March Newsletter

Welcome, fellow foodie,

I can’t believe we have nearly completed the first quarter of 2025. Where does the time go?

My month started when I was invited to the Hot Dinners Annual Murphia event at the Marylebone Hotel. The event celebrates everything good about the Irish food scene. 

In addition to Guinness, we were treated amongst other delights to Irish oysters, cheeses, and beef treats.  It was great fun chatting with suppliers and the many foodie guests. Oh, I forgot I finished the evening with a cheeky baby Guinness—very nice it was too.

I added a new article on the Best Sunday Roasts in Mayfair. I had so much fun writing this that I got carried and added a few of my favourite Sunday Roasts from outside Mayfair as well.

Reviews this month take an unexpected twist, not a restaurant review insight. However, as something different, I have added product and experience review.

First, the experience review: The nice people at Gourmaze asked me to go on a foodie treasure hunt and write up my honest opinions, which was quite brave. However, if you are looking for something different as a foodie experience in London, you might like this. Judging by the friends I have mentioned it to, most are keen to have a go. If I have piqued your interest, please take a few minutes to read below and learn more about Gourmaze.

Gourmaze Experience

Next up is my first product review. Last summer I bought a trio of HexClad pans as a pre-kitchen refurb present to myself, However, it was December before I could get my hands on these little beauties and about a week ago I published my thoughts in form of a review. Most new posts take a while start to get a good volume of traffic however this post from day two has large numbers of views, lets hope it continues, in one way I’m obviously delighted but in another way disappointed as I dont think its my most creative piece of writing. Anyhow, you can judge for yourself below.

Hexclad Pans review

I added a couple of my favourite recipes: my twist on the classic Prawn cocktail and Sausage and fennel pasta. Both are super easy and well within my limited skill levels. The seafood cocktail makes an lovely seafood starter, and the sausage pasta a comfort food supper.

I did have a lovely lunch at Delamina Townhouse in Covent Garden, for those of you with good memories, might remember I reviewed Delamina Marylebone last year, their latest restaurant is different in terms of vibe and decor, which is nice but I'm so happy to report back that the food is excellent. I was lucky enough to share the table with two very good foodie friends. My review will be published on the website in a week or so.

Ok, thats enough of my foodie month, now onto the latest news

Latest News

Kerridge Bar and Grill

You know we like a bargain on this newsletter and I love this offer. A lunchtime offer (Monday-Thursday), a Main course, this month it's a short rib Beef Bourguignon and a drink (glass of wine, pint of beer or a mocktail) for £25. It sounds like a bargain to me, as its such a good restaurant.

Corrigan’s Mayfair

Tues-Sat, Corrigan’s Mayfair offers a menu du jour, with two courses £34 and three courses £38. The mains menu has five choices, including Roast Pollock and Braised Ox Cheek.

HIDE Corkage offer

Michelin-starred Hide has a special corkage offer until 30th April. Any wine that has been bought in the fantastic Hedonism Wines (my favourite wine shop) may be consumed at HIDE with no corkage charge. HIDE and Hedonism are part of the same group; Hedonism is only a 10-minute walk from HIDE. Wines at Hedonism start around £12

Benares

Benares, the  Michelin-starred Indian restaurant on Berkeley Square, has reopened following a major refurbishment and launched a brand-new menu by Executive Chef Sameer Taneja.

 Guests will be welcomed by a striking new entrance and reception area, a dramatic candle wall and an inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for the upstairs bar and dining room. The reimagined bar takes centre stage with its chic design and bespoke furniture.

The new menu includes Dum Ka Truffle Shorba, a luxurious winter truffle and rabbit stew; Vindaloo with oysters and Goan sausage served with sanna – a steamed coconut and rice bun; and to finish, Rasmalai infused with rose, cardamom and vanilla.

The classics section of the menu also brings back beloved dishes and traditional curries, such as Kukkad (Chicken) Makhani and Meat Korma.

Fortnums and Mason

Who does not like Toasted sandwiches?

Exciting news from the heart of Fortnum's Food Hall! In addition to Fortnum’s beloved pasta, bagel, and deli counters, they are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new toasted sandwich station. Guests are invited to indulge in these delicious offerings, now available on the lower ground floor in Piccadilly.

Bocconcino Mayfair

Some last minute news, Bocconcino’s have just given you an excuse to spoil yourself on a Thursday night. They are offering a Thursday Truffle inspired menu with bottomless prosecco for £60 per person. There will be a DJ on hand to get you into the party mood.

Easter News

Claridges

For that special someone in your life, how about Clariges Handcrafted Easter Eggs? Crafted using only the finest milk, dark and white Valrhona chocolate, they are generously filled with miniature dark chocolate salted caramel eggs. They are then lovingly wrapped in Art Deco monochrome foil, bound with black ribbon, and boxed in the hotel’s signature jade.

Corinthia London

Another lovely Easter pressie idea, how about Corinthia London’s Easter afternoon tea, in the Crystal Moon Lounge, it will be available from 31 March until 21 April for £85pp. It is such a beautiful space to indulge in sweet creations made by the talented Executive Pastry Chef Yago Doamo. 

If you find yourself in Mayfair over Easter take a look in Hedonism (Just off Berkeley Square) and sketch Conduit Street, both are famous for their Easter display’s.

New Restaurant Openings

Mr Porter

New to London and Park Lane, MR PORTER seamlessly blends the modern steakhouse experience with the vibrant atmosphere of a chic lounge. The menu features a mix of timeless favorites and signature dishes like Roast Beef Carpaccio, Avocado Carpaccio with Beluga Caviar, and various steak options, including the signature bone-in fillet and Tomahawk. Guests can indulge in decadent desserts like Coconut Sorbet and Popcorn Crème Brulee, while the lively bar, featuring a 360-degree design, serves innovative cocktails such as the LOVE POTION and FRENCH TOUCH, crafted to enhance the culinary offerings and encourage social interaction.

This is Mr. Porter's third restaurant; the others are in Amsterdam and Barcelona.

Tom Brown at the Capital

Renowned chef Tom Brown is thrilled to announce the opening of his new flagship restaurant, Tom Brown at The Capital, on April 10 in the vibrant Knightsbridge area. This intimate venue, which seats 28 guests, marks Tom's return to the prestigious hotel where he first gained recognition as Head Chef at Outlaw’s.

The restaurant will feature Tom's signature style of clean, creative, and flavor-driven dishes, with a primary focus on seafood. The seasonal menu emphasises a deep respect for ingredients and the environment, offering refined tasting menus that start at £125 for twelve courses. Highlights include exciting dishes such as mussels with port and beetroot, along with the unique Cuttlefish "ravioli," crafted entirely from fish.

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Lilli by Akira Back

After the successful opening of his restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental in Hanover Square, Akira Back is opening a new restaurant in April.

This time, the setting is the newly renovated Montcalm hotel in Mayfair, now known as Montcalm Mayfair. The restaurant, named Lilli by Akira Back, aims to celebrate his Korean heritage while offering modern takes on traditional British cuisine. Even with the opening approaching, details are still limited.

One Club Row (Shoreditch)

One Club Row, an elegant dining room featuring chef Patrick Powell at the helm, will open in early April on the upper floor of the newly launched Knave of Clubs pub. Powell has curated a menu of classic bistro dishes. Powell, who previously worked at Allegra and The Midland Dining Room, has found a new home in this Grade II-listed building in Shoreditch. In addition to the dining room, he will also be offering pub snacks downstairs.

Coming up next Month

As mentioned earlier, I will be publishing a review on my visit to Delamina Townhouse; I’m also keen to sample the West of India-themed menu at Masala Zone at some point in April. Next up a visit to Boccocino Soho and two restaurants on Bruton Place: the new addition in Bruton Place, Silva, and chef Larry Jayasekara's Cocochine. I've heard excellent reports about both restaurants.

Following up on my Sunday Lunch feature, I’m eating at the Chesterfield Arms soon sampling their new Roasts menu, which I’m looking forward to.

Due to the success of my first product review, I might be tempted to do another. I also have a couple of recipes up my sleeve that might appear on the website next month.

Finally, we are spending a few days in Wales celebrating my sister-in-law’s special birthday. She has hired a large house that comfortably holds 24 people, along with bar in a converted barn, I don't think it will be a quiet affair, but it should be a lot of fun.

Have a lovely Easter

Speak soon,

Martin

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