Tucked behind the pillars and curves of Gasholder No.10 in King’s Cross, Porte Noire is one. Tucked behind the pillars and curves of Gasholder No.10 in King’s Cross—a space once better known for raves and railway soot than for polished wine service, Porte Noire is one of those restaurants that, once visited, makes you wonder why you left it so long.
Marfuga, one of the finest producers of olive oil in the world, is not located in Tuscany but is nestled in the heart of Umbria. The company sits at the base of the majestic Marfuga hill, surrounded by fertile lands in the valley of Spoleto. It is a region I am very familiar with, having visited countless times to see friends, but was unaware of Marfuga until my most recent trip.
I recently ventured two hours north of King’s Cross to visit The British Hamper Company and meet the family behind this growing business. What began as a modest operation under a gazebo has become a well-respected brand known for high-quality, artisan hampers. With a focus on exceptional products and seamless international delivery, the company has positioned itself as a major player in the gifting, corporate, and Christmas hamper markets.
Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is a sophisticated Asian-inspired restaurant in the heart of Mayfair (also in Manchester). Drawing inspiration from the energy of 1930s Tokyo kissas and Shanghai drinking dens, it effortlessly merges vintage glamour with contemporary flair. The restaurant's design and atmosphere take you to a bygone era of allure and intrigue while maintaining an intimate, exclusive feel.
Jamavar, on Mount Street in London, draws inspiration from the Viceroy's house in New Delhi, marrying the opulence of India's bygone eras with the modernity of London's dining scene. The restaurant's name itself, is derived from the luxurious Jamavar shawls that symbolise Indian craftsmanship. Mount Street, known for its Victorian architecture and high-end boutiques, provided a fitting backdrop for the restaurant that aims to blend the rich culinary traditions of India with contemporary expectations.
Meandering along the streets of Clerkenwell, I found myself pondering why it had taken me so long to dine at Luca, a stalwart of Italian food with a distinctive British twist. Owned by the Clove Club, this Michelin-starred restaurant disguises its culinary skills behind a façade reminiscent of a local trattoria, with its inviting green exterior and modest double wooden doors.
“We really should do this more often”. These are the words spoken by one of my oldest friends who had cancelled a business meeting to join me for dinner. It is not that we don’t meet up to eat regularly, we do often. It was the fact that this was in one of London’s finest steak restaurants - CUT at 45 Park Lane. Sometimes, an exceptional piece of meat, cooked medium rare, with great company is just what you need.
The delightful spa town of Malvern is located 3 hours from London by car in Worcestershire and accessible directly by train from Paddington.
Many of the world’s finest chefs are working their magic in England today.
England’s emergence as a world-class culinary innovator has its roots deep in the country’s green and pleasant land, meaning you’ll find superb cooking all over the country.
