January Newsletter

Hi, Fellow foodies,

With the year’s first month nearly done and dusted, it's time to catch up with some foodie news since we last spoke. I can't pretend to be a fan of January (even though I have a birthday early in the month). It’s a hard month, and I see no reason to make it much harder by attempting a dry January. However, I do secretly admire those that do.

Anyhow, my January has been busy, I finally got down to adding some recipes to the website, two of my own and two guest recipes, one from Gigi Grassia (@gigi_goes_vegan,) who launched her first book in January and donated a fantastic recipe from the book to us called Marry me lentils, the second came from the team at Wylde market and called Mary’s onion soup, trust me this soup worth making. While mentioning Wylde, they kindly gave us a discount code for £20 off your first order. Please check out their website. I ordered fish, meat, and vegetables; the website is full of stunning produce direct from the producers. The discount code is MAYFAIR20.

Whilst talking about recipes ,it is about time you sent me your favourite recipe. It would be great to feature it on the website; come on, you know you want to.

 Apart from recipes, I've been reviewing a couple of restaurants for the website. First up was Sunday Brunch at Bocconcino’s in Mayfair. It is a buffet with an eat-as-you-want option and a selection of hot dishes to order. Needless to say, just like everybody there, we did eat too much, and it was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon: great food, entertainment, and unlimited bubbles—what’s not to like?

Next up is a new Covent Garden fish restaurant that opened in December, Osteria Del Mare in Covent Garden. The food was excellent, and the decor was stunning. Read my review here.

I had a lot of fun writing an article on “The Best Breakfast Spots in Mayfair.” The article includes a selection of good-value restaurants and a few very special options if you are pushing the boat out or celebrating early in London.

I have a confession to make with my Christmas foodie quiz: I made an error on the question in the drink section, Question 7, “What country does Alberino come from?” The answer, of course, is Spain. I originally had the Italian wine Primitivo as my question but then changed it because I thought it was too easy. Like an idiot, I forgot to change the answer. Thanks to Tina for pointing out my error. If you correctly answered Spain, I humbly apologise. 

Restaurant openings In London

In addition to the aforementioned Osteria Del Mare, below are a few of new restaurants that opened in January.

Rake at the Compton Arms

Rake is the new resident at the Compton Arms in Islington, serving British favourites, including ray wing crumpets and their signature hot dogs.

Voyage with Adam Simmonds

Adam Simmonds is taking over The Megaro Hotel at Kings Cross, serving Scandinavian-influenced food.

Prince Arthur, Belgravia

This is not your everyday pub. Prince Arthur boasts a fishmonger's counter and its own caviar. Upstairs, there is a restaurant serving Basque dishes like lobster rice with Saffron aioli—no stale cheese rolls here. I’m told the pub serves Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone larger; of course, it does.

Noodle and Beer

A new addition in Soho’s Wardour Street, serving Sichuan noodles and an interesting and varied selection of beers. The signature dish is Chongqing noodles and Xiao Mian; it’s a traditional breakfast dish in Chongqing but makes a wonderful spicy accompaniment to the beer.

The Great Indian

A new Indian Gastro pub in Archway, now you can stay in the pub and still go for a curry. With Indian classics on the menu, plus a few surprises, like coastal chilly-tamarind prawn dosa.

Ramsay Bishopsgate

Up-and-coming chef called Gordon Ramsay is opening in 22 Bishopsgate Tower in February in what will be London’s highest dining room. He will try to elevate his dishes to match the location (did I really write that).

Selene

Selene enters the list as a bit of an imposter as it’s a nightclub, whatever that is!

I’m told Selene is London's newest nightlife destination, set to open in the West End. Named after the Greek goddess of the moon, it features multiple themed rooms, vibrant performances inspired by Greek mythology, and music from top house DJs.

Located just off Oxford Street on Winsley Street, the venue includes a room dedicated to ancient Greece, an intimate garden-inspired space for electronic music, and a hidden area with a duckpin bowling alley for small gatherings.

With luxurious decor, bold colours, and clever lighting, Selene aims to offer an unforgettable escape, making it the must-visit venue in the Capital's nightlife.

What’s on next Month

Claridges

 From February 17th to 22nd, 2025, Claridge's Restaurant will host a special residency with Hotel Il Pellicano, bringing a taste of Tuscany right to Mayfair. Chef Michelino Gioia will create delightful Italian dishes using the best ingredients, while barman Federico Morosi will whip up some refreshing cocktails. Are you planning to check it out?his February legendary hotels Claridge’s and Hotel Il Pellicano join forces to bring some dolce vita flair to Mayfair with Il Pellicano’s one-week residency at Claridge’s Restaurant from Monday 17^th – Saturday 22^nd February 2025. Bringing some much-welcomed sunshine to London during the winter months, Chef Michelino Gioia and his team will serve up an abundance of Tuscany’s flavoursome ingredients with his signature Italian dishes, alongside legendary barman Federico Morosi, who’ll be mixing up some of his famous cocktails.

Bibi

On Saturday, February 22nd, Chef Chet Sharma is excited to welcome his good friend, Chef Endo Kazutoshi, from the Michelin-starred Endo At The Rotunda, for a special dining experience at BiBi.

These two talented chefs have been friends for a long time and are joining forces for a delightful event that celebrates their bond and passion for great ingredients. Thanks to Ruinart, the menu will be a wonderful fusion of their culinary styles, featuring Endo’s traditional Edomae sushi from Tokyo and Chet’s amazing spice creations. It’s sure to be a fantastic evening of delicious flavours and great company!

Bellemy’s 20th Anniversary Dinner

On February 24th, the Good Food Guide is hosting a special evening at Bellamy's, located on Bruton Place, to celebrate the restaurant's 20th anniversary. The event will feature a three-course dinner showcasing Bellamy's signature dishes and a discussion led by patron Gavin Rankin, who will share insights into the highs and lows of running this iconic Mayfair restaurant. Tickets are selling fast but can be purchased on the Good Food Guide website.

Valentines Day

Veeraswamy

Michelin-starred Veeraswamy, London's oldest Indian restaurant, is adding a very special dish to its menu to celebrate Valentine’s day; from the 14th-20th of Feb, Dilruba chicken, I’m told Dilruba means “the one who steals the heart”! It looks stunning and almost too good to eat; I did say almost.

Delamina Townhouse

Delamina Townhouse, Covent Garden offers a special 6-course Valentines menu for a bargain £52pp. The evening begins with a champagne cocktail and a vibrant selection of dips and finger foods. The menu then progresses through dishes featuring the finest ingredients from earth, land, and sea. To round off the meal, guests can enjoy a selection of the most loved desserts, leaving them with a sweet conclusion to a memorable dining experience. I have met the head chef and co-owner, Limor Chen, and I can safely say this will be a very special dinner; she is a very talented chef. See menu here

Akira Back

Situated in the newly built Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, acclaimed Chef Akira Back’s restaurant Akira Back and cocktail concept and rooftop bar, ABar Rooftop invites guests to celebrate ‘Love Above London’ and ‘Love below London’ for Valentine’s Day in breathtaking spaces. More details is on their website.

Novikov

 Novikov has created a special dessert and cocktail menu available for this romantic occasion. Guests will be able to try the special Valentine’s Lovebirds dessert priced at £15, while sipping on a Strawberry Negroni, with Gin, Strawberry infused Campari, Sweet Vermouth. Alternatively guests can enjoy a Red Passion drink, with Rose' Vermouth, Strawberry & Cherry Wine, Lemon, Amaro Bitter, both cocktails priced at £18. 

Piccolino

Italian restaurant group Piccolino’s Valentine’s menu will be available from February 10th to 16th, accompanied by a special Valentine's cocktail for each diner. Check their website for full details of the offer.

What’s coming up on the Mayfair Foodie

From the 3rd to the 19th Feb, I’m going to be away from Mayfair and excited to say I’m on a mini tour of  Asia for two weeks, starting in Bangkok, then Seim Reap, Cambodia, and finally spending a week in Vietnam visiting Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ha Long bay in Vietnam.  I will post mini foodie updates on my Instagram page (@themayfairfoodie) and, of course, report back in the Feb newsletter. Any recommendations are welcome if you have visited any of the places we are going to.

When I return, I have an interview scheduled with a co-owner of one of the busiest restaurants in Mayfair. I also plan to visit a couple of restaurants, including a special breakfast at a bakery in Tbilisi. Additionally, I'm starting to compile a list of the "Best Sunday Lunches" in Mayfair, and as is often the case, I will include some recommendations from neighbouring areas. If you've had a fantastic Sunday lunch in central London, please send me the details so I can include them in my list.

I’m also going to be busy adding all your fantastic recipes to the website🤔

Awards season is here.

Finally, it’s award season! The highly anticipated 2025 Michelin Awards will be announced on February 10th. In addition, the Good Food Guide awards will take place next week, and this week, the list of the 50 Best Gastro Pubs in Britain was released.

Well, it is time for me to shut down my laptop, and I have a lot to do before my holiday; thanks, as always, for reading.

Have a good February, and I will speak to you in the next newsletter.

Martin, Mayfair Foodie

[email protected]

www.mayfairfoodie.com

Instagram @themayfairfoodie.com