Food and Drink

Review of Julie’s Restaurant in Holland Park Announces 50th...

27th September 2019

Despite the star-studded guests who have enjoyed the delicious food and lively parties that Julie’s is known for, owners Tim and Cathy Herring insist that the restaurant maintains its ethos as a neighbourhood gathering place. “We are greatly looking forward to welcoming our loyal customers who come from all over the world, as well as those from the local neighbourhood. It will be a fun and happy reunion for many friends,” says the couple.

Wiltons Oyster Masterclass

26th September 2019

There is truly no better place to learn about the art of oysters—from differentiating between native and rock oysters to seeing shucking techniques first-hand, and understanding how to get the best flavour out of each mollusc—than at an establishment which holds six royal warrants for supplying oysters to the royal household. 

Yann Couvreur Comes To Claridge's

5th September 2019

Planning the Perfect Party

4th September 2019

While sending out the invites early is a must, getting the venue right is crucial. For this big birthday bash, I booked Camden Place in Chislehurst - a magnificent Georgian mansion set within 70 acres of beautiful grounds. Working in the television industry and having produced many live shows in my career, I know the importance of organisation, working to strict timings and how adding some extra production value can really make a world of difference. 

Celebrating Summer With a Crayfish Party at Ekte Nordic...

24th August 2019

Ekte has an all-day restaurant as well as a café/deli favoured by City workers wanting quick takeaway options. I was invited to visit Ekte for an evening of Nordic debauchery at their infamous Crayfish Party. Jessen and event manager Fili explained how a crayfish party is a traditional Nordic celebration in the summer months. We were told to expect a lot of food, drinks, and singing.

Review of Hotel Review | Castello dal Pozzo

22nd August 2019

Situated on the banks of the spectacular Lake Maggiore, Castello dal Pozzo is a five-star luxury hotel with a storied past. The castle has been in the Dal Pozzo family for six generations, and they have gone to great lengths to turn their beloved home into one of the top destinations in the region. The familial atmosphere and excellent service were evident from the moment we entered the driveway. We were warmly welcomed by the staff, who took our car into the private garage, our bags inside, and gave us a quick tour. They were more than happy to suggest restaurants and bars for us to visit and made the necessary reservations for us to secure tables in the area’s most popular spots. The luxury residence’s 45 rooms are spread out across the 18th-century palace, the renovated stables, and the castle itself. Original antiques, art, and family heirloom pieces adorn the walls and peek out of corners of the hotel’s hallways, and add to its allure. We stayed in one of the Junior Suites, which had wooden flooring and a living area with a coffee table, armchairs, and work desk. The canopy bed exuded old world charm whilst the marble bathroom with both a bath and stand-alone rain shower was a welcome contemporary touch.

Review of A Taste of South India in London - Ooty Review

1st June 2019

As we entered the restaurant, my friend Paige and I were immediately captivated by the splash of colour in the dining room. The tasteful décor, reminiscent of the British Raj era, was a welcome refuge from the busy outside world. We were first invited downstairs to the Ooty Club for a drink and nibbles. The Ooty Club is a colonial-style basement bar that serves up signature cocktails using teas, spices, and premium spirits. The intimate setting is perfect for pre or post-dinner catch-ups and has its own dedicated bartender ready to bring refreshing tipples for you and your guests to enjoy. We were also able to try their canapé menu which features moreish bites like spiced nuts and squid ink croquettes.

Review of The landmark hotel London review

25th May 2019

What we noticed most at this prestigious establishment was truly in its staff – never failing to greet anyone that entered with warmth, sarcasm and charm. Without being intrusive, its staff remained friendly and accommodating which ultimately made for an unforgettable experience for us. Why should one choose The Landmark when deciding on a five-star hotel to stay at in London? The staff for one thing, but the décor and its signature Winter Garden are aspects of the hotel that can make one feel inspired, comfortable and energised. Each morning, one can make their way to the vast atrium and gather that sense of refreshing energy as the sky above declares itself, greeting you with whatever weather London has to offer. There is something about natural sunlight and wide-open spaces surrounded by charming accents that really puts one’s mood at ease. And for this, we regard The Landmark as an architectural sight to behold.

Review of Down London’s rabbit hole – dear Alice review

21st May 2019

Hidden behind a tiny book shop front is the private members club LIBRARY, above brand new speakeasy Dear Alice. The Sybarite visited this Alice in Wonderland themed rabbit hole for an enticing evening of cocktails and snacks; after all, it’s always tea time… Located deep underneath LIBRARY, just off Leicester Square, Dear Alice is deep, dark and mysterious. We are guided down two flights of stairs and cryptically told to ‘push, not pull’ when faced with walls lined with cupboards and wardrobes. Like the entrance to an evil villain’s lair, with just a push we are transported into a different room entirely, somewhere between Narnia and the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

The Top 10 Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining in London

16th May 2019

From secret courtyards to a rosé terrace, we can’t think of a better excuse to go daytime drinking whilst lounging in the sun. Sybarite food and drinks writer Ina Yulo brings you all the top locations in the capital where you can enjoy your meal al fresco.

Review of Lightning in a Bottle - El Rayo Tequila Review

3rd May 2019

Tom tells me about how their journey began in Peckham. His brother had brought a bottle of añejo (vintage) tequila with him from his trip to Mexico and it was like nothing they had ever tasted before. “We wanted to get rid of the bad image that most people have of tequila. It’s often associated with cheap liquor and awful hangovers,” he says. Tom and Jack soon quit their jobs and headed for Mexico where they set out to bring back a tequila experience unlike any other.

Review of The Peninsula Paris’ exquisite LiLi Canto restaurant

28th April 2019

Since the Peninsula’s HQ has always been and operated by Hong Kong, it is no surprise that its Parisian chain bring with it an authentic Canto experience in the form of food. Whether you’re a newcomer to the cuisine or crave delectable dim sum and barbecue meats, we would recommend going for their dinner set menu as it offers an excellent introduction to the restaurants signature dishes which those familiar to Canto food will be pleased with. There of course are some non-traditional dishes like the kimchi fried rice and the highly anticipated roasted Peking duck – a classic that one must order. Pair your dinner with a selection of their finest Chinese teas but most of all enjoy the dinner and admire the strong oriental interior design elements with red being the dominant colour throughout the restaurant. LiLi is also an ideal place to host a special occasion as the aesthetics are beautiful to say the least and the grandeur breath-taking.