set the standard for what was to come – it received its first Michelin star within six months of opening, a feat followed by Social Eating House and City Social.

The food

Menus span from the three-course lunch menu to the nine-course tasting extravaganza, with the option for a la carte sitting squarely in the middle. There are also vegetarian and vegan-specific menus for those looking to stick to plants.

Regardless of your dietary requirements, each menu reads like a random collection of Michelin-level pantry ingredients. However, the skill of Jason and Head Chef Dale Bainbridge lies in bringing them together to create dishes that are, to quote one of our group, ‘bloody tasty’. As with most starred menus, servings are delicately sized, but rich in flavour and texture, leaving no-one wanting.

There’s an emphasis on British seasonality, with the menu detailing just how far the ingredients have travelled to get to your plate – suckling pig travels just 289 miles from Cumbria, while cultured butter originates just 56 miles away in Oxfordshire.

We open with a selection of amuse bouches, a riff on the traditional English high tea, setting the tone for what’s to come. While all the starters we enjoyed were impressive, the pressed Norfolk quail and duck liver, served with truffle-dressed vegetables and a liver toastie; and raw Orkney sea scallop with pickled kohlrabi and nashi pear, are the standouts. While sitting at opposite ends of the decadence spectrum, both are executed beautifully, with refined touches that elevate each bite.

The mains are equally as inspiring – while initially dubious of the chocolate vinegar served with a saddle of fallow deer, it proved a masterstroke, adding a tartness to the tender protein. The seabass is also cooked perfectly, served with shellfish fondue and crushed potatoes. We interrupt our journey towards dessert with a detour to cheese – presented in all its glory on a drinks trolley. The waiter is excellent at explaining the provenance and peculiarities of each block, before slicing off magnificent morsels for us to nibble on.

Disappointingly, dessert is where Pollen Street falls short – the pistachio soufflé is overly sweet, despite the 70% chocolate accompaniment. Luckily, the wine more than makes up for this oversight – the sommelier takes on the preferences of our party and exceeds all expectations, leading one of us to take note of her suggestions for next time.

The venue

Pollen Street Social is split into two minimalist dining rooms – the first dominated by a dark-wood bar and the second surrounded by contemporary art and linen hangings. Despite the number of people in each room, it’s never overly noisy, nor too quiet – the perfect atmosphere for a business lunch. Should your principal be looking for something a little more intimate, there’s also a private dining room downstairs, which also doubles up as a sommelier’s room, should they be wine-inclined. It looks through to the development kitchen, where Jason and Dale’s team experiment with new combinations.

In summary

Pollen Street is the ultimate business meeting destination. It’s private enough to discuss confidential matters, yet buzzy enough to impress, with a beautiful British menu to boot. With the option for a quick lunch, or a lazy afternoon working through the nine courses of the tasting menu in the private dining room, there’s something for every principal.

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The basics

85 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7NB
0203 1468 666
hide.co.uk

A snapshot

Behind the imposing wooden doors at 85 Piccadilly sits a three-level culinary extravaganza, dedicated to celebrating the finest ingredients and the very best in technique. With room for 180 covers spread across three floors and an all-day dining offering, HIDE has something for everyone at every time at the day.

A bit of background

HIDE was one of 2018’s most-hyped openings and it’s not hard to see why. Celebrated chef Ollie Dabbous is at the helm, having closed his hugely successful first restaurant, Dabbous, to focus on his new venture. In his new, multi-million-dollar kitchen, he continues with the ethos that earnt Dabbous its critical acclaim, focusing on the best ingredients and transforming them into refined and considered dishes. With the fare well and truly looked after, it was up to Mayfair wine merchant, Hedonism Wines, to look after the drinks offering. With over 4000 drops on offer, the restaurant is an oenophile’s playground, with options ranging from a £9 glass of 2016 Georgian amber wine to a £120,000 bottle of 2004 Penfolds Block 42.

The space is worthy of the culinary offering, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an all-round creamy wood aesthetic. It’s understated and creates a peaceful environment, regardless of which floor you’re on.

