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Fellow Foodies,
Towards the end of November and Mayfair quickly transforms into Christmas mode, a few of my favourite Christmas features in the Koya restaurant's old mini that is permanently parked outside, the displays of Annabels on Berkely Square and Hedonism wines display. I was in Mayfair yesterday and I was taking pic of the Koyn mini, and a very cute dog positioned himself in front of the car to steal the limelight.
On Tuesday, I was invited to switch on the Christmas lights at the Sheraton Grand in Piccadilly. There were also pretty lights, fake snow, and carol singers. I also had my first mulled wine of the season; we were also treated to canopies, including a rather nice Turkey mini wellington, and pigs in blankets, and mince pies.
Signature Beef Wellington
In review terms, November was full of wonderful food experiences, and it kicked off with a special lunch at Le Magritte bar in the wonderful art deco Beaumont Hotel. Chef Michael Turner spoilt us with a selection of the bar's favourite dishes, including his signature Beef Wellington.
Course number 2 at Roketsu
Next up was just as special: an incredible food experience at Roketsu. We went to enjoy the nine-course Kaiseki menu, which was so very special. Each month Head Chef Daisuke Hayashichanges the complete menu to suit the season. Every course was so beaufifully presented.
Gin Bar at the Mayfair Chippy
Finally, we enjoyed our visit to the new Mayfair Chippy in Knightsbridge; they have created a stunning restaurant which also includes a cocktail and Gin bar (cocktails are £11, which is good for Knightsbridge). I also had one of the most delightful starters, their take on a prawn toast, well worth a try.
I know I would say this, but if you have a spare few minutes, the reviews are worth a read.
Latest News and offers
Here's a quick round-up of the latest news and gossip around town.
Row on 5
I think this is the last of the new restaurants Jason Atherton has in the pipeline. I’m told the Saville Row restaurant opened recently will be his flagship restaurant. Maybe thats why Jason was happy to close Pollen Street Kitchen. Anyhow, Row on 5 menu offers a 15-course tasting menu priced at £198 per person. The head chef is Spencer Metzger, formerly of The Ritz. So, just to recap, Jason has opened Mary’s, Three Darlings, Hotdogs by Three Darlings (Harrods), Sael and now Row on 5, all in the space of a few months.
Claridges Christmas Tree by Paul Smith
Claridge’s has just unveiled its fabulous Christmas Tree for 2024, and this year it’s designed by the incredibly talented Sir Paul Smith, a longtime friend of the hotel! Standing tall at 20 feet, this festive masterpiece is nestled in a Signature Striped barrel and adorned with vibrant, colourful baubles, cheerful ribbons, and over 100 special birdhouses.
Ollie Dabbous to leave HIDE
After seven years leading Michelin-starred HIDE Piccadilly, chef-patron Ollie Dabbous announced his departure for early 2025. Josh Angus, the current group executive chef, will step into the role of chef-director.
Bocconcino opens Osteria del Mare
The Italian restaurant Bocconcino (Mayfair & Soho) are opening a new fish restaurant in Covent garden. The restaurant opens December 9th
SILVA opens on Bruton Place
The tiny mews street Bruton place is fast becoming a foodies paradise; already home to Bellemy’s, The Guinea Grill, Umu and Cocochine, it is joined by a new all-day restaurant called SILVA. The food features seasonal produce from around the globe. Head Chef Slawomir Sawicki previously worked at the Arts Club and Galvin at La Chapelle.
Corinthia Hotel Festive Afternoon Tea
If you are looking for a surprise present for someone special, The stunning Corinthia Hotel has launched its festive afternoon tea in the Crystal Moon Lounge. A range of different Afternoon tea menus are on offer.
Coming up
To finish the year, I have reviews at fish restaurant Milos in St James and am popping into the world-renowned Donovans Bar at Browns Hotel. Named after the famous 1960s photographer Terence Donovan, the bar features beautiful artwork that adds to its charm. The bar is famous for its cocktail menu crafted by Maestro Salvatore Calabrese. I’m excited to visit both for the first time.
Those following my kitchen refurb saga in the previous newsletter will be pleased to hear that my new kitchen should be up and running next week. With a new kitchen, I thought it was time to renew some of my kitchen and gadgets; with that in mind, I want to give a quick recommendation to Pro-Cook. If you have not used them before, they have a good quality, well-priced range of kitchen goodies—I’ve added a link to their website here. Don't worry; I’m not on commission, but I possibly should be after all my recent purchases😀
So thats about it for this month; I will get my act together and pop a brief pre-Christmas newsletter over, nice and short, as I’m guessing you will be busy.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you find time for some pre-Christmas cheer.
Best wishes
Martin, Mayfair Foodie
Instagram @themayfairfoodie.com