Did you know there was a restaurant in Bonhams Auction House in the West End? It’s been open since the end of 2014 and already holds a Michelin star. Not bad going for the young chef, Tom Kemble, in charge of his own restaurant for the first time. Kemble has worked at the legendary Faviken […]
Tag Archives: Mayfair
May
13
Coya. Peruvian/Japanese Roka-style mashup.
posted by Nicky Richmond
I’d tried to get into my standby, Roka Mayfair and the voice-without-warmth on their reception told that I might be able to get a walk-in, if I was lucky. It seems that even if you go somewhere at least once a week and you and your colleagues take clients all the time, well, they still […]
March
10
Chutney Mary: the makeover.
posted by Nicky Richmond
My first impression is that they have spent a small fortune on the fit-out and my second is that I want to stay in the bar. Chutney Mary is the pimped-up reincarnation of the original restaurant of the same name which, until very recently plied its trade at the bottom end of the King’s Road. […]
March
03
Sartoria. Old dog new tricks.
posted by Nicky Richmond
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 […]
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 […]
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.
February
11
Kitty Fisher’s. A modern pro.
posted by Nicky Richmond
“Can I please have a gin and Slimline?” “Oh, we don’t have Slimline,” says the man who must be the boss, such is his proprietorial air. I find out later that he is Oliver Milburn, joint owner. The kichen is manned by Tomos Parry, winner of Young British Foodie chef of the year and formerly of Climpson’s Arch in E8 and Chris Leach, ex Pitt Cue […]
January
11
C London. Mugged in Mayfair.
posted by Nicky Richmond
I have thought about taking C to C London, dragging him out of his Oxfordshire hermitage, just so that I can say I’ve taken C to C London, but it’s an expensive trip, just for the sake of a pun. I’ve been a few times myself, so I know what I’m in for. Colleague J has […]
December
14
Wiltons. SW1. History on a plate.
posted by Nicky Richmond
It’s been there since 1742, according to the doormat. Bang in the heart of hunting-shooting-fishing-land, you can stock up on all your country needs before you come here and eat something that someone else has had the decency to shoot for you. Wanting, nay needing to avoid anything remotely festive, when Wiltons pinged up on […]
The Food Judge 