The food

The food offering depends completely on where you’ve chosen to eat. If it’s the tranquil Above you’ve found yourself in, it’s a tasting-menu-only affair, with the option of a three-course lunch menu or six- or nine-course degustation.

If you’ve opted for the slightly more casual Ground, the choice is in your hands, with a concise and curated a la carte menu. When we visit, it’s on this level that we find ourselves, coats tucked away and bags placed on a thoughtfully placed stool by our table.

We open with the burrata, served with confit tamarillo, basil and fennel pollen; the charcoal-baked flatbreads topped with wild mushrooms, stracciatella and lemon thyme, and the soft-shell crab tempura with Thai basil and green peppercorns. All three appear together on a large tray and are explained so that we’re under no illusions about we’ve ordered. Whilst decidedly different, they are beautifully presented and let the freshness of the produce shine.

From there, we share a main dish of glazed octopus, served on a bed of spiced wheat, oregano, artichokes and pistachios and served with a sauce that we mop up with the stems of the charred broccoli we’ve ordered on the side. The octopus is tender and subtly sweet, sitting up there with some of the best we’ve had in recent memory.

While we don’t have time for dessert, the cheese trolley we spot in the corner is incredibly tempting and would be sure to please the pickiest of dairy aficionados.

Wine-loving principals are well-looked-after by Hedonism’s supply of special drops. While there is a curated 70-page wine list thanks to the sommelier team, should your principal fancy something a little special, an iPad is on hand to digitally browse Hedonism’s selection. Their final selection will be delivered to the table within 15 minutes.

Should your principal be more of a cocktail connoisseur, the cocktail list from Below is sure to have something to tickle their fancy. It features some of the world’s rarest spirits, and just like the food menu, the focus is on flavour, with a menu that changes as the weather outside does.

The venue

This is not a venue done by halves. As soon as you walk through the statuesque front door, you’ll find yourself looking admiring the winding staircase that connects all three levels. The bespoke creation sets the tone for the rest of the aesthetic, with light timbers, natural ceramics and a nature motif. This deliberate choice means that the space avoids the stuffiness of other fine-dining establishments, instead creating an atmosphere of warmth and belonging.

Should your principal be dining in Above, they’ll find themselves making eyes with passengers sitting on the top level of London’s iconic red buses, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that look over Piccadilly. Luckily, when the buses move on, they reveal sweeping views of Green Park, the perfect backdrop for the dining experience.  While Below doesn’t have the views, it does have three private dining rooms, as well as a walk-in wine cellar, where diners can choose their own bottle.

We hear on the grapevine that HIDE is also home to a car lift, so should your principal value complete anonymity, they can enter and leave without any exposure to the outdoors at all.

In summary

HIDE is a welcome addition to the hectic Piccadilly area. As soon as you step off the street, it’s clear that you’re in for an absolute treat – no matter where and when you dine. With multiple private dining rooms, a Michelin-starred chef behind the pans and arguably London’s largest wine list, it has something for every business breakfast, lunch, dinner or drink.

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The basics:

65A Brushfield St, London, E1 6AA

020 7101 0093

Blixen.co.uk

A snapshot:

Backing onto Spitalfields Market, Blixen is a Victorian bank turned into a European grand café with a twist. The perfect spot for a lunch meeting with Wi-Fi and power points available in amongst the comfy booths.

A bit of background:

Opened in 2015, Blixen has become a mainstay in Spitalfields (and on Londoners’ Instagram feeds) with its dreamy dining space and conservatory paired with colourful and vibrant food. This was the first restaurant from owners Clive and Penny Watson, and after a history of refurbishing pubs around London, their extensive experience comes through in this East End haven.

The food:

The menu is full of inventive dishes with influences from all corners of the globe. Here, you’ll find a beef burger listed against a bao bun bhaji – in other words, there’s something for everyone. The menu also features the option to choose a small or large portion, so you can order a few big dishes to share, or enjoy them all to yourself.

When we visited, we decided on the chimichirri spiced ricotta, where the soft ricotta and crispy nduja filo pastry contrasted nicely on the plate. We weren’t disappointed on taste either, with pops of fresh tomato and crunchy pine nuts tying the dish together beautifully.

