Unless it has been shoved into a quiet corner, it seems that the tailor’s dummy has been done for in the refurb; that tailor’s dummy which sat in the heart of the restaurant, letting you know that you were in the middle of the the hand-made garment district, as if the Savile Row address didn’t offer enough of […]
Tag Archives: business lunch
January
23
Lurra lurra love. Or, what a cow.
posted by Nicky Richmond
Many years ago, when I was younger and had more energy, I used to swim every morning before work, at the public baths in Seymour Place. My daily companions were a group of elderly women who gathered there every morning, rain or shine, daily swim followed by daily gossip. I’ve been thinking about reinstating that habit, as my daily […]
January
20
The Quality Chop House. It’s on my list.
posted by Nicky Richmond
You can’t really write about The Quality Chop House without talking about its history. I was just going to mention that it had been a restaurant since 1869 and leave it at that. Thing is though, as a property lawyer by profession and an historian by education I can’t quite leave it there. So, combining […]
January
01
Les 110 de Taillevent. Bank on it.
posted by Nicky Richmond
An accomplished brasserie with sophisticated food, mainly classics, executed to a high standard for the price point.
December
09
Park Chinois. Put on your dancing shoes.
posted by Nicky Richmond
“Park Chinois occupies a niche, and offers a balance to the current club culture. It brings about a rebirth of the Dinner Dance aesthetic, a modern interpretation underpinned by old school values.” Website: Park Chinois One of the more creative of our serial restaurateurs, Alan Yau has for this, his latest venture, chosen to target the much-moneyed Mayfair […]
November
26
Sexy Fish. Wear your best trout pout.
posted by Nicky Richmond
In the end, I had to put my splayed fingers on the glass, covering the faces of the paparazzi, their noses pressed to the window. Hoping to catch a glimpse of Rita Ora, I can’t imagine that they were particularly interested in Piers Morgan, sitting a couple of tables away. If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas, you will […]
November
05
The Ivy, spreading its tendrils to Marylebone.
posted by Nicky Richmond
I’ve got a table for the new Ivy Café in Marylebone tomorrow, says Mr A, I know it’s short notice, but I thought you might like to try it. Short notice? Never a problem. As he said it, the vague memory of an Ivy opening in Marylebone drifted into my conscious mind. It had slipped […]
October
27
The Ritz. If you’re blue.
posted by Nicky Richmond
It’s not for me, I think, all that gilt, all those mirrors and middle-aged women, listening to the plinkety-plink of the piano, whilst stuffing their faces with champagne, tea, sandwiches and cake. I’m far too cool for this, I tell myself. I entirely ignore the fact that I am a middle-aged woman with a fondness for champagne, sandwiches, tea and cake.
October
17
Shaun Dickens at the Boathouse. Not floating my boat.
posted by Nicky Richmond
I’ve booked and cancelled Shaun Dickens at the Boathouse in Henley on more than one occasion, simultaneously attracted by his stated pedigree and put off by pictures of somewhat overwrought food. It’s quite fussy plating, the like of which will generally have me running for the hills, unless I know that they know what they are doing. But […]
September
21
The Clove Club. Who said romance was dead?
posted by Nicky Richmond
“Happy loving couples make it look so easy.” Joe Jackson, 1989. I’d last been to The Clove Club on Valentine’s Day, that passion-killer which ranks up there with New Year’s Eve as top of my nights to stay at home under all circumstances. I was so overjoyed to be able to find that a table […]
The Food Judge 