Restaurant Review: Paradise Garage

Clearly railway arches are the new place to be if you’re a restaurant. Robin Gill’s third restaurant sits under the railway arches of Bethnal Green, sat along next to gorgeous restaurant by Sager & Wilde, Mission. 

He is the chef who created and owns the well-renowned restaurants in London, The Dairy and The Manor.

Already completely enchanted by The Manor and The Dairy, I knew this would be good, but how could he possibly surprise me and surpass himself with this new venture?

Restaurant Review: Taberno Do Mercardo, Spitalfields

I'm going to lay my cards on the table right now. I am such a fan of Nuno Mendes. I loved Corner Room and I loved Chiltern Firehouse, so I was always going to look favourably on Taberno do Mercardo.

Portugese food intrigues me, I've never had it before and didn't know what to expect.

Taberno is probably the furthest you could get away from Firehouse, which I'm sure was a very conscious decision. The restaurant decor is very simple: whitewashed, wooden tables and spindly chairs. It's all about the food here.

Honest Burgers Breakfast, Liverpool Street

Those working in the City have a plethora of burger option breakfast, what with Patty & Bun and Street Kitchen and now Honest Burgers. Some may call it slightly copycat, but Honest Burgers, who have recently opened their latest outpost in Liverpool Street, have started doing breakfast till 10am. 

Chez Elles, Shoreditch

On a recent wander down Brick Lane in search of lunch, we found a cute French restaurant called Chez Elles, ran by three gorgeous girls.

The place has a feel of a neighbourhood bistro, instead of being on the busy, bustling Brick Lane.

We started with gorgeous garlic snails.

And a ham hock terrine.

Moules et frites!

Bavetter steak.

Along with the best chocolate moulleux I've ever had. So gooey and rich. Just delicious. Along with a scoop of homemade pistachio ice cream.

Not entirely groundbreaking, but for that cake alone I will be back.

The Modern Pantry, Clerkenwell

I had a bit of a failed brunch on my actual birthday (this was back in July), so I was determined to go for some proper good brunch on a gorgeously sunny Saturday. Where else but the Modern Pantry?

Sushi Tetsu

It starts like this.

Street Kitchen Breakfast

The day after the birthday I was in need of some serious head soothing. Being close to Liverpool Street, what better than Street Kitchen's breakfast.

Hiding inside Broadgate Square is an unmissable, large silver airstream, converted to house a professional kitchen and coffee machine.

Midnight Duck and Waffle Feast

There's a reason it stays open 24 hours and it's time we made the most of it.

The night of my birthday party, after all the celebrations, my boy and I headed for a midnight feast in Duck and Waffle - his first time too!

We started with lobster foie gras creme brûlée - possibly my favourite dish ever from D&W.

Octopus, potato, capers and balsamic.

City Social - The Highest Restaurant in Jason Atherton's Empire

Jason Atherton is pretty much everywhere right now. Opening up many restaurants in the past two years all over the world, not just London, with a few gaining Michelin Stars, he is the man of the moment. So his latest opening in Tower 42, one of the skyscrapers in East London was very anticipated.

You enter in a lift, but unfortunately unlike Duck and Waffle, there is no view.

The dining room is gorgeous. Huge lacquered woods, sexy reflective low ceilings, giant ghurkin-facing booths, and floor to ceiling glass offer the most incredible views.

Pattty & Bun Breakfast!

My favourite burger joint now does breakfast in their Liverpool Street branch! From 7.30am-9.30am, they serve their brand of breakfast to those in need.

And it's really really good.

Here's a view inside the "P&B Bacon". Bacon, cheese, egg, green tomato salsa, ketchup and brioche.

Then the "P&B Sausage." Sausage patty, egg, cheese and brioche.

Longest Day of The Year

I was walking across Tower Bridge on the longest day of the year just at dusk and I had to stop and take photos. I'm sure it offers some of the best views of London, seeing the mix of old and new buildings along with the Thames. The view where I stood was absolutely breathtaking.

Restaurant Reviews Mapped!

With a little help from my wonderful brother-in-law, we have put together a handy map of some of my favourite restaurants in London, along with my pictures and words.

Have fun exploring!

Sager & Wilde, Hackney

In an unassuming, rather random, corner of Hackney stands a cute little wine bar named Sager & Wilde.

Walking in, I was truly astounded at the beauty and general loveliness of the little place. Beautifully designed, it was incredibly romantic, with a dimly light bar, exposed brick and original features throughout. Shame I didn't go with the boyfriend!

The menu is very fairly priced and changes every day, a clever way to lure wine lovers in. You are allowed to taste anything you want to make sure you'll like the wine. Great for someone like me who is picky with wines.

We sat in a back corner, on a little raised wooden bar, surrounded by candles. It is first and foremost, a wine bar but excellent offerings of charcuterie, cheese and small plates are provided.

Most importantly, all the wine ordered was excellent. They will work so hard to find a wine that you really love. Don't be afraid to say no!

We felt peckish, so ended up ordering all three kinds of charcuterie on offer, coppa, salame piccante and finocchiona.

And once we had a taste of that, we couldn't stop so went ahead and also ordered n'duja on toast, air cured tuna with almonds and delicious boquerones in a rocket salad. 

The atmosphere is just perfect inside, quiet, calm and unassuming. The evening was wonderful and I can't wait to go back, this time with someone to experience some romance!