For our main dishes, we opted for two very different offerings – the crispy gnocchi and the aforementioned bao bun bhaji burger. The gnocchi boasted decadence all the way, thanks to the truffle running through the delightfully cheesy sauce.

The bao bun burger was a creative addition to our menu, with the bun surprisingly crispy and the spicy bhaji balanced beautifully by the tomato and onion chutney. Both of the plates offered great portion sizes, enough to be satisfied but safe in the knowledge you won’t be put into a food coma when you’re back in the office.

To pair with the food, we resisted the cocktail menu and picked the fresh house sodas, choosing from flavours like pineapple, mint, pink grapefruit and thyme. The cocktail list reflected the international influence with the Sake Puppy with orange bitters, or the Levante with tequila, turmeric and a cayenne pepper kick sounding delicious.

We unfortunately didn’t have time for dessert, however the warm banana pudding with chocolate sauce and ginger ice-cream sounded like heaven on a plate! If your team has the time, definitely make sure you save room for pudding.

The venue:

The venue is a drawcard here, as there is a space to suit every occasion. The grandeur of the dining room, where high ceilings, gold accents, marble and warm lighting make for an impressive spot to wine and dine. If you’ve booked a table for a weekday lunch with your team, however, the conservatory is the way to go. It’s light and airy, with plants hanging from the ceiling, the walls and by the tables: a veritable oasis of tropical greenery. Paired with the mismatched chairs and tables of various sizes, the vibe in this area is laid-back.

We chose a table along the windows facing the hustle and bustle of the markets. During our visit, only a handful of tables were occupied around us, so you could definitely host a long meeting without needing to rush.

In summary

Blixen is a great location for a relaxed and informal team meeting, with friendly and attentive staff and a menu that spans continents.

If you’re a PA, EA or a lifestyle manager, you may also be interested in our PA Collective®. We have a list of directory partners with whom you can secure preferential rates, an exciting calendar of events and a forum for you to share tips and tricks.

Feature Image provided by Blixen

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The basics:

19 Old Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1LB

020 7447 1080

gridironlondon.com

A snapshot:

Gridiron brings a contemporary, pared-back version of Mayfair sophistication to Old Park Lane, with no white table cloths in sight. This is the place for your principal to wine and dine clients, with high quality food and drinks from some of London’s biggest players.

A bit of background:

Situated in the Como Metropolitan Hotel on Old Park Lane, Gridiron is the brainchild of Mr Meatopia Richard H. Turner, and opened at the end of 2018. With Turner on executive chef duties, it’s clear that the open fire and charcoal pit are his influence.

Paired with an exciting cocktail selection by the Venning brothers (responsible for Dalston’s understated Three Sheets bar and several other equally cool spots around London), and acclaimed wine list from wine expert Fiona Beckett, there remains little doubt that guests are in for a treat from both the kitchen and the bar.

The food:

As you’d expect from a modern live-fire grill, the menu has a great selection of meat and seafood, including different steaks, cuts and types of fish. The great thing about Gridiron, however, is that the menu offers a few fantastic vegetarian options as well, so both carnivores and veggies will be satisfied. This is in part due to Turner’s interest in how different food reacts to the open flame, from the Lake District’s famous Herdwick lamb to delicate locally-sourced vegetables.

When we visited, we ordered a variety of dishes including a great tomato salad with produce from the Isle of Wight. These came out as an explosion of colour on the plate, with a variety of sizes paired with basil and delicious sourdough. We were also recommended the Cornish lobster and angel hair pasta, which would have been a perfect option for a decadent, light starter.

We opted to try the burger with Ogleshield cheese and were surprised when the waiter didn’t ask how we wanted the meat. It turns out there’s good reason for this – it was cooked to a perfect medium-rare as the patty contains bone marrow, and needs to be at a specific temperature so it melts, leaving behind a delicious, juicy burger.

We also sampled the grilled summer polenta – a crispy, hearty vegetarian option plated with sweet caramelised onion and sundried tomato.

On the cocktail menu at Gridiron, it’s not unexpected to find unconventional ingredients like miso, pickled onion and clear milk. This can mean that there’s an element of trust required when ordering, but Max and Noel Venning definitely know what they’re doing. We were treated to a lemon, truffle, caviar and vermouth masterpiece; it was so well-balanced and refreshing it was hard to stop at one!

For dessert, we chose the mille-feuille and a pavlova. The mille-feuille was a perfect stack of light flaky pastry and cream, complimented with acidity from red berries and cherry sorbet. The pavlova arrived with theatrical mastery as we discovered pockets of peach and lime flavours hidden beneath meringue shards. If we could have our time again, we would’ve definitely taken up the suggested wine pairings, which included a 20-year-old Tawny port.

It’s clear that through their expertise, the names behind the menu at Gridiron have confidence in what they’re offering up, and this comes across throughout the dining experience.

When booking a table, look out for guest chef takeovers of the restaurant which will offer unique and exclusive menus. Tom Brown of Cornerstone and Selin Kiazim of Oklava and Kyseri, have both had a turn in the kitchen here.

The venue:

With booths lining the dimly-lit dining room, there’s space for diners to relax and enjoy a long lunch or dinner. The ambiance is sophisticated and charming enough to impress an important client, but would equally provide a fantastic venue for a date night. The charcoal fire pit is a striking thing to walk past while being seated, a visual cue of what to expect on the menu.

On our visit, the wait staff were extremely attentive, open and knowledgeable about what made the offering special. We visited at lunch time, when only a few other tables were occupied which made for a enjoyable, intimate setting. Book your principal and their guest in for a dinner slot if they want for a livelier atmosphere.

In summary:

Gridiron fits right in to its Mayfair location, offering a great spot for your principal to wine and dine visitors.

Tiger regularly reviews restaurants around London to bring you the best venue for your next lunch meeting or client dinner. If you’re a PA, EA or a lifestyle manager, you may also be interested in our PA Collective®, with its list of directory partners, events and a forum where you can share tips and tricks with your fellow PAs. Click here to find out how to apply.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY GRIDIRON

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The Basics:

15 Berkeley St, Mayfair, London W1J 8DY
020 7290 9222
noburestaurants.com/london-berkeley-st/home/

A snapshot:

Situated amongst Mayfair’s premium sushi restaurants, Nobu is a jewel in the crown of high-end Japanese food, just off Berkeley Square. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch-time bite, or a lavish five course meal, Nobu caters to all requirements and will satisfy any sushi lover.

A bit of background:

Nobu is the world’s most recognised Japanese restaurant, known for its innovative new style and cult celebrity following. Founded by world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and A-lister Robert De Niro, Nobu is sleek, sophisticated and chic. With restaurants located all over the globe, it’s a name at the forefront of most cities’ culinary landscapes, and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for a modern take on Japan’s finest, or a luxurious place to stay at a Nobu hotel, this popular chain has it all.

The food:

At first glance, the menu may seem overwhelming with a large variety of Japanese delicacies on offer. However, the staff are on hand to guide you through and offer recommendations to suit, in a charming, friendly and efficient way. As this was our first visit, our waiter was extremely helpful and recommended we opt for variations of the bento box: one Classic and one Deluxe. This turned out to be the perfect choice, as we had many popular dishes to savour.

Both bento boxes arrived as a pair, with one cold platter and one hot. The cold platters offered an array of assorted sushi, beautifully served and mouth-wateringly fresh. As well as the sushi, the cold Classic platter was accompanied by a sashimi salad topped with a marvellous Matsuhisa dressing. The Deluxe served a best-selling toro sashimi salad yuzu miso – a personal highlight of our visit.

The hot courses followed, made up of three different dishes per box. Nobu’s signature black cod with miso is a real treat and one not to be missed in the classic bento box. Alongside the richly-flavoured cod were spiced vegetables with rice and delicious creamy tiger shrimp. We would recommend the Deluxe for meat lovers: the superb and succulent grilled beef tenderloin teriyaki was an absolute winner! Served medium-rare, perfectly pink and expertly executed, but we wouldn’t expect anything else from the master of sushi himself. Accompanied by spicy garlic scallops and langoustine tempura, this finished off our meal in an equally flavourful way.

This lunch for two was the perfect showcase of Nobu’s finest. We were able to try out numerous dishes which we found to be faultless combinations. Thanks to generous portions and great service, we left incredibly satisfied.

The venue:

We found Nobu to be welcoming with a friendly buzz, making it ideal for an intimate business meeting or social occasion. Unassuming from the outside, the restaurant is a large space spread across two floors. On the first level, a stylish bar caters for both relaxed business meetings and casual drinks. The open-plan second floor is spacious and bright, with a wall of windows overlooking the buzz of Berkeley Street.

In summary:

Perfectly understated from the outside while delivering on perfect flavours and execution, Nobu is an ideal venue for your principal when seeking a quiet but atmospheric lunch spot.

All images supplied by Nobu

The post In Review: Nobu appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics:

20 New Change, London EC4M 9AD

020 3971 2600

theivyasia.com

A snapshot:

The Ivy Asia is one of London’s hottest new restaurants, offering Asian-themed cuisine and extravagant décor that’s designed to impress. Situated in the heart of the City overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral, this restaurant is a must visit for a principal looking to impress clients with its lavish dining room and location.

A bit of background:

Following the success of Ivy Asia in Manchester, restaurateur Richard Caring has launched his second Ivy Asia site, adding to The Ivy group of now 32 restaurants. Since its opening in November 2019 (on the site which previously housed Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa restaurant), tables have been in high demand. We were lucky enough to find a table for two on a Friday lunchtime, but we did have to book in advance.

The food:

The stylish menu offers diners the option to order both small and large dishes ideal for sharing. From sushi and sashimi to miso black cod and wagyu beef tataki, the selection of dishes recommended to us was just the right amount to leave you feeling satisfied. The waiter gave us some great suggestions to make sure we didn’t miss out on the popular dishes. We enjoyed these for the most part, however the miso black cod was a little underwhelming, which left us wondering that they may need a little more time to perfect this dish.

At first glance, we did query how dishes such as buttermilk chicken made it onto the Asian menu, however, when served with an Asian-inspired twist (avocado and jalapeno sauce in this case), it complemented the other dishes’ flavours perfectly and was absolutely delicious. The small dishes were the highlight of our meal and we could’ve stayed there all afternoon picking at the sharing plates. The prawn skewers were cooked to perfection, while the dumplings were so tasty we ordered two more plates.

The venue:

Ivy Asia is well worth a visit, if only to gawp at the incredible interiors. If you’re looking for wow factor and a destination to impress, this venue has it all. From the illuminated green glass floor to the life-sized samurai statues, the beautiful panoramic views of St. Paul’s Cathedral are barely remarked upon by guests. This extravagant and luxurious setting is the perfect place to entertain clients or celebrate a special occasion.

Based in the middle of London’s corporate hub, the atmosphere at The Ivy Asia is lively and buzzing with excitement no matter the time of day. We visited for weekday lunch, and the restaurant was at capacity, proving this is definitely one of the most popular restaurants in town right now! The restaurant is also in possession of a late license with a DJ until 2am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you’re looking to book for a small group, their private dining space (the Edo Room) for 20 showcases spectacular Asian-themed artwork, black and gold accents and an uninterrupted view of St. Paul’s.

In summary:

The Ivy Asia is a glamorous and lavish restaurant serving Asian-inspired dishes, providing a perfect setting for client entertainment.

Image credit: The Ivy Asia

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The basics

Park Chinois

17 Berkeley St, London W1J 8EA

parkchinois.com

A snapshot

Reminiscent of a Gatsby era speakeasy with a far east twist, Park Chinois is culinary endeavour into an indulgent past. Equal parts fine dining and jazz club, this establishment transports you to another time and place entirely.

Great for: business lunches, social lunches, group dining, special occasions

What you can expect

Dim Sum but make it gourmet. Peeking into the menu, you are assaulted with options. Exciting, and at times overwhelming, there is something for everyone. Whet your palette with the Chef Selection Dim Sum – truffle, caviar, and sea scallop – four perfectly portioned bites of fusion flavours. The Wagyu beef gyoza are not to be missed – the crunchy dumpling parcel perfectly complements the delicate flavour of the beef. The salt and pepper squid is an upmarket take on a familiar favourite. The hand-pulled Ho Fun noodles with slow braised angus beef and braised crispy 5 spice pork belly are a delight. With an infinite combination of plates, this menu inspires the diner to imagine the possibilities – both in the future and in the past…

The venue

Now let’s get to the point – most of us are here for a show. Low tables, red velvet seating, and mirror-panelled walls pull you into the dining room – you are here for the long haul, so get comfortable. The Salon de Chine offers weeknight dining with live jazz. The music is pleasant, unobtrusive and provides the backdrop for an evening of good company. Downstairs, the Club Chinois is the main event – a dimly lit cabaret performance where dancers and acrobats contort themselves on tables.

This is Shanghai’s answer to Moulin Rouge.

This is not your familiar neighbourhood dim sum spot.

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The Basics

52 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4RP
Number: 020 8017 1788
Website – www.fallowrestaurant.com

A snapshot

Although Fallow is relatively new to the London restaurant scene, you will want to book your table well in advance. Having gained the attention of social media with their famous breakfast bun, Fallow has become a popular eatery since it’s opening in 2019. With something for everyone on the menu, their contemporary dishes using carefully sourced ingredients do not disappoint.

What you can expect

A menu that caters for everyone, and the most delectable sharing plates! We were greeted first by a friendly waiter, whose name, we have forgotten, after a few glasses of (very well recommended) wine. Having quickly glanced at the menu, we wanted everything! After some back and forth with our hugely knowledgeable waiter – we decided to let him take the reigns. We started off with the festive stuffing flatbread, which was Christmas in a bite! Shortly after, we enjoyed Chloe’s favourite – the famous corn ribs – which are slices of corn on the cob, fried and covered in a seasoning, which we could only describe as addictive. Next, Annie’s favourite, the flamed mussels coated in a bacon butter sauce, which were unforgettable! Lastly we halved the Fallow burger – covered in braised short rib, bacon, shallot, and cheese – just as sensational as the dishes that came before. We both agreed that Fallow would make the perfect lunch treat, and as soon as we left, we went to book again…

The venue

We were quickly greeted by the lovely ambience and warmth of the  restaurant. The lighting was intimate, and we did have to, embarrassingly, get our torches out to read the menu. The staff were nothing but exceptional and were clearly very well educated on the wine and food menu, which made us feel like we were in safe hands!

In summary

Considering we have already planned our next trip; we would highly recommend! Perfect spot for a business lunch, celebration and a dinner for your Principal’s family. Just make sure to order the corn ribs and mussels!

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The basics:

44 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K 2HP

020 7596 3200

Thebettermentmayfair.com/restaurant/

A snapshot:

Situated in grand hotel The Biltmore, Jason Atherton’s latest venture is a wonderful edition to Grosvenor Square. From the modern sophistication of the dining room to the menu that celebrates local ingredients, this is the place for your principal’s next lunchtime meeting in the West End.

A bit of background:

The Betterment is the newest restaurant from ex-Maze chef Jason Atherton. Atherton’s first restaurant post-Ramsay was Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social, and his latest venture captures the same essence of celebrating British produce in new and exciting ways. Atherton has moved fellow Michelin-starred, ex-Ramsey chef Paul Walsh from City Social to head up the kitchen, where they’ve collaborated on a carefully designed menu to appeal to a wide range of palates.

The food:

There’s no doubt that Atherton has his sights on a Michelin star for the Betterment, and with good reason.

On our lunchtime visit, the attentive staff offered leather-bound menus that showcased a set menu and a la carte options, alongside an extensive cocktail and wine selection.

Atherton and Walsh’s focus on locally-sourced ingredients is illustrated by the comprehensive list of main ingredients within the menu, alongside the exact location they’re sourced from (all in the UK of course). This celebration of British cuisine showcases everything from Scottish langoustines and venison, to kale from Ormskirk.

The first pleasant surprise was the delicious warm, malted bread loaf with salted butter. The second was the attention to detail by the wait staff, exhibited in little touches such as sweeping away crumbs after we’d devoured it, or recollecting the orders of each party and suggesting a wine pairing: all these served to make us feel at home.

We had opted for a couple of meaty main dishes alongside plant-based sides. First up: the ox cheek tortellini. This tender, green pasta was filled to almost-bursting with an incredibly rich, melt-in-your-mouth filling. The dish was completed to perfection with a foam that served to have the dish glisten on the plate.

The highland venison arrived as two tender pieces, accompanied by crispy red cabbage and sweet quince, and a venison jus poured table-side. The combination of the crisp textures, juicy, medium-rare meat with the sauce reminiscent of Christmas dinner. Not overly-gamey and cooked to perfection.

Our side dishes – the confit Basque peppers and the onion flower – were the perfect accompaniment. While the peppers were sweet, soft and juicy, the stand out was the onion. It’s a stunning centrepiece, unfolding from the centre of the plate like a crisp flower. Served alongside a silky mayonnaise, the natural sweetness of the onion perfectly enhanced the crispiness of the fanned layers.

The venue:

The dining room can accommodate a range of dining preferences, from a two-person lunch to a larger party in one of two private spaces, called the Aquarium and the Chairman’s room. The main dining room, with its green and gold colour scheme, succulents and coloured glasses, offers a playful twist on traditional elegance. It’s also cleverly sectioned to enhance a more intimate dining experience, perfect for a relaxed lunch meeting.

The semi-open kitchen showcases an exciting atmosphere without the noise, while little touches such as stools for bags and an impressive wine cart offered up to all tables, are impressive.

In summary:

Whether they’re visiting London and looking for the best of British dining experience, or they’re a local entrepreneur seeking something different to delight the senses, The Betterment will enchant.

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IMAGES PROVIDED BY THE BETTERMENT

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The Basics

10 Grosvenor Square,

London W1K 6JP

A Snapshot

Lucky Cat is inspired by Tokyo’s 1930s kissas and Shanghai’s drinking dens. These nocturnal music clubs became the playground of the urban youth seeking all things extravagant, new and cutting edge. Asian inspired small plates, Robata grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi are crafted in the open kitchen and signature raw carve bar. Each dish is designed to be shared.

A bit of background

Gordon Ramsay is a world-famous Michelin chef from the UK, and one of the largest household names in the industry. He launched his restaurant ‘Lucky Cat’ on June 24^th 2019 and it is now a ‘must be’ spot in Mayfair for A-listers in London.

The food

The food at Lucky Cat takes a twist on the traditional Asian cuisine, while being refined in its presentation and taste. If you are a lover of Asian food, there is certainly something for you. From Sushi, to fish, the finest cut meat, their menu is impressive and expensive. An example of this would be the egg fried rice, which wears a price tag of £20 per portion! We aimed to try different dishes on the menu, to give you an all-round feel of what is being offered at Lucky Cat. To start, we opted for smoked brisket bao, served with yuzu mustard and pickled cucumbers as well as the salmon avocado roll. The brisket was succulent and tender however we felt that the mustard was slightly overpowering for the meat. The salmon roll was just as you would expect with a great portion size and fresh taste.

For our main dishes we opted for the tempura prawn and shiso; whole grilled sea bream and the rare breed beef sirloin. All three dishes were incredibly different but equally as mouth-watering. The fish fell off the bone, the beef melted in our mouths and the tempura was just the right amount of crisp without being greasy.

We agree, that our stand-out dish was the whole sea bream for us both. It seemed to have been grilled over a BBQ and seasoned to perfection. Paired with the (expensive) egg-fried rice, it was the perfect combination.

The venue

We walked up the stairs and were greeted by the doorman. The loud music, darkness, and floodlights made it looked phenomenal. Inside, there was a big neon sign with the Lucky Cat logo, which was great for some pictures. The staff were friendly and seated us straight away. The layout of the restaurant was perfect for families, couples, and groups. We were very comfortable in our large velvet chairs; the Asian inspired décor really lit the room well, accompanied with authentic luxurious ornaments.

In summary

Overall, we had a fantastic time at Lucky Cat. We would recommend this as a great place for business lunches and a dinner for your Principal’s family.

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