TASTE October 2020

Tuesday 13 October 2020
Gherkin Helix afternoon tea

Deluxe new restaurants, laid-back eateries and a first for afternoon teas - these are just a few things set to reignite Britain’s food scene this autumn. With options ranging from the height of luxury to delicious cheap eats, foodies can dream of enjoying freshly baked scones surrounded by panoramic city views or tucking into an inexpensive six-course themed menu. There will be something for everyone as visitors plan to explore, experience and taste all that Britain has to offer.

 

New luxury tastes of Britain

Tea and modern art

Those with a taste for Britain’s dining traditions and a penchant for contemporary art now can enjoy one in the company of the other, as the world-famous Saatchi Gallery in London has recently added a Chelsea Afternoon Tea to their bar and brasserie menu. Complete with finger sandwiches, fresh scones and moreish cakes from one of Britain’s oldest caterers Searcy’s, it will be served on eternally-stylish crockery from Wedgewood and paired with sparkling wine from Louis Pommery England. Those wanting to make this dining experience extra special can dream of the ‘limitless sparkling Chelsea’ option.

 

Dine with a view

To celebrate its reopening on 21 September 2020, Searcy’s have also brought the very first afternoon tea to another of London’s landmarks – The Gherkin’s sky-high Helix restaurant, which located on the 39th and 40th floors. The afternoon tea has been designed by Searcy’s Executive Chef Darren Deadman and features a lavish glass of Lanson champagne (or more, if guests opt for the ‘limitless’ bubbles menu). Lemon macaroons and black forest gateaux are additional highlights, alongside traditional finger sandwiches and freshly made scones.  A further addition for autumn 2020 is a reimagined weekday menu, with its seasonal ingredients paying tribute to the capital’s historic Billingsgate and Borough Markets. Whether sipping on champagne, tucking into a delicious afternoon tea or trying a brand-new menu, diners can enjoy the Gherkin’s luxury foodie experiences with a side of panoramic views!

 

Stylish new spots

Also bringing a luxurious new dining spot to the capital is The Londoner, the 350-bedroom hotel due to open its doors in 2021. The hotel will be home to some decadent food and drink spots, and is even complete with its own cinema complex. Their signature restaurant is set to serve modern Mediterranean dishes in delicately artistic décor, in the heart of Leicester Square. There will also be a ground-floor Gastro Tavern and a rooftop bar set on the eighth storey above the bustling London streets, where visitors can sip exclusive cocktails and dine on fine Japanese cuisine from afternoon until night. Those wanting to enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere will appreciate the Lobby Bar, a stylish spot to enjoy live music and a bit of people watching.

Set to add some South American flare to the heart of Edinburgh, the newly renovated SUPERICO bar and lounge and, just a few doors down, SUPERICO restaurant, will serve cocktails and tapas in a sleek environment finished with bespoke lighting and rich velvet interiors. Chilean owner Juan José Castillo Castro aims to showcase the warm hospitality of his birthplace to Hanover Street through the rich and vibrant menu, which will include delectable ceviche scallops and indulgent rico fried chicken thighs.

SUPERICO is set to reopen in line with national restrictions due to be reviewed on 25 October 2020 - please check individual websites for the latest information on booking.

 

Foodie finds

The stunningly seasonal and ultra-sustainable Robin Wylde is set to open its doors in Lyme Regis come 28 October 2020. Located in a former pottery shop, it will serve delicate dishes made from locally grown wild foods and ingredients from trusted regional suppliers, aiming to showcase the ‘best of the west’. Created by Harriet Mansell, who demonstrated her talents to the nation in BBC 2’s Great British Menu earlier this year, Robin Wylde is expected to take the Dorset dining scene by storm.

Another inspiring foodie spot is KOL, which will bring the rich foodie culture of Mexico City to London’s Marylebone come 20 October 2020. The brainchild of Santiago Lastra, the man behind Noma Mexico, KOL will deliver exquisite dishes ranging from langoustine tacos and whole grilled octopus to quesadilla and chocolate steam cake with corn husk ice cream. Diners can experience the chef’s first solo venture in London through five and six course menus, a chef’s table and vegetarian options.

 

New affordable dining and cheap eats

A slice of London

Two flour mills, indoor grain silos, a pizza oven and a fermentation lab – these are the foundations of one of north London’s newest eateries, Big Jo, found in Holloway. From the team behind Jolene, Primeur and Westerns Laundry, Big Jo combines its grain-focused bakery with an all-day dining spot that offers fresh bread, an ever-changing pizza slice menu, and a host of other tempting sides and sweet treats. Open since 22 September 2020, Big Jo offers a refreshingly affordable dining spot in the capital.

 

A taster menu (on a budget)

True foodies wanting to experience a unique six-course menu for just £35 per person can plan a visit to Six by Nico. With the concept already well loved by guests at their five other ventures found across Britain, Scottish chef Nico Simeone opened the latest spot in London’s Fitzrovia earlier this year. Offering inspiring themed menus that transform every six weeks, the exciting eatery is currently serving a ‘childhood’ menu until October 18, serving six plates of pure British nostalgia to a maximum of 76 diners in order to observe social distancing.

 

London legends

Wine connoisseurs can revel in opulent design, comforting cuisine and sample an award-winning wine list at Noble Rot’s new venture in Soho. Having taken over the premises of the legendary Gay Hussar after 60 years of service, the wine bar and restaurant will breathe new life into the well-loved spot with a modernised menu and decor that tips its hat to the building’s legacy as a hotbed for political gossip. With an autumn set lunch menu featuring three courses for £22 and a wine list starting from just £3, Noble Rot offers a high-end taste of London that doesn’t break the bank.

 

Cosy treats

Moving north, The Coach House B&B in Derby have recently opened a new day-time dining spot, The Troff, which features a delicious bistro menu and weekly set menus for Friday and Saturday costing £20 for two courses, and £25 for three. The Troff’s daytime dining includes a selection of pizzas, ‘posh kebabs’ and both sweet and savoury nibbles; while the evening menu includes culinary delights such as slow braised shoulder of lamb, steamed mussels and a classic sticky toffee pudding.

 

Visitors are encouraged to check individual websites and book all dining experiences, as openings are subject to change.

For more information contact:

VisitBritain Media Team

pressandpr@visitbritain.org

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