January Round-up

Newsletter January Round-up

Fellow Foodie,

Well, we're nearly through what many call the most depressing month of the year. I do understand why – especially if you're attempting dry January. I've never attempted it, and my excuse is that my birthday is in January, so I celebrate reaching another year older. Crikey, I'm racking up the years now.

So what have I been up to? For my birthday I was treated to a visit to Starling – my second visit and another superb lunch with lots of highlights. Nick Bearshaw is a talented chef.

I managed to squeeze in 4 days in Funchal, Madeira – one of my favourite places – with sunshine and lots of good food, including my first visit to the excellent Armazém do Sal restaurant (highly recommended), lunch at the delightful Portuguese-themed Bistro Pau de Lume, and as always when in Funchal, a visit to Marisqueira O Barqueiro for the best seafood platters in town.

Only one new review on the website this month, and what a cracker: Sunday lunch at the Guinea Grill. If you're looking for a traditional Sunday roast, the "Guinea" is for you. Click here to view.

Sadly, I was due to review Brother Marcus, but I picked up a nasty bug last week and had to postpone, hopefully I can visit next month.

Over the Christmas holidays I have also been busy in the kitchen, adding no less than four recipes to the website, including my take on classic winter warmers: Beef Bourguignon, Lancashire hotpot, and my creamy fish pie recipe, all easy to cook and prepare but great recipes for this time of year.

Did you recieve any cookbooks for Christmas? I was luckey enough to receive two, the bestseller Padella, pasta recipes from the restaurant of the same name. The second a one pot recipe book from Tim Wilson founder of the Ginger Pig butchers in Borough market. I can see me cooking recipes from both books, some might even appear on the website in the future, what this space!

For wine lovers, I also received a lovely book called Thirsty by Tom Gilbey. It's full of funny stories, but more importantly, Tom cuts through all the pretension surrounding wine and writes about it in a way that actually makes sense to normal people like me – well, normal-ish. You get what I mean-Ha Ha

As it's January and if like me your bank account is requiring some much-needed love and attention, please check out our extended special lunch deals section with some fantastic offers from across central London.

News Round-up

Well, January certainly flew by! The restaurant scene didn't waste any time getting back into full swing after the holidays. Here's what's been happening this month:

Before that my News: I'm delighted to announce that the online farmers market Wylde Market will be providing their fantastic organic produce for my recipes. I've been a customer for a while, and it's great to be working with them.

Novikov Italian launches Aperitivo Time, running weekdays 5–7pm until 12th February. For £30 per person, enjoy unlimited Aperol Spritz, Bellini and Negroni paired with a spread of antipasti including bruschetta, spaghetti frittata and Italian rice salad. The experience takes place in the intimate Italian PDR Room, perfect for groups of up to six. A refined way to unwind in the heart of Mayfair.

Opening This Week

• DakaDaka opens on Heddon Street on January 17 – the team behind Seabird and Eggbreak is bringing modern Georgian food. Think cheese-filled bread (khachapuri) and dumplings that'll make you very happy.

• The Azuki lands in Holborn on January 20 – from the owner of popular Dotori, expectations are high for this Japanese spot.

• Connie's opens in Peckham on January 26 – "Bri-talian" pizza from the 081 Pizzeria founder. I'm intrigued!

Recently Opened & worth a visit

Martino's in Sloane Square – opened end of November with rave reviews. My spies tell me it is very good. Martino’s is open for breakfast through to dinner.

Chef News

Big news from Oxfordshire as Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons announces Raymond Blanc's successor. Arnaud Donckele – who already runs fine dining restaurants in St Tropez and Paris – will be commuting from France for several weeks at a time. He's got plenty of time to settle in before renovations complete in 2027. At 76, Raymond Blanc took his final bow after service on New Year's Eve and remains connected as 'lifetime ambassador'. End of an era.

On the Move

Dom Taylor's The Good Front Room is leaving The Langham for a permanent home in Dalston. Following your restaurant to East London? That's dedication.

Coming in February

• Temaki is heading to Maddox Street, Mayfair after closing their Brixton location last August. The handroll specialists have found a spot right next to Maddox Gallery.

• Tiella Trattoria & Bar in Bethnal Green – the popular Compton Arms pop-up is going permanent on Columbia Road. Great news for East Londoners.

Looking Ahead

• Mitsu in Shoreditch – izakaya-style spot taking over the old Nobu Shoreditch site, opens April.

• Oudh 1722 in Borough – the chef from two-Michelin-starred Opheem is branching out. Opening spring, this one's definitely one to watch.

Special Lunch Set Menu Deals £30 & Under

Looking to treat yourself this January without breaking the bank? I've tracked down some brilliant lunch deals across central London. Check with restaurants before visiting as deals may change or have limited periods.

Silva, Mayfair. A hidden gem in Bruton Place serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The all-day menu features standout dishes like their Basque cheesecake and perfectly steamed halibut. Price: Three courses £29 Address: 26-28 Bruton Place, Mayfair, W1J 6NG

Nessa Soho, modern British restaurant offers The Nessa Express – classic British dishes crafted with care and served in 60 minutes. Price: Two courses £22, three courses £27 When: Mon-Fri lunch & pre-theatre (5-6pm) Address: 86 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 9UB

Nipotina, mayfair Turin-born Chef Somaia Hammad brings her nonna's recipes to life. Expect handcrafted pasta, wood-fired seafood and crisp Northern Italian pizzas. Price: Two courses £23, three courses £27 When: Mon-Sat 12-5:30pm Address: 49 South Audley Street, Mayfair, W1K 2QD

The Ivy Collection, their iconic £19.17 menu celebrates the year the first Ivy opened, with expanded options including French Onion Soup, Duck Liver Parfait, and Shepherd's Pie. Price: Two courses £19.17 Available: Until 28th Feb 2026 (excludes 13-14 Feb) Locations: 15+ across London (excludes Original Ivy West Street)

The Gaucho Grill, latin American-inspired flavours from this premium Argentine steakhouse chain. Price: Two courses £17.95, three courses £19.95 When: Lunch 12-4pm daily Locations: Piccadilly, Covent Garden, Tower Bridge, Broadgate

Côte Brasserie, Classic French bistro fare across multiple central London locations. Price: From £22.50 for two courses

Poon's at Somerset House, Amy Poon's genuinely interesting Chinese home cooking menu features creative dishes with clever names. Price: £28 Address: Somerset House, New Wing, Lancaster Place, WC2R 1LA

Henri, Covent Garden, Jackson Boxer's Covent Garden bistro serves classic French cooking through a modern lens – a godsend for West End ticket holders. Price: Two courses £28, three courses £32 Address: 14-15 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, WC2E 8QH

Bocca di Lupo, Soho Jacob Kenedy's acclaimed Italian delivers exceptional value. Price: Two courses £18, three courses £26 When: Until 6:30pm Mon-Fri Address: Archer Street, Soho

Noble Rot is renowned for its exceptional set lunch offers, considered one of London's best deals across all three locations. Price: Two courses for £24, three courses for £28. When: Lunch from Monday to Saturday, 12 to 2:30 PM. Locations: Soho, Bloomsbury, Mayfair.

Quality Wines, Farringdon. Fantastic neighbourhood spot with weekly changing express lunch. Price: Three courses £26 When: Tue-Sat

Mele e Pere, Soho. Independent trattoria with Soho spirit, focusing on vegetable-led Italian dishes. Price: Two courses + wine £17.50, three courses £22.50 When: Lunch & pre/post-theatre Mon-Fri, all day Sun

Town, Covent Garden Stevie Parle's stylish restaurant features a "quick lunch" menu including their signature wildfarmed steak. Price: Two courses £28, three courses £32 Address: 26-29 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, WC2B 5RL

Kolamba East, Liverpool Street Sri Lankan food that's equally good value as it is delicious. Price: Two courses £25, three courses £30 When: Mon-Sat Address: 12 Blossom St, London E1 6PL

Kolamba Soho, even better value: two courses £20, three courses £25. When: Mon-Fri 12-6pm

Roka The acclaimed Japanese restaurant has kicked off 2026 with an express menu. Price: £26 When: 2nd Jan - 28th Feb Locations: Multiple across London

Frederick's, Angel ,Classic British institution known for elegant dining and seasonal cooking. Price: Two courses £30, three courses £35 When: Tue-Fri Address: 106 Islington High St, Angel, N1 8EG

Trending On Mayfair Foodie in January

The most-read articles this month: our product review of HexClad pans, alsonthe article on the must visit Mercato Mayfair (my favourite food hall), and a lovely easy weekday recipe for Chinese pork belly slices. 

Something Different for Valentine's Night

If you're after something a bit different this year, here are three alternatives to the usual Valentine's fare:

Discount Suit Company, Shoreditch This intimate, low-lit cocktail bar beneath the streets of Shoreditch is the antidote to Valentine's Day cheese. Minimalist aesthetic, expertly balanced cocktails, and effortlessly cool. No heart-shaped garnishes, no forced romance – just great drinks and moody, understated atmosphere. Address: 29A Wentworth Street, Shoreditch, E1 7TB

The Murder Express, Bethnal Green Fancy solving a murder over dinner? This award-winning immersive dining experience transports you to 1937 aboard a luxury train carriage. Britain's most famous archaeologist boards with the world's most valuable diamond, and before you know it, the diamond's missing and bodies are piling up. You've got until dessert to crack the case. Includes three-course menu from award-winning restaurant Lunar. Perfect for couples who find romance in drama, detective work, and excellent food. Price: From £74.60pp Address: 63 Pedley Street, Arch 63, Bethnal Green, E1 5BW

A Thames Tunnel Love Story, Brunel Museum Descend 50 feet into the world's first tunnel built beneath a navigable river for prosecco, Victorian engineering, and one of history's most touching love stories. Marc Brunel once wrote to his wife: "Without you, my dear Sophie, no Tunnel." Valentine's tours (5pm or 6:45pm) take you into the atmospheric tunnel shaft with prosecco in hand – trains rumbling beneath your feet. Perfect for history buffs who find romance in the unexpected. Date: Friday 14th February Address: Railway Avenue, Rotherhithe, SE16 4LF

That's it for another month. Tomorrow I'm off tothe new L'ETO in the Brompton Road, and I'll report back next month. Also a visits to Mayfair's Bombay Bustle restaurant and a re-arranged trip to Brother Marcus planned.

Thanks as always for reading its much appreciated. If you're in London, don't forget to take advantage of those special lunch deals!

Until next month,

Martin (The Mayfair Foodie)

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