Taste update – June 2023
From sustainable bites to star-studded Michelin-starred restaurants, Britain’s burgeoning foodie scene has something for everyone’s palate. With summer on the horizon, diners can be immersed in a range of delectable seasonal plates, or dive into an intimate chef’s table experience.
Just opened
Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire
Opened May 2023
Savour Wiltshire’s iconic flavours at Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa’s restaurant. Showcasing the best of the county, the restaurant serves up fresh local produce with a no-dig kitchen garden concept deeply rooted in its ethos. On the plates, expect to journey through land, sea and fire with Wiltshire lamb riblets, grilled trout with wild garlic, and fig salad doused in a honey dressing. Outside, dine in style in the restaurant’s decadent domes, where upon arrival guests are greeted with a glass of Taittinger Champagne, followed by a three-course lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. The restaurant opens in addition to the existing hotel and spa, compromised of 34 bedroom and suites.
Wild, London
Opened May 2023
Occupying the first floor of The Cross nightclub in the heart of King’s Cross, is its signature restaurant, Wild. On the menu there are flavours inspired by the Mediterranean, alongside Brixham white crab croquettes and spring Suffolk lamb. As well as Wild, The Cross is also home to The Barn, an atmospheric bar on the second floor, and the plush Red Room on the third floor. But a showstopper lies on its fourth floor in the form of a stunning rooftop terrace. Here, guests can sip on margaritas while enjoying sweeping views over Coal Drops Yard.
Harvest, London
Opened May 2023
Harvest, the hot new addition to London’s growing northwest foodie scene, has opened its doors to diners in the heart of Kensal Rise. It’s the third addition to the Dunford Wood restaurant family and offers all-day dining with British influenced flavours running throughout. The 70-cover eatery has indoor and alfresco dining, with daily freshly baked produce and creative dishes including The Green Man Breakfast Crumpet – made with broccoli, courgettes and green eggs. For drinks, expect New and Old World wines, alongside a Harvest Pilsner which comes from a collaboration from local brewers, Portobello Brewery and Harvest.
For a limited time…
Clementine’s on the Lawn, Blenheim Palace, The Cotswolds
Opened April 2023
Adding a splash of regal decadence to Blenheim Palace until autumn is restaurant Clementine’s on the Lawn. Since opening in April, Clementine’s offer guests exclusive dining in a glass structure overlooking the south lawn towards the palace. Visitors can dip into a lavish afternoon tea, lunch and Sunday roasts while admiring the view of the extravagant country house in the distance. For a unique dining experience, visit until September, while there is live music on selected days. Clementine’s on the Lawn will remain open while restoration takes places on the palace’s Orangery restaurant.
What’s new
Forage, York
Introduced April 2023
Bringing sustainability into the foodie mix for York, Forage has been serving fresh and local produce in the city since starting as a pop-up kitchen in November 2021. April saw the launch of its new monthly changing menu, inspired by seasonal ingredients and fire-cooked fine dining. With an ethos of ‘waste-less’, expect dishes including onglet steak tacos, chilli courgette and kimchi and pork belly bao buns. For a drink, look past the bookcase for a secret door to hidden bar, WILD, and discover a menu packed with uniquely blended cocktails.
Whitcomb’s at The Londoner, London
Introduced April 2023
Cooking up seasonal dishes that celebrate the bounty of spring, summer and beyond, Whitcomb’s at The Londoner has launched a new a la carte menu. Located in The Londoner Hotel in the heart of Leicester Square, the restaurant is inspired by the tastes of the French Mediterranean. This theme is carried through its interiors too, with marble drapes, potted herbs and monochrome photography. On the seasonal menu, tuck into the likes of grilled lobster, Nduja baked snails, and wild mushroom risotto.
The Berkeley, London
Introduced April 2023
Diners can delve into an immersive culinary experience at The Berkeley, in London’s Knightsbridge. Encompassing an overnight stay with a seven-course tasting menu for two, A Foodie Adventure with Marcus Wareing is an intimate and exclusive dining offering. Upon arrival, guests can enjoy a bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne before dipping into the dishes of the Michelin-starred restaurant and embarking on a behind the scenes tour of the chef’s kitchen. The menu, created by Marcus and head chef Craig Johnston, playfully explores the flavours of Britain, while sourcing seasonal ingredients from Marcus’ very own garden. After a night in The Berkeley, there’s a complimentary English breakfast and an opportunity to take a dip in the hotel’s luxurious rooftop pool.
Laurel’s On The Roof, London
Introduced April 2023
Tuck into a brand-new brunch offering at Laurel’s On The Roof, a hot addition to Shoreditch’s ever growing foodie scene. Located in the Mondrian Shoreditch hotel, which consists of 120 rooms and an all-day café, the restaurant not only offers stunning views over the city but also plays host to a pool and bar. Bringing the retro 70s LA vibes to East London, guests will be dining in style as they take their pick from a 10-item feast which includes the likes spicy Shakshuka, indulgent pancakes and signature cocktails.
The Pem, London
Introduced May 2023
Coming in exclusively for Wednesday to Friday lunchtimes, The Pem in London’s Westminster has launched a new midday menu. The art deco inspired restaurant, which celebrates the power of pioneering women, has looked to chef Sally Abé to create standout British dishes. The set menu includes veggie options, alongside fish and meat with the likes of Saddleback Pork and Cornish Plaice. Additionally, there’s a wine list curated by international Sommelier Emily Harman, including handpicked smaller wine producers and a selection of leading wines.
Opening soon…
Counter 71, London
Opening June 2023
Set to churn up the creative food scene in Shoreditch, Counter 71 is preparing to welcome diners to its intimate chefs table experience from June. The dishes being served will be an ‘ode to the British Isle’, with the likes of a brown crab donut and eel tart on the menu. Diners will be sat around an exclusive 16-space marble top counter, as they watch chef Joe Laker and sous chef Michael Miles show off their culinary skills in the kitchen. Downstairs, Lowcountry will be an American South-inspired bar mixing up American Whiskey and a five-drink martini flight.