Taste update – August 2023
Just opened
Bar Antoine, Mayfair, London
Opened July 2023
Named in loving memory of chef Yannick Alléno's late son, Bar Antoine has opened its doors to guests this summer. The destination cocktail bar seeks to bring Antoine Alléno's joyous spirit to life through creative drink choices and sleek culinary skills. A hotly anticipated addition to Pavyllon London at Four Seasons Hotel London, Park Lane, guests can divulge in retro interiors and a menu of comfort foods inspired by dishes from around the globe. Look to the terrace for an alfresco dining option too, with space for an additional 70 covers.
Le Petit Beefbar, Edinburgh
Opened July 2023
Set within the grand dining room of the InterContinental Edinburgh The George hotel, Le Petit Beefbar is now welcoming guests. Focusing on quality produce and prime beef cuts, the menu showcases the best of the meat, including Kobe beef jamon, aged in Spain, ribeye prosciutto and Beefbar’s signature sauce. Inside, the brasserie comes alive with elegant features and deep hues, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Le Petit Beefbar is the brand’s second addition in Britain, joining the ranks of the existing eatery in Chelsea, London.
Barking George, Harrogate, Yorkshire
Opened July 2023
Tuck into Great British and Yorkshire food at a new addition to Harrogate’s growing gastronomy scene, Barking George. The pub, part of The Harrogate Inn, features cosy interiors and a menu of comfort food which celebrates the bounty of local produce and home-grown cooking traditions. Filled with seasonal flavours, the extensive menu offers up the likes of a surf and turf burger, classic fish and chips and 1kg salt aged ribeye steak served on the bone. There’s a kid’s menu on offer for younger diners, as well as Sunday roast options including beef, lamb, chicken and gratin.
What’s new
May Fair Kitchen, London
Relaunched in June 2023
Bringing Japanese and Italian flair to London’s luxurious 404-bedroom May Fair Hotel, the May Fair Kitchen has been reimagined for foodies in the capital city. As the flagship of the Kitchens brand, the menu brings to life dishes featuring A5 grade Wagyu, sashimi tempura and more, paying homage to the relaxed izakaya eateries of Japan. For a taste of Italy, there’s also Neapolitan pizza, fresh pastas, and grilled meats on offer. Beyond the revamped menu, guests can enjoy Japanese inspired interiors and a cocktail menu serving the likes of an espresso martini paired with smoked almond tuile and lychee rosé.
The Sea, The Sea, Hackney, London
New tasting menu coming in September 2023
The Sea, The Sea in Hackney, London, is set to offer a refreshed eight-course tasting menu from September. With space for 14 diners, the intimate gastronomic experience, led by executive chef Leandro Carreira, serves up creative seafood dishes using hyper-fresh produce and dry-aged fish prepared in their custom-built cabinets. The multi-course chef’s table menu replaces the existing twelve-course menu and will be available every Wednesday-Sunday at 7.30pm, priced at £95 per person.
For a limited time…
Ellenborough Park, the Cotswolds
Until late summer 2023
Enjoy the British summer at Ellenborough Park with an alfresco dining experience. Dine in style in one of several carriages or opt to watch the sunset across the Front Lawn of the country hotel and spa with a glass of something refreshing. Diners can enjoy small plates, sweet treats, drinks, and dinner, while there’s a specially crafted doggie menu with snacks for any visiting pooches. Set alongside 90 acres of parkland, guests can feel at one with nature with this summer offering.
The Goring – Supper Club, Victoria, London
On selected dates in August, September and November 2023
In collaboration with iconic luxury food brand Fortnum & Mason, The Goring is set to offer an exclusive Supper Club and Dream experience until autumn. Chefs and mixologists from the hotel will take up residency in Fortnum & Mason’s new Food and Drink Studio to bring the best of British food to the table. Expect seasonal plates, with an added twist at three Supper Clubs, all limited to 18 seats per experience. The Supper Club includes an overnight stay at The Goring, dinner for two and breakfast in the morning.
Opening soon…
Fazenda, Bishopsgate, London
Opening August 2023
Step into South American cuisine as Fazenda prepares to open its doors to diners. It’s all about the grill, showcasing the smoky and rich flavours of premium meat cuts, including picanha and Wagyu beef sausage. Inside, the sleek dark interiors will be complemented with green plants, designed to replicate the elements of the lush rainforests of South America. With 170 covers, three private dining rooms and a separate bar, guests can expect an array of Chilean, Argentinian, and Uruguayan wines on the drink’s menu, alongside an exclusive London centric cocktail list. Fazenda Bishopsgate joins other existing restaurants in Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
Sexy Fish, Manchester
Opening Autumn 2023
Following success in London and Miami, Sexy Fish will open their third sister restaurant in Manchester’s buzzing Spinningfields neighbourhood this autumn. Bringing high end glamour to the seafood world, the restaurant takes inspiration from the oceans of Asia, with the late-night experience set to feature surrealist interiors and sea-coloured hues. The seasonal menu focuses on sushi, sashimi, robata and more, all complemented by an innovative cocktail list that mixes up unique flavours alongside traditional drinks.
Food festivals
Cardigan River and Food Festival, Cardigan, Wales
19 August 2023
For delightful regional flavours, look no further than Cardigan River and Food Festival, a celebration of food and drink in rural Wales. Gearing up to celebrate its 23rd year, and attracting thousands of visitors annually, foodies can tuck into delights from street food stalls, live cooking demonstrations, workshops and a food market selling exclusively Welsh produce.
The Big Feastival, the Cotswolds
25-27 August 2023
August’s three-day event The Big Feastival combines chart-topping music with award-winning chefs. Taking over an idyllic farm in the Cotswolds, there’s plenty for visitors to get their teeth into. British chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen will be in the Big Kitchen on Sunday, while DJ BBQ brings bold entertainment covering all three days of festivities. Other chefs in attendance include Nathan Outlaw, who runs the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac, Cornwall, and cookbook author Asma Khan. Visitors can opt to camp at The Big Feastival to fully immerse themselves in the packed calendar of food, music and revelry.
Foodies Festival
Running at various locations from August-September 2023
Foodies Festival is the UK’s largest celebration of food and drink. Each event showcases the produce of its region, allowing visitors to experience the best from the local area – be sure to catch the live demos from MasterChef winners in the Chef Theatre and Great British Bake Off winners in the Cake & Bake Theatre. Find Foodies Festival in Edinburgh (4-6 August), Glasgow (11-13 August), Oxford (26-28 August), and Norwich (8-10 September).
East Midlands Food Festival, Melton Mowbray, Rutland
7-8 October 2023
Arriving on the foodie scene at the home of iconic British Pork Pies is the East Midlands Food Festival in Melton Mowbray. A showcase of all things East Midlands, visitors can take their pick from the likes of charcuterie, chocolates, local ciders, and artisan whisky. For mouth-watering options, look to the street food area, while the Food Theatre is packed with chef demonstrations.