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- August Newsletter
Fellow Foodie,
Welcome to my August newsletter, and an extra big welcome to this month's new subscribers. There was a record number of sign-ups this month, for which I’m very grateful.
As always, it has been busy since we last spoke, so I’ll give you a quick round-up of my August before heading into the latest news.
Two new reviews were added to the website in August. They were from very different restaurants, but I am delighted to report that the food was excellent in both.
First up was the opulent, flamboyant fine-dining Novikov; we had lunch in Novikov’s Italian restaurant,
Novikov
The second review was lunch at the extremely popular Delamina in Marylebone, a relaxed and vibrant Eastern Mediterranean restaurant. Food that takes you to summer, whatever the weather.
Parfait of Halva
Following on from my brunch review at Masala Zone, we went back for a family double birthday celebration (wife & brother-in-law). Before we ate, we popped into The Devonshire pub for a drink, famed for the quality of the Guinness and for their upstairs restaurant (booking essential). The place was heaving, but a quick tip: if you plan to visit The Devonshire and the main bar is packed, ask if you can go through to the back bar and snug. They keep its existence private but will take you through it if you ask. We went on to Masala Zone and had a fantastic evening. The food was great, and as I highlighted in my brunch review, the decor was stunning. It got a big “highly recommended” from the family and me.
I published two of my favourite recipes: Roasted butternut squash soup and my super quick spaghetti dish. These will be my last recipes for a while due to a kitchen refurb, which is very exciting but with a hint of trepidation, as our kitchen will be out of action for 6-8 weeks.
With that in mind, I would like to ask you a favour, dear reader. If you have a favourite recipe that brings you joy, I would love to feature it on our website! Please send it my way, along with some photos, and I’ll include a short bio about you, the talented chef behind the dish.
On Wednesday, we had lunch at Michelin-starred Hide on Piccadilly. I cannot wait to share our experience with you on the website; it was a memorable meal, and I had my first-ever taste of mango wine. Our review will be on the website next week.
Latest news
New restaurant openings
An update on Jason Atherton’s new restaurant, Mary’s, is now open (on soft launch); I’ve only heard good things from those who have been, as well the main restaurant serving meat and fish on a wood-fired grill accompanied with some of Jason’s classic dishes highlighting British produce. For those looking for a quick bite, there is a smash burger bar (£16.50) and a value-for-money lunch menu at £35. The other news is the former Pollen Street bar now offers cocktails starting at a reasonable £12 (especially for Mayfair).
Jason is going to be a busy man. In November, he is opening a new restaurant called Row on 5 in Savile Row. I'll make sure to follow up with more details.
Another interesting opening in Mayfair, renowned Chef Brad Carter has finally moved to London and is opening Undercroft in the basement of St George's church. Brad is a fantastic chef, and with what sounds like it will be an iconic restaurant. The opening date is yet to be announced.
JKS Restaurants (owners of Gymkhana) have opened Ambassadors Clubhouse in Heddon Street, a Punjabi restaurant and ode to the founders' Grandfather and his residence in North India.
Michelin-starred Akira Back has opened his Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental, Hanover Square.
Fonda is a Mexican restaurant coming from KOL's Santiago Lastra, which is due to open in September on Heddon Street in Mayfair, coincidently opposite the Ambassador’s Clubhouse.
After six years of residencies and pop-ups, AngloThai will open its first permanent site on Seymour Place in nearby Marylebone this autumn.
Other news…
Much loved Bellamys in Bruton Place is celebrating its 20-year anniversary later this year. I hear there are a few special events to celebrate reaching this milestone, watch this space.
Claridge’s, the legendary Mayfair hotel, has announced a new dining experience in partnership with renowned restaurant bible The Good Food Guide. The Kitchen Supper Series will offer up to 14 diners' front-row seats and extraordinary culinary theatre at the chef’s table. Top chefs featured in The Good Food Guide take over the hallowed Claridge’s kitchen for one night only. Launching in September 2024. Tickets are available to book via the Claridge’s website.
The White Horse pub/wine bar will reopen on September 3rd. The good news is that they will have a reopening party on September 20th; I hope to make it.
Finally, sorry to use the “C” word, Rex Deli in Bruton Place has asked me to mention that they are making their own special Christmas gift hampers filled with products from the regenerative mixed farmland in Northamptonshire; they will include gourmet treats by Larry Jayasekara and the team.
Moving on to September, with our kitchen out of action, we will not need an excuse to eat out. Also, we are kicking off the month with a trip to Bergerac, France. Once back, we have dinner planned at the newly refurbished Caviar Kaspia, which has launched a new menu to celebrate. I’m looking forward to seeing the new restaurant and bar, which is based in a beautiful four-story townhouse.
Caviar Kaspia
So that's all from me. I hope you have had a lovely August and have an even better September.
As always, thanks so much for reading.
Warmest regards,
Martin, Mayfair Foodie
Instagram @themayfairfoodie.com