After a morning packed with data and discussion at the Lumina Intelligence Q3 Food Strategy Forum, the afternoon was all about discovery. We swapped charts for cutlery and were whisked around Covent Garden on a Food Study Tour – a curated journey through some of London’s most exciting and innovative food and drink concepts.
If there’s one thing I’m especially good at, it’s spending money. And well, I can’t think of anything I’d rather spend it on, on a Friday night, than dinner out, and a few drinks.
Now, I’ll be honest, I do have a soft spot for The Plough Inn in Cobham. Not just because they ask for my ID every time I go, but because I used to work there. Many years have gone by since the days of Eat Out to Help Out (in a 40-degree summer no less) and of course menus have changed and staff have moved on, though it’s still got its charm, and a beautiful garden terrace. I do credit The Plough Inn (owned by Rarebreed Dining) for properly introducing me to the world of steak. Prior to my twenties, I was the horrid sort of child who used to order a steak… well done.
April has been and gone and, in its stead, spring has most definitely sprung. Sunny weekends and a late Easter has meant talk of alfresco eating has started in earnest and there’s a definite sense of summer on the horizon.
The Royal Lancaster Hotel, based on the edge of London’s Hyde Park, has recently collaborated with the Natural History Museum, for a Blooming British Afternoon Tea – a floral-inspired twist in celebration of British flowers and fauna. The tea takes inspiration from the Museum’s archives, as well as its newly transformed gardens – an idyllic source of nature within the city’s bustling centre.
My cousin recently came to visit from Bermuda, and since she’s vegan and I’m always keen on trying new plant-based dishes, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take her on a vegan food safari in London. We decided to explore Soho and Fitzrovia – two lively areas known for their exciting food scenes. From street-food-inspired eats to refined dishes, we indulged in some truly delicious flavours. Here’s a recap of our vegan adventure!
Despite having worked at jellybean, the leading food and drink agency, for the past 6 years, surrounded by dedicated foodies and food and drink brands on a daily basis, when it comes to eating out, I’m not someone who typically experiments. I tend to play it safe with the usual Italian’s, Indian’s and Burger places, so you can imagine, I’m not the most experienced when it comes to ramen. But… after visiting Bone Daddies in Soho, I might be rethinking that!
Whether we’re attending the latest foodservice and retail insight events, keeping in the loop on social media with our monthly Trend Watch, or our favourite activity – sampling food at top-rated restaurants, as a leading food and drink marketing agency, we make it our business to stay up to date with the latest food trends. Read on for a rundown of our best restaurant recommendations this month (July 2024) …
Wondering where to take your Valentine’s? Well, being both an avid foodie and a Londoner, I have the insiders track to the top London restaurants for your date. Most options are slightly off the beaten track and dare I say it… better than the typical hot spots in central London that will no doubt be bustling with other lovestruck couples.
Purely by coincidence, November saw four jellybeans trot off to Amsterdam over four consecutive weekends. By the time each of our respective trips were over, we had, as you might expect, compiled an (increasingly long) list of recommendations for one another. Full of our favourite foodie hotspots in the Dutch capital, we’ve whittled it down to our top three each. Here are our favourites:
Last week, I was fortunate enough to visit Barcelona for my oldest friend’s hen do. What ensued, was a three-day trip jam PACKED with sangria, beautiful sights and great food. To say we tapped into the tapas trend is an understatement – if we weren’t out ordering tapas, we were recreating our own spread on the beach – what a dream.
Join me as I take you through our culinary journey…
If you’re looking for an exciting and unique dining experience, look no further than Six by Nico. This innovative restaurant, which has several locations throughout the UK, offers an ever-changing, six-course tasting menu inspired by a different theme or location.
Conceived by one of Britain’s best chefs and located just a stone’s throw from culinary institutions such as The Ritz and Fortnum’s & Mason’s, you’d be forgiven for thinking that NOTTO may be beyond the budget for a casual get together